WO2007093056A1

WO2007093056A1 - Helmet visor with peak extension

Info

Publication number: WO2007093056A1
Application number: PCT/CA2007/000230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane DION
Original assignee: Jiangmen Pengcheng Helmets Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-02-15
Filing date: 2007-02-15
Publication date: 2007-08-23
Also published as: EP1988791A1; CA2640513A1

Abstract

A visor for coupling to a helmet is disclosed herein. The visor comprises a mounting assembly for being mounted to the helmet; and a brim assembly opposite the mounting assembly. The brim assembly comprises a main body brim and a peak extension moveably mounted to the main body brim. The brim assembly defines a peak edge. The peak extension is so moveable as to extend or retract the peak edge thereby respectively lengthening or shortening the brim assembly. A protective headwear including a helmet with such a visor is also disclosed.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

HELMET VISOR WITH PEAK EXTENSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a visor for a helmet. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a helmet visor with a peak extension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Helmets and motor-cross helmets are well known in the art.

They are generally provided with a visor that both shades the wearer's eyes from the sun and prevent falling debris coming from the preceding motorcycle to enter the helmet. However, the length of the visor is generally not enough to adequately perform both these functions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the invention is to provide a visor for a helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visor for coupling to a helmet, the visor comprising a mounting assembly for being mounted to the helmet; and a brim assembly opposite the mounting assembly, the brim assembly comprising a main body brim and an auxiliary brim moveably mounted to the main body brim, the brim assembly defining a peak edge; wherein the auxiliary brim is so moveable as to extend or retract the peak edge thereby respectively lengthening or shortening the brim assembly.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective headwear comprising: a helmet; a visor coupled to the helmet, the visor comprising brim assembly including a main body brim and an auxiliary brim moveably mounted to the main body brim, the brim assembly defining a peak edge; wherein the auxiliary brim is so moveable as to extend or retract the peak edge thereby respectively lengthening or shortening the brim assembly.

[0006] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non- restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout and where:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the visor of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, mounted to a helmet and being in a first position;

[0009] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the visor of the invention similar to Figure 1 with the visor being in a second position; [0010] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the visor of the invention similar to Figure 1 with the visor being in a third position;

[0011] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the visor of

Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the main body of the visor of

Figure 1 ; and

[0013] Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the visor of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention is illustrated in further details by the following non-limiting examples.

[0015] Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show a helmet 10 having a bowl 12 with a face opening 14, a lower face guard 16 and a neck opening 18 at the underside of the helmet 10. Helmet 10 is also shown having a visor 20 mounted to a frontal portion 22 thereof and adjacent to the face opening 14.

[0016] In this illustrated non-limiting example, visor 20 is mounted on a motor-cross helmet, yet the skilled artisan will easily appreciate that the visor of the invention, such as visor 20, is not limited to a specific helmet type and can be mounted to a variety of helmets having a face opening with or without a face shield such as goggles for example and with or without a lower face guard. [0017] Turning now to Figures 4, 5 and 6, an illustrative embodiment of visor 20 will now be described in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the visor 20 includes a main body 24 having a brim 26 and opposite helmet-mounting extensions 28A and 28B. Helmet-mounting extensions 28A and 28B (see Figure 5) include respective mounting elements such as apertures 30, at their respective free ends, for mounting the visor 20 to helmet 10 via a fastener (not shown) and a washer 32. The main body 24 also includes a coupling portion 34, between helmet-mounting extensions 28A and 28B, in the form of a tripod support having two upwardly flaring fingers 36A and 36B and a downwardly extending thumb element 38 therebetween (see also Figure 6) for grasping the frontal portion 22 of the helmet 10. The fingers 36A and 36B define respective openings 4OA and 40B for receiving respective separate body portions 42A and 42B. Each separate body portion 42A and 42B includes respective snap members 44 extending beyond the respective peripheral edge 46 thereof. The snap members 44 engage corresponding indentations 48 formed in respective mouth-rims 50 defining each opening 4OA and 4OB. In this way, each separate body portion 42A and 42B is snuggly received within a respective opening 4OA and 40B.

[0019] One will easily understand that it is possible to provide body portions 42A and 42B of different color or texture to easily customize the look of the helmet 10. [0020] The visor 20 further includes an auxiliary brim 52, which acts as a peak extension, and is moveably mounted to the main body 24 as will be described herein.

