U.S. patent application number 14/613665 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-04 for visor provided with a uv-sensitive material.
This patent application is currently assigned to HD INSPIRATION HOLDING B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Derek Leslie ARNOLD. Invention is credited to Derek Leslie ARNOLD.
Application Number | 20150153492 14/613665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38421781 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150153492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARNOLD; Derek Leslie |
June 4, 2015 |
VISOR PROVIDED WITH A UV-SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Abstract
A visor having a curved transparent plate includes a
photochromic material layer detachably mounted on the transparent
plate. The photochromic material layer including a photochromic
pigment is provided at the convex outer side of the transparent
plate and a seal element is provided at a location to maintain a
certain spacing between the transparent plate and the photochromic
material layer and to prevent water ingress between the two
surfaces. An anti-scratch coating is applied at an outer side of
the photochromic material layer.
Inventors: |
ARNOLD; Derek Leslie; (AA
Emmeloord, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ARNOLD; Derek Leslie |
AA Emmeloord |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
HD INSPIRATION HOLDING B.V.
AA Emmeloord
NL
|
Family ID: |
38421781 |
Appl. No.: |
14/613665 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12520722 |
Oct 30, 2009 |
8984672 |
|
|
PCT/NL2007/050672 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
|
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14613665 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 5/23 20130101; G02B
5/208 20130101; A42B 3/226 20130101; G02B 27/0006 20130101; G02B
1/14 20150115; G02B 1/18 20150115; G02B 7/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 5/23 20060101
G02B005/23; G02B 5/20 20060101 G02B005/20; G02B 1/18 20060101
G02B001/18; G02B 27/00 20060101 G02B027/00; G02B 7/00 20060101
G02B007/00; A42B 3/22 20060101 A42B003/22; G02B 1/14 20060101
G02B001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2006 |
NL |
NL-1033103 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A visor comprising: at least one curved transparent plate having
a convex outer side and a concave inner side; a photochromic
material layer, the photochromic material layer being detachably
mounted on the transparent plate, wherein the photochromic material
layer is provided at the convex outer side of the transparent
plate; a seal element which seal element is provided at a location
to maintain a certain spacing between the transparent plate and the
photochromic material layer and to prevent water ingress between
the two surfaces, wherein the photochromic material layer comprises
a photochromic pigment; and an anti-scratch coating applied at an
outer side of the photochromic material layer.
3. A visor according to claim 2, wherein the photochromic material
layer has the property that less visible and/or UV light is
transmitted through the photochromic material layer as more light
and/or UV light is incident thereon.
4. A visor according to claim 2, wherein the photochromic material
layer is provided on or within at least part of a field of vision
or viewing portion of said plate.
5. A visor claim 2, wherein at least one of the transparent plate
and the photochromic material layer comprises polycarbonate.
6. A visor according to claim 2, further comprising a fastener for
fastening the photochromic material layer to the outer surface of
the transparent plate.
7. A visor according to claim 6, wherein said fastener comprises
one of: a clamp, tension, snap, clip, hook and loop, pin, or magnet
fastening system, or adhesive.
8. A visor according to claim 2, wherein the anti-scratch coating
is water repellent or prevents the visor from misting up.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/520,722, filed on Oct. 30,
2009, which is a U.S. national stage application of
PCT/NL2007/050672, filed on Dec. 19, 2007 and which claims priority
from NL-1033103 filed on Dec. 21, 2006, the entire contents of each
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a visor comprising at least
one transparent plate. The present invention further relates to a
helmet provided with such a visor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Such a visor, for example for a helmet, a window, goggles or
another surface is generally known. Furthermore, visors are known
for use in, for example, windows of cars, ships, etc., and for
helmets, for example for motorcyclists, pilots and personnel of
emergency services such as the police or the army, which visors are
provided with a slightly tinted material so as to provide some
protection, in particular against radiance and excessive sunlight,
in particular against the ultraviolet or UV radiation component
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A drawback of the known visors is the fact that they stop a
certain amount of radiation under all conditions, also in those
conditions, such as twilight, in which by nature comparatively
little light is available anyhow. In such cases the known visor
makes it more difficult to distinguish objects and reduces
visibility, which has an adverse effect on traffic safety.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a visor
which contributes more to traffic safety and which has optical
properties which are optimal for the user in all light
conditions.
