U.S. patent application number 10/083802 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for protective helmet visor apparatus, system and method.
Invention is credited to Harris, Peter Merrit.
Application Number | 20020178488 10/083802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26769760 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020178488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris, Peter Merrit |
December 5, 2002 |
Protective helmet visor apparatus, system and method
Abstract
A protective helmet face mask visor apparatus, method and system
is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to affix to the face mask of
a protective helmet at a location where it is desired to impede the
transmission of light. The apparatus includes an elongated strip of
material that is adapted to transmit visible light and prevent
transmission of ultraviolet light.
Inventors: |
Harris, Peter Merrit;
(Santee, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HINKLE & O'BRADOVICH, LLC
395 SCENIC HIGHWAY
LAWERENCEVILLE
GA
30045
US
|
Family ID: |
26769760 |
Appl. No.: |
10/083802 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60295519 |
Jun 4, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 ;
2/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20130101;
A42B 3/226 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 ;
2/425 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A visor apparatus comprising an elongated translucent planar
strip having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the
strip has substantially smooth edges.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is a
material adapted to cling to a surface of a translucent protective
face mask.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the material has
static electrical properties that make the material adapted to
cling to the surface of the mask.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the material is
poly vinyl.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smooth edges
are adapted to withstand a force applied substantially parallel to
the face mask, and thereby remaining clung to the face mask.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the force is wind
shear.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip allows
transmission of visible wavelengths at a reduced intensity.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip prevents
transmission of ultraviolet wavelengths.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is
adapted to affix to the inner surface of a motorcycle face
mask.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein one edge of the
strip includes flaps that are adapted to accommodate motorcycle
helmet brow vents, thereby providing sunlight protection throughout
the entire upper portion of the helmet.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flaps fit in
between and around the brow vents.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip further
comprises rounded corners.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is
adapted to be cut into various shapes.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is soft
and bendable.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is
optionally polarized.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip further
comprises a green tint.
17. A method of providing a visor to a protective helmet face mask,
comprising: providing an elongated translucent planar strip having
a first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has
substantially smooth edges; mixing soap and water to obtain a soapy
mixture; applying a thin layer of the soapy mixture to a location
on a surface of the face mask; applying the elongated planar strip
to the location on the face mask containing the soapy mixture; and
smoothing out any air bubbles located between the surface and the
strip.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 further wherein the planar
strip further comprises a series of flaps.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising fitting
the flaps between and around brow vents on the helmet.
20. A protective helmet visor system, comprising: a protective
helmet having a face mask; and an elongated translucent planar
strip attached to a surface of the face mask, the strip having a
first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has
substantially smooth edges and rounded corners, and wherein the
strip allows transmission of visible light and prevents
transmission of ultraviolet light.
Description
[0001] This application is a utility application which claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/295,519, filed on Jun. 4, 2001, entitled "Helmet
Sunblocker".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
protective helmets and more particularly to a sun and ultraviolet
ray visor for protective helmets.
[0004] II. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Motorcyclists are often faced with direct sunlight when
operating their motorcycle. The motorcyclist can block the sun by
holding his hand between his eyes and the sun. However, by removing
either hand from the handlebars causes unsafe driving conditions
because both hands are needed to safely operate the motorcycle,
right for the front brakes and left for the throttle/clutch, and
both hands for control and steering.
[0006] Face mask visors are often used to provide shade for the
entire face mask. However, these visors can be undesirable because
they sometimes cause too much shading during the day and restrict
the motorcyclists vision at night. Similarly, riders also use
sunglasses underneath the helmets that can interfere with the use
and comfort of the helmet.
[0007] Furthermore, it is known that prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light from the sun can cause damage to the eye.
[0008] Similar problems exist for snowmobilers and other persons
who require protective helmets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In general, the invention features a protective helmet visor
apparatus and method.
[0010] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a visor
apparatus, including an elongated translucent planar strip having a
first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has
substantially smooth edges.
[0011] In one implementation, the strip is a material adapted to
cling to a surface of a translucent protective face mask.
[0012] In another implementation, the material has static
electrical properties that make the material adapted to cling to
the surface of the mask.
[0013] In another implementation, the material is poly vinyl.
[0014] In another implementation, the smooth edges are adapted to
withstand a force applied substantially parallel to the face mask,
and thereby remaining clung to the face mask.
[0015] In another implementation, the force is wind shear.
[0016] In still another implementation, the strip allows
transmission of visible wavelengths at a reduced intensity.
[0017] In yet another implementation, the strip prevents
transmission of ultraviolet wavelengths.
[0018] In another implementation, the strip is adapted to affix to
the inner surface of a motorcycle face mask.
