A helmet having a visor and a method of manufacturing such helmet are disclosed. The helmet comprises a shell dimensioned to receive the head of a user. A visor is moveably attached to the shell, and configurable between (1) a first position in which the visor extends from a forward region of the shell and (2) a second position in which the visor is substantially retracted with respect to the forward region of the shell. It is contemplated that actuation of the movement of the visor between the first position and the second position is automated on placement or removal of the helmet from the head of a user.
1. A helmet for placement on the head of a user, the helmet comprising: a shell dimensioned to receive the head of the user; a visor moveably attached to the shell, and configurable between (1) a first position in which the visor extends from a forward region of the shell and (2) a second position in which the visor is retracted with respect to the forward region of the shell,
an actuator coupled to the shell and visor;
wherein the actuator extends to an upper region of the shell, such that the actuator is positioned between the head of the user and the shell when the helmet is placed on the head of the user;
wherein the actuator is configured to (1) move the visor between the first position and the second position is as the helmet is being removed from the head of the user, and (2) move the visor between the second position and the first position as the helmet is being placed on the head of the user; and
wherein the actuator is located internally to the shell and moveable between a first configuration where the head of the user is remote from the shell and a second configuration where the head of the user is received by the shell such that contact is made between the actuator and the head of the user to move the visor from the second position to the first position.
2. A helmet according to claim 1 , wherein the visor further comprises a shield portion located at the forward region of the shell for providing a shielding effect to an outer surface of the visor when the visor is in the second position so as to protect the outer surface of the visor.
3. A helmet according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator is shaped to follow the contour of at least a portion of the user's head.
4. A helmet according to claim 1 , wherein in use the user's head comes into contact with the actuator and the resulting force applied thereto causes the actuator to move towards an inner surface of the shell thereby reducing a distance between the actuator and the inner surface of the shell.
5. A helmet according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator is in mechanical communication with the visor such that movement of the visor occurs in response to movement of the actuator between the first and second configuration or vice versa.
6. A helmet according to claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the actuator in the first configuration when the head of the user is removed from the shell such that the visor is biased in the second position.
7. A helmet according to claim 6 , wherein one end of the biasing member is mechanically connected to the actuator and the other end of the biasing member is mechanically connected to the shell.
8. A helmet according to claim 1 , wherein the visor is attached to the shell at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, the first pivot point being spaced apart from the second pivot point such that in use the first pivot point and the second pivot point are positioned on either side of the head of the user.
9. A helmet according to claim 8 , wherein at the first and/or second pivot point there is configured a lockable hinge system, the lockable hinge system comprising a pivotable part and a cooperable locking member.
10. A helmet according to claim 9 wherein the lockable hinge system further comprises a main body attachable to the shell for securing the visor, pivotable part and the locking member.
11. A helmet according to claim 10 , further comprising the lockable hinge system being configurable to permit a rotational movement of the visor within a predetermined range.
12. A helmet according to claim 9 , wherein the locking member and the visor are attached together by at least one protrusion located on the locking member and at least one aperture or recess located on a connecting portion of the visor, or vice versa.
13. A helmet according to claim 9 , further comprising an override mechanism comprising a resilient member arranged between the pivotable part and the locking member, the override mechanism being configurable between a first state in which the surfaces of the pivotable part and the locking member are brought together and a second state in which the surfaces of the pivotable part and the locking member are arranged to permit relative movement between the locking member and the pivotable part.
14. A helmet according to claim 13 , further comprising a release button for selecting between the first state and the second state.
15. A helmet according to claim 1 wherein the helmet comprises a first and a second support arm configured to be positioned forwardly of a user's ears to thereby block wind and noise incident on the user's ears.
16. A helmet according to claim 15 , wherein an outside surface of at least the first support arm has a patterned or rough edge so as to act as air turbulence generators prior to air reaching the user's ears.