VISOR PROVIDED WITH A UV-SENSITIVE MATERIAL

• US 20120047637A1
• Filed: 12/19/2007
• Published: 03/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pinlock Patent B.V.
• Original Assignee: HD Inspiration Holding B.V.
• Inventors: Arnold, Derek Leslie
• Granted Patent: US 8,984,672 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 2/424
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/226 with sunscreens, e.g. tinted or dual visor
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 1/14 Protective coatings, e.g. hard coatings
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 1/18 Coatings for keeping optical surfaces clean, e.g. hydrophobic or photo-catalytic films G02B1/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/208 for use with infrared or ultraviolet radiation, e.g. for separating visible light from infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/23 Photochromic filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/006 Filter holders

Abstract

There is disclosed a visor comprising at least one transparent plate, in which or on which a light-sensitive material is provided, which material has the property of transmitting less light as more light is incident thereon. In particular UV light-intensity-activated, UV light-blocking pigments, photochromatic pigments are used in the light-sensitive material. The light-sensitive material, which may be fixedly or detachably provided on the transparent plate, is transparent in the deactivated condition thereof.

Claims

1. A visor comprising at least one transparent plate, characterised in that a light-sensitive material is present in or on the transparent plate, which material has the property of transmitting less light as the amount of light incident thereon increases.

2. A visor according to claim 1, characterised in that the material has the property that less visible and/or UV light is transmitted as more light and/or UV light is incident thereon.

3. A visor according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a light-sensitive material is provided on and/or integrated in an outer side of the transparent plate and/or is provided between two transparent plates.

4. A visor according to any one of the claims 1-3, characterised in that the light-sensitive material is provided on or within at least part of a field of vision or viewing portion of said plate.

5. A visor according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that the transparent plate and/or the light-sensitive material comprises a plastic, in particular a flexible, usually pre-bent plastic, such as polycarbonate.

6. A visor according to claim 5, characterised in that if the transparent plate comprises polycarbonate, the light-sensitive material, in particular the UV-sensitive material, is provided on the outer side of the transparent plate.

7. A visor according to any one of the claims 1-6, characterised in that the light-sensitive, in particular UV-sensitive, material is provided in or on a plastic layer or film, or between multiple layers or films.

8. A visor according to claim 7, characterised in that said plastic layer or film is injection-moulded together with the transparent plate or moulded thereon by thermal or non-thermal means.

9. A visor according to claim 8, characterised in that the visor comprises a laminate or a glue for applying the plastic layer or film to the transparent plate.

10. A visor according to any one of the claims 1-9, characterised in that the visor comprises fastening means and in that the plastic layer or film is configured for being detached from the transparent plate and/or being rotatable with respect to said plate.

11. A visor according to claim 10, characterised in that said fastening means comprise:

a clamp, tension, snap, clip, Velcro, pin, or magnet fastening system, or single-sided adhesive means or, with reference to claim 7 or 8, if the photosensitive material is fixedly provided on the plate, two-sided adhesive means comprising a foam tape or an acrylic tape, or a silicone layer having a specific viscosity.

12. A visor according to claim 11, characterised in that an elastic element is present between the plate and the light-sensitive material.

13. A visor according to any one of the claims 1-12, characterised in that the material provided on the outer side of the visor is provided with an anti-scratch coating applied to the outer side of the material, which coating is water repellent and/or which prevents the visor from misting up.

14. A helmet provided with a visor according to any one of the claims 1-13, characterised in that the helmet and the visor are each provided with adjustable connecting means for being fixedly or detachably connected together.

15. A method wherein a light-sensitive material, in particular a UV-sensitive material is formed by applying a pigment film comprising at least one base colour-sensitive pigment between two layers of plastic.