MANDELLI, Danilo (Via Agnesi, 10/A, Merate, I-23807, IT)
CLAIMS
1. Visor structure (1) for a protective device (2), said structure (1) comprising: an outer visor (10) made of transparent plastic material which comprises a front surface (11) and a rear surface (12) opposite said front surface (11), - an inner visor (20) made of plastic material with anti-fogging properties, said inner visor (20) being constrained to said outer visor (10) so as to face said rear surface
(12), characterized in that said rear surface comprises at least one recess (15) defining constraining portions (16A, 16B), each of which constrains a lateral edge (25) of said inner visor (20), said inner visor (20) assuming a different curvature to that of said rear surface (12) following the constraining action exerted by said constraining portions (16A, 16B).
2. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said first visor (10) is produced by moulding of transparent plastic material, said at least one recess (15) being produced during said moulding operation.
3. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, characterized in that said inner visor (20) is formed from a deformable flat sheet of plastic material with anti-fogging properties.
4. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said inner visor (20) is produced in a thermoplastic material chosen from a group composed of polycarbonates, polyamides and cellulose polymer derivatives.
5. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said inner visor is produced in cellulose acetate.
6. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one recess (15) defines a first pair of constraining portions (16A) mutually opposed with respect to a plane of symmetry (A) of said first visor (10), said at least one recess (15) defining a second pair of constraining portions (16B) mutually opposed with respect to a plane (B) substantially orthogonal to said plane of symmetry (A). 7. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one recess (15) is formed by a three-dimensional pocket, the sides of which define said first and said second pair of constraining portions (16A, 16B).
8. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises one or more insulating elements (7) interposed between said inner visor (20) and said rear surface (12) of said outer visor (10) in a position close to said constraining portions (16A, 16B).
9. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inner visor (20) is constrained, at said constraining portions (16A, 16B), to said rear surface (12) in a removable manner.
10. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said inner visor (20) is constrained, at said constraining portions (16A, 16B), to said rear surface (12) in a non removable manner through a mechanical fixing operation.
11. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said lateral edges (25) of said second visor (20) are rigidly fixed to said rear surface (12) through ultrasonic spot welding.
12. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said lateral edges (25) of said second visor (20) are fixed rigidly to said rear surface (12) through ultrasonic continuous welding. 13. Visor structure (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said lateral edges (25) of said second visor (20) are rigidly fixed to said rear surface (12) through adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive means applied in proximity of said lateral edges (125) and/or said constraining portions (16A, 16B).
14. Visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first visor (10) comprises a pair of opposed openings (5) to connect said structure (1) to a protective device.
15. Protective device, characterized in that it comprises a visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 14.
16. Protective helmets for motorcyclists, characterized in that it comprises a visor structure (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 14, said visor structure (1) being connected to a shell of said protective helmet at opposite ends, said visor structure (1) being connected to said shell so as to move between a lowered and a raised position. |
"VISOR STRUCTURE"
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a visor structure to be applied to a protective device, such as a motorcycle helmet. The invention also relates to a protective device comprising this visor structure.
It is known the use of anti- fogging or anti-condensation devices applied to visors of protective devices, intended as generically indicating all those devices whose function is to partly or completely protect the face and/or the head of a user, such as protective helmets for motorcyclists, for pilots, face protection masks, respirator masks, gas masks, masks for skiers.
The anti- fogging devices conventionally used are divided into different types, a first of which consists substantially in the use of a film made of hydrophilic material which is made to adhere to the inner surface of the protective visor. Although apparently effective, this solution proves to be somewhat unsatisfactory, firstly because the surface of the file deteriorates in time, sometimes even rapidly, drastically reducing the anti- fogging effect. Secondly, films utilized for this purpose do not present sufficient resistance to abrasion and are easily scratched. As it is known, this condition worsens the field of vision as scratches cause dazzle effects which evidently endanger the safety of the user. Another disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that the films in question present a relatively limited thickness which consequently limits the anti-fogging effect. Positioning of these films also requires extreme precision and accuracy to prevent air inclusions from forming thereunder.
A second type of anti-fogging device comprises a visor structure composed of a first visor, connected to the inner surface of which is a second inner visor made of hydrophilic material, so as to define an air chamber between the two visors. An example of this type of solution is illustrated in the patent EP 0802743, which describes the use of mechanical retaining means to reciprocally and removably connect the two visors. These retaining means are formed of pin elements that lock the inner visor at opposite ends so that it is disposed parallel to the rear surface of the outer visor. The pin elements are fastened stably to the rear surface of the inner visor through openings produced therein. Although this solution partly solves the problems relative to "film" solutions, it has various other drawbacks. The presence of the pin retaining elements, for example, limits the field of vision for the user by in fact inserting non-transparent elements. Secondly, the portions of the outer visor on which the pin elements are fastened are subjected to static stress forming stress raiser portions even in the absence of impacts. Moreover, the fastening
principle used does not allow the visor to be positioned repeatedly while making it possible for dirt to infiltrate between the two visors.
