GB2516863A

GB2516863A - Helmet Visor

Info

Publication number: GB2516863A
Application number: GB201313812A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth James Dufty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-01
Filing date: 2013-08-01
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201313812D0

Abstract

A visor 100 suitable for a helmet comprising a transparent element 10, a wiper 2 and a wiper motor 1, the wiper removing moisture from an outside surface of the transparent element and a heater 4 in thermal contact with an interior surface of the transparent element to remove condensed moisture. The wiper may be resiliently flexible and may comprise cleaning means. The heater is preferably partially embedded in the transparent element and may comprise a transparent conducting material. The visor may also comprise indicator means to indicate when a turn indicator 5 or brake light 8 of a vehicle is active. The visor may further comprise a video camera to capture a rearward of forward view, and a video display device 6 to transmit the camera view to the user. The visor may comprise a thermochromic or photochromic element.

Description

HELMET VISOR

The present invention relates to a visor for a helmet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a visor for a motorcycle helmet, and to a helmet comprising the visor.

Helmets are widely used to reduce the risk of injury arising from an accident. In some applications, helmets with transparent visors are used. The visor provides some protection for the user's eyes, for example from wind or from debris and particles, at the same time as allowing a clear view.

In many countries, helmets are mandatory for riding a motorcycle on a public highway. Although the present invention is highly applicable to motorcycle helmets, it can also be applied to other types of helmets with transparent visors which are intended to be used outdoors. Such applications include snowmobiles and motorsports in general.

One problem with helmet visors is that the clear view afforded by a transparent visor is often compromised. Rain landing on the visor obseurcs vision through the visor, which tends to compromise safety for the user of the helmet. Furthermore, condensation or frosting can occur on an interior or exterior surface of the visor.

Condensation is a particular problem for full face helmets when the user is moving at a relatively low speed, because there tends to be insufficient air circulation to clear the moisture from the user's breath, which subsequently may condense on an interior surface of the visor. In cold conditions (which are typically associated with snowmobiles), condensation on an interior surface of the visor may be particularly problematic.

The use of a helmet may limit the user's field of view, and in many cases the use of a helmet is associated with a relatively high level of noise for the wearer. In the context of riding a motorcycle, it is very easy for the rider not to notice indicators in the clock area of the motorcyle. One instance of this problem is that of indicators, which are typically not self cancelling, and can easily be left activated inadvertently. Other important signals may also be overlooked, such as warning lights associated with oil pressure or engine temperature, or indicating full beam.

A further problem associated with helmets it that they are prone to damage. It is widely believed that a helmet that has been dropped onto a hard surface may be damaged so that it should not subsequently be used.

A number of systems have been proposed to help maintain a clear view through helmet visors. US8209783 discloses a visor with an integrated wiper, for use with an open face helmet which lacks a chin guard. US6701537 discloses a heated visor system comprising a battery for powering the heated visor. Although progress has been made, none of these systems has proven entirely satisfactory.

It is an object of the present invention to address at least some of the above mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visor for a helmet, comprising: a transparent element; a wiper and wiper motor, the wiper motor being operable to move the wiper so as to remove moisture from an exterior surface of the transparent clement, and the wiper and wiper motor being attached adjacent to an edge of the transparent element; a heater in thermal contact with an interior surface of the transparent element, thc hcatcr being operable to remove condensed moisture from an intcrior surfacc of the transparent element.

Integrating both a wiper and heater with a visor substantially improves on the prior art by providing means for removing visually obscuring moisture from both interior and exterior surfaces of the visor. Integrating the wiper and heater element with the visor, rather than using components external to the visor, means that the visor can be fitted to a conventional helmet as an aftermarket accessory. Furthermore, in the event that the helmet is damaged (for example by an accident or a drop onto a hard surface), the visor may be removed and re-used on a new helmet.

The wiper may be resiliently tiexible, so that it conforms to the shape of the transparent element throughout the range of movement of the wiper.

The heater may be at least partially embedded in the transparent element.

The heater may comprise a substantially transparent conducting material. A transparent electrically conducting material may reduce the distraction to a wearer of the visor caused by visible heater elements in the field of view.

The heater may comprise a wire element with a diameter of less than 200pni. Using a relatively small diameter of wire clement will reduce the visibility of the wire to the user. The wire element may have a diameter of less than S00jini, 200irm, I Oojxm, Sojimor2Op.tm.

The visor may comprise indicator means, attached to the transparent element, the indicator means being operable to provide information to a wearer of the helmet. The provision of information to the wearer of the visor, in close proximity to their normal field of view, has the potential to improve the safety of the wearer.

