Stabiliser for visor assembly

Abstract

Stabiliser (10) for a visor assembly (12) for protective headgear (14) e.g. equestrian safety helmet. The visor assembly has a visor (16) pivotably mounted at pivots (18a, 18b) to a support (20), e.g. a brow band (20a), of the visor assembly. The stabiliser (10) engages with a peak (22) on the protective headgear. The stabiliser (10) configured for breakaway capability of the visor (16) and / or visor assembly (12) from the protective headgear, such as in the event of an incident or accident. For wearer impact / accident, the visor (16) or assembly (12) may need to rapidly release from the protective headgear to avoid potential injury to the wearer, such as from the lower edge (16a) of the visor. The stabiliser can enable the visor / visor assembly to breakaway (release) from the protective headgear once sufficient force is applied to the visor / visor assembly. The stabiliser (10) can resiliently release, such as by flexing.

Description

STABILISER FOR VISOR ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a stabiliser for a visor assembly for use with safety headgear, such as a protective helmet e.g. for sport, recreation or work safety applications.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention find particular application in relation to safety headgear / protective helmets for construction work (e.g. hard hats), equestrian activities (e.g. riding / racing helmets) such as harness racing helmets, or other sporting, recreation or work activities where protective headgear is recommended or required.

[0003] It will be appreciated that the term visor used herein refers to a movable part of, or attached to, protective headgear that can be pulled down to cover at least part of the wearer’s face. A ‘peak’ of the headgear refers to the forward projecting rim that provides eye shade. The peak can be a permanent part of, or removably attachable to, the headgear.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention include a visor assembly attachment arrangement and a spacer for use between a visor assembly and protective headgear.BACKGROUND

[0005] Protective headgear, such as helmets, are required for safety for many sports and recreation activities to protect the wearer’s head from impact injury. Sport and recreation bodies typically regulate the specifications for suitable protective helmets to ensure safety compliance standards for participants.

[0006] The helmet may include a pull-down visor through which the helmet wearer can see his or her environment. The visor usually has a mounting assembly for removably mounting the visor to the helmet.

[0007] The helmet may also include a peak projecting forward from the front brim of the helmet to provide shade above the wearer’s eyes. Many helmets have a permanent peak, whilst others may have a removably attachable peak.

[0008] The visor is usually retractable from a lowered position covering much of the face to a raised, open, position not protecting the face. The visor provides a protective screen for the face when it is in the lowered position. The raised position facilitates personal comfort for the wearer, such as pre- or postcompetition, for ease of talking to other people, face cleaning or taking a drink, etc.

[0009] It has been realised that it can be beneficial to provide improved stability and / or breakaway functionality, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0010] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.SUMMARY

[0011] With the aforementioned in mind, an aspect of the present invention provides a stabiliser for a visor assembly for protective headgear, such as a safety helmet. The stabiliser includes at least one stabiliser device configured to engage, directly or indirectly, a portion of a peak of the protective headgear.

[0012] Embodiments of the stabiliser may engage, directly or indirectly, an underside and / or a topside of the peak. For example, the at least one stabiliser device may include at least a first engagement portion to engage, directly orindirectly, an underside surface of the peak and / or second engagement portion to engage, directly or indirectly, a topside surface of the peak.

[0013] It will be appreciated that the stabiliser can provide an anti-vibration capability, not least because the stabiliser can act on the visor assembly part-way between end attachment points thereof and brace against the peak of the protective headgear. It should also be appreciate that, beneficially, the stabiliser can provide a release / breakaway capability in the event of an incident, as well as providing the stability capability, in use, when the visor is down or raised up.

[0014] The at least one engagement device may provide a space between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion to receive therein a portion of the peak.

[0015] Embodiments may include the first engagement portion and an underside of a portion of the visor assembly defining a space to receive therein the portion of the peak. For example, the at least one stabiliser device may be attached to the underside of an extension, such as a peak portion, of the visor assembly.

[0016] The visor assembly may be removably attachable to the headgear, such as by a fastener arrangement, such as one or more press studs, hook and loop fastener, or a combination of both. The protective headgear may include at least attachment portion for attachment of the visor assembly.

[0017] Embodiments of the at least one stabiliser device may at least one receiver to receive the portion of the peak therein. The at least one receiver may be U, J or C shaped in cross section.

[0018] The at least one receiver may be attached by at least one fastener to the peak of the visor assembly. The at least one fastener may include one ormore screws, adhesive pads, hook and loop fastening, rivets or other suitable fastener.

