GB2398725A

GB2398725A - Visor film

Info

Publication number: GB2398725A
Application number: GB0304429A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert James Heath
Original assignee: BOB HEATH VISORS Ltd
Current assignee: BOB HEATH VISORS Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-27
Publication date: 2004-09-01
Also published as: GB0304429D0

Abstract

A visor film 5 for a crash helmet is secured to a visor 3 using a tab 7 located at each end of the visor film and fasteners 6 located on the visor. The fasteners 6 have a slot 9 which receive the tab 7. Each of the two slots may be of a different shape or size so that the visor film can only be attached in the correct orientation. The visor film may be tinted to reduce glare. The fastener may be secured to the visor using adhesive, magnetic interaction or a hook-and-loop fastener. Also claimed is a method of forming a visor film arrangement comprising the attachment of fasteners to tabs at each end of a visor film and then securing the fasteners to the visor.

Description

Visors The present invention relates to visors and more particularly to

film inserts provided in motorcycle visors used to provide protection from glare.

It is now mandatory in the U.K. for motorcyclists to wear a crash helmet. Generally associated with motorcycle helmets is a visor in order to act as protection for the user's eyes against the effects of wind etc. By their nature these visors are clear to provide good visibility. Unfortunately during periods of bright daylight clear visors provide no protection from glare so it is conventional to provide tinted films which are secured to the inner surface of the visor during such periods.

These tinted films must be removed during periods of darkness i.e. at night and poor visibility. Thus, the tinted films must be regularly located and removed from the visor by the user. Previously, films have utilised double sided tape at the edges of the film to allow temporary location of the tinted film upon the inner surface of the visor. These double-sided tapes rapidly become fouled with dust and other debris particularly when the film is rolled for storage in a motorcycle top box or other convenient location. Clearly, as the double- sided tape becomes fouled its adhesiveness is reduced. Furthermore, it will be understood that the inner surface of the visor must be clean in order to provide good adhesion and so may require de-greasing in order to achieve such adhesion.

It is an essential requirement with regard to use of tinted films for clear protection that the film is easily located within the visor and similarly easily removed. It is also highly desirable that the visor itself must not be specifically adapted in order to accommodate tinted films as such adaptation must be strictly controlled in order to ensure that the visor still maintains the desired safety protection criteria.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a visor film arrangement for a crash helmet, the arrangement comprising a visor film and two fasteners secured at respectively spaced locations upon a visor, each fastener having a slot to accept a tab of the visor film to enable that visor film to be presented across the visor between the fasteners.

Preferably, the two slots are differently shaped and/or sized to accept only a specific tab to ensure correct orientation of the visor film. Possibly, more than one tab at each side of the visor film may be accepted in more than one slot in the fastener either individually or collectively in order to present the visor film.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a fastener for a visor film, the fastener having a slot to accept a tab of a visor film to secure that visor film.

Preferably, the fastener comprises a strip with a channel to define the slot for the tab of the visor film. Furthermore, the strip comprises a layered structure with a top layer to which side pads are secured to provide the channel therebetween. Alternatively, the strip comprises a layered structure with a top layer and a bottom layer between which side pads are secured to define the channel between them.

Normally, the side pads or base layer are self-adhesive to allow the fastener to be secured to the visor. Alternatively, the side pads or base layer may be coated with an adhesive or secure the fastener to the visor through a magnetic interaction or suction or by use of hook and fleece (velcro) fastening.

30Possibly, the slots and tabs are reciprocally shaped for more robust association to secure the visor film.

Further in accordance with the present invention there is provided a visor film installation assembly for a visor, the assembly comprising a visor film with tabs at each end, each tab is associated with a respective fastener through a slot whereby the fasteners are presented in use to a visor with the visor film therebetween and secured to that visor "hereafter the film is installed or removed from association with the fasteners by bringing the entrant tabs into association with the slots or removing them therefrom.

The present invention also includes a method of installing a visor film comprising the steps of: a) attaching spaced fasteners as described above to a visor with slots spaced to accommodate entrant tabs of a visor film; b) entering one tab of the visor film in a slot of a first fastener; and c) flexing the visor film to enable entry of the other tab into the slot of the other fastener space relative to the first fastener.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of forming a visor film arrangement comprising the steps of attaching respective fasteners to tabs at each end of a visor film, presenting the assembly of visor film and fasteners to a visor in a desired orientation and securing the fasteners to the visor.