The information may be related to a vehicle, for example a motorbike, quad bike or snowmobile that is being ridden by the wearer of a helmet to which the visor is attached.

The indicator means may comprise a turn indicator, which indicates when a turn indicator of the vehicle is active. Turn indicators for motorcycles are not typically self cancelling, and it is easy to miss when a turn indicator has been inadvertently left on, partly because the visual indicators near the clocks are relatively distant from the

normal field of view of a rider.

The indicator means may comprise a brake indicator, which indicates that the brake of a vehicle is in use.

The visor may comprise a miniature vidco camera attached to the transparent element.

The video camera may be rear facing, operable to capture a rearward view behind a wearer of the visor. The rider or driver may thereby be made aware of at least part of the rearward view from his vehicle without the need to check mirrors. The camera may provide additional information to the rider or driver to that which he could typically ascertain by checking his mirrors and/or turning to look behind him.

Accordingly, the rider of driver's safety may be enhanced.

The visor may comprise a forward facing video camera attached to the transparent element, operable to capture a forward view in front of the wearer of the visor. A record of the forward view may be valuable to establish fault (or lack thereof) in an accident. The use of recording devices may be used as a justification to reduce vehicle insurance premiums in some parts of the world.

The visor may comprise a power source attached to the transparent element, the power source being operable to provide power to at least one of the wiper motor, heater, and other electrically powered components attached to the visor. Integrating a power source with the visor means that the user does not need to connect any external source of power thereto before use, improving the convenience and ease of use of the visor.

The power source may comprise a rechargeable battery (e.g. a Li ion battery).

The power source may comprise an electrical connector configured to receive electrical power from a vehicle power supply.

The power source may be operable to charge the rechargeable battery using power received from an external power supply. In extended use, it may be necessary for the integrated power source to be supplemented by an external electrical power source.

The visor may further comprise a video display device (e.g. a miniature thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD)) attached to the transparent element.

The video display device may be operable to display a video stream from a helmet mounted camera. The helmet mounted camera may be a camera that is attached to the transparent element of the visor.

The video display device may be operable to display vehicle related information.

The vehicle related information may be selected from group of: engine rotation speed, engine temperature, engine oil pressure, vehicle speed, fuel consumption, vehicle range; fuel level; average speed; and distance travelled.

The video display device may be configured to display navigational information.

The visor may comprise a wireless communication means for receiving information from an external computer device.

The communication means may comprise a Bluetooth or Wifi (IEEE 802.11) communication means.

The visor may thereby enable navigational information from a wearer's smart phone to

be displayed in their field of view.

The external computer device may comprise a vehicle control unit and/or a smart

phone or tablet.

The visor may comprise control means, attached to the transparent clement, operable by the visor wearer to control the operation of at least one component of the visor.

The control means may comprise at least one of: i) a wiper control means; ii) a heater control means; iii) a master on/off control means.

The control means may be attached adjacent to an edge of the transparent element.

The transparent clement may comprise a photochromic element, so that level of transparency (or tinting) or the visor can be varicd in response to the level of ambient light. The transparent element may comprise an electrochromic element, so that the level of transparency (or tinting) of the visor can be varied in response to a user operable control.

The visor may be suitable for a motorcycle helmet. (3

The wiper may comprise a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent may comprise at least one of a detergent and an organic solvent, such as alcohol. The inclusion of a cleaning agent may improve the ability of the wiper to keep the transparent element clean.

The cleaning agent may be activated by moisturc on the wiper. For instance the cleaning agent may be a water soluble, non-volatile gel or a solid. The use of a moisture activated cleaning agent may enable extendcd storage of the wiper without loss of the cleaning agent.

The visor may comprise an attachment means for removably attaching the wipcr to thc visor. The attachment means may be operable to remove and attach the wiper by hand, without tools. The attachment means may comprise at least one of: a clip, a cam lock, and a snap fit means. Providing a convenient means for removing the wiper makes it more convenient to remove thc wiper from the visor. Removing the wiper from the visor allows the potential for damage to the wiper to be minimised, for instance when the visor (and/or wiper) is not in use.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a helmet, comprising the visor according to the first aspcet of the invention.

The helmet may be a motorcycle helmet or a snowmobile helmet.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a visor according to an embodiment of the invention, projected onto a 2D plane from an interior side; Figure 2 is a further schematic view of a visor according to an embodiment of the invention, projected onto a 2D plane from an exterior side; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a visor according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a visor 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a transparent element 10, wiper 2, wiper motor 1, and heater 4.

