| JP2000017514 | FULL FACE TYPE HELMET |
| WO/2011/001278 | VISOR RETENTION SYSTEM |
| JP2002294513 | DEFLECTOR FOR FULL FACE HELMET |
DION, Stéphane (10e Rang Ouest, Ste-Cécile de MiltonQuébec, JOE 2CO, CA)
| WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A protective headwear comprising: a helmet; a face shield mounted to said helmet; and an air evacuation assembly mounted to said face shield and comprising apertures for providing air within said helmet to evacuate therefrom, an adjustment member for closing, partially opening and/or fully opening said apertures during actuation thereof, and a control element mounted to said adjustment member for actuation thereof; wherein movement of said control element provides for so actuating said adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open said apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from said helmet.
2. A protective headwear according to claim 1 , wherein said adjustment member comprises a sliding member.
3. A protective headwear according to claim 2, wherein said sliding member is adjacent to a sealing element, said sealing element contacting the external surface of said helmet when said face shield is in a closed position.
4. A protective headwear according to claim 3, wherein said sliding member is positioned above said sealing element.
5. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein said sealing element comprises sealing element notches, said sliding member comprising sliding member notches corresponding to said sealing element notches, said sealing element notches defining said apertures.
6. A protective headwear according to claim 5, wherein said sealing element is mounted within a channel, said channel comprising channel notches corresponding to said sealing element notches, said corresponding sealing element and channel notches defining said apertures.
7. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein said sliding member is so moveable so as to either close said apertures, provide for said sliding member notches to partially register with said apertures, and/or provide for said sliding member notches to fully register with said apertures thereby respectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from said helmet.
8. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said sliding member notches comprise generally triangular notches.
9 A protective headwear according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said sealing element is mounted within a channel.
10. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said sealing element comprises a cell foam element.
11. A protective headwear according to claim any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said control element comprises a control button.
12. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said control button comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion.
13. A protective headwear according to claim 12, wherein said fixed portion comprises temperature indications, said movable portion comprising a pointer for pointing to a particular temperature indication.
14. A protective headwear according to claim 13, wherein when said movable portion is pointing to the lowest temperature indication, said adjustment member is actuated to close said apertures, when said movable portion is pointing to the highest temperature indication, said adjustment member is actuated to fully open said apertures, when said adjustment member is pointing to a given temperature indication between said lowest and said highest temperature indications, said adjustment member is actuated to partially open said apertures.
15. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said adjustment member comprises an aperture at a longitudinal end thereof configured to be connected to a projection of said movable portion.
16. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said face shield comprises a frame.
17. A protective headwear according to claim 16, wherein said control element is mounted to said frame.
18. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein said face shield comprises a first transparent layer bonded to a secondary frame.
19. A protective headwear according to claim 18, wherein said face shield comprises a second transparent layer bonded to said first transparent layer.
20. A protective headwear according to claim 18, wherein said face shield comprises a third transparent layer removably installed inside said second transparent layer.
21. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said adjustment member is mounted to said frame via a projection thereof.
22. A protective headwear according to claim 21 , wherein said projection is mounted to said frame via a fastener.
23. A protective headwear according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein said frame comprises a continuous channel for receiving said adjustment member therein.
24. A face shield for a helmet comprising an evacuation assembly, said evacuation assembly comprising apertures for providing air within the helmet to evacuate therefrom, an adjustment member for closing, partially opening and/or fully opening said apertures during actuation thereof, and a control element mounted to said adjustment member for actuation thereof, wherein movement of said control element provides for so actuating said adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open said apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from the helmet.
25. A face shield according to claim 24, wherein said adjustment member comprises a sliding member.
26. A face shield according to claim 25, wherein said sliding member is adjacent to a sealing element, said sealing element contacting the external surface of the helmet when said face shield is in a closed position.
27. A protective headwear according to claim 26, wherein said sliding member is positioned above said sealing element.
28. A face shield according to any one of claims 26 and 4, wherein said sealing element comprises sealing element notches, said sliding member comprising sliding member notches corresponding to said sealing element notches, said sealing element notches defining said apertures.
29. A face shield according to claim 28, wherein said sealing element is mounted within a channel, said channel comprising channel notches corresponding to said sealing element notches, said corresponding sealing element and channel notches defining said apertures.
