Visor provided with a UV-sensitive material

• US 8,984,672 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2007
• Issued: 03/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pinlock Patent B.V.
• Original Assignee: Pinlock Patent B.V.
• Inventors: Arnold, Derek Leslie
• Primary Examiner(s): QUINN, RICHALE LEE
• Application Number:
  US12/520,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20120047637A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,652 Days
• Field of Search: 2/9, 241/0, 241/1, 241/3, 220/5, 242/4, 242/5, 242/6, 350/354
• 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 curved transparent plate having a convex outer side and a concave inner side;

a photochromic material layer, the photochromic material layer being detachably mounted on the transparent plate, wherein the photochromic material layer is provided at the convex outer side of the transparent plate; and

a seal element which seal element is provided at a location to maintain a certain spacing between the transparent plate and the photochromic material layer and to prevent water ingress between the two surfaces,

wherein the photochromic material layer comprises a photochromic pigment provided between two layers of plastic and further comprising an anti-scratch coating applied at an outer side of the photochromic material layer.

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

3. A visor according to claim 1, wherein the photochromic material layer is provided on or within at least part of a field of vision or viewing portion of said plate.

4. A visor claim 1, wherein at least one of the transparent plate and the photochromic material layer comprises polycarbonate.

5. A visor according to claim 1, further comprising a fastener for fastening the photochromic material layer to the outer surface of the transparent plate.

6. A visor according to claim 5, wherein said fastener comprises one of:

a clamp, tension, snap, clip, hook and loop, pin, or magnet fastening system, or adhesive.

7. A visor according to claim 1, wherein the anti-scratch coating is water repellent or prevents the visor from misting up.