The visor 100 also comprises a number of visual indicators, including turn indicators 5, rear-view screen 6, and brake indicator 8. A miniature caniera 9a, 9b is fixed at each side of the visor, with a first camera 9a facing forwards, and a second camera 9b facing rearwards. Thc visor 100 also comprises a number of controls, including a system on/off switch 11, as well as a heater control 13, a wiper control 12, and a camcra control 16 (not shown in Figurcs 1 and 2). Thc visor 100 further comprises a power supply 14.

For simplicity, the visor 100 of Figures 1 and 2 is depicted as a tiat shape. It will be appreciated that the visor 100 is configured to be attached to a helmet, and the transparent elen-ient 10 will be shaped to conform with the contours of a helmet. For instance, the transparent element 10 may be curved in at least one direction. The transparent element 10 may comprise a plastics material such as polycarbonate, and may be formed by thermofonning or injection moulding. The transparent element 10 has two opposite long edges 21, and two opposite short edges 22. In use, the extent of the transparent element 10 along the short edges 22 defines a field of view in elevation (up and down), and the extent of the transparent element 10 along the long edges 21 defines a field of view in azimuth (side-to-side). The transparent element 10 may comprise a photochromic or electrochromic element (not shown). The photochromic or electroehromie element may be laminated to the other layers of the transparent element 10, and cover substantially all of the area of the transparent element 10.

The visor 100 may also comprise attachment means (not shown), by which the visor may be attached to a helmet. The attachment nieans for different helmets vary widely (and may be proprietary), and are not depicted for simplicity.

The motor 1 is fixed to the transparent element 10, and is connected to a wiper 2. The motor I is operable to rotate the wiper 2 in a reciprocating manner, so that the wiper 2 is caused to wipe to and fro across the surface of the transparent element 10.

The wiper 2 may comprise a wiper armature 2a and a wiper blade 2b. The wiper blade 2b may comprise a thin resiliently deformable material, such as rubber. The armature 2a may comprise a resiliently deformable material such as an aluminium alloy, or a fibre reinforced composite, which may comprise carbon fibre. The armature 2a may be configured to be flexible in a direction normal to the adjacent surface of the transparent element 10, and less flexible in a direction parallel to the adjacent surface of the transparent element 0, thereby providing sufficient flexibility to track the contours of the transparent element 10 as the wiper 2 moves, at the same time as providing sufficient stiffness and strength to resist the motor forces necessary to rcciprocatc thc wiper 2.

The resiliently deformable wiper blade follows the contours of the transparent element 10, so that whcn the wiper 2 is rotated by thc motor 1, water or condensation is substantially removed from the track of the wiper 2. The wiper 2 may be connected to the motor 1 via the wiper armature 2a, with an arrangement that is resiliently deformable towards and away from the transparent element, such as a spring loaded pivot arrangement, so that the wipcr 2 is pressed against the transparent clement 10 in use. The resiliently deformable arrangement connecting the wiper 2 to the motor I may improve the ability of the wiper 2 to track the contours of the transparent element 10, by allowing wiper movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wiper 2.

The wiper 2 may comprise a metal, a plastics material, and/or a fibre reinforced composite. The wiper 2 may comprisc graphite.

The wiper 2 and motor I may be disposed adjacent to a long edge 21 of the transparent element 10, substantially at the centre of a long edge 21. The wiper 2 may thereby be configured to wipe a central region of thc transparent element 10.

The helmet, which the visor 100 is configured to attach to, may be a full face type helmet comprising a chin guard, an open facc helmet with no chin guard, or a hybrid helmet, in which the chin guard and visor can be pivotcd upwards away from the face.

In this embodin-ient the motor 1 is a niiniature electrical niotor, such as a DC motor.

The visor control logic may comprise a motor controller which is configured to control the operation of the motor 1, and hence the movement of the wiper 2.

In other embodiments, rather than rotating about a motor spindle, the wiper 2 may be configured to be translated along a long edge of the transparent element, so that the wiper traverses a portion of the transparent element 10 without rotating. This arrangement may improve the area of the transparent element 10 which can be wiped by the wiper 2, but may require a more complex drive system for the wiper 2.