[0006] In order to accomplish that object, in the visor according
to the invention comprises at least one curved transparent plate
having a convex outer side and a concave inner side; a photochromic
material layer is detachably mounted on the transparent plate,
wherein the photochromic material layer is provided at the convex
outer side of the transparent plate; a seal element which seal
element is provided at a location to maintain a certain spacing
between the transparent plate and the photochromic material layer
and to prevent water ingress between the two surfaces, wherein the
photochromic material layer comprises a photochromic pigment; and
an anti-scratch coating applied at an outer side of the
photochromic material layer.
[0007] The advantage of the visor according to the invention is
that, unlike the known visor, it does not block a fixed amount of
radiation, but that its ability to transmit light automatically
varies in such a way that less light is transmitted to the user's
eyes as more light is incident on the part of the transparent light
that comprises the light-sensitive material. In practice the aim is
to allow a specific amount of light to reach the eye, irrespective
of the actual amount of light incident on the outer side of the
visor, which specific amount is optimally geared to the average or,
if desired, the individual properties of the human eye as regards
the sensitivity to light thereof
[0008] In addition, it is no longer necessary to buy and fit a
separate dark visor to replace the transparent visor.
[0009] The photochromic material layer may have the property that
less visible and/or UV light is transmitted through the
photochromic material layer as more light and/or UV light is
incident thereon.
[0010] The photochromic material layer may be provided on or within
at least part of a field of vision or viewing portion of said
plate.
[0011] At least one of the transparent plate and the photochromic
material layer can comprise polycarbonate. Such polycarbonate
plastic is interesting for financial (price) reasons and is easy to
bend manually, so that several (in particular non-permanent) types
of fastening means and methods become practically feasible. This is
important with a view to realizing the adaptations to previously
sold helmets that consumers may require, so that said consumers can
provide said helmets with light-sensitive features themselves, i.e.
for the so-called after-sales markets and for do-it-yourself kits.
For the so-called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) market
especially the permanent variant, which has already been pre-bent
at the factory, is advantageous.
[0012] A fastener may be provided for fastening the photochromic
material layer to the outer surface of the transparent plate, and
can comprise one of: a clamp, tension, snap, clip, hook and loop,
pin, or magnet fastening system, or adhesive.
[0013] The material provided on the outer side of the visor may be
provided with an anti-scratch coating which is water repellent or
which prevents the visor from misting up.
[0014] The visor and the helmet according to the present invention
will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures
below, in which like parts are provided with the same numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B are top plan views of embodiments of visors
according to the present invention which are provided with a
permanent layer of a photo-sensitive material, which visors can be
manufactured in various ways;
[0017] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show examples of visors on which the
photosensitive layer is removably provided; and
[0018] FIGS. 3a and 3b are top plan views of further embodiments of
the detachable visor, in which the photosensitive layer is spaced
from the transparent plate by a short distance in the assembled
condition of the visor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] FIGS. 1A and 1B each show a top plan view of a shield or
visor 1, which usually protects the face, which can be detachably
or undetachably connected to a helmet, a mask or generally a head
covering (not shown). The visor 1 comprises a transparent plate 2,
which is bent in FIGS. 1A and 1B, generally a two- or
three-dimensionally bent plate, which plate, when used on a helmet,
will usually be made of a flexible, transparent plastic, such as
polycarbonate, by thermal molding or injection-molding. The plate 2
has an inner side 3, which faces towards the helmet or the user,
and an outer side 4.
[0020] In the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 1A, a recess 5 has
been formed in the outer side 4, the depth of said recess being
equal to the thickness of the layer 6 of a light-sensitive material
(yet to be explained hereinafter), so that the surface at the front
side of the visor 1 is flat, which reduces the occurrence of local
turbulence which may be accompanied by objectionable whistling
sounds or noise while riding. If desired, the layer 6 may merge
into a sun visor in the outward direction. When the polycarbonate
is being injection-molded, the pre-formed layer of material 6 can
be melted in place in the recess 5. The advantage of this is that
no water or moisture can penetrate between the various layers,
which are thus closely packed together, but that there will be no
trapped air bubbles, either, so that light can reach the eye
without any optical interference.
