Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Machines – Wiping
Patent
1999-03-12
2000-06-13
Chin, Randall E.
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Machines
Wiping
152565, 2424, 2438, A61F 902, A42B 304
Patent
active
060732962
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an optical protective screen for improved visibility intended to be disposed in the field of view of an optical apparatus or a human observer.
Fine particles in motion, e.g. streams of dust or dirt, can deposit on a protective mask, window, lens, or the like, leading to reduced visibility which is a safety hazard e.g. for a motorcyclist.
A known protective device comprises a plurality of superposed thin transparent films, disposed on, e.g., the visor or mask of a motorcycle helmet. As each successive film becomes soiled, the motorcyclist removes it, exposing the next film. The overall thickness of the initial aggregate is limited, so as to avoid distortion of the field of view. Consequently, the useful life of one aggregate is limited, because the number of films which can be used in one aggregate is limited. Moreover, the motorcyclist must divert his attention while manipulating the device to remove a soiled film; this itself risks accidents.
Another known device which is applied to the visor or mask of a motorcycle helmet comprises a reel or the like, of transparent film, which is unrolled in front of the visor. Once the film is entirely used, it is replaced by reloading the device in a manner similar to reloading film in a photographic camera. The manipulations needed to replace the film in this device are somewhat complex. Also, the user is obliged to carry a spare reel of film, which is inconvenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to devise an optical protective screen which enables one to improve the visibility of a particular field of view, and which avoids the complex manipulations involved in film replacement, in that the inventive screen utilizes a cleaning system for the film.
The inventive screen which achieves this object is an optical protective screen for improved visibility, comprised of drive means to transport, move or displace, a transparent sheet or film in a transport direction, which sheet or film is disposed in a field of vision of an optical apparatus or a human observer; characterized in that cleaning means comprising brushes (or squeegees or the like hereinafter, "brushes"), oriented generally transversely to the transport direction of the sheet or film, are disposed on at least one side of the field of vision and are applied against said sheet or film.
As the film is being transported, the brushes rub against the film to remove soils and leave the film clean and clear. In this way, by cleaning and reusing the film, one avoids continual replacement of used film. Thereby one greatly increases the service life of the film. The inventive device is particularly well suited for providing improved visibility under difficult ambient conditions.
According to a particular embodiment, the screen is comprised of a frame (or housing) having a window opening, which frame has two enclosures disposed near the lateral sides of the window, wherewith the sheet or film comprises a film which is transported in the window between the two enclosures, the transporting being alternately in one direction and then the other, with the aid of drive means suitable for moving the film, and wherewith the brushes are disposed at or near the respective sides of the window.
With this embodiment, the cleaning is accomplished by contact of the brushes with the film, as the back-and-forth displacement of the film is carried out. The cleaning is improved by employing a plurality of brushes disposed against both faces of the film.
According to a first variant embodiment, the screen is comprised of two respective hollow reels disposed in the enclosures, wherewith the film is wound up onto and unwound from said reels.
The use of hollow reels provides spaces to accommodate the drive means, thereby reducing the overall dimensions and weight of the device, and reducing the number of parts needed for the drive means.
According to a second variant embodiment, the frame is comprised of storage components disposed at the aforesaid enclosur
REFERENCES:
patent: 614673 (1898-11-01), Taylor
patent: 2886819 (1959-05-01), Uphoff
patent: 4021878 (1977-05-01), Peillex
patent: 4179756 (1979-12-01), Lucas
patent: 4428081 (1984-01-01), Smith
patent: 4542538 (1985-09-01), Moretti
patent: 5203035 (1993-04-01), Lawlor
Chin Randall E.
Cole Thomas W.
LandOfFree
Optical protective screen with improved visibility does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical protective screen with improved visibility, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical protective screen with improved visibility will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2058893