The heater 4 is arranged so as to minimise obscuration of the view through the transparent element 10 of the visor 100. The heater 4 is operable to increase the temperature of the interior surface so as to reduce the occurrence of condensation thereon. This may be particularly applicable to visors 100 for applications in which cold temperatures are typical, such as snowmobiles.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, the heater 4 comprises a thin wire fixed near an interior surface of the transparent element 10. The thin wire may be metallic, and may have a diameter of less than: 500i.tm; 250gm; lOOj.tm; 50j.tm; or 20gm. The heater 4 may be embedded within the transparent element 10, or may be affixed to the surface thereof The heater 4 may comprise a single serpentine track, as shown in Figure 3, or may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel wire tracks connecting two supply rails (not shown) at either side of the transparent element 10. In other embodiments the heater 4 may comprise a substantially transparent electrically conducting material, such as a transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. Where the heater 4 coniprises a substantially transparent conductor, the heater 4 may comprise a more continuous layer. For example, more than 50°% of the field of view through the transparent element 10 may be through the transparent layer.

The heater 4 may be disposed over a central region of the interior surface of the transparent element 10. The central region may comprise at least two thirds of the area of the interior surface of the transparent element 10.

The controls of the visor 100 are all fixed to the transparent element 10, adjacent to the edges thereof The operation of the wiper 2 may be controlled using the wiper control 12, which is fixed to the transparent element 10, adjacent to a short edge 22 thereof The wiper control 12 may comprise a micro-switch, a rotary switch or a multi-position switch.

The wiper control may be electrically connected to visor control logic, through which the wiper may be controlled. The visor control logic may be configured to advance through a number of operational modes as the wiper control 12 is operated. For instance, if the wiper control 12 is a two position micro-switch, the visor control logic may be configured to operate the motor so as to move the wipe!' 2 intermittently on an initial press of the wiper control 12. A second press of the wiper control 12 may result in continuous operation of the wiper 2 at a first speed. A third press of the wiper control 12 may result in a continuous operation of the wiper at a second speed, the second speed being greater than the first speed. A long press of the wiper control 12 may be used to perform a specific function, such as turning off the wiper 2. In other embodiments the wiper control 12 may comprise a switch that can be positioned in a plurality of positions, each position corresponding to an operational mode of the wiper 2. For instance, the wiper control 12 may be a four position switch, with a position corresponding with: off; intermittent; slow; and fast operation of the wiper 2.

The heater 4 is controlled by the heater control 13. The heater control 13 may be a switch that is operable to toggle power to the heater 4. In some embodiments, the heater control 13 is operable to supply power to the heater 4 for a fixed period of time, for instance 5 minutes, the period of timc being selected to be sufficicnt to substantially eliminate condensation or fogging from the interior surface of the transparent element 10.

A master on/off switch 11 is provided, operable to turn all the functions of the visor on or off.

In some embodiments, a camera control 16 is provided. This may be used to turn on at least one of the visor mounted cameras 9a, 9b and/or to start recording video from one or more of the cameras 9a, 9b.

The power supply 14 is fixcd to the transparent clement 10, and may comprisc a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The power supply 14 is configured to provide power for each of the components of the visor 100 that requires electrical power. The power supply 14 further comprises an electrical connector 15 by which the power supply 14 can be connected to a vehicle power supply system. The power supply 14 may include a charging circuit for charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply 14 from a connected external power supply, such as vehicle power supply.

The visual indicators are positioned adjacent to a long edge of the transparent element 10. The rear-view screen 6 may comprise a miniature display screen, such as a thin film transistor liquid crystal display. The miniature display screen is connected to the visor control logic, which may comprise a microprocessor. The visor control logic may further comprise communication means, such as a Bluetooth or wifi communications device, by which the visor control logic may communicate with a vehicle computer system, a smart phone or any other computer system.

The miniature display screen 6 is operable to display information from the miniature cameras 9a, 9b, and may, for instance, be operable to provide a rear view from the rear facing miniature camera 9b. The miniature display screen may also be operable to display other information, such as: satellite navigation information, vehicle speed, engine parameters (e.g. rpm, oil pressure, coolant temperature ete), safety/speed camera information. Such information may be combined or overlaid with a view from one of the miniature cameras 9a, 9b (such as a rear view). Such information may be reccivcd from a vehicle computer systcm via a wireless communication link.

The turn indicators Sa, Sb may be responsive to turn signals (or indicators) of a vehicle, such as a motorbike. For instance, the visor may be in communication with a vehicle computer, which communicates to the visor when a turn signal is active, so that the appropriate turn indicator Sa, Sb may be lit. Similarly the brake indicator 8 may bc responsive to a vehicle brake light, so that the brake indicator 8 is lit when the vehicle brake light is lit.

The miniature cameras 9a, 9b are connected to the visor, which may comprise storage means for recording video streams from the miniature cameras 9a, 9b. Such information may be used in invcstigation of accidents and insurance claims, to provide evidence of who was at fault in a specific incident.