[0021] The recess is preferably limited to an effective field of
vision or viewing portion of the plate 2. If desired, a
motorcyclist can look past said portion when there is not enough
light available temporarily, for example upon driving into a
tunnel.
[0022] In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, too, the layer 6 of
light-sensitive material is permanently provided on the outer side
4 of the transparent plate 2. In this embodiment the layer 6 of
material, which preferably has a minimum thickness of only 0.5 mm,
has been applied to the plate 2 during or after the
injection-molding process, in the latter case by means of a
suitable vacuum technique. In view of the cost price of the
light-sensitive material, which material will be explained
hereinafter, the dimensions of the layer 6 of material will be
limited to those of the field of vision or viewing portion of the
plate 2.
[0023] Suitable ways of permanently combining the plate 2 and the
layer 6 are: injection molding or casting, thermal molding, gluing
or laminating.
[0024] As regards said laminating, the photosensitive material may
also be laminated between two transparent layers of plastic
material, preferably polycarbonate. Usually this takes place by
means of a combination of a thermal treatment and a pressure
treatment, followed by a treatment in a furnace so as to realize
the desired two- or three-dimensional shape. Said sandwich will
have a thickness of about 0.5 mm in that case, comprising two
polycarbonate layers each having a thickness of 0.2 mm, between
which a laminate or glue is provided in a thickness of 0.1 mm. In
this way very little of the costly photosensitive material is used
in the intermediate layer, which is advantageous.
[0025] FIGS. 2A, 2B and the detail of FIG. 2C show embodiments in
which the layer 6 of photosensitive material, possibly in the form
of a laminate or a film, is detachably provided on the outer side 4
of the transparent plate 2. The visor 1 is provided with fastening
means 7 in that case, for example in the form of a clamp, tension,
snap, clip, pin, or magnet fastening system, or of single- or
double-sided adhesive means. An example of this is shown in FIG.
2A, in which Velcro 7 is affixed to the plate 2 and the layer 6 of
photosensitive material. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, this manner
of attachment is combined with a snap connection 7-1, 7-2 as shown
in more detail in FIG. 2C, which is connected or molded to the
layer 6 and which makes it possible to detach the layer 6 from the
plate 2.
[0026] In an embodiment that is not shown in the figures, the
embodiment of FIG. 2A is provided with Velcro in several places,
and holes may have been formed both in the plate 2 and in the layer
6, if desired, for receiving the pins, thus making it possible to
detach the layer 6 from the plate 2. The plate 2 may in turn be
detachable or pivotable with respect to the helmet, as the
embodiment of FIG. 3A (yet to be explained) shows. Important is in
any case that the layer which comprises the photosensitive material
is detachable and that the layer 6 can be secured to the plate 2
with sufficient mechanical tension. To that end clamping means may
be provided, which may be eccentric and rotatable, for example, and
to which the layer 6 is connected, which layer can subsequently be
pulled tight on the plate 6 under tension, for example by rotating
a pin.
[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B are top plan views of two embodiments of the
visor 1, in which the layer 6 of photosensitive material is kept
spaced from the transparent plate 2 by a short distance by means of
pins 7-3 and 7-4 (FIG. 3A). Present between the plate 2 and the
layer 6, in particular round the pins 7-3 and 7-4, is an elastic
element 8, for example in the form of a ring, which, in compressed
condition, exerts a pressure on the plate 2 and the layer 6, thus
ensuring water-tightness around the pins. The element 8, which
functions as a spacer between the transparent plate 2 and the
photosensitive layer 6, is preferably configured as a dry,
non-adhesive, flexible silicone seal which may extend over at least
part, possibly even the whole, of the circumferential edges of the
photosensitive layer 6. This achieves that the visor 1 is
water-tight all around, whilst the flexible seal prevents the
occurrence of mechanical point loads by distributing the
tensions.
