HELMET SHIELD VISOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/739,737, filed Dec. 30, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to helmet visors, and more particularly to a helmet shield visor that is releasably attachable to a helmet shield of a full-face non-visor helmet.

State of the Art

Full-face helmets are commonly utilized in various driving applications, particularly in off-road vehicle operation such as side-by-sides, UTVs, and similar vehicles. These helmets typically include a transparent shield that covers the face opening of the helmet, providing protection from wind, debris, and other environmental elements while allowing the wearer to maintain visibility.

During operation of off-road vehicles, drivers may encounter challenging lighting conditions that can impair visibility and create safety concerns. Low angle sunlight, such as that experienced during sunrise or sunset, can create direct glare that interferes with the driver's ability to see the terrain and obstacles ahead. Similarly, artificial lighting conditions, such as those encountered in stadium environments during evening events, can produce comparable visibility challenges. Additionally, mud, dust, and other debris kicked up during off-road operation can further complicate visibility for the driver.

Conventional approaches to addressing these visibility challenges have included the use of separate sun-blocking accessories or manual shielding techniques. For example, drivers have been known to use one hand to block incoming light while using the other hand to control the steering wheel or handlebars of the vehicle. This approach divides the driver's attention and reduces their ability to maintain full control of the vehicle, which can be particularly problematic in the demanding conditions often encountered during off-road driving.

Various visor and shade configurations have been developed for different types of eyewear and headgear applications. Some designs incorporate visors that are permanently attached to frames or structures, while others utilize removable or adjustable configurations. However, adapting such solutions to work effectively with the curved shield surfaces of full-face helmets presents design considerations related to attachment, positioning, and compatibility with the rotatable nature of helmet shields.

Accordingly, there is a need in helmet accessories that can provide light-blocking functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing full-face helmet designs and allowing for user customization based on varying environmental conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a visor configured to couple to a shield of a helmet is provided. In this embodiment, the visor includes a visor body member. The visor further includes a first side attachment member coupled to the visor body member. The visor also includes a second side attachment member coupled to the visor body member. Additionally, the visor includes a center attachment member coupled to the visor body member. The first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member are configured to releasably attach to an outer surface of the shield of a full-face non-visor helmet.

In another embodiment, a helmet is provided. In this embodiment, the helmet includes a shield. The helmet further includes a visor coupled to the shield. The visor includes a visor body member extending outwardly from the shield, a first side attachment member, a second side attachment member, and a center attachment member. The first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member releasably attach the visor to an outer surface of the shield at a user defined angle. The user defined angle is defined by an angle between a profile slant of a center line of the visor body member and a center line of the helmet.

In yet another embodiment, a method of using a visor configured to couple to a shield of a helmet is provided. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a visor having a visor body member, a first side attachment member, a second side attachment member, and a center attachment member. The method further includes releasably attaching the first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member to an outer surface of a shield of a full-face non-visor helmet. The visor body member extends outwardly from the shield when the visor is attached to the shield.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a helmet shield visor coupled to a shield of a helmet, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet shield visor of FIG. 1 removed from the shield of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a helmet shield visor, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a helmet shield visor, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a helmet shield visor, in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of using a helmet shield visor, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a helmet shield visor that is releasably attachable to a helmet shield of a full-face non-visor helmet.

Referring to FIG. 1, a helmet shield visor 10 is shown coupled to a shield 32 of a helmet 30. The helmet 30 may be a full-face non-visor helmet. The helmet shield visor 10 includes a visor body member 12 that extends outwardly from the shield 32 of the helmet 30. The visor body member 12 may be configured to provide light blocking functionality for a wearer of the helmet 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the helmet shield visor 10 includes a first side attachment member 14 coupled to the visor body member 12 and a center attachment member 18 coupled to the visor body member 12. The first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 are positioned along an upper portion of the shield 32. The first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 may be configured to releasably attach to an outer surface of the shield 32 of the full-face non-visor helmet 30. In some embodiments, the first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 releasably attach the helmet shield visor 10 to the outer surface of the shield 32.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the helmet shield visor 10 may be attached to the shield 32 at a user defined angle 40. The user defined angle 40 may be defined by an angle between a profile slant of a center line of visor body member 42 and a center line of helmet 44 when the helmet shield visor 10 is attached to the shield 32 of the helmet 30. The center line of visor body member 42 represents the profile slant of the visor body member 12, and the center line of helmet 44 represents a vertical reference of the helmet 30. In FIG. 1, the center line of visor body member 42 and the center line of helmet 44 are shown as dashed lines to illustrate the angular relationship between the helmet shield visor 10 and the helmet 30.