[0019] The stabiliser may be configured for breakaway capability for the visor / visor assembly. For example, in the event of an incident, such as a wearer impact / accident, the visor assembly may need to rapidly release from the protective headgear to avoid potential injury to the wearer, such as from the lower edge of the visor itself. In such an event, the stabiliser can enable the visor / visor assembly to breakaway (release) from the protective headgear once sufficient force is applied to the visor / visor assembly.

[0020] Embodiments may include the visor pivotably attached to a support of the visor assembly. The support can attach to the protective headgear, such as to a brow portion thereof. The support may attach to the brow portion above where the peak projects forward from the brim of the protective headgear. The visor may be pivotably attached to the peak of the visor assembly.

[0021] One or more embodiments may include a fastener arrangement for releasable attachment of a visor assembly to protective headgear. The attachment arrangement can include at least one releasable fastener.

[0022] One or more embodiments of the present invention provides at least one spacer for engagement between a visor assembly and protective headgear to which the visor assembly is releasably attached.

[0023] The at least one spacer may include attachment means for releasable attachment to the visor assembly and to the protective headgear.

[0024] Preferably the at least one spacer is double sided with a respective attachment portion on each side thereof.

[0025] The at least one spacer may include hook and loop fastener portions.

[0026] One of the hook or the loop portion may be on one side of the spacer and the other of the hook or loop portions may be on the other side of the spacer.

[0027] The respective hook and loop portions may be configured to engage with respective loop and hook portions of the visor assembly and the protective headgear.

[0028] The stabiliser of claim 7, wherein the polymer material includes PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic, or other polymer, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0029] The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device is U or C shaped in cross section.

[0030] The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device has at least one aperture / hole therethrough for receiving at least one fastener therethrough for attachment of the respective stabiliser device to a support of the visor assembly.

[0031] One or more embodiments may provide a visor assembly including at least one stabiliser as herein described. The visor assembly may be removably attachable to the protective headgear. For example, the visor assembly can be removably attachable to the protective headgear by a fastener arrangement, such as including at least one hook and loop fastener.

[0032] One or more embodiments may include at least one spacer for engagement between a visor assembly and protective headgear to which the visor assembly is releasably attachable. The spacer may include attachment means for releasable attachment of the spacer to the visor assembly and to the protective headgear.

[0033] The respective spacer can be double sided, having a respective fastener / attachment portion on each side thereof.

[0034] The respective spacer may include at least one of a hook and loop fastener portion, preferably a hook fastener portion on one side and a loop fastener portion on the other side.

[0035] The respective hook and loop portions may be configured to engage with respective loop and hook portions of the visor assembly and the protective headgear.

[0036] The spacer can be disc shaped, such as round or other disc profile e.g. square, hexagon, octagon of relatively thin profile compared to a width / diameter of the spacer.

[0037] One or more embodiments may include a visor assembly for releasable attachment to protective headgear. The visor assembly may include a visor pivotable attachable to a support structure of the visor assembly, at least one stabiliser device attachable to a portion of the support structure, the at least one stabiliser device configured to engage, directly or indirectly, with a peak of the protective headgear, and releasable attachment means for removably attaching the visor assembly to the protective headgear.

[0038] The at least one stabiliser device and the releasable attachment means may provide safety breakaway for the visor assembly to detach from the protective headgear.

[0039] At least a portion of the at least one stabiliser device may be arranged and / or configured to flex for engagement release from the peak. The at least one stabiliser device may include a one-piece body.

[0040] Protective headgear and visor assembly combination, including a stabiliser for the visor assembly for protective headgear, the stabiliser including at least one stabiliser device engaging, in use, between a portion of a peak of the protective headgear and the visor assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] One or more embodiments or examples of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 shows an underside view of a protective headgear with visor assembly attached thereto including a stabiliser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 shows protective headgear and visor assembly separated, revealing a stabiliser attached to the visor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 also shows an attachment arrangement for removable attachment of a visor assembly to protective headgear, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a view of a visor assembly from a wearer’s face facing side, including a stabiliser and part of an attachment arrangement according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 4 and 5 show features of a stabiliser device enabling visor stabilisation and safety breakaway / detachment of the visor / visor assembly from the protective headgear, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figures 6 and 7 show features of an attachment arrangement and a stabiliser according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 8 shows features of an attachment system and a spacer for fitment adjustment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figures 9 to 13 show features, and exemplary stages of breakaway, for a visor / visor assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C show views of a stabiliser device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14A shows a side view, Figure 14B shows cross section A-A of Figure 14A, and Figure 14C shows cross section B-B of Figure 14A.