[0028] In the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 3A, separable pins,
i.e. pins that can be detached from each other, for example
configured with male and corresponding female connecting elements,
make it possible to detach the layer 6 from the plate 2. The
flexible, dry, transparent element 8 prevents the ingress of air,
water, moisture and dirt in that case and prevents the plate 2 and
the layer 6 from moving undesirably relative to each other under
the influence of the wind when driving.
[0029] In the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 3B, the layer 6 is
detachably provided on an extension 9 of the transparent plate 2.
The element 8, which forms a practically cured silicone seal in
that case, on the one hand maintains a certain spacing between the
plate 2 and the layer 6 in that case, also when the wind exerts a
pressure force on the layer 6 when driving, whilst on the other
hand said element 8 thus prevents the plate 2 and the layer 6 from
flapping and beating together, so that there will be no damage
and/or wear. The use of the silicone seal furthermore prevents the
occurrence of so-called Newton rings.
[0030] In the case of the non-permanent, i.e. detachable or
removable variants it is generally not necessary to buy a new
helmet or a new visor and nevertheless benefit from the
light-sensitivity. After all, the existing helmet may be fitted
with a new visor exhibiting the light-sensitive characteristic, or
the old visor may be exchanged for the new visor temporarily or
permanently. Not only does this have a cost-saving effect, but it
also leads to less wear, because it is possible in that case to use
the new visor only in situations in which the rider considers this
necessary in view of the weather conditions. Possibly, a permanent
layer of light-sensitive material may be provided once-only on the
visor 1 by means of foam or acrylic tape in the field of vision of
an existing visor 1. The light-sensitive, in particular
UV-sensitive layer 6 comprises (photochromatic) pigments, which
have the property that they are photosensitive and regulate the
amount of light transmitted, especially UV light, in dependence on
the amount of visible light and/or UV light incident thereon. In
that case the layer 6 is transparent in unexposed, deactivated
condition. In particular UV light-intensity-activated,
light-blocking pigments are commercially available. For example, to
form the layer 6, a pigment mixed with a suitable liquid is applied
to a transparent substrate or is integral with the substrate
itself, or a pigment-containing film is glued to the substrate, or
the pigment or pigment mixture is mixed with the glue itself in a
laminating process. The properties of the layer 6 of photosensitive
material to be finally obtained must meet the stringent European
Public Road Safety Regulations.
[0031] A pigment which is suitable for use in the visor 1 is a
so-called "base grey" pigment, which consists of three mixed base
color, light-sensitive pigments. In non-UV-activated condition the
light transmission thereof is at least 90%, and it meets all the
safety regulations for a safe use also at night or when
unexpectedly driving into a badly lit or unlit tunnel. The pigment
layer that regulates the transmission of light above 380 nm is
preferably minimally 0.1 mm thick, it may for example be sandwiched
between two polycarbonate layers, each preferably having a
thickness of minimally 0.1 mm. Polycarbonate is easy to extrude and
process in an injection-molding process. The layer 6 of
light-sensitive material thus built up of three layers is easy to
form to precisely the required dimensions and shape. This may be
done mechanically, but also by the aforesaid thermal molding, using
heat and pressure. It stands to reason that combination possibly
with other plastics in a laminating-bonding process is possible, in
which case the pigment powder is mixed in an amount that matches
the desired light-blocking specifications and which, for
cost-saving reasons, will be provided only in the field of vision
or viewing portion of the visor 1.
[0032] On the outer side, the visor 1 may be provided with a,
preferably water-repellent, anti-scratch film applied to the outer
side of the layer 6 of photosensitive material. Furthermore, means
which are known per se may be used on the visor 1, for example to
prevent parts of the visor from misting up or becoming moist.
[0033] The helmet and the visor 1 are each provided with
length-adjustable connecting means, which are known per se, for
being fixedly or detachably connected together.
[0034] Apart from the above-explained sandwich variant and the
variant in which the pigment or the pigments are incorporated in
the plastic or the polycarbonate, the UV-sensitive or
light-sensitive material 6 must be provided on the outer side of
the visor 1, as it would otherwise take too long for the material
to adapt its transparency in case of a change in the amount of
light incident thereon, which might lead to unsafe situations. It
is for that reason that the material is intentionally not provided
on the inner side of the visor 1.
* * * * *