Yet another disadvantage of these solutions is linked to the fact that the use of pin elements also limits the possible extension of the surface of the inner visor, above all in the case of applications destined for protective helmets. In fact, as it is known, in this application the visor is constrained to the shell of the helmet so that it can move between a lowered and a raised position. The use of a pin fastening limits this freedom of movement as it increases the thickness of the structure in the rear part. Consequently, during the raising operation, the inner visor can disadvantageous Iy become scratched through possible contact with the shell of the helmet. To partly overcome this drawback, the pin elements are disposed so as to support the inner visor in proximity of a relatively lower portion of the outer visor. However, this condition limits the extension of the visor, i.e. its possible anti-fogging effect.
On the basis of these considerations the need to provide alternative technical solutions to those currently present on the market emerges. Therefore, the main aim of the present invention is to provide a visor structure for a protective device that allows the aforesaid drawbacks to be overcome.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a visor structure that ensures the angles of the field of vision required by the relative legislations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a visor structure composed of a limited number of elements which are easily mutually assembled, capable of defining an extensive anti-fogging surface.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a visor structure whose configuration allows a wide movement with respect to the protective device to which this structure may be connected. Last but not least object of the present invention is to provide a visor structure that is reliable and relatively easy to manufacture at limited costs.
This aim and these and other objects that will be more apparent from the present description are achieved through a visor structure comprising: a first outer visor made of transparent plastic material which comprises a front surface and a rear surface opposite said front surface, an inner visor made of plastic material with anti-fogging properties, said inner visor being constrained to said outer visor so as to face said rear surface.
The visor structure according to the invention is characterized in that the rear surface comprises at least one recess defining constraining portions, each of which constrains a lateral
edge of the inner visor. This inner visor assumes a different curvature to that of the rear surface of the outer visor following the constraining action exerted by the constraining portions.
One of the most relevant aspects of the present invention is found in the connection between the two visors, which is advantageously produced through the use of constraining portions defined by recesses obtainable during moulding of the outer visor. Unlike prior art solutions, no connection means are used, or other similar means which require, besides moulding, further operations on the outer surface of the visor. The use of this constraining principle allows a wide field of vision and a large extension of the inner visor, i.e. of the available anti- fogging surface, to be provided.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the recess of the rear surface can be formed by a three-dimensional pocket, the sides of which define the constraining portions for the lateral edges of the inner visor. This pocket can be easily produced during moulding, for example by hot forming, of the outer visor with a considerably saving in manufacturing costs. At the same time, the inner visor can advantageously be in the form of a deformable flat sheet, so that the edges can be easily coupled to corresponding constraining portions.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, the inner visor is constrained to the outer visor in a removable manner to allow easy maintenance operations and/or replacement of visors. Alternatively, the inner visor can be "rigidly fixed" to the outer visor through a mechanical connection operation, such as ultrasonic welding, so as to produce a permanent connection.
Further advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the visor structure according to the present invention illustrated by way of non- limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - figure 1 is a first perspective view of a possible embodiment of a visor structure according to the present invention; figure 2 is a second perspective view of the visor of figure 1 ; figure 3 is a sectional view according to the plane A-A indicated in figure 2; figure 4 is a sectional view according to the plane B-B indicated in figure 2; - figure 5 is a detailed view of the part X indicated in figure 3; figure 6 is a detailed view of the part Y indicated in figure 4; figure 7 is a further exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a visor structure according to the present invention; figure 8 is a detailed view of the part Z indicated in figure 7;
figure 9 is a detailed view relative to a further embodiment of a visor structure according to the present invention.
With reference to the aforesaid figures, the visor structure 1 according to the invention comprises an outer visor 10 produced in transparent plastic material and an inner visor 20 produced in plastic material with anti-fogging properties. This latter expression is intended generically as those plastic materials having a substantially "hydrophilic" action, i.e. which are capable of preventing condensation from forming on the surface through absorption. Among these materials, cellulose polymer derivatives (such as cellulose acetate), polycarbonates and polyamides have proved particularly suitable. The outer visor 10 comprises a front surface 11 and a rear surface 12, opposite the front surface 11, to which the inner visor 20 is operatively connected. The rear surface 12 comprises at least one recess 15 which defines constraining portions 16A, 16B, each of which constrains a lateral edge 25 of the inner visor 20. Following action exerted by the constraining portions 16A, 16B, the inner visor 20 assumes a different curvature to that of the rear surface 12 of the inner visor to which it is constrained. The constraining portions 16 A, 16B are therefore produced so as to provide a stable constraint at the lateral edges 25 of the inner visor 20.