30. A face shield according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein said sliding member is so moveable so as to either close said apertures, provide for said sliding member notches to partially register with said apertures, and/or provide for said sliding member notches to fully register with said apertures thereby respectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from said helmet.
31. A face shield according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said sliding member notches comprise generally triangular notches.
32 A face shield according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein said sealing member is mounted within a channel.
33. A face shield according to any one of claims 26 to 31 , wherein said sealing member comprises a cell foam element.
34. A face shield according to claim any one of claims 24 to 31 , wherein said control element comprises a control button.
35. A face shield according to any one of claim 24 to 34, wherein said control button comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion.
36. A face shield according to claim 35, wherein said fixed portion comprises temperature indications, said movable portion comprising a pointer for pointing to a particular temperature indication.
37. A face shield according to claim 36, wherein when said movable portion is pointing to the lowest temperature indication, said adjustment member is actuated to close said apertures, when said movable portion is pointing to the highest temperature indication, said adjustment member is actuated to fully open said apertures, when said adjustment member is pointing to a given temperature indication between said lowest and said highest temperature indications, said adjustment member is actuated to partially open said apertures.
38. A face shield according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein said adjustment member comprises an aperture at a longitudinal end thereof configured to be connected to a projection of said movable portion.
39. A face shield according to any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein said face shield comprises a frame.
40. A face shield according to claim 39, wherein said control element is mounted to said frame.
41. A face shield according to any one of claims 39 to 40, wherein said face shield comprises a first transparent layer bonded to a secondary frame.
42. A face shield according to claim 41 , wherein said face shield comprises a second transparent layer bonded to said first transparent layer.
43. A face shield according to claim 41 , wherein said face shield comprises a third transparent layer removably installed inside said second transparent layer.
44. A face shield according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein said adjustment member is mounted to said frame via a projection thereof.
45. A face shield according to claim 44, wherein said projection is mounted to said frame via a fastener.
46. A face shield according to any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein said frame comprises a continuous channel for receiving said adjustment member therein.
47. An evacuation assembly for being mounted to the face shield of a helmet, said evacuation assembly comprising: a sealing element for being mounted to the face shield and configured to a abut the external surface of the helmet, said sealing element comprising apertures for providing for air to evacuate from the helmet, an adjustment member for being movingly mounted to the face shield and adjacently positioned relative to said sealing element, said adjustment member comprising a solid portion and a portion having openings, said openings corresponding to said apertures, said adjustment member being so moveable as to close said apertures with said solid portion thereof, or as to partially open said apertures with said openings thereof or as to fully open said apertures with said openings thereof, and a control element for being mounted to the face shield and mounted to said adjustment member for actuation thereof; wherein movement of said control element provides for so actuating said adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open said apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from the helmet. |
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
AIR EVACUATION ASSEMBLY FOR A COLD CLIMATE HELMET
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to cold climate protective headwear including helmets such as motorcycle and snowmobile helmets provided with a face shield. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention is concerned with an air evacuation assembly for such helmets in view of decreasing the fogging of the inside surface of the face shield.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The so-called "full-face helmets" are widely known in the art.
They are enclosed helmets that are provided with a clear or tinted face shield.
[0003] When such helmets are used in cold climates, the moisture contained in the user's breath tends to fog the inside surface of the shield which often becomes a safety hazard. Accordingly, these helmets are generally provided with apertures that may be open or closed by the user to evacuate the moisture laden air. Such helmets include a ventilation system for a closed helmet provided with an outlet valve that allows a control of the amount of air exiting the helmet. Other helmets provide an air intake that is provided with a shutter plate that has three psritions (closed, partially open and fully opened). Notches and projections can maintain the shutter plate in the desired position. Face shields specially designed for winter use are also known and are provided with defogging features; two separate air inlets are provided and one of these inlets is provided with a closing mechanism.
