Visor attachment

Abstract

A visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch that is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibration of the visor body, and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. A release module is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 05184T GEN010 FP1398AWOVISOR ATTACHMENT FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a visor assembly and, more particularly, a visor assembly with a releasable latch.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch that is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibration of the visor body, and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. A release module is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly includes at least one releasable latch configured to electromagnetically connect to a corresponding electromagnetic component within the interior of the vehicle. The at least one releasable latch is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibrations of the visor body through electromagnetic attraction and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. A release module is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body reaching between 50% and 95% a predetermined max load or max acceleration.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch that is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibration of the visor body, and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. At least one sensor is coupled to the visor body and configured to measure at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body. A control system is in operable communication with the at least one sensor and the releasable latch assembly. The control system is configured to receive the measurement from the at least one sensor and move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of the load applied to the visor body or the acceleration of the visor body.

[0005] The present disclosure generally provides a visor assembly with a releasable latch assembly. A visor body is coupled to a connection member that permits the visor body to articulate between multiple positions. The releasable latch assembly selectively locks the visor body to prevent or limit certain movements and vibrations of the visor body. The releasable latch assembly includes a release module that is configured to unlock the releasable latch based on one or more factors indicating a sudden load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body, the release module, or a component of an associated vehicle. In this manner, upon unlocking of the releasable latch, various components that may be integrated into the visor assembly may be less prone to breakage, and vehicle occupant safety is enhanced by allowing the visor body to at least partially absorb the load or slow the acceleration by permitting movement of the visor body with the connection member.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle that includes a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front partially schematic view of a visor assembly with a releasable latch assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3A is a partially schematic side view of a releasable latch assembly in an unlocked state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3B is a partially schematic side view of a releasable latch assembly in a locked state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a control system of the visor assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a visor assembly with a releasable latch. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0014] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0015] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, reference numeral 10 generally designates a visor assembly for a vehicle 12. The visor assembly 10 includes a visor body 14 pivotal between a stowed position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (FIG. 2). A connection member 16 extends between a first end 18 connected to the visor body 14 and a second end 20 configured to connect to an interior 22 of the vehicle 12. The connection member 16 facilitates pivotal movement of a visor body 14. A releasable latch assembly 24 of a first construction includes at least one releasable latch 26 that is moveable (i.e., switchable) between a locked position (FIG. 3A) where the at least one releasable latch 26 is coupled to and prevents vibration of the visor body 14, and an unlocked position (FIG. 3B) where the at least one releasable latch 26 is decoupled from the visor body 14. A release module 28 is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body 14 or an acceleration of the visor body 14.

[0017] With reference now to FIG. 1, the connection member 16 may be configured to move the visor body 14 along a first axis A extending along a vertical direction and a second axis B extending along a horizontal direction. In some implementations, the at least one releasable latch 26 may be configured to lock the visor body 14 in several different positions along the first axis A or the second axis B. Generally, the releasable latch assembly 24 statically retains a position of the visor body 14 during operation of the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 may be any type of vehicle that is designed to traverse a variety of environments. More particularly, various vehicles are designed and / or otherwise operated on roadways or off-road environments that have potholes, bumps, and other features which generate a significant amount of vibration and quick, jolting movements.These movements put pressure on the connection member 16 and can result in movement of the visor body 14 to an undesired position that detracts from usability. In addition, as will be explained in further detail below, the visor body 14 may include at least one electronic component that adds additional weight over traditional visor systems. However, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the visor body 14 may not include any electronic components. As such, the releasable latch assembly 24 further assists in supporting the weight of the visor body 14 during usage, regardless of the presence of additional electronic components. The second end 20 is configured to connect to the interior 22 of the vehicle 12 may be connected to an overhead region 29, a front window 30, a pillar 32, or any other location of the interior 22.