The user defined angle 40 may be adjusted by changing a location on the shield 32 to which the first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 are coupled. By repositioning the first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 at different locations on the outer surface of the shield 32, a user may customize the user defined angle 40 to accommodate varying lighting conditions or personal preferences.

Referring to FIG. 2, a helmet shield visor 10 is shown separated from a shield 32 of a helmet 30, illustrating a releasable attachment capability of the helmet shield visor 10. The helmet shield visor 10 includes a visor body member 12, a first side attachment member 14 and a center attachment member 18. The first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 are configured to releasably attach to an outer surface of the shield 32 of a full-face non-visor helmet 30. The second side attachment member 16 is similarly configured to releasably attach to the outer surface of the shield 32. When the helmet shield visor 10 is removed from the shield 32, the attachment members 14, 16 and 18 may be disengaged from the outer surface of the shield 32, allowing a user to detach the helmet shield visor 10 from the helmet 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the shield 32 of the full-face non-visor helmet 30 may be rotatable with respect to the helmet 30. Because the helmet shield visor 10 is coupled to the outer surface of the shield 32, the visor 10 may be moveable with the shield 32 when the shield 32 is rotated with respect to the helmet 30. When a user rotates the shield 32, the helmet shield visor 10 rotates with the shield 32, maintaining the position of the visor 10 relative to the shield 32 throughout the rotation.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the helmet shield visor 10 may be attached to the shield 30 at a user defined angle 40. The user defined angle 40 may be adjustable in response to adjusting a location on the shield 32 to which the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 are coupled. By repositioning the attachment members 14, 16 and 18 at different locations on the outer surface of the shield 32, a user may modify the angle at which the visor body member 12 extends from the shield 32, thereby customizing the light blocking functionality of the helmet shield visor 10 based on lighting conditions or personal preference.

In some embodiments, the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 may include attachment devices formed as part of the shield 32 or coupled to the outer surface of the shield 32. Corresponding attachment means may be provided on the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18. The attachment devices and the attachment means of the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 may be releasably coupled together, allowing a user to couple the helmet shield visor 10 to the shield 32 and remove the helmet shield visor 10 from the shield 32.

Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of a helmet shield visor 10 in isolation is depicted. The helmet shield visor 10 includes a visor body member 12 that forms the main structural component of the helmet shield visor 10. The visor body member 12 may include a curved profile that corresponds to an arcuate shape of a helmet shield 32. The curved profile of the visor body member 12 may facilitate conformance to the curvature of a shield when the helmet shield visor 10 is attached to the shield 32.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a first side attachment member 14 may be positioned at one end of the visor body member 12. The first side attachment member 14 may be configured to releasably attach to an outer surface of a shield 32 of a full-face non-visor helmet 30. A center attachment member 18 may be positioned along an upper portion of the visor body member 12. The center attachment member 18 may also be configured to releasably attach to the outer surface of the shield 32.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the first side attachment member 14 and the center attachment member 18 may each include an adhesive configured to secure to the outer surface of the shield 32. In some embodiments, a second side attachment member 16 may also include an adhesive configured to secure to the outer surface of the shield. The adhesive may comprise an adhesive tape. For example, and without limitation, the adhesive tape may be a double-sided adhesive tape that allows the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 to be releasably secured to the outer surface of the shield 32. The use of adhesive tape may allow a user to attach the helmet shield visor 10 to the shield 32 and remove the helmet shield visor 10 from the shield 32 as desired.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of the helmet shield visor 10 is depicted. The visor body member 12 may include an arcuate shaped end. A second side attachment member 16 may be coupled to the visor body member 12 and positioned on a lateral side of the helmet shield visor 10 opposite the first side attachment member 14. The center attachment member 18 may be located at a central position between the first side attachment member 14 and the second side attachment member 16.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 may define an arc 20. The arc 20 may correspond to an arcuate shape of the shield 32 of the helmet 30. The arc 20 may engage the first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18, providing a curved profile that facilitates attachment to the curved surface of the shield 32. The visor body member 12 may extend from the arc 20 in a direction away from where the helmet shield visor 10 attaches to the shield 32. In some embodiments, the arcuate shaped end of the visor body member 12 may be configured to conform to the curvature of the shield 32, allowing the helmet shield visor 10 to be positioned against the outer surface of the shield 32.