[0050] Figures 15A, 15B and 15C show progressive stages of release of a stabiliser for a visor assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0051] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented.

[0052] It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and / or designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0053] One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a stabiliser 10 for a visor assembly 12 for protective headgear 14, such as a safetyhelmet. The visor assembly includes a visor 16 pivotably mounted at pivots 18a, 18b to a support 20, such as a brow band 20a, of the visor assembly. For example, Figure 1 shows an underside view of an equestrian sport helmet 14.

[0054] The stabiliser 10 engages, directly or indirectly, with a peak 22 attached to or forming part of the protective headgear.

[0055] Embodiments of the stabiliser 10 can include at least one stabiliser device 10a configured to engage, directly or indirectly, a portion of a peak 22 of the protective headgear, as shown by way of example in Figure 1 .

[0056] Embodiments of the stabiliser 10 may engage, directly or indirectly, an underside and / or a topside of the peak 22. For example, the at least one stabiliser device 10a may include at least a first engagement portion 24a to engage, directly or indirectly, an underside surface 26a of the peak 22 and / or second engagement portion 24b to engage, directly or indirectly, a topside surface 26b of the peak 22.

[0057] Reference to direct engagement can be that the respective engagement portion contacts the underside of the peak. Reference to indirect engagement can include, for example, an intermediate member, such as a pad or wear resistant surface intervening between the respective engagement member and the surface of the peak.

[0058] The respective stabiliser device 10a may provide a space 35 between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion to receive therein a portion of the peak, such as shown by way of example in Figures 1 , 4 and 5.

[0059] The respective stabiliser device 10a can be or include a U or C shaped device in cross section (see Figure 4 by way of example). It will be appreciated that the stabiliser may include multiple stabiliser devices, such as spaced alongportions of the peak. However, a central broad stabiliser device, as shown by way of example in Figure 1 , has been found to be effective. Embodiments may include the stabiliser device having the first engagement portion 24a and the second engagement portion 24b connected by a connection portion 30.

[0060] Alternatively, embodiments may include the first engagement portion and an underside of a portion of the visor assembly defining a space to receive therein the portion of the peak. For example, the at least one stabiliser device may be attached to the underside of an extension, such as a peak portion 13, of the visor assembly 12. The visor assembly 10 can have a support including a visor assembly peak 13 to which the engagement device attaches to provide the stabiliser function for the visor assembly.

[0061] The visor assembly 10 may be removably attachable to the protective headgear 14, such as by a fastener arrangement 31 , such as one or more press studs, hook and loop fasteners 32, 33, or a combination of both. The protective headgear may include at least attachment portion for attachment of the visor assembly.

[0062] Embodiments of the at least one stabiliser device 10a may be U or C shaped in cross section defining a space 35 to receive a portion of the peak 22 therein.

[0063] The at least one stabiliser device may be attached by at least one fastener 28 to the peak 13 of the visor assembly 12. The at least one fastener may include one or more screws, studs, adhesive pads, hook and loop fastening, rivets or other suitable fastener, or a combination of any two or more thereof. Fasteners may extend through holes 40, 42 in the stabiliser device to fasten the stabiliser device to the visor assembly support.

[0064] The stabiliser 10 may be configured for breakaway capability for the visor 16 and / or visor assembly 12. For example, in the event of an incident oraccident, such as a wearer impact / accident, the visor assembly 12 may need to rapidly release from the protective headgear 14 to avoid potential injury to the wearer, such as from the lower edge 16a of the visor itself. In such an event, the stabiliser can enable the visor / visor assembly to breakaway (release) from the protective headgear once sufficient force is applied to the visor / visor assembly.

[0065] Thus, the stabiliser provides stabilising support for the visor when in use but can also allow the visor to separate or ‘breakaway’ from the protective headgear to prevent the visor or visor assembly from inadvertently harming the wearer.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the stabiliser device can include a resilient and / or flexible material such that, in need of separation / breakaway, the respective engagement portion and / or the connection portion can flex to allow release of the visor / visor assembly from the protective headgear. Suitable material includes PVC, ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate or other polymer(s).

[0067] The stabiliser device 10a can be of a single piece of polymer material, which may be formed into the U or C shape cross section, such as by heat forming. The first engagement portion 24a and the second engagement portion 24b may extend laterally further than the connection portion 30. The respective width of the connection portion relative to the first and second engagement portions can be arranged and configured to determine amount of flexibility of the stabiliser device 10a, which can influence breakaway force required.