[0018] With reference now to FIG. 2, the visor body 14 may include an outer perimeter 34 that extends longitudinally (i.e., in the cross-car direction) from a first side 36 proximate the connection member 16 to a second side 38 that may be proximate the at least one releasable latch 26. In this manner, the visor body 14 may be supported on diametrically opposite sides 36, 38 when the at least one releasable latch 26 is in the locked position. The visor body 14 may include the at least one electronic component at least partially within the outer perimeter 34. For example, the at least one electronic component may include a display 40 that generates images, videos, graphics, a navigation system, and / or the like.

[0019] In some implementations, one, two, or more imager modules 42 are located in the interior 22 and / or an exterior of the vehicle 12, and the display 40 is configured to generate images captured by the imager module 42. For example, when one of the imager modules 42 is located in the interior 22, the display 40 may generate images captured by the imager module 42 of the vehicular cabin, occupants in the vehicle 12 (e.g., the driver), and / or portions of the exterior captured through one or more windows of the vehicle 12. In other examples, one of the imager modules 42 (e.g., or several imager modules 42) may be located on an exterior of the vehicle 12 to capture one or more fields-of-view ("FOV") to assist the driver in viewing the environment. Further, in some implementations, one of the imager modules 42 may be integrated within the visor body 14 and face the interior 22 of the vehicle 12 from a front surface 43 when the visor body 14 is in the extended position depicted in FIG. 2. In some implementations, one of the imager modules 42 may be integrated within the visor body 14 and face the exterior of the vehicle 12 (e.g., throughthe front window 30) from a rear surface 45 (FIG. 1) that is opposite the front surface 43 when the visor body 14 is in the extended position depicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the imager module 42 may be located in a rearview mirror assembly 44. The imager module 42 may be configured as part of a monitoring system for occupant monitoring assistance within the interior 22, and / or an environmental monitoring system for an exterior of the vehicle 12 (e.g., for monitoring environments exterior to the vehicle 12, and / or the like).

[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the at least one electronic component may further include an electro-optic device 46 that is switchable between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened state. The electro-optic device 46 may further include a reflective layer, a transflective layer (not shown), and / or other types of dynamic applications where the electro-optic device 46 is switchable between two or more of a mirror state, a transmissive state, a darkened state, and / or a display state. In this manner, the electro-optic device 46 may be utilized for switching between the visibility of the display 40, a reflective state, a transmissive state, and / or a darkened state.

[0021] As will be described in greater detail below, a control system 100 may be configured to control the functionality of the electronic components and / or the releasable latch assembly 24 and the release module 28. The control system 100 may include a memory and a processor, the memory contains instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the functionality of the electronic components as described herein. The control system 100 may be located in the visor body 14, within the vehicle 12 and electrically coupled to the visor body 14 through the connection member 16 (e.g., wiring or contacts internal within or external to and proximate to the connection member 16), within the vehicle 12 and electrically coupled to the visor body 14 through a communication module (e.g., wired or wireless). A user interface 48 may be located on the visor body 14 or elsewhere within the vehicle 12 that is in communication with the control system 100 to select functionality of the electronic components. In some implementations, the user interface 48 may include a plurality of inputs located along the first side 36 of the visor body 14 proximate the connection member 16. In this manner, interfacing with the user interface 48 limits additional load on the release module 28.

[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the visor body 14 may be detachable from a connection member 16 and configured to be used as a portable display. For example,when the vehicle 12 is parked and / or the visor body 14 is not needed based on environmental light factors, the visor body 14 can be used internally or externally of the vehicle 12. In this manner, a power module 50, such as a battery, may be located in the visor body 14. In some embodiments, a charging port may be operably connected to the power module 50 through the connection member 16 to charge the power module 50 when the visor body 14 is connected to the connection member 16. In some embodiments, the connection member 16 may include a spring 52 facilitating vibrational isolation and load of the visor body 14 from the vehicle 12. In this manner, when the release module 28 moves the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position as a result of the load applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14, the spring 52 may facilitate isolating the load and / or absorbing some of the acceleration forces from the visor body 14.