A number of the components of the visor 100 have been described as attached or otherwise secured to the transparent clement 10. This will be understood to include embodiments in which the component is fixed to the transparent element 10 via at least one intermediary component, such as a housing, body or clip.

In some enibodiments, the wiper 2 may be removably attached to the visor 100, so that it may conveniently be separated from the visor and stored separately when not in use.

The attachment means by which the wiper 2 is removable attached may be opcrable to attach and remove the wiper 2 to and from the visor 100 without the use of tools. For instance, thc attachmcnt means may cornprisc at least onc of a snap fit means, a clip, and a cam operated locking device. Detaching the wiper 2 from the visor 100 may allow more convenient storage of a helmet with a visor 100 according to an embodiment. Furthcrmore, separating the wipcr 2 from the visor 100 when tile wiper 2 is not required minimises the potential for the wiper 2 to be damaged or broken, for instance when the helmet is not being worn.

In somc embodiments the wipcr bladc 2b is impregnated with a cleaning agent, for example a detergent and/or an organic solvent such as an alcohol. The cleaning agent may be selected to remain inert until the wiper blade 2b is moistened, so that it is only active when the wiper blade 2b is moist. For instance, the cicaning agent may bc a non volatile, solid or gel detergent dispersed within a porous wiper blade 2b. When the wiper blade 2b is moistened, the detergent may be carried by the water to the surface of the wiper blade 2b, for cleaning the surface of the transparent elenient 10 of the visor 100.

Although specific embodiments have been described, a number of other modifications are possible, within the scope of the invention, as determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CL Al NI S 1. A visor for a helmet, comprising: a transparent elenient; a wiper and a wiper motor, the wiper motor being operable to move the wiper so as to remove moisture from an exterior surface of the transparent element, and the wiper and wiper motor being attached adjacent to an edge of the transparent element; a heater in thermal contact with an interior surface of the transparent clement, the heater being operable to reniove condensed nioisture from an interior surface of the transparent element.
2. The visor according to claim 1, wherein the wiper is resiliently flexible, so that it conforms to the shape of the transparent element throughout the range of movement of the wiper.
3. The visor of claim I or claim 2, wherein the heater is at least partially embedded in the transparent element;
4. The visor of any preceding claim, whcrein the heater comprises a substantially transparent conducting material.
5. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein the heater comprises a wire element with a diameter of less than 100 jtm.
6. The visor of any preceding claim, further comprising indicator mcans, attached to the transparent element, the indicator means being operable to provide information relating to a vehicle.
7. The visor of claim 6, wherein the indicator means comprises a turn indicator, which indicates when a turn indicator of thc vehicic is active.
8. The visor of claim 6 or 7, wherein the indicator means comprises a brake indicator, which indicates that the brake of a vehicle is in use.
9. The visor of any preceding claim, further comprising a miniature video camera attached to the transparent element.
10. The visor of claim 9, wherein the video camera is rear facing, operable to capture a rearward view behind a wearer of the visor.
11. The visor of claim 9 or 10, comprising a forward facing video camera attached to the transparcnt element, operable to capturc a forward view in front of the wearer of the visor.
12. The visor of any preceding claim, further comprising a power source attached to the transparent element, the power source being operable to provide power to at least one of the wiper motor, heater, and other electrically powered components attached to the visor.
13. The visor of claim 12, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.
14. The visor of claim 12 or 13, wherein the power source comprises an electrical connector configured to receive electrical power from a vehicle power supply.
15. The visor of any preceding claim, further comprising a video display device attached to the transparent element.
16. The visor of claim 15, wherein the video display device is operable to display a video stream from a helmet mounted camera.
17. The visor of claim IS or 16, wherein the video display device is operable to display navigational information, and/or vehicle information.
18. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein the visor comprises control means, attached to the transparent element, operable by the visor wearer to control the operation of at least one component of the visor.
19. The visor of claim 18, wherein the control means comprise at least one of: i) a wiper control means; ii) a heater control means; iii) a master on/off control means.
20. The visor of claim 8 or 19, wherein the control means are attached adjacent to an edge of the transparent clement.
21. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein thc visor compriscs communication means for receiving information from an external computing device.
22. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein the visor is suitable for a motorcycle helmet.
23. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein the transparent element comprises an eleetrochromic or photochromic element.
24. The visor of any preceding claim, wherein the wiper comprises a cleaning agent.
25. The visor of claim 24, wherein the cleaning agent is activated by moisture on the wiper.
26. The visor of any preceding claim, further comprising an attachment means for removably attaching the wiper to the visor.
27. A helmet, comprising the visor of any preceding claim.
28. A visor for a helmet substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
29. A helmet substantially as described herein.