Typically, the desired orientation is marked upon the visor by a crayon or other marking to ensure appropriate presentation of the visor film in use.

Typically, the fasteners are self-adhesive and pressed to secure them to the visor. Alternatively adhesive is applied to the fasteners to secure them to the visor.

The visor film may also incorporate an adhesive strip adjacent the entrant tabs to facilitate further security of location of the visor film upon the visor In use.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a visor film arrangement in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic part front view illustrating a fastener and visor film associated in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a fastener in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a fastener in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of a visor film installation assembly in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic front view of a visor film in accordance with the present invention; and, Fig. 7 is a further schematic illustration of a visor film arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

Glare is a perpetual problem for motorcyclists during bright days and can present a significant safety problem with regard to visibility for the motorcyclist. Thus, tinted visor films are used in order to provide some glare protection. These visor films must be removed during periods of low visibility and at night. Previously the most convenient way of providing rapid installation and removal of the visor film has been through doublesided tape about opposed edges of the film. This double-sided tape rapidly becomes soiled reducing its adhesion to the visor surface.

Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a visor film arrangement 1 in accordance with the present invention. A visor 2 is normally secured to a helmet (not shown) through pivot hinges 3 in order that the visor 2 can be raised by a tab 4 when required but as will be appreciated normally the visor 2 is lowered in order to provide wind protection for a motorcyclist's eyes and face. The visor 2 is clear and normally formed from an appropriately tough plastic material to meet the safety regulations with regard to impacts.

In order to provide glare protection a visor film 5 is provided which extends across the visible area of the visor 2 which is consistent with the normal vision range of a motorcyclist. The visor 2 is generally curved and so the visor film will also be flexed into close engagement with an inner surface of that visor 2. In accordance with the present invention fasteners 6 are secured to the inner surface of the visor 2 and the film 5 arranged to extend between these fasteners 6. The fasteners 6 are arranged to accept tabs 7 at each end of the visor film 5 to secure the film 5 in position. Generally the film will be in snug location between the fasteners 6 with a slight compression to bias the tabs 7 into slots formed in the fasteners 6.

Normally, for installation a rough approximation as to the necessary position of the film 5 is taken and marked using a crayon or other appropriate marking device. The film 5 is then brought to an approximation of that expected vision range for the user and the fasteners 6 secured in position. In order to locate the film typically one tab 7 will be located in its respective fastener 6 and the film then flexed in order to locate the other tab 7 in its respective fastener 6. In such circumstances the combination of entrant tabs 7 in the slots of each fastener 6 along with the snug or slight compression fit of the film 5 between the fasteners 6 ensures that the film 5 is appropriately presented. Arrowheads 8 illustrate the direction of flexing for the film 5 in order to push that film 5 into tight engagement with the fastener 6 with the tab 7 entering the slot formed in that fastener 6.

Removal of the film 5 from the visor 2 is a simple reversal of the procedure described above. Thus, the film would be flexed in order to remove 1 6 j the tabs 7 from the slots in fasteners 6. The film will then generally be rolled and stored appropriately by the user. As the film 5 does not incorporate any open adhesive surfaces it will be understood that the surfaces cannot become soiled and degraded over time resulting in poor or no adhesion. In such circumstances the film 5 can be repeatedly and conveniently installed and removed.

The fasteners 6 are secured at the very periphery of a user's vision range but nevertheless will typically be formed from substantially clear materials to avoid providing a distraction in the line of sight.