The term "recess" indicates generically an indentation in the rear surface 12 which extends towards the front surface 11 without creating discontinuity thereon. In other words, the recess 15 presents in all points thereof a depth that is less than the distance between the front surface 11 and the rear surface 12. This depth can be determined starting from the rear surface 12.
The use of constraining portions 16A, 16B defined by a recess of this type, advantageously allows a wide field of vision, which is not limited by the presence of connection means such as connection pins or the like, to be maintained. This technical solution consequently eliminates the formation of portions subjected to static stress thus avoiding undesirable breakages. The recess 15 and the constraining portions 16A, 16B defined thereby can advantageously be produced during hot forming of the outer visor 10. In this manner, production costs are advantageously limited. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a possible embodiment of the visor structure
1 according to the present invention. In particular in these figures, just as in the others, the visor structure 1 is destined to be applied to a shell of a protective helmet for motorcyclists. It is understood that the technical solutions and the principles illustrated below are also valid for other applications, such as face protection masks or the like.
In the solution illustrated, the rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10 defines a recess 15 formed by a three-dimensional pocket which extends towards the front surface 11. As can be observed according to the invention this front surface 11 of the outer visor 10 is substantially uniform along the entire extension thereof, i.e. without the presence of recesses, projections and/or raised parts. This simplifies, for example, the shape of the portion of mould used to form it.
As is apparent from figure 1, the outer visor 10 comprises two openings 5 produced at opposite ends for the purpose of allowing connection thereof to the shell of the protective helmet. As illustrated, the three-dimensional pocket defines a first pair of constraining portions 16A mutually opposed with respect to a plane of symmetry A of the outer visor 10. This pocket advantageously also defines a second pair of constraining portions 16B mutually opposed with respect to a plane B orthogonal to the plane of symmetry A. As can be observed from the figures, the pairs of constraining portions 16A and 16B are formed in substance by the lateral edges of the three-dimensional pocket. Figure 3 represents a sectional view according to the plane of symmetry A shown in figure 2. As is apparent, the second pair of edge portions 16B constrains the inner visor 20 to the rear surface 12 so as to impart a first curvature to the inner visor 20 different to that of the rear surface 12 and in particular different to the surface on which the three-dimensional pocket extends. This first curvature is to be considered as determined according to the point of observation relative to figure 3, i.e. a point of observation substantially orthogonal to that of the plane of symmetry A.
Figure 4 is a sectional view according to the plane of symmetry B illustrated in figure 2, which, as indicated above, is chosen perpendicular to the plane of symmetry A. Analogously to the indications above, the first pair of constraining portions 16A constrain the inner visor 20 to the rear surface 12 so as to impart a second curvature determined with respect to a point of observation orthogonal to the plane B. This second curvature is different to the curvature of the rear surface 12 (the surface on which the three-dimensional pocket extends) determined with respect to the same point of observation.
It is observed that the constraining principle provided for the two visors allows an air chamber 4 to be defined between the two visors 10, 20 exploiting the different curvature imparted thereon. With regard to this, it must be underscored that according to the present invention the second visor 20 can be formed by a simple deformable flat sheet of plastic material having the anti-fogging properties indicated above (see figure 7). The curvature of the inner visor 20 is advantageously imparted by the constraining portions 16A, 16B without
the need to pre-form the visor in advance, as is the case in many of conventional solutions. The thickness of the flat plate and the depth of the constraining portions 16A, 16B can be chosen so as to optimize the absorption of condensation, i.e. the anti- fogging effect.
From the indications above it is understood that assembly of the structure 1 is extremely simple as can be understood by observing figure 7, which is a perspective view of the two visors 10 and 20 before they are assembled. Once these visors 10 and 20 have been produced separately, the second visor 20 is deformed and moved towards the rear surface 12 of the first visor 10 so that the lateral portions 25 are operatively constrained to the corresponding constraining portions 16A, 16B, determining the curvature of this second visor 20.