[0004] However, the adjustment of the opening is often confusing and requires guesswork in the adjustment of the air flow.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air evacuation assembly for full-face helmets provided with a face shield.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective headwear comprising: a helmet; a face shield mounted to the helmet; and an air evacuation assembly mounted to the face shield and comprising apertures for providing air within the helmet to evacuate therefrom, an adjustment member for closing, partially opening and/or fully opening the apertures during actuation thereof, and a control element mounted to the adjustment member for actuation thereof; wherein movement of the control element provides for so actuating said adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open the apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from the helmet.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the re is provided a face shield for a helmet comprising an evacuation assembly, the evacuation assembly comprising apertures for providing air within the helmet to evacuate therefrom, an adjustment member for closing, partially opening and/or fully opening the apertures during actuation thereof, and a control element mounted to the adjustment member for actuation thereof, wherein movement of the control element provides for so actuating the adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open the apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation,
and/or providing maximum air evacuation from the helmet.
[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided an evacuation assembly for being mounted to the face shield of a helmet, the evacuation assembly comprising: a sealing element for being mounted to the face shield and configured to a abut the external surface of the helmet, the sealing element comprising apertures for providing for air to evacuate from the helmet, an adjustment member for being movingly mounted to the face shield and adjacently positioned relative to the sealing element, the adjustment member comprising a solid portion and a portion having openings, the openings corresponding to the apertures, the adjustment member being so moveable as to close the apertures with the solid portion thereof, or as to partially open the apertures with the openings thereof or as to fully open the apertures with the openings thereof, and a control element for being mounted to the face shield and mounted to the adjustment member for actuation thereof; wherein, movement of the control element provides for so actuating the adjustment member as to close, partially open and/or fully open the apertures thereby selectively avoiding air evacuation, providing partial air evacuation, and/or providing maximum air evacuation from the helmet.
[0009] 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 DRAWINGS
[0010] In the appended drawings:
[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a full-face helmet provided with a face shield that includes an air evacuation assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the face shield of the helmet of Figurei ;
[0013] Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 ;
[0014] Figure 4 is a close up view of a portion of the helmet of Figure 1 illustrating the control of the air evacuation assembly;
[0015] Figure 5 is a elevation view illustrating the air evacuation assembly in a minus 30 degree position;
[0016] Figure 6 is a elevation view similar to Figure 5, illustrating the air evacuation assembly in a minus 15 degree position;
[0017] Figure 7 is a elevation view similar to Figure 5, illustrating the air evacuation assembly in a zero degree position;
[0018] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a face shield according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the face shield of Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Generally stated, the present invention is concerned with an air evacuation assembly mounted to the face shield of a cold climate full-face helmet. The air evacuation assembly includes apertures that may be closed, partially open or fully open via a control button depending on the outside temperature. Accordingly the user may easily determine at which position to set the control button simply by reading a conventional thermometer.
[0021] Figure 1 of the appended drawings illustrates a protective headwear such as a full-face helmet 10 provided with a face shield 12 mounted thereto, the face shield 12 provided with an air evacuation assembly 11 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The air evacuation assembly 11 includes apertures as will be explained herein.
[0022] Turning now to Figure 2, the face shield 12 includes a frame
14 to which is mounted a control element or button 16 for the air evacuation assembly, a first transparent layer 18 bonded to a secondary frame 20, a second transparent layer 22 bonded to the first transparent layer 18, a sealing element 24, an adjustment member such as a moveable or slidable member 26 associated with the control button 16 for movements therewith and a fastener 28 mounting the slidable member 26 to the frame 14.
[0023] As can be better seen from Figure 3, the frame 14 includes a channel 30 in which the sealing element 24 may be mounted to via an adhesive (not shown). The sealing element 24 is typically a closed cell foam element provided with notches 32 (see Figure 2) the purpose of which will be described hereinbelow. As can be better seen from Figure 5, the channel 30 is not continuous but is also provided with notches 34.
[0024] It should be noted that notches 32 and 34 comprise the apertures that are to be closed, partially open and fully open within the context of the present invention. These apertures when open lead to the external environment as will be explained herein.
[0025] The sealing element 24 includes a helmet abutting surface 36 that contacts the external surface of the helmet 10 when the face shield 12 is in the closed position illustrated in Figure 1.
[0026] Also visible from Figure 3 is a smaller continuous channel 38 configured and sized as to receive the slidable member 26 therein.
[0027] As can be better seen from Figure 2, the slidable member 26 includes generally triangular notches 40 so positioned as to correspond to the notches 32 and 34 of the member 24 and channel 30, respectively. The slidable member 26 also includes a projection 42 that is used to removably secure the member 26 to the frame 14 via the fastener 28 as can be seen from Figure 3. It is to be noted that the fastener 28 does not prevent the slidable member 26 to slide in the channel 38.