Fig. 2 is an expanded illustration of the visor film 5 associated with a fastener 6 through a tab 7 entering a slot 9. The tab 7 enters the slot 9 in the direction indicated by arrowhead 10 in order to secure that tab 7 and therefore l 5 the visor film 5. The specific size of the tab 7 and slot 9 will be determined by operational requirements and feasibility with regard to achieving a sufficiently robust entrant engagement between the tab 7 and the slot 9. Furthermore, more than one tab and slot association may be provided in a fastener as required. The tab 7 enters the slot 9 with sufficient penetration depth and overlap to ensure that there is limited if any possibility of jostle release of the film 5 during normal operation as indicated previously. Two fasteners 6 are arranged at spaced locations across the visor (not shown) in order to secure the film 5. There is generally a snug or slight visor film 5 compressive location in association with the visor. It will be understood that the fasteners 6 are generally secured to the inner surface of the visor and present an upstanding surface 11 as a ridge against which shoulder portions 12 of the film 5 engage for location. In such circumstances the tab 7 by entering the slot 9 acts in association with the abutment between the edges 11 and the shoulder portions 12 to provide robust lateral location of the film and resist "lift-off" of that film 5. As indicated below these associations may be supplemented further by providing a strip of adhesive adjacent the shoulder portions 12 on the surface of the film 5 engaging with the inner surface of the visor to ensure close compliance by the film with the inner surface of the visor. l

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate schematic cross-sections of first and second embodiments of fasteners 26, 36 in accordance with the present invention.

In Fig. 3 a fastener 26 comprises a top layer 21 and side pads 22 secured to define a slot 29 between them. In use the slot 29 will accommodate a tab of a visor film as described previously. Bottom surfaces 23 of the pads 22 are generally self-adhesive or will accept an adhesive in order to allow the fastener 26 to be secured to the inner surface of a visor (not shown). In such circumstances broken line 24 will represent the inner surface of a visor and so the slot 29 defines a passage within which the tab of a visor film as described previously is confined in order to ensure appropriate presentation of that visor film in use.

It will be appreciated that the fastener 26 described in Fig. 3 depends upon upper layer 21 to provide structural strength. In such circumstances the fastener 26 will be relatively flexible particularly about the portion of the upper layer 21 above the slot 29. Such flexibility may be inconvenient and add difficulties with regard to installation and securing of the fastener 26 to the inner surface 24 of a visor.

Fig. 4 illustrates a fastener 36 also in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the fastener 36 comprises an upper layer 31 with pads 32 defining a slot 39 with a bottom layer 33 secured to the pads 32 to create an enclosure for the slot 39 in order to accommodate a tab of a visor film as described previously. In such circumstances the bottom layer 33 provides additional structural rigidity for the fastener 36 rendering installation more convenient. It will also be understood that the bottom layer 32 presents a greater surface 34 for adhesion to a visor in a surface shown by broken line 35. This surface 34 may be self-adhesive or be receptive to an adhesive to allow securing to the surface 35.

As indicated previously generally the top layers 21, 31, pads 22, 32 and bottom layer 33 will all be made from transparent or at least translucent materials with similar adhesives such that the fasteners 26, 36 in use will not I provide too great an obstruction to a user's view.

! As indicated above installation of a visor film and fasteners in order to provide a visor film arrangement in accordance with the present invention will generally require initial definition of the vision range for the user and then securing the fasteners in accordance with the present invention to ensure appropriate location of the visor film in use. Normally, the fasteners used to secure the visor film will be the same. However, where desirable, for example with a visor film which has a reflective side which should be placed towards the inner surface of the visor then fasteners of a side specific nature may be used. Fig. 5 illustrates one particular approach with regard to ensuring appropriate presentation of a visor film 55 to a visor surface 56 shown in broken line. Thus, fasteners 50, 51 are provided with different sized slots 52, l 5 53. These slots 52, 53 are arranged to accommodate respectively tabs 54, 57 in one particular orientation of the film 55. If the film 55 is presented in the alternative orientation then the respective tabs 54, 57 will not enter the respective slots 52, 53. In such circumstances by providing a distinct structure or flap 58 which must always be in the down position it is possible to ensure that the film is presented in the correct orientation.

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a visor film 61 in accordance with the present invention in which in addition to end tabs 67 for entrant engagement with slots of fasteners (not shown) strips 62 of adhesive or suction are provided which will augment the association between the tabs 67 and their respective slots. Although the strips 62 will still be susceptible to fluff and other contamination it will be appreciated in accordance with the present invention that their purpose is to supplement the fasteners and tabs 67 for better location. However in situations where fasteners in accordance with the present invention are not provided it will be understood that these strips 62 themselves may provide means by which the film 61 can be secured to an inner surface of a visor providing greater flexibility for the film 61. l

Fig. 7 illustrates a visor film installation assembly 71 which may be !used in accordance with the present invention and method of installation.

