US4008949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protective reflective helmet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-11-06
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Granted: 1977-02-22
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Expires: 1995-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A protective helmet having an internal integral layer of reflective material and the method of constructing the same is disclosed. A first layer of catalyzed clear gel coat is sprayed under pressure into a helmet mold and allowed to dry. A second fog layer of clear gel coat is sprayed over the first layer to form a tacky surface upon which small double sided reflective chips can be sprinkled and brushed flat. The second gel coat is then dried thoroughly. A third backing layer of clear gel coat containing metal flakes is then sprayed over the second layer and completely dried. A layer of saturated fiber-glass mat is applied over the third layer to seal in the reflective chips and to eliminate any air pockets. Layers of fiberglass cloth are then applied over the mat and the fiberglass is completely dried. The helmet is popped from the mold, sanded and finished.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry Martin Luna
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:11
CPC Classifications
A; A42; A42B; A42B3/00; A42B3/04; A42B3/06; A42B3/061; G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
In a structure having a shell of protective material, the improvement comprising: a first layer of light transmitting gel coat containing metal flake and color ingredients uniformly formed over and integral with the outer surface of said shell, a plurality of randomly oriented flat reflective chips imbedded in at least portions of said shell and said first layer, each of said chips having a flat outer surface coplanar with the surface of said first layer, a second layer of light transmitting gel coat covering said flat outer surfaces of said chips and integral with the non-imbedded portions of said first layer, and a third layer of light transmitting gel coat uniformly formed over and integral with said second layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
In a structure having a shell of protective material, the improvement comprising: a first layer of light transmitting gel coat containing metal flake and color ingredients uniformly formed over and integral with the outer surface of said shell, a plurality of randomly oriented flat reflective chips imbedded in at least portions of said shell and said first layer, each of said chips having a flat outer surface coplanar with the surface of said first layer, a second layer of light transmitting gel coat covering said flat outer surfaces of said chips and integral with the non-imbedded portions of said first layer, and a third layer of light transmitting gel coat uniformly formed over and integral with said second layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the structure of claim 1 said light transmitting gel of said first, second and third layers in aggregate are less than 20 mils in thickness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
In the structure of claim 1 said light transmitting gel of said first, second and third layers containing a catalyst agent, and a fiberglass mat means disposed between said first layer and said protective shell for providing a smooth adhesion surface for said outer surface of said shell and for eliminating all air spaces between said chips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
153 words
A reflective helmet comprising: a first layer of light transmitting gel forming the outer surface of said helmet, a plurality of flat light reflective chips having reflective surfaces on opposite flat sides, a second layer of light transmitting gel disposed uniformly on the inner surface of said first layer for affixing said chips to said first layer, said chips being oriented so that said flat sides are parallel with the surface of said first layer, a third layer of light transmitting gel disposed uniformly on the inner surface of said second layer for covering said second layer containing said chips, fiberglass mat means affixed to the inner surface of said third layer for eliminating air spaces between said chips and for providing a smooth binding surface, and a plurality of layers of fiberglass cloth uniformly applied to said smooth binding surface of said fiberglass mat means for forming the shell of said helmet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
153 words
A reflective helmet comprising: a first layer of light transmitting gel forming the outer surface of said helmet, a plurality of flat light reflective chips having reflective surfaces on opposite flat sides, a second layer of light transmitting gel disposed uniformly on the inner surface of said first layer for affixing said chips to said first layer, said chips being oriented so that said flat sides are parallel with the surface of said first layer, a third layer of light transmitting gel disposed uniformly on the inner surface of said second layer for covering said second layer containing said chips, fiberglass mat means affixed to the inner surface of said third layer for eliminating air spaces between said chips and for providing a smooth binding surface, and a plurality of layers of fiberglass cloth uniformly applied to said smooth binding surface of said fiberglass mat means for forming the shell of said helmet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The reflective helmet of claim 4 wherein the aggregate thickness of said first three layers is less than 20 mils.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflective helmet of claim 4 wherein said first layer is substantially 10 mils thick.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflective helmet of claim 4 wherein said second layer is substantially 2 mils thick.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflective helmet of claim 4 wherein said third layer is substantially 5 mils thick.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-22 | 1980-08-23 | 1981-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-22 | 1984-08-23 | 1985-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-22 | 1988-08-23 | 1989-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |