GB2409961A

GB2409961A - A device for actuating a visor for a helmet

Info

Publication number: GB2409961A
Application number: GB0400860A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Joseph Tuthill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-15
Filing date: 2004-01-15
Publication date: 2005-07-20
Also published as: GB0400860D0

Abstract

A visor 2 for a helmet 10 for example that is opened and closed automatically when the wearer activates a switch or pressure/voice sensor located on the exterior or interior of the helmet. The device may prevent the build up of condensation on the inside of the visor at lower or stationary speeds. The visor may be activated internally by the chin or voice of the wearer using a switch, pressure or voice sensor 1. An external sensor 8 opens the visor when the wind speed increases above a preset limit and closes the visor when the wind speed drops to a preset limit. The system may be manually overridden and have an optional light or LED on the interior or exterior of the helmet to show that the device is on. A removable or rechargeable power supply eg. battery pack may power the device.

Description

240996 1 Visors for Helmets or Protective Head Protection The invention

relates to the raising and lowering of visors on helmets or protective headgear by powered mechanisms or devises built into or around the helmet or protective headgear activated internally by a switch, pressure or voice senor. The whole system could have a manual override.

When using a helmet or headgear for protection a visor is brought down by hand over the face to protect it from the elements or foreign material hitting the face. If the user is sometimes stationary or is at slow speeds there could be a build up of condensation on the inside of the visor or a build up of dirt on the outside. This could restrict the operator's vision. Normally the person will have to take their hands off the machine or device they are using to open the visor. If a system could be used that is activated internally by the chin or voice using a switch, pressure or voice sensor to open the visor then the operators hands could continue to use/ activate the machine or device thus making it safer to carry on using that machine or device.

An electronic or mechanical (or a mixture or both) system activated by a switch, pressure or voice sensor inside or connected to the helmet or head gear that when activated opens and closes the visor in various stages. Another sensors could be used that could override this system at certain speeds i.e. if being used on a fast moving object the system could be programmed to close (thus the visor will not be stuck in the open position at high speeds due to wind pressure on it).

If the user fails to close the visor at a pre programmed speed the system could be automatically programmed to close. Or if the person does not open the visor when stationary the system could open itself after a certain time. There could also be a master on/off switch situated on the helmet that turns the whole system on/off for storage purposes. There could also be an external or internal light or LED that indicates the system is on (if someone is using the system they can see if the system is activated internally or externally).

When the system is activated internally by the switch, pressure or voice sensor the visor can be opened or closed in various stages.

If the visor is fully closed and the switch, pressure or voice sensor is activated and depending on the length of time or how many times the sensors are activated will depend on how wide the visor is opened. If the operator only wants the visor to open part way (say when going at a slow speeds and there is no problem with the elements effecting the operators vision) and activates the system the system can be programmed to open part way. When the visor is slightly open again depending on how the sensors are activated the system could programmed to open further or to be closed.

In any position the system can be programmed to open further or to close.

If the system is not closed over a certain pre programmed speed then the system could be overridden and be closed automatically.

If the operator does not open the visor when coming to rest or stationary the system could be programmed to open the visor slightly after a time delay. (

The system will be powered by its own built in power supply that can be removed or replaced and could have an external or internal light or indicator (LED) showing its condition.

A small internal light or LED could be incorporated that shows that the system is activated when in use.

The internal drive mechanism to open and close the visors could have a built in clutch or torque system to prevent them being damaged if the visor is opened manually at any time or whilst in use. The system will then be capable of re-setting itself when coming to rest or at other pre programmed times A preferred embodiment of the invention will be now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which: FIGURE 1 shows a side view of the whole device.

As shown in figure 1 the device for opening and closing the visor (2) on a helmet (10) or protective headgear is activated by (1), the switch, pressure or voice sensor. When this sensor has been activated it will open or close the visor (2) by means of a motor or mechanism (3), and a programmed system (4). Depending on what state the visor (2) is in when activated by the senor (1) will depend on if the visor (2) is opened further or closed by a programmed system (4). The whole system could be turned or offby the master switch (5) and could also have an external or internal LED showing that it is activated (7). Inside the helmet (10) or protective headgear a small indicator light or LED (6) could show if the system is activated. The whole system can be overridden by sensor (8) that is programmed by system (4). The system is powered by a removable or rechargeable battery pack (9).

Claims

1. A device that when activated by a switch, pressure or voice sensor inside or connected to the helmet or head protector the visor will open or close in various positions controlled by a computerized process and mechanical means.

2. A device is claimed in Claim 1 that when the external sensor detects a higher than programmed (by the computerized process) speed the visor will be closed by mechanical means.

3. A device is claimed in Claiml that when a reduced speed or stationary position is sensed or reached (by the external or internal sensor) the visor will be opened to a pre programmed opening by mechanical means.

4. A device is claimed in Claim 1 that when the master switch is activated it will turn the whole system on or off.

5. A device is claimed in Claim 1 that there is an internal light or LED showing that the device is on to the operator.

6. A device is claimed in Claim 1 that will show to the operator that the main power supply is activating the system by either an internal or an external light or LED.

7. A device is claimed in Claim 1 that there is a removable or rechargeable power supply.