[0023] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the at least one releasable latch 26 may include a singular releasable latch 26 or two or more releasable latches 26. The at least one releasable latch 26 may be located, for example, around and proximate the outer perimeter 34 of the visor body 14. In the depicted embodiment, a first releasable latch 26 is located proximate the second side 38 of the visor body 14 (e.g., at least partially coupled to the overhead region 29) and a second releasable latch 26 is located proximate the first side 36 of the visor body 14 (e.g., at least partially coupled to the pillar 32). However, it should be appreciated that the number and locations of the releasable latch 26 may be different than those depicted and described herein without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. The releasable latch 26 may include a first component 54 connected to the visor body 14 and a second component 56 (e.g., corresponding electromagnetic component) connected to the vehicle 12. In this manner, the first component 54 becomes locked with the second component 56 when the releasable latch is in the locked position.

[0024] With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first component 54 or the second component 56 may have a variety of configurations that permit locking and unlocking based on feedback from the release module 28. For example, the first and second components 54, 56 may include any type of electrically lockable and unlockable mechanism, such as electro-mechanical and electromagnetic devices. In the depicted implementation, one of the first component 54 or the second component 56 may includean electromagnet, and the other of the first component 54 and the second component 56 may be configured as an armature (e.g., an armature plate). In the depicted arrangement, the releasable latch 26 is configured as the electro-electromagnet. For example, in some implementations, the first component 54 may include the electromagnet, and the second component 56 may include the armature. In this manner, the second component 56 may be coupled to and move with the visor body 14 while the first component 54 (e.g., the releasable latch 26) remains statically positioned in the vehicle 12. However, in other implementations, the first component 54 may include the armature and the second component 56 may include the electromagnet (e.g., the releasable latch 26). In such implementations, the first component 54 (e.g., the releasable latch 26) may be coupled to and move with the visor body 14 while the second component 54 (e.g., the armature) remains statically positioned in the vehicle 12.

[0025] In operation, in response to the electromagnet being energized, a magnetic field is created that attracts the armature. The electromagnet may be energized, for example, by the power module 50 in the visor body 14 and / or via a power system of the vehicle 12. In some implementations, the releasable latch 26 may be configured to be in the unlocked state in the absence of power from the power module 50 and / or via a vehicular control system 150 of the vehicle 12. For example, if the electromagnet is configured to be energized by the power module 50 or the vehicular control system 150, and the power module 50 receives power through the vehicular control system 150, the electromagnet may be configured to be de-energized upon operable disengagement between the power module 50 and the vehicular control system 150.

[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-4, the release module 28 is configured as, otherwise include, or be in operable communication with one or more sensors 57 (FIG. 4) that quantifies a characteristic of the vehicle 12 and / or visor assembly 10 where it becomes beneficial to move the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the characteristic may include a rapid acceleration of the vehicle 12 and / or visor assembly 10, a load on the visor assembly 10, a detection of a collision event or roll-over event, and / or the like. By moving the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the visor assembly 10 can, for example, absorb some of the load from the event and remain on the connection member 16. Such benefits may be particularly useful in off-road driving scenarios and / orembodiments wherein the previously described electronic components are incorporated into the visor body 14, adding weight and other potential hazards such as breakable glass or other components from extreme gravitational forces (e.g., "G-forces"). In addition, in the event that an object within the vehicle 12 travels into contact with the visor body 12, the resulting load and / or acceleration can cause the release module 28 to move the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position to avoid and / or limit damage to the visor assembly 10 (e.g., the electronic components). More particularly, by releasing the releasable latch 26 to the unlocked position allows the spring 52 to absorb a certain amount of the load and / or slow the acceleration by allowing the visor body 14 to freely articulate back to the stowed position or any intermediate position.

[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some implementations the one or more sensors 57 may include one, two, or more of a load sensor, a shock sensor, and / or an accelerometer. The sensors 57 may be in communication with the electromagnet via the power module 50 and / or via a power system of the vehicle 12 (e.g., through the control system 100). The sensors 57 may configured to quantify an acceleration of or a load / shock on the visor body 14, the vehicle 12, and / or the releasable latch assembly 24 and, in response, generate a signal to de-energize the electromagnet such that the at least one releasable latch 26 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position if the quantified acceleration, load, or shock is above a threshold. The one or more sensors 57 may be located in the visor body 14, the vehicle 12, a common housing with the first component 54 or the second component 56, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In the depicted implementation, the sensor is located in a common housing 58 with the second component 56 (e.g., the electromagnet).

