Detachable protective helmet shield and helmet

Abstract

A helmet is disclosed with a detachable shield that completely envelopes or partially envelopes the helmet. This protective shield is replaceable and removable. When a helmet is scratched or worn, the protective shield may be replaced by a user. The protective shield may also be used to change the color or appearance of a helmet, as well as to alter the strength of the helmet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective helmet comprising:
 a helmet having a smooth convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield;   a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising:
 a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet; 
   wherein the protective shield defines one or more apertures for receiving screws, the screws affixing the protective shield to the helmet.   
     
     
         2 . The protective helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the helmet further comprises one or more protrusions insertable into recesses defined on the inner surface of the protective shield for securing the protective shield when attached to the helmet. 
     
     
         3 . The protective helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the protective helmet is one of a football helmet, a motorcycle helmet, a skiing helmet, a biking helmet, and a hardhat worn by construction workers. 
     
     
         4 . The protective helmet of  claim 1 , further comprises a plurality of detachable protective shields, the protective shields interchangeable by a user at will. 
     
     
         5 . The protective helmet of  claim 4 , wherein each protective shield is of a different color. 
     
     
         6 . The protective helmet of  claim 4 , wherein each protective shield is of a different thickness and interchangeable to add varying tiers of strength to the helmet. 
     
     
         7 . A protective helmet comprising:
 a helmet having a convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield; and   a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising:
 a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet. 
   
     
     
         8 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield is detachably affixed to the helmet using one or more of snaps, buttons, Velcro®, adhesive, magnets, and screws. 
     
     
         9 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield further comprises a cantilevered lip for engaging and gripping a reciprocally contoured edge on the helmet. 
     
     
         10 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield further comprises a visor jutting forward of the helmet. 
     
     
         11 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield further comprises a graphic design indicating a user's affiliation with a team. 
     
     
         12 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield further comprises one or more reflectors. 
     
     
         13 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield is transparent and meant to protect the helmet from scratching and wear. 
     
     
         14 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of the helmet defines a groove running laterally around the perimeter of the helmet for receiving or corresponding lip on the inner surface of the protective shield. 
     
     
         15 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield comprises one or more of polymeric materials, elastomeric materials, carbon fiber materials, silastic materials, and metal alloys. 
     
     
         16 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield is skinned with a multicolored graphic design. 
     
     
         17 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the protective shield further comprises a thin, replaceable polymeric liner covering its inside surface. 
     
     
         18 . The protective helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the helmet further comprises a detachable goggle strap disposed on a rearward portion of the helmet. 
     
     
         19 . A protective helmet comprising:
 a helmet having a convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield; and   a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising:
 a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet; 
   wherein the protective shield is detachably affixed to the helmet using one or more of snaps, buttons, Velcro®, adhesive, magnets, cantilevered lips, and screws;   wherein the protective shield is skinned with a multicolored graphic design;