It is also observed that this constraining principle allows the form of the air chamber 4 to be axially limited, while simultaneously allowing a considerable extension thereof compared to the majority of conventional solutions. In fact, as is apparent from the two sectional views in figures 3 and 4, the extension of the air chamber 4 reaches its maximum at the vertex of the point of maximum curvature. The thickness of the air chamber 4 narrows from this point to the constraining portions 16A and 16B which in substance represent the edges of this chamber. It can be observed that unlike other prior art solutions, the air chamber 4 is configured closed by edges that prevent dirt from penetrating this chamber.
Figures 5 and 6 are respectively a detailed view of the part X of figure 3 and of the part Y of figure 4. These figures show the contact region between the constraining portions 16A defined by the three-dimensional pocket and the corresponding edge 25 of the inner visor 20. As illustrated, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, the structure 1 comprises one or more insulating elements 7 interposed between the inner visor 20 and the rear surface 12. These insulating elements 7 can, for example, be composed of lines of silicone that are provided on the surface of the three-dimensional pocket 15 and the surface of the inner visor 20 which faces the rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10.
In a first possible embodiment of the invention, the constraining principle allows the inner visor 20 to be constrained to the rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10 in a removable manner. In fact, the inner visor 20 can be easily removed from the outer visor by exerting pressure on the ends of the outer visor 10 according to the direction indicated by the arrows with reference 88 in figure 4. This pressure causes a deformation of the plastic material which locally moves the constraining portion 16A, 16B, releasing the corresponding lateral edge 25 of the inner visor 10. In this manner, the inner visor is automatically released from the outer visor as the constraining action on the lateral edges thereof is no longer present. The
possibility of providing a removable connection advantageously allows replacement of the inner visor 20 or careful inspection and maintenance to be performed thereon. At the same time, the removable connection advantageously allows the rear surface 12 of the outer visor to be accessed for the same purposes. In an alternative embodiment to the one described above and if the applications should so require, the inner visor 20 is constrained to the rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10 in a non removable manner. This is obtained through a mechanical fixing operation which rigidly connects the inner visor 20 to the outer visor 10 once these have been mutually assembled. In other words, this fixing is performed once the lateral portions 25 are constrained to the corresponding portions 16A, 16B and once the inner visor 20 has assumed the corresponding curvature.
This mechanical fixing operation could, for example, consist in ultrasonic spot or continuous welding performed after the inner visor 20 is positioned in place according to the indications above. The use of ultrasonic welding allows the parts to be fixed leaving a minimum trace thereon which does not notably compromise cleaning of the field of vision.
In an alternative embodiment to the one illustrated, to perform the fixing operation in question, adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive elements can be used, applied in proximity of the lateral edges 25 of the inner visor 20 and/or of the corresponding constraining portions 16A, 16B defined on the outer visor. Naturally, it must be understood that these fixing systems could be replaced with other functionally equivalent systems.
In an alternative embodiment to the one illustrated (not shown in the figures), the rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10 could comprise a plurality of recesses 15, each of which defining a constraining portion 16 A, 16B for a lateral edge 25 of the inner visor 20.
Figures 7 and 8 are relative to a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the constraining portions 16A, 16B are composed of the edges of a ledge-shaped recess 15. With respect to the solution described above, in this embodiment the three-dimensional pocket defined on the rear surface 12 of the outer visor is absent, although the ledge still extends rectangularly, as is apparent from figure 7.
The detailed view of figure 8 shows in a cross section (i.e. according to the plane B-B) the configuration of one side of the ledge-shaped recess 15, which is shaped so as to present a supporting portion 15B for the side of the inner visor 20 when this is assembled with the outer visor 10. This supporting portion 15B advantageously facilitates connection between the two visors 10, 20 and can be advantageously used to perform fixing through ultrasonic welding or gluing as indicated above.
Figure 9 is a detailed view showing a further embodiment of the present invention which can be considered a combination of the two embodiments described previously. The rear surface 12 of the outer visor 10 in fact comprises as recess 15 a three-dimensional pocket, the sides of which define the edge portions 16A, 16B, similarly to the solution shown in figures 1 to 6. The three-dimensional pocket comprises a further ledge-shaped indentation which extends along the sides thereof and which is shaped so as to define a supporting portion 15B for one side of the inner visor 10, similarly to the solution shown in figures 7 and 8.
The technical solutions adopted for the visor structure allow the intended aims and objects to be fully achieved. In particular, the constraining principle used to connect the inner visor to the outer visor advantageously allows a wide field of vision to be provided while limiting the thickness of the structure. At the same time, production costs can advantageously be limited as the elements used for the connection are defined during moulding of the two visors without further processing operations.
The visor structure thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the inventive concept; moreover, all details may be substituted by other technically equivalent ones.
In practice, the materials used and the dimensions and contingent shapes can be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.