[0068] Embodiments can include an attachment arrangement 31 for releasably attaching a visor assembly 12 to protective headgear 14. Embodiments of the attachment arrangement may include a hook and loop fastener arrangement.

[0069] Embodiments can include a spacer 36. The spacer can adjust for fitment between the protective headgear and the visor assembly. The spacer canbe double sided, with a first fastener 37 on one side and a second fastener 38 on the second side. The spacer can be provided as a disc, such as a round or other shaped disc.

[0070] As shown by way of non-limiting example in Figures 9 to 13, sufficient upward force on the visor 16 allows the visor assembly to rotate upwards, the stabiliser device 10a flexes and releases from engagement with the peak 22 and the attachment 33 for the protective headgear 12.

[0071] Similarly, sufficient downward force on the visor or visor assembly enables the stabiliser device to flex and release the visor assembly from engagement with the peak.

[0072] Figures 15A, 15B and 15C show progressive stages of release of a stabiliser for a visor assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15A shows the visor 16 raised to a normal open position with the stabiliser 10 stabilising the visor assembly 12. Figure 15B shows a broader but simar view to the detailed views in Figures 10 and 11 , wherein the stabiliser 10 is partially opened as the visor assembly lifts form the front of the protective headwear 14 and the stabiliser is releasing from engagement with the peak 22 of the protective headgear 14. Figure 15C shows a broader view of the similar detailed view in Figure 12 of the stabiliser 10 released from engagement with the peak 22 of the protective headgear such that the visor assembly can release form engagement with the protective headgear, as shown by way of example in Figure 13.

[0073] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A stabiliser for a visor assembly for protective headgear, the stabiliser including at least one stabiliser device configured to engage, directly or indirectly, a portion of a peak of the protective headgear.

2. The stabiliser of claim 1 , wherein the at least one stabiliser device is configured to engage, directly or indirectly, an underside and / or a topside of the peak.

3. The stabiliser of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one stabiliser device provides a space between a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion of the respective stabiliser device to receive therein a portion of the peak.

4. The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device is configured to attach to a support of the visor assembly.

5. The stabiliser of claim 4, wherein at least one stabiliser device is configured to attach to an underside of an extension, such as a peak portion, of the visor assembly.

6. The stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device includes a flexible resilient material facilitating breakaway release of the visor assembly from the protective headgear.

7. The stabiliser according to 6, wherein at least a portion of the at least one stabiliser device is configured to flex for engagement release from the peak.

8. The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device includes a one-piece body.

9. The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device includes a polymer material.

10. The stabiliser of claim 9, wherein the polymer material includes PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic, or other polymer, or a combination of any two or more thereof.11 . The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device is U, J or C shaped in cross section.

12. The stabiliser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stabiliser device has at least one aperture / hole therethrough for receiving at least one fastener therethrough for attachment of the respective stabiliser device to a support of the visor assembly.

13. A visor assembly including a stabiliser according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The visor assembly of claim 13, being removably attachable to the protective headgear.

15. The visor assembly of claim 14, the visor assembly is removably attachable to the protective headgear by a fastener arrangement including at least one hook and loop fastener.

16. A spacer for engagement between a visor assembly and protective headgear to which the visor assembly is releasably attachable.

17. The spacer of claim 16, the spacer including attachment means for releasable attachment of the spacer to the visor assembly and to the protective headgear.

18. The spacer of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein spacer is double sided with a respective attachment portion on each side thereof.

19. The spacer of claim 18, wherein the spacer includes hook and loop fastener portions.

20. The spacer of claim 19, including one of the hook or the loop portions on one side of the spacer and the other of the hook or loop portions on the other side of the spacer.21 . The spacer of claim 20, wherein the respective hook and loop portions may be configured to engage with respective loop and hook portions of the visor assembly and the protective headgear.

22. The spacer of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the spacer is disc shaped.

23. A visor assembly for releasable attachment to protective headgear, the visor assembly including a visor pivotable attachable to a support structure of the visor assembly, at least one stabiliser device attachable to a portion of the support structure, the at least one stabiliser device configured to engage, directly or indirectly, with a peak of the protective headgear, and releasable attachment means for removably attaching the visor assembly to the protective headgear.

24. The visor assembly of claim 23, wherein the at least one stabiliser device and the releasable attachment means provide safety breakaway for the visor assembly to detach from the protective headgear.

25. Protective headgear and visor assembly combination, including a stabiliser for the visor assembly for protective headgear, the stabiliser including at least one stabiliser device engaging, in use, between a portion of a peak of the protective headgear and the visor assembly.

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