Helmet pack

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved, inflatable liner for a helmet. The liner employs hook and loop fasteners for easy removal and attachment to the inner surfaces of the helmet shell. The liner incorporates a fluid impermeable enclosed volume which may be inflated with water (or air). A valve provides access to the enclosed volume. The liner is of a light-weight, open-framed, semi-hemispheric configuration which allows for air circulation. A soft material is disposed on the open frame structure creating a buffer between the wearer's head and the helmet. A soft, moisture-absorbent fabric encompasses the periphery of the liner. The absorbent fabric functions as a sweatband for absorbing perspiration and for protecting the wearer's forehead from rubbing against the helmet shell.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A cushioning device for protective headgear, said device comprising: 
 a plurality of hollow spoke members having outer surfaces, each one of said hollow spoke members having a first end and a second end;    a hollow annular rim member, said hollow annular rim member attached in fluid communication with each first end of said plurality of spoke members;    a dome-shaped hollow member having an underside, said dome-shaped member spaced from said hollow annular rim member and attached in fluid communication with each second end of said plurality of spoke members;    an interior area formed by said plurality of hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said dome-shaped hollow member;    a soft, pliable material disposed and attached in said interior area;    a plurality of fasteners, said plurality of fasteners fixed to said outer surfaces of said spoke members; and    a moisture-absorbing fabric, said moisture-absorbing fabric disposed completely around said hollow annular rim member.    
     
     
         2 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 1 , including a valve for controlling the entrance and egress of fluid, said valve disposed on said underside of said dome-shaped hollow member.  
     
     
         3 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of hollow spoke members is spaced around the circumference of said hollow rim member.  
     
     
         4 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of fasteners is composed of hook and loop fasteners.  
     
     
         5 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said hollow dome-shaped member are fabricated from a pliable, fluid-impervious plastic material.  
     
     
         6 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said hollow dome-shaped member are fabricated from a pliable, fluid-impervious rubberized material.  
     
     
         7 . A cushioning device for protective headgear, said device comprising: 
 a plurality of hollow spoke members having outer surfaces, each one of said hollow spoke members having a first end and a second end;    a hollow annular rim member, said hollow annular rim member attached in fluid communication with each first end of said plurality of spoke members;    a hollow dome-shaped member spaced from said hollow annular rim member, said hollow dome-shaped member attached in fluid communication with each second end of said plurality of spoke members;    an interior area formed by said plurality of hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said hollow dome-shaped member;    a soft, pliable material disposed and attached in said interior area, said material having an outer surface;    a plurality of fasteners, said plurality of fasteners fixed to said outer surfaces of said spoke members;    a moisture absorbing fabric, said moisture absorbing fabric disposed completely around said hollow annular rim member;    a fluid, said fluid disposed in said hollow spoke members, said hollow annular rim and said hollow annulus; and    a valve for controlling the entrance and egress of said fluid said valve disposed on said hollow dome-shaped member.    
     
     
         8 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of hollow spoke members is spaced around the circumference of said hollow rim member.  
     
     
         9 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of fasteners is composed of hook and loop fasteners.  
     
     
         10 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said fluid is water.  
     
     
         11 . A cushioning device for protective headgear as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said fluid is air.