Thus, a visor film 72 is temporarily associated with a fastener 73 at each end through adjacent edges 74. A tab 75 enters a slot 76 of each fastener 73 in accordance with the present invention described previously. Temporary association along the edges 74 may be provided by an adhesive bridge or perforation or adhesive tacking between the opposed edges of the film 72 and the fastener 73. In such circumstances, with the vision range of the user appropriately marked, as described previously upon the inner surface of a visor, the visor film installation assembly 71 is then brought into position.

Thus, the film 72 will be presented to the visor inner surface. The assembly 71 will then be adjusted finally for position and through finger pressure the fasteners 73 pressed into fixed association with the visor inner surface. The temporary securing bridge or other association between each fastener 73 and visor film 72 will then be broken along the edges 74 leaving only the tab 75 in the slot 76 retaining location of the film 72. Such breakage may be through removal of a bridging pad or simple breaking of an adhesive or perforation along the edges 74. In such circumstances the spacing of the respective fasteners 73 will be accurately perforated. The visor film 72 can then be installed and removed between the fastener 73 through the flexing of the film 72 and entrant positioning of the tab 75 in the slot 76.

Although described with regard to the use of adhesive for securing the fasteners to the inner surface of the visor it will also be understood that other techniques including magnetism and suction may be used.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. l l -

Claims

Claims 1. A visor film arrangement for a crash helmet, the arrangement

comprising a visor film and two fasteners secured at respectively spaced locations upon a visor, each fastener having a slot to accept a tab of the visor film to enable that visor film to be presented across the visor between the fasteners.
2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two slots are differently shaped and/or sized to accept only a specific tab to ensure correct orientation of the visor film. I
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein more than one tab at each side of the visor film is accepted in more than one slot in the fastener either individually or collectively in order to present the visor film.
4. A visor film arrangement for a crash helmet substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. A fastener for a visor film, the fastener having a slot to accept a tab of a visor film to secure that visor film. I
6. A fastener as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a strip with a channel to define the slot for the tab of the visor film.
7. A fastener as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the strip comprises a layered structure with a top layer to which side pads are secured to provide the channel therebetween.
8. A fastener as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the strip comprises a layered structure with a top layer and a bottom layer between which side pads are secured to define the channel between them.
9. A fastener as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the side pads or base layer are self-adhesive to allow the fastener to be secured to the visor.
10. A fastener as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the side pads or base layer are coated with an adhesive or secure the fastener to the visor through a magnetic interaction or suction or by use of hook and fleece (velcro) fastening.
11. A fastener as claimed in any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the slots and tabs are reciprocally shaped for more robust association to secure the visor film.
12. A fastener for a visor film substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. I
13. A visor film installation assembly for a visor, the assembly comprising a visor film with tabs at each end, each tab is associated with a respective fastener through a slot whereby the fasteners are presented in use to a visor with the visor film therebetween and secured to that visor "hereafter the film is installed or removed from association with the fasteners by bringing the entrant tabs into association with the slots or removing them therefrom.
14. A visor film installation assembly for a visor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. I
15. A method of installing a visor film comprising the steps of: a) attaching spaced fasteners as described above to a visor with slots spaced to accommodate entrant tabs of a visor film; b) entering one tab of the visor film in a slot of a first fastener; and c) flexing the visor film to enable entry of the other tab into the slot of the other fastener spaced relative to the first fastener.
16. A method of installing a visor film substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of forming a visor film arrangement comprising the steps of attaching respective fasteners to tabs at each end of a visor film, presenting the assembly of visor film and fasteners to a visor in a desired orientation and securing the fasteners to the visor.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the desired orientation is marked upon the visor by a crayon or other marking to ensure appropriate presentation of the visor film in use.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the fasteners are self-adhesive and pressed to secure them to the visor.
20. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein adhesive is applied to the fasteners to secure them to the visor.
21. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the visor film also incorporates an adhesive strip adjacent the entrant tabs to facilitate further security of location of the visor film upon the visor in use.
22. A method of forming a visor film arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.