[0019] In another implementation, one edge of the strip includes
flaps that are adapted to accommodate motorcycle helmet brow vents,
thereby providing sunlight protection throughout the entire upper
portion of the helmet.
[0020] In another implementation, wherein the flaps fit in between
and around the brow vents.
[0021] In another implementation, wherein the strip further
comprises rounded corners.
[0022] In another implementation, the strip is adapted to be cut
into various shapes.
[0023] In another implementation, the strip is soft and
bendable.
[0024] In another implementation, the strip is optionally
polarized.
[0025] In another implementation, the strip further comprises a
green tint.
[0026] In another aspect, the invention features a method of
providing a visor to a protective helmet face mask, including
providing an elongated translucent planar strip having a first
surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has substantially
smooth edges, mixing soap and water to obtain a soapy mixture,
applying a thin layer of the soapy mixture to a location on a
surface of the face mask, applying the elongated planar strip to
the location on the face mask containing the soapy mixture and
smoothing out any air bubbles located between the surface and the
strip.
[0027] In one implementation, the planar strip further comprises a
series of flaps.
[0028] In another implementation, the method further includes
fitting the flaps between and around brow vents on the helmet.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention features a protective
helmet visor system, including a protective helmet having a face
mask an elongated translucent planar strip attached to a surface of
the face mask, the strip having a first surface and a second
surface, wherein the strip has substantially smooth edges and
rounded corners, and wherein the strip allows transmission of
visible light and prevents transmission of ultraviolet light.
[0030] One advantage of the invention is that it protects the rider
from ultraviolet wavelengths and attenuates other wavelengths.
[0031] Another advantage is that the invention provides sun
protection during the day and does not impede night vision.
[0032] Another advantage is that invention removes the need for
additional sun protection such as tinted face masks and
sunglasses.
[0033] Another advantage is that the invention allows the rider to
use both hands for operation of the vehicle.
[0034] Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention
will become apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a motorcycle helmet having an embodiment
of a visor apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a helmet
visor apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a helmet
visor apparatus;
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a motorcycle helmet having an alternate
embodiment of a visor apparatus;
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment
of a visor apparatus; and
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an alternate view of a
visor apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures,
reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates a motorcycle
helmet 105 having an embodiment of a visor apparatus 100. The
helmet 105 includes, among other things, a translucent face mask
110. Many helmets such as helmet 105 include brow vents 115 in the
upper portion of the face mask. The brow vents 115 can be adjusted
by the wearer of the helmet in order to let air into the helmet. As
further described below, the visor apparatus can be affixed to the
upper portion of the face mask 110 and adjusted around the brow
vents 115 to provide full coverage of sun protection.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a helmet
visor apparatus 100. The visor apparatus is typically an elongated
flaccid, flexible, soft and bendable strip 100a. The strip 100a
typically includes properties that allow it to adhere and affix to
the face mask of a protective helmet (see FIG. 1 above). In
general, the properties that allow this affixation are static
electrical properties. In one embodiment, the strip 100a is
comprised of a poly vinyl material. The strip 100a also includes
generally smooth and rounded edges 120 that aid in preventing the
strip 105 from being removed from the face mask from forces
generally parallel to the strip 100a such as wind shear.
[0043] The strip 100a is generally translucent, allowing the
transmission of visible wavelengths but includes properties that
attenuate various wavelengths of sunlight, thereby reducing the
transmitted intensity. In one embodiment, the strip virtually
eliminates and prevents the transmission of ultraviolet
wavelengths. In general, the strip 100a can have a variety of tints
such as a green tint.
[0044] The visor apparatus 100 generally includes flaps 106, 107 on
one edge of the strip 100a. The flaps 106,107 are adapted to
accommodate motorcycle helmet brow vents 115, thereby providing
sunlight protection throughout the entire upper portion of the face
mask 110. The outerflaps 106 provide sunlight protection on the
outer edges of the brow vents 115, and the inner flap 107 provides
sunlight protection between the two brow vents 115. In this way,
the rider need not cut or adjust the strip 100a in order to
accommodate the brow vents 115. The flaps 106, 107 therefore form
recesses 108 into which the brow vents 115 fit. In one
implementation, the strip can be further cut to a desired
shape.
[0045] The strip 100a also includes generally rounded corners. The
flaps 106 also form two of the corners of the strip 100a and are
shown generally rounded. The two bottom corners 109 are also
rounded.
[0046] In another embodiment, the strip 100a can optionally be
polarized or a further polarized strip (not shown) can be added to
the strip 100a in order to filter polarized light and glare such as
from a road surface, snow or other reflective surfaces.