[0028] Figure 3 also illustrates the gap between the first and second transparent layers 18 and 22, respectively Indeed, the second transparent layer 22 is mounted to the first transparent layer 18 via an adhesive provided on the periphery of the second transparent layer 22.
[0029] Turning now to Figure 4, which is a close up illustration of the control button 16 of the face shield 12. The control button 16 includes a fixed portion 46 and a movable portion 48. The fixed portion 46 includes temperature indications 50 marked both in the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
The movable portion 48, which may be actuated by the user, includes a pointer 52.
[0030] It is to be noted that even though the control button 16 is illustrated as a three-position button indicating three different temperatures (zero, minus 15 and minus 30 degrees Celsius), the number of positions and the temperature corresponding to these positions could be modified.
[0031] As can be seen from Figure 2, the slidable element 26 further includes a rectangular aperture 54 provided at an end thereof. This aperture is designed to be connected to an inwardly projecting element 56 of the movable portion 48 of the control button 16 (see Figures 5 to 7) This interconnection allows the user to control the slidable movement of the slidable member 26 via the control button 16.
[0032] Turning now to Figures 5 to 7, the operation of the air evacuation assembly will be described. It is to be noted that the sealing element 24 is not illustrated in these figures for clarity purpose. It is also to be noted that the notches 32 of the sealing element 24 correspond to the notches 34 of the channel 30 of the inside surface of the frame 14.
[0033] Figure 5 illustrates the air evacuation assembly when the control button 16 is in the minus 30 degrees position. In this extremely cold position, since there is less moisture in the air, the air evacuation assembly is completely closed. Accordingly, the notches 40 of the slidable member 26 are not registering with the notches 34 of the channel 30. As such, the solid portion of the slidable member 26 is positioned above notches 34. Therefore, virtually no air is evacuated from the helmet via the air evacuation assembly. It is to be noted that at extremely cold temperature, such as minus 30 degrees Celsius, it
is interesting to restrict the flow of air inside the helmet for the comfort of the helmet wearer or user.
[0034] Figure 6 illustrates the air evacuation assembly when the control button 16 is in the minus 15 degrees position. In this moderately cold position, since there is a some moisture in the air, the air evacuation assembly is partially open. Accordingly, the notches 40 of the slidable member 26 are partially registering with the notches 34 of the channel 30. Hence, the portion of the slidable member 26 having openings (such as notches 40) is partially positioned above the notches 34. Therefore, some air is evacuated from the helmet via the air evacuation assembly. It is to be noted that there is still some restriction to the evacuation of the air from the helmet since the notches 40 are not fully registering with the notches 34. At moderately cold temperatures, such as minus 15 degrees Celsius, it is interesting to partially restrict the flow of air inside the helmet for the comfort of the helmet wearer.
[0035] Figure 7 illustrates the air evacuation assembly when the control button 16 is in the zero degree position. In this relatively warm position, since there is a lot of moisture in the air, the air evacuation assembly is completely open. Accordingly, the notches 40 of the slidable member 26 are fully registering with the notches 34 of the channel 30. Therefore, the maximal quantity of air is evacuated from the helmet via the air evacuation assembly. This is interesting since at relatively warm temperatures, such as zero degree Celsius, the air inside the helmet is laden with moisture and should be flowing continuously. Furthermore, the helmet wearer's comfort is not problematic at this relatively warm temperature.
[0036] Turning now to Figures 8 and 9 of the appended drawings, a face shield 100 according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. It is to be noted that since the face shield
100 is very similar to the face shield 12 of Figures 1 to 7, only the difference therebetween will be described herein, for concision purpose.
[0037] Generally stated, the main difference between the two face shields is that the face shield 100 includes a third transparent layer 102 removably installed inside the second layer 22. This third transparent layer 102 is, for example, colored and/or polarized for the wearer's comfort and/or safety.
[0038] The layer 102 is generally flat and is made of a resilient material to allow it to be curved. The layer 102 includes four apertures 104 that are configured, positioned and sized as to be removably inserted in posts 106 that are mounted to the first and second layers 18 and 22 via fasteners 108.
[0039] The helmet user may therefore change the color of the transparent portion of the face shield at will and without tools.
[0040] 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.
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