[0021] The peak extension 52 is mounted to the underside 54 (see Figure 5) of the main body brim 26 and is positioned between main body brim 26 and a stationary member 56, shown in Figure 4, which is fixedly mounted to the underside 54 of the main body brim 26.

[0022] The stationary member 56 includes a central body portion 58 and a pair of lateral wing portions 60 and 62 extending thereform. Each wing portion 60 and 62 includes an aperture 64 for receiving a mounting- fastener (not shown) therethrough and that is fastened to the underside 54 of the main body brim 26. Specifically and as shown in Figure 5, these fasteners are mounted to short tubular spacer members 66 and 68 of the underside 54 of the main body brim 26. Similarly, the central body portion 58 includes an aperture 70 for receiving a mounting-fastener (not shown) therethrough that is fastened to a short tubular spacer member 72 on the underside 54 of the main body brim 26, shown in Figure 5. The short tubular spacer members 66, 68 and 72 space the stationary member 56 at a predetermined distance from the underside 54 of the main body brim 26; it is within this predetermined distance that the peak extension 52 is positioned.

[0023] Turning back to Figure 4, the peak extension 52 defines a peak edge 74 and includes a middle body portion 76 flanked by two lateral portions 78A and 78B. The lateral portions 78A and 78B include respective oblong openings 8OA and 8OB for slidably receiving the short tubular spacers 66 and 68 therethrough, respectively. The short tubular spacers 66 and 68 are slidable within oblong openings 8OA and 8OB between their respective distal ends 79 and proximal ends 81. The middle body portion 76 includes adjacent longitudinal members 78 and 80 defining an oblong space 82 therebetween for slidably receiving the short tubular spacer 72 therethrough between a distal end 83 and an opposite open end 85.

[0024] With respect to Figure 5, the main body brim 26 includes a pair of positioning elements 84 and 86 on the underside 54 thereof. Each positioning element 84 and 86 includes a longitudinal base member 87 having a pair of spaced apart lateral embossments 88 and 90 thereby defining three receiving spaces 92, 94 and 96, the function of which will be described herein. Embossments 88 and 90 also include receiving slots 98 for receiving fins 100 upwardly protruding from the central body portion 58 of the stationary member 56 as shown in Figure 4.

[0025] With respect again to Figure 4, the middle body portion 76 of the peak extension 52 also includes a pair of positioning elements 102 and 104 being adjacent to and spaced apart from the longitudinal members 78 and 80, respectively. The positioning elements 102 and 104 are resilient and flexible cantilever-like longitudinal members having an enlarged free end 106 for being received within receiving spaces 92, 94 and 96 as will be described herein.

[0026] With reference to Figures 4 and 6, the peak extension 52 includes ribs 108 for being spaced apart from the main body brim 24. The stationary member 56 includes top ribs 110 for being spaced apart from the peak extension 52 as well as bottom ribs 111 , shown in Figure 6, for adding rigidity to the visor 20. [0027] Turning now to Figures 1 , 2 and 3, the present invention provides for extending the peak edge 74 of visor to a predetermined position. In fact, the main body brim 26 and the peak extension 52 act as a common brim assembly 112 the length of which is adjustable. As shown, the brim assembly 112 is a non-perforated two-piece assembly, thus acting as a shield against rain and other debris in its three possible positions.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the peak 74 can be placed at three positions namely positions I, Il and III respectively shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 3, thereby lengthening or shortening the brim assembly 112 of visor 20. Extending the peak edge 74 can be useful during rain for example, in order to avoid getting rain or mud on the face of the helmet wearer, when the rain stops and conditions allow the peak edge 74 may be retracted and the brim assembly 112 shortened thus allowing the visor 20 to act only as a sun visor for example. The space between the main body brim 26 and the peak extension 52 also provides for the user to hose away mud and other debris therebetween after use.

