Contoured visor for motorcycle helmets and the like and method of manufacture therefor

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, comprising a contoured or shaped plate-like element made of an optically transparent or clear plastics material.
The main feature of the invention is that the visor comprises a leather strip applied, by sewing, on the perimetrical edge of the plate-like element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, and a making method therefor.

[0002] As is known, in making motor cycle helmets and the like, are conventionally used visor elements comprising an optically transparent or clear polycarbonate plate element which is coupled to the helmet body by rivets and the like.

[0003] The mentioned plate-like elements, in a lot of cases, have edges having cutting properties, thereby they can cause lesions.

[0004] Moreover, possible chipping on the edge, can represent a breaking start region, therefrom breakages could expand through the overall width of the visor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problems, by providing a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, including means for protecting the edge portions thereof, thereby preventing cutting regions from being forced while providing a suitable stiffening preventing breakages from propagating, in addition to hold possible fragments or chips generated by a breakage of the visor.

[0006] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a contoured or shaped visor which can be coupled to the helmet in a very quick and simple manner by coupling means which, in addition to having a very small weight, are also very efficient from a mere constructional standpoint.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like which, owing to its specifically designed characteristics, is very reliable and safe in operation.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, which can be easily made starting from easily available elements and materials and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a contoured visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, comprising a contoured plate-like element made of an optically transparent plastics material, and being characterized in that said contoured visor comprises a strip element applied, by sewing, on a perimetrical edge of the plate-like element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of a contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the plate-like element forming the subject visor;

Figure 2 shows the contoured or shaped plate-like element;

Figure 3 shows said plate-like element to which a strip has been applied on the perimetrical edge portion thereof;

Figure 4 shows the operating step for sewing the strip element on the edge;

figure 5 shows an operating step for cooling the sewing needle; and

Figure 6 shows the visor in a fully assembled arrangement thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] With reference to the number references-of the above mentioned figures, the contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, according to the present invention, comprises a plate-like element 1, which is made of an optically transparent or clear polycarbonate plate, which is cut and then contoured by thermoforming it or by other like contouring or shaping methods.

[0012] The main feature of the invention is that to the plate-like element 1 a strip 2, preferably made of a leather material, and arranged at the perimetrical edge portion of the plate-like element 1, is applied.

[0013] In particular, said strip element 2 is applied by sewing, i.e. by arranging the strip element in a straddling relationship with the edge portion.

[0014] To provide a sewing or seaming adapted not to damage the plate-like element, it has been experimentally found that it is necessary to carry out a cooling operating step for cooling the sewing needle 10, by an air jet flow.

[0015] Thus, it is possible to provide an even and continuous seaming on the plate-like element, without damaging the latter, since the needle is continuously cooled during the sewing operation, thereby preventing the sewing or seaming thread or yarn from being cut.

[0016] For completing the visor, further -plate-like elements 5, made of carbon fibers and coupled to the edges of said visor by rivets 6 are moreover provided.

[0017] More specifically, said plate-like elements operate as a supporting and connecting element for supporting and coupling the visor to the helmet, while providing a quick and easy coupling, without damaging the visor, since the visor edge portions are fully protected.

[0018] From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0019] In particular, the fact is to be pointed out that the invention provides a new type of visor, the edges of which are fully covered by a strip which is sewn by using a specifically designed sewing method which, by continuously holding the sewing needle in a cooled condition, prevents the needle from being overheated so as to generate a cutting line, during the sewing operation, and accordingly to generate a possible seaming textile thread or yarn breakage.

[0020] The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention.

[0021] Moreover, all the constructional details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0022] In practicing the invention, the used materials, provided that they are compatible to the intended application, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements.

Claims

1. A contoured visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, comprising a contoured plate-like element made of an optically transparent plastics material, characterized in that said contoured visor comprises a strip element applied, by sewing, on a perimetrical edge of the plate-like element.

2. A contoured visor, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said plate-like element is made of a polycarbonate material.

3. A contoured visor, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said strip element is made of a leather material.

4. A contoured visor, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strip element is arranged in a straddling relationship with said perimetrical edge.

5. A method for making a contoured visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of providing an optically transparent or clear plastics material contoured plate-like element, applying a strip element to a perimetrical edge of said plate-like element and performing on said strip element a sewing operation for sewing said strip element to said perimetrical edge, while continuously cooling the sewing needle.

6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that said cooling is performed by an air jet flow.

7. A method according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said strip element is arranged in a straddling relationship with respect to said perimetrical edge.

8. A method according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said strip element is made of a leather material.

9. A contoured or shaped visor for motorcycle helmets and the like, and a method for making said visor, characterized in that they comprise one or more of the disclosed and/or illustrated characteristics.

Drawing