Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-27
2001-06-19
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C002S209140, C002S422000, C002S424000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247824
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a supplemental visual reference system and more particularly, to a system that displays to the wearer of a safety helmet or other head worn apparatus a reverse field of view of a portion of the surrounding environment which not only compensates for the limited peripheral view of the helmet but also adds to the wearer's visual perception and safety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An additional or extended field of view provided to the wearer of a face shield of a helmet will allow greater visual perception and control of the wearer's peripheral environment for safety and pleasure.
Presently, many varieties of commercial safety helmets, face shields, or other head worn coverings are available. All of the currently available types cause a reduction of peripheral vision when worn. Typical or conventional vehicles (i.e., motorcycles, snowmobiles, bicycles) that require the use of a helmet or face shield offer one or more attached mirrors to the vehicle itself, which only provide limited visual references. These vehicle-attached mirrors are quite limited and have major drawbacks. For example, the mirrors that are physically affixed to the vehicle require that the helmet wearer maintain a relatively straight forward-facing head and neck position to be able to utilize the reflected rear view images. These prior devices also force helmet wearers to turn their heads and/or alter their field of vision to view the surrounding area of the vehicle. As such, these prior devices force helmet wearers to frequently take their eyes off of the road to observe their surroundings, thereby undesirably increasing the risk of an accident.
Additionally, since the mirrors of the prior art maintain a fixed position upon the vehicle while it is operated, the visual images reflected in them are limited to the direct field of view behind the vehicle not necessarily the optimum field of view behind the helmet wearer's varying head position. This limited rear view image presentation is further reduced when the vehicle turns or traverses hills and valleys.
Further, fixed vehicle mirror positions return rear view images, which typically suffer from areas of omission, better known as blind spots. An additional drawback is that fixed vehicular mirrors are often on handlebars or parts of the vehicle that suffer the vibrational effects of traveling at high speeds. This can be further exaggerated by wind or other elemental influences against the backs of the mirror housings. These drawbacks can make the operation of a motorcycle, snowmobile, bicycle or other vehicle, while using an ordinary safety helmet or face shield, difficult, stressful, and unsafe.
Consequently, there is a need to provide the helmet wearer with an improved system to produce more useful, complete, and accurate rear and side view visual images. The Applicants' invention addresses these drawbacks and provides a method and an apparatus for providing a mirror system to the wearer of a safety helmet, which is capable of withstanding the rigors of use with a high-speed vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the present invention to provide a system that overcomes the limitations of the reduced field of view suffered by the wearing of a safety helmet, face shield, or other head worn device by providing extended rear and side view visual images to the user.
It is the second object of the present invention to provide a system that overcomes the shortcomings of using a fixed mirror system on any variety of vehicles that the helmet wearer may be operating. This is accomplished by providing an adjustable, aerodynamic mirror system that further comprises an integrated face shield for use with a typical safety helmet. The mirror system offers to the user an extended field of view to the rear and sides of the wearer. The system is for use in high-speed applications and will withstand the physical forces of wind, rain, snow, saltwater spray, or other environmental elements imposed upon it in use.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a system to overcome the previously delineated drawbacks in the wearing of preexisting, commercially available safety helmets and face shields. This is accomplished by providing an adjustable, aerodynamic mirror system that, in one non-limiting embodiment, allows the system to be disposed in retrofit upon a typical face shield or upon the front surface of a non-shielded helmet.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an integral mirror system and face shield assembly, which mounts to a typical or commercially available safety helmet is provided.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an operator adjustable mirror system which may be retrofitted and mounted on any commercially available helmet or face shield is provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a mirror system to the wearer of any typical or commercially available helmet or face shield is provided.
These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and by reference to the following drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4651357 (1987-03-01), Gershoni
patent: 4798454 (1989-01-01), Hyun
patent: 5432960 (1995-07-01), Kraut
patent: 5917667 (1999-06-01), Turner
patent: 6052832 (2000-04-01), Crompton
Berke Joseph J.
Michael Charles
Chupa & Alberti P.C.
Robinson Mark A.
Spyrou Cassandra
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