[0028] With reference now to FIG. 4, general operation (e.g., energization and deenergization) of the electromagnet may be carried out by, for example, the control system 100 and / or via a logic circuit or other communicatory means between the releasable module 28 and the releasable latch 26. In some embodiments, the communication means between the releasable module 28 and the releasable latch 26 resides in the common housing 58. The threshold associated with the sensor 57 (e.g., the load sensor, the shock sensor, and / or the accelerometer) may be based on a predetermined max load, shock, or acceleration where the visor body 14 begins to detach from the releasable latch 26 (e.g., or more than one releasable latch 26). In some implementations, the threshold associatedwith the sensor (e.g., the load sensor, the shock sensor, and / or the accelerometer) may be based on predetermined max load, shock, or acceleration where the electronic components within the visor body 14 begin to experience failure (e.g., breaking, fracturing into parts, and / orthe like). In some implementations, the threshold is between about 50% and 95% of the max load, shock, or acceleration, for example, 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, or 50% or less. It should be appreciated that the at least one sensor 57 may be configured to detect one of the loads applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14. The detection may be direct by measuring the load applied or acceleration directly on the visor body 14 or indirectly by measuring the load applied or acceleration to the second component, the vehicle 12, the connection member 16, and / or the like that is then extrapolated as the load applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14. In this manner, for purposes of the disclosure, the load applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14 may be direct or indirect as described above.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 4, the control system 100 may include at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The at least one ECU 102 may be a discrete component specifically tasked with the operations described herein. For example, the ECU 102 may be located in the visor body 14 and control operational tasks of the at least one electronic component located or associated with the visor assembly 10. In some implementations, the ECU 102 may be in operable communication with the releasable latch assembly 24 or multiple releasable latch assemblies 24, when utilized. The ECU 102 may further be in operable communication with the vehicle control system 150 (e.g., through the connection member 16). The at least one ECU 102 may include the processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally, or alternatively, each ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, or the like. The memory 106 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor104 to, at least, perform some or all of the functions associated with the components of the visor assembly 10.

[0030] The memory 106 may be in an electronic component operating module ("ECOM") 108 that provides instructions for operating the various electronic components associated with the visor assembly 10 described herein. For example, the ECOM 108 may control (e.g., via inputs in the user interface 38 or other operating parameters) what to generate on the display 40 (images, videos, graphics, a navigation system, and / or the like), including images from the imager module 42 on the display 40. The ECOM 108 may further coordinate the state of the electro-optic device 46 based on the status of the display 40, environmental lighting, and / or the like.

[0031] The memory 106 may further include a releasable latch assembly operational module (RLAOP) 110 that includes the threshold information associated predetermined max load, shock, or acceleration of the visor body 14. The RLAOP 110 may further include instructions for whether or not the load applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14 is directly detected or indirectly detected and extrapolated. The RLAOP 110 may further include additional instructions for how the releasable latch assembly 24 can be switched between the locked and unlocked positions. More particularly, the releasable latch assembly 24 may be manually switched (e.g., with the user interface 48) between the locked and / or unlocked positions in addition to the release module 28 during standard usage. In some implementations, when more than one sensor 57 is utilized the RLAOP 110 may be configured to switch the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position (e.g., with the release module 28) based on detections from the sensors 57 of the load applied to the visor body 14 or the acceleration of the visor body 14. More particularly, the RLAOP 110 may measure both the load applied and acceleration and move the at least one releasable latch 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position upon only one of the load applied or the acceleration reaching the predetermined threshold. In some implementations, where the at least one sensor 57 includes two or more sensors 57 both measuring load or acceleration, directly and / or indirectly, the RLAOP 110 may be configured to measure both and average the detected load or acceleration from the two or more sensors 57 before comparing the average of the detected load or acceleration to the predetermined threshold.