[0029] Therefore, when the peak edge 74 is in position I, the distal ends 79 of each oblong opening 8OA and 8OB and the distal end 83 of the oblong space 82 abut the short tubular spacers 66, 68 and 72 respectively, which act as stoppers. Simultaneously, the enlarged free end 106 of each positioning element 102 and 104 is within the receiving space 96 of each positioning element 84 and 86 respectively. As the user moves peak extension 52 to position II, the oblong openings 8OA and 8OB and the oblong space 82 slide about short tubular spacers 66, 68 and 72 respectively. Simultaneously, the enlarged free end 106 of each positioning element 102 and 104, slides along the embossment 90 of each positioning element 84 and 86 respectively. When the peak extension 52 is in position II, the enlarged free end 106 of each positioning element 102 and 104 is within the receiving space 96 of each positioning element 84 and 86 respectively, with the embossment 88 of each positioning element 84 and 86, acting as a stopper. As the user moves peak extension 52 to position III, the oblong openings 8OA and 8OB and the oblong space 82 again slide about short tubular spacers 66, 68 and 72 respectively. Simultaneously, the enlarged free end 106 of each positioning element 102 and 104, slides along the embossment 88 of each positioning element 84 and 86 respectively. When the peak extension 52 is in position III, the enlarged free end 106 of each positioning element 102 and 104 is within the receiving space 96 of each positioning element 84 and 86 respectively, and the proximal ends 81 of each oblong opening 8OA and 8OB abut the short tubular spacers 66 and 68 respectively, which act as stoppers.

[0030] As is known in the art, visor 20 is configured to reduce drag and as such will be shaped so as to be at least somewhat aerodynamic. Thus, the brim assembly 112 may have a slightly concave shape with airflow guides, such as sections 114 formed in the main body brim 26 and the peak extension 52 as shown in Figure 4 for example. In an embodiment, the visor 20 may be made of material that allows flexibility so as to more easily fit onto different designs and sizes of helmets. In an embodiment, the visor 20 may be made of thermoplastic, injection molded plastic, and cast urethane or other suitable materials as can be contemplated by the skilled artisan. [0031] The main body 24, peak extension 52 and stationary member 56 are shown to be in respective unitary pieces, yet they may be made of two or more pieces that are assembled together.

[0032] As described the visor 20 is mounted to a helmet 10 via extensions 28A and 28B as well as a coupling portion 34 which together define a helmet-mounting assembly, the skilled artisan will easily appreciate that visor 20 can be mounted to a variety of helmets via various mounting constructions and supporting mechanisms known in the art.

[0033] The extendable and retractable brim assembly 112 of the invention can also be constructed in a variety of ways within the scope of the invention. For example, the brim assembly 112 may include more than one peak extension 52. In another non-illustrated embodiment, the brim assembly 112 may be made of telescoping portions. Furthermore, and with respect to the illustrated non-limiting example, the moveable peak extension 52 is mountable to the main body 26 in a variety of ways that can be contemplated by a person having ordinary skill in the art. As such the peak extension 52 can be moveably mounted on the underside, the front edge, the top side and the lateral sides or edges thereof. The skilled artisan will thus use various designs and position locking mechanisms in order to provide for an extendable and retractable brim assembly on a visor that is mounted or that is mountable on a variety of helmets.

[0034] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A visor for coupling to a helmet, said visor comprising a mounting assembly for being mounted to the helmet; and a brim assembly opposite said mounting assembly, said brim assembly comprising a main body brim and an auxiliary brim moveably mounted to said main body brim, said brim assembly defining a peak edge; wherein said auxiliary brim is so moveable as to extend or retract said peak edge thereby respectively lengthening or shortening said brim assembly.

2. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said brim assembly defines a non-perforated top surface acting as a shield.

3. A visor according to claim 1 , further comprising positioning elements, said auxiliary brim moveably engaging said positioning elements so as to extend or retract said peak at predetermined positions defined by said positioning elements.

4. A visor according to claim 3, wherein said main body brim includes said positioning elements.

5. A visor according to claim 4, wherein said auxiliary brim comprises auxiliary brim positioning elements being complementary to said main body brim positioning elements.

6. A visor according to claim 5, wherein said main body brim positioning elements comprise a base member having spaced apart lateral embossments defining receiving spaces therebetween.

7. A visor according to claim 5, wherein said auxiliary brim positioning elements comprise longitudinal members having respective enlarged free ends.

8. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary brim is moveably mounted between a stationary member and said main body brim.

9. A visor according to claim 8, wherein said auxiliary brim is moveably mounted between said stationary member and the underside of said main body brim.

10. A visor according to claim 8, wherein said stationary member is mounted to said main body brim via fasteners.

11. A visor according to claim 10, wherein said auxiliary brim comprises openings for said fasteners, said openings being so configured as to provide for said auxiliary brim to be moveable as to extend or retract said peak edge.

12. A visor according to claim 10, wherein said main body brim comprises spacer members, said fasteners being mountable to said spacer members thereby providing a predetermined distance between said stationary member and said main body brim, said auxiliary brim being positioned with said predetermined distance.

13. A visor according to claim 8, wherein said stationary member comprises rigidity ribs.

14. A visor according to claim 13, wherein said rigidity ribs provide for said stationary member to be spaced apart from said auxiliary brim.

15. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary member comprises rigidity ribs.

16. A visor according to claim 15, wherein said rigidity ribs provide for said auxiliary brim to be spaced apart from said main body brim.

17. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting assembly comprises a pair of mounting extensions having mounting elements at their respective free ends for being fixedly mounted to the helmet.

18. A visor according to claim 17, wherein said mounting elements comprise apertures.

19. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting assembly comprises a coupling portion for coupling to the helmet.

20. A visor according to claim 19, wherein said coupling portion comprises a pair of upwardly flaring fingers and a downwardly extending thumb element therebetween for grasping the helmet.

21. A visor according to claim 1 , wherein said main body brim comprises openings for removably receiving separate body portions.

22. A protective headwear comprising: a helmet; a visor coupled to said helmet, said visor comprising a brim assembly including a main body brim and an auxiliary brim moveably mounted to said main body brim, said brim assembly defining a peak edge; wherein said auxiliary brim is so moveable as to extend or retract said peak edge thereby respectively lengthening or shortening said brim assembly.

23. A protective headwear according to claim 3 .wherein said brim assembly defines a non-perforated top surface acting as a shield.

24. A protective headwear according to claim 22, further comprising positioning elements, said auxiliary brim moveably engaging said positioning elements so as to extend or retract said peak at predetermined positions defined by said positioning elements.

25. A protective headwear according to claim 24, wherein said main body brim includes said positioning elements.

26. A protective headwear according to claim 25, wherein said auxiliary brim comprises auxiliary brim positioning elements being complementary to said main body brim positioning elements.

27. A protective headwear according to claim 26, wherein said main body brim positioning elements comprise a base member having spaced apart lateral embossments defining receiving spaces therebetween.

28. A protective headwear according to claim 26, wherein said auxiliary brim positioning elements comprise longitudinal members having respective enlarged free ends.

29. A protective headwear according to claim 22, wherein said auxiliary brim is moveably mounted between a stationary member and said main body brim.

30. A protective headwear according to claim 29, wherein said auxiliary brim is moveably mounted between said stationary member and the underside of said main body brim.

31. A protective headwear according to claim 29, wherein said stationary member is mounted to said main body brim via fasteners.

32. A protective headwear according to claim 31 , wherein said auxiliary brim comprises openings for said fasteners, said openings being so configured as to provide for said auxiliary brim to be moveable as to extend or retract said peak edge.

33. A protective headwear according to claim 31 , wherein said main body brim comprises spacer members, said fasteners being mountable to said spacer members thereby providing a predetermined distance between said stationary member and said main body brim, said auxiliary brim being positioned with said predetermined distance.

34. A protective headwear according to claim 29, wherein said stationary member comprises rigidity ribs.

35. A protective headwear according to claim 34, wherein said rigidity ribs provide for said stationary member to be spaced apart from said auxiliary brim.

36. A protective headwear according to claim 22, wherein said auxiliary member comprises rigidity ribs.

37. A protective headwear according to claim 36, wherein said rigidity ribs provide for said auxiliary brim to be spaced apart from said main body brim.

38. A protective headwear according to claim 22, wherein said visor further comprises a mounting assembly opposite said brim assembly and being mounted to said helmet.

39. A protective headwear according to claim 38, wherein said mounting assembly comprises a pair of mounting extensions having mounting elements at their respective free being fixedly mounted to said helmet.

40. A protective headwear according to claim 39, wherein said mounting elements comprise apertures.

41. A protective headwear according to claim 38, wherein said mounting assembly comprises a coupling portion coupled to said helmet.

42. A protective headwear according to claim 41 , wherein said coupling portion comprises a pair of upwardly flaring fingers and a downwardly extending thumb element therebetween grasping said helmet.

43. A protective headwear according to claim 22, wherein said brim assembly is integral to said helmet.

44. A protective according to claim 1 , wherein said main body brim comprises openings for removably receiving separate body portions.