Referring to FIG. 5, a front view of a helmet shield visor 10 is shown. The helmet shield visor 10 includes a visor body member 12 that forms a main structural component of the helmet shield visor 10. The visor body member 12 has an arcuate shape configured to conform to a curvature of a helmet shield. A first side attachment member 14 may be positioned on one lateral end of the visor body member 12, while a second side attachment member 16 may be positioned on an opposite lateral end of the visor body member 12. A center attachment member 18 may be located at a central portion of the visor body member 12 between the first side attachment member 14 and the second side attachment member 16. The first side attachment member 14, the second side attachment member 16, and the center attachment member 18 are configured to releasably attach the helmet shield visor 10 to a shield 32 of a full-face non-visor helmet 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the visor body member 12 may include a plurality of ribs 22 that extend along portions of the visor body member 12. In some embodiments, four ribs 22 may be positioned symmetrically on either side of the center attachment member 18. The ribs 22 provide structural support to the visor body member 12. The ribs 22 also have desired aerodynamics to help the helmet shield visor 10 provide light blocking functionality while reducing air resistance during use. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 22 may be integrally formed with the visor body member 12. In other embodiments, the plurality of ribs 22 may be separately manufactured and coupled to the visor body member 12. The overall configuration of the helmet shield visor 10 enables attachment to a helmet shield to provide light blocking functionality for users of full-face non-visor helmets. In some embodiments, a helmet may include a shield and a visor coupled to the shield, wherein the visor body member 12 includes a plurality of ribs 22 that provide structural support to the visor body member 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 100 of using a visor configured to couple to a shield of a helmet is depicted according to an embodiment. The method 100 may include providing a visor having a visor body member, a first side attachment member, a second side attachment member, and a center attachment member (Step 102). The visor body member may form a main structural component of the visor and may be configured to extend outwardly from a shield when the visor is attached to the shield. The first side attachment member may be positioned on one lateral end of the visor body member, while the second side attachment member may be positioned on an opposite lateral end of the visor body member. The center attachment member may be located at a central portion of the visor body member between the first side attachment member and the second side attachment member.

The method 100 may include releasably attaching the first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member to an outer surface of a shield of a full-face non-visor helmet (Step 104). When the visor is attached to the shield, the visor body member extends outwardly from the shield to provide light blocking functionality for a wearer of the helmet (Step 104). In some embodiments, releasably attaching the first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member to the outer surface of the shield may include securing an adhesive of each of the first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member to the outer surface of the shield. The adhesive may include an adhesive tape that facilitates secure yet removable attachment to the shield.

The visor body member may include an arcuate shaped end. The first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member may define an arc corresponding to an arcuate shape of the shield. The arc defined by the attachment members may facilitate conforming the visor to a curved surface of the shield, allowing for secure attachment along the curvature of the shield.

The method 100 may further include adjusting a user defined angle of the visor by adjusting a location on the shield to which the first side attachment member, the second side attachment member, and the center attachment member are coupled. The user defined angle may be defined by an angle between a profile slant of a center line of the visor body member and a center line of the helmet. By repositioning the attachment members at different locations on the outer surface of the shield, a user may customize the angle at which the visor extends from the shield to accommodate varying lighting conditions or personal preferences.

The method 100 may further include rotating the shield with respect to the helmet. Because the visor is coupled to the outer surface of the shield, the visor moves with the shield when the shield is rotated. The shield of a full-face non-visor helmet may be rotatable with respect to the helmet, and the visor may remain attached to the shield during rotation, allowing a user to adjust the position of both the shield and the visor simultaneously.

The components defining the helmet shield visor may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of the helmet shield visor. In some embodiments, the components may be formed of rubbers, including synthetic rubbers and natural rubbers. The components may be formed of glasses such as fiberglass. In some embodiments, the components may be formed of carbon-fiber materials, aramid-fiber materials, or any combination thereof.

The components defining the helmet shield visor may be formed of polymers. In some embodiments, the polymers may include thermoplastics such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polymers may include thermosets such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, or any combination thereof. The components may also be formed of composites.

In some embodiments, the components defining the helmet shield visor may be formed of metals such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any combination thereof. The components may be formed of alloys such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, or any combination thereof. The components may be formed of any other suitable material or any combination of the foregoing materials.

The components defining the helmet shield visor may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. In some embodiments, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of the components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, or any combination thereof.

If any of the components are manufactured separately, the components may then be coupled with one another in any manner. In some embodiments, the components may be coupled using adhesive, such as 3M VHB adhesive. The components may be coupled using a weld. In some embodiments, the components may be coupled using a fastener, such as a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, or any combination thereof. The components may be coupled using wiring or any combination of the foregoing coupling methods.

In some embodiments, the components may undergo surface finishing processes. The surface finishing processes may include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, painting, or any combination thereof.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.