[0032] In some implementations, the memory 108 may include a power operational module 112 that determines conditions on when the electronic components associated with the visor assembly 10 and / or the releasable latch assembly 24 is powered via the power module 50 (e.g., the battery) and / or the vehicle 12 (e.g., a vehicular control system 150). For example, upon operable coupling between the vehicle control system 150 and the power module 50 (e.g., via the connection member 16), the electronic components associated with the visor assembly 10 and / or the releasable latch assembly 24 may receive power from the vehicle control system 150 independently or through the power module 50. Upon operable decoupling between the vehicle control system 150 and the power module 50 (e.g., via the connection member 16), the electronic components associated with the visor assembly 10 may continued to be powered through the power module 50 while the releasable latch assembly 24 (e.g., the at least one releasable latch 26) is automatically switched to the unlocked position. In this manner, when a user wants to decouple the visor assembly 10 from the vehicle 12 for usage as a portable display, the releasable latch assembly 24 (e.g., the at least one releasable latch 26) is automatically decoupled. The release of the visor body 14 from the connection member 16 may be via electromagnetic locks and the user interface 48 and / or other types of mechanical locks that can be selectively locked and unlocked.

[0033] The control system 100 may further include a communication unit 114 in communication with the vehicular control system 150 and / or the at least one releasable latch 26. As such, in some implementations, the user interface 48 on the visor body 14 may be capable of controlling certain features of the vehicle, such as audio and temperature control. The one or more sensors 57 may be integrated with the releasable module 28 and / or in other locations in the visor assembly 10 or the vehicle. The releasable module 28 may receive instructions directly from the control system 100, the vehicular control system 150, and / or the release module 28 may include other operational circuitry 200 that includes the one or more sensors 57. More particularly, the operational circuitry 200 may be configured similar to the control system 100 and include the RLAOP 110. However, in other implementations, the operational circuitry 200 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or other circuitry configured to perform instructions, computations, and control variousinput / output signals to control the releasable latch assembly 24 (e.g., the at least one releasable latch 26).

[0034] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch that is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibration of the visor body, and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. A release module is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body.

[0036] According to another aspect, at least one releasable latch includes an electromagnet.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, an armature is coupled to the visor body that engages the electromagnet in the locked position.

[0038] According to still another aspect, the release module includes a sensor.

[0039] According to another aspect, the sensor includes an accelerometer in communication with the electromagnet, the accelerometer configured to quantify the acceleration of the visor body to generate a signal to the electromagnet to move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position if the quantified acceleration is above a threshold.

[0040] According to still another aspect, the sensor includes load sensor in communication with the electromagnet, the load sensor configured to quantify the load on the visor body to generate a signal to the electromagnet to move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position if the quantified load is above a threshold.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member to a second side proximate the at least one releasable latch.

[0042] According to still another aspect, the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member and the at least one releasable latch to a second side.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, the visor body further includes a display element and a battery.

[0044] According to still another aspect, the visor body is detachable from the connection member and configured to be used as a portable display.

[0045] According to another aspect, the visor body includes a battery configured to power the display when the visor body is detached from the connection member.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, the battery is configured to be powered through the connection member.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly includes at least one releasable latch configured to electromagnetically connect to a corresponding electromagnetic component within the interior of the vehicle. The at least one releasable latch is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibrations of the visor body through electromagnetic attraction and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. A release module is configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body reaching between 50% and 95% a predetermined max load or max acceleration.

[0048] According to another aspect, the at least one releasable latch includes an electromagnet and the corresponding electromagnetic component includes an armature plate coupled to the visor body that engages the electromagnet in the locked position.

[0049] According to yet another aspect, the visor body further includes an electronic component and a user interface, the user interface configured to control one or more settings of the electronic component.

[0050] According to still another aspect, the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member and the at least one releasable latch to a second side.

[0051] According to still yet another aspect, the user interface is located proximate the first side.