[0047] It has generally been determined that the overall length of
the strip is about nine inches. To accommodate most brow vents, the
length A can be about 2.75 inches and the length B is about 1.625
inches. The length C can be about 3.5 inches. In general, the flap
107 has a height differential with respect to the flaps 106. The
flap 107 is generally higher than flaps 106. From the lower
straight edge, there are generally three heights. The first is the
height to the bottom of the recess 108. The second height is to the
top of the flaps 106. The third height is to the top of the flap
107. The length of the flap 107 is generally longer than flaps 106
and than the length of the recess 108. The length recess 108 is
generally longer than the length of the flaps 106. The recess 108
tapers downward to the bottom. The top of the recess 108 is
generally longer than the bottom of the recess 108. In one
embodiment, the top of the recess 108 is about 2.375 inches, and
the bottom of the recess, B, is about 1.625 inches. These lengths
and heights generally accommodate the brow vents.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a helmet
visor apparatus 100. This top view shows the flaps 106, 107 as well
as recesses 108. The edges 120 are generally rounded and smooth as
described above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a motorcycle helmet 205 having an
alternate embodiment of a visor apparatus 200. The helmet 205
includes, among other things, a translucent face mask 210. As
further described below, the visor apparatus can be affixed to the
upper portion of the face mask 210 or other desired locations of
the face mask 210 to provide full protection from sunlight.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment
of a visor apparatus 200. The visor apparatus 200 is typically an
elongated flaccid, flexible, soft and bendable strip 200a. The
strip 200a typically includes properties that allow it to adhere
and affix to the face mask of a protective helmet. In general, the
properties that allow this affixation are static electrical
properties. In one embodiment, the strip 200a is comprised of a
poly vinyl material. The strip 200a also includes generally smooth
and rounded edges 220 that aid in preventing the strip 205 from
being removed from the face mask from forces generally parallel to
the strip 200a such as wind shear.
[0051] The strip 200a is generally translucent, allowing the
transmission of visible wavelengths but includes properties that
attenuate various wavelengths of sunlight, thereby reducing the
transmitted intensity. In one embodiment, the strip virtually
eliminates and prevents the transmission of ultraviolet
wavelengths. In general, the strip 200a can have a variety of tints
such as a green tint. The strip 200a can generally be formed and
cut into desired shapes. The strip 200a also includes generally
rounded corners 209.
[0052] In another embodiment, the strip 200a can optionally be
polarized or a further polarized strip (not shown) can be added to
the strip 200a in order to filter polarized light and glare such as
from a road surface, snow or other reflective surfaces.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an alternate view of a
visor apparatus 200. The edges 120 are generally rounded and smooth
as described above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0054] The visor apparatus 200 is generally adapted to affix to the
upper portion of the face mask to provide sunlight from generally
above and ahead of the rider. However, the visor apparatus 200 can
easily be affixed to the bottom portion of a face mask to attenuate
reflections from the road surface and other surfaces. The visor
apparatus 200 can also be affixed to any desired location on the
face mask.
[0055] Generally, the visor apparatuses 100, 200 is best affixed on
the inner surface of the face mask away from external forces such
as wind shear. It is understood that the visor apparatuses 100, 200
can be affixed to the outer surface of the face mask and is adapted
to withstand the external forces. The rounded edges 120, 220 as
well as the rounded corners 106, 109, 209 are adapted to better
withstand the external forces.
[0056] In addition to the adaptations to avoid the apparatus'
removal from the face mask, as described above, the rider can also
provide further adherence between the face mask and the
apparatuses. The rider can mix soap and water to obtain a soapy
mixture and apply a thin layer of the soapy mixture to a location
on a surface of the face mask as well as to a surface of the
apparatus 100, 200 that is to be affixed to the face mask. The
rider can then apply the apparatus 100, 200 to the desired location
on the face mask containing the soapy mixture. Generally, air
bubbles may be formed between the apparatus 100, 200 and the face
mask. The rider can simply smooth away the bubbles. The soapy
mixture allows the apparatus to be manipulated on the face mask and
to easily smooth out the bubbles. It has been determined that the
soapy mixture enhances the static electrical forces as well as
other surface forces that act in between the apparatus 100, 200 and
the surface of the face mask.
[0057] In other embodiments, the strip 100a, 200a has additional
features such as a light absorption rate of about 78%. The strip is
also about 0.008 inches thick. The strip 100a, 200a is static.
[0058] A motorcycle helmet has been used to describe the
embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments
described above can be used with other protective helmets such as
but not limited snow mobile helmets, car helmets, riot helmets,
hockey helmets, football helmets and other helmets having
protective face masks.
[0059] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications
may be made of the invention without departing from the scope
thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations
shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which
are set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *