Slip-on, insulating and decorative cover for bicycle safety helmets

Abstract

A slip-on, insulating and decorative cover for bicycle safety helmets is provided by which bicycle helmets are provided with an overall covering complete with integral ear flaps. The ear flaps can be folded down to protect the ears and keep them warm in cold weather. The ear flaps have slots in them, thru which the helmet straps are routed. The decorative cover is readily attached and easily removed from the bike helmet to allow for removal during warm weather or for washing.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fabric cover for bicycle helmets comprising: 
 a main body constructed of a material that stretches to fit over and contracts to fit the contour of a bicycle helmet;    a generally convex domed outer surface formed by said main body that forms and bounds a concave helmet receiving volume; and    a decorative outer surface affixed to an outside surface of said domed outer surface and supporting a central, upper surface flanked by a first side surface opposite a second side surface.    
     
     
         2 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 1   , wherein said side surfaces further comprises a decorative or aesthetic element.  
     
     
         3 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 1   , wherein said main body is comprised of a flame retardant material.  
     
     
         4 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 1   , wherein said upper surface and side surfaces support a reflective coating.  
     
     
         5 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 1   , further comprising main body retention means attached to ends of said main body so as to form a generally enclosed structure.  
     
     
         6 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 5   , wherein said main body retention means comprises an elastic band circumscribing and impinging below a peripheral brim.  
     
     
         7 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 5   , wherein said main body retention means comprises a plurality of hook fastening elements of a hook and loop fastening means affixed to an outer surface of a bicycle helmet, wherein an inner fabric surface functions as the loop fastening element of the hook and loop fastening means.  
     
     
         8 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 1   , further comprising a pair of ear flaps extending laterally downward from said main body.  
     
     
         9 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 8   , wherein said ear flaps further comprise an upper strap orifice and a lower strap orifice in fluid communication therethrough, thereby providing a generally tubular strap passage conduit for communication of a strap within each flap.  
     
     
         10 . The fabric cover for bicycle helmets of    claim 8   , wherein each said flap further forms a decorative outer flap surface opposite an insulative inner surface.