[0052] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position. A connection member extends between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body. A releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch that is switchable between a locked position where the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibration of the visor body, and an unlocked position where the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body. At least one sensor is coupled to the visor body and configured to measure at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body. A control system is in operable communication with the at least one sensor and the releasable latch assembly. The control system is configured to receive the measurement from the at least one sensor and move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of the load applied to the visor body or the acceleration of the visor body.

[0053] According to another aspect, the at least one releasable latch includes at least two releasable latches spaced from one another.

[0054] According to yet another aspect, the at least one sensor includes at least two sensors configured to measure only one of the load applied to the visor body or the acceleration of the visor body, and the control system is configured to average the measurements from the at least two sensors.

[0055] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Otherexemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0056] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0057] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0058] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0059] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0060] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0061] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position; a connection member extending between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitating pivotal movement of the visor body; a releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch configured to connect to the interior of the vehicle, the at least one releasable latch is switchable between a locked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibrations of the visor body and an unlocked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body; and a release module configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body.

2. The visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one releasable latch includes an electromagnet.

3. The visor assembly of claim 2, further including an armature coupled to the visor body that engages the electromagnet in the locked position.

4. The visor assembly of claim 3, wherein the release module includes a sensor.

5. The visor assembly as in claim 4, wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer in communication with the electromagnet, the accelerometer configured to quantify the acceleration of the visor body to generate a signal to the electromagnet to move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position if the quantified acceleration is above a threshold.

6. The visor assembly as in claim 4, wherein the sensor includes load sensor in communication with the electromagnet, the load sensor configured to quantify the loadon the visor body to generate a signal to the electromagnet to move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position if the quantified load is above a threshold.

7. The visor assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member to a second side proximate the at least one releasable latch.

8. The visor assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member and the at least one releasable latch to a second side.

9. The visor assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the visor body further includes a display element and a battery.

10. The visor assembly of claim 9, wherein the visor body is detachable from the connection member and configured to be used as a portable display.

11. The visor assembly of claim 10, wherein the visor body includes a battery configured to power the display when the visor body is detached from the connection member.

12. The visor assembly of claim 11, wherein the battery is configured to be powered through the connection member.

13. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position; a connection member extending between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitating pivotal movement of the visor body; a releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch configured to electromagnetically connect to a corresponding electromagnetic component within theinterior of the vehicle, the at least one releasable latch is switchable between a locked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibrations of the visor body through electromagnetic attraction and an unlocked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body; and a release module configured to switch the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body reaching between 50% and 95% a predetermined max load or max acceleration.

14. The visor assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one releasable latch includes an electromagnet and the corresponding electromagnetic component includes an armature plate coupled to the visor body that engages the electromagnet in the locked position.

15. The visor assembly as in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the visor body further includes an electronic component and a user interface, the user interface configured to control one or more settings of the electronic component.

16. The visor assembly of claim 15, wherein the visor body extends longitudinally from a first side proximate the connection member and the at least one releasable latch to a second side.

17. The visor assembly of claim 16, wherein the user interface is located proximate the first side.

18. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body pivotal between a stowed position and an extended position; a connection member extending between a first end connected to the visor body and a second end configured to connect to an interior of a vehicle, the connection member facilitating pivotal movement of the visor body; a releasable latch assembly including at least one releasable latch configured to connect to the interior of the vehicle, the at least one releasable latch is switchablebetween a locked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is coupled to and prevents movements and vibrations of the visor body and an unlocked position wherein the at least one releasable latch is decoupled from the visor body; at least one sensor coupled to the visor body and configured to measure at least one of a load applied to the visor body or an acceleration of the visor body; and a control system in operable communication with the at least one sensor and the releasable latch assembly, the control system configured to receive the measurement from the at least one sensor and move the at least one releasable latch from the locked position to the unlocked position based on at least one of the load applied to the visor body or the acceleration of the visor body.

19. The visor assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least one releasable latch includes at least two releasable latches spaced from one another.

20. The visor assembly of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least two sensors configured to measure only one of the load applied to the visor body or the acceleration of the visor body, and the control system is configured to average the measurements from the at least two sensors.

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