Protective helmet visor apparatus, system and method

Abstract

A protective helmet face mask visor apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to affix to the face mask of a protective helmet at a location where it is desired to impede the transmission of light. The apparatus includes an elongated strip of material that is adapted to transmit visible light and prevent transmission of ultraviolet light.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A visor apparatus comprising an elongated translucent planar strip having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has substantially smooth edges.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip is a material adapted to cling to a surface of a translucent protective face mask.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the material has static electrical properties that make the material adapted to cling to the surface of the mask.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the material is poly vinyl.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the smooth edges are adapted to withstand a force applied substantially parallel to the face mask, and thereby remaining clung to the face mask.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the force is wind shear.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip allows transmission of visible wavelengths at a reduced intensity.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip prevents transmission of ultraviolet wavelengths.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip is adapted to affix to the inner surface of a motorcycle face mask.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein one edge of the strip includes flaps that are adapted to accommodate motorcycle helmet brow vents, thereby providing sunlight protection throughout the entire upper portion of the helmet.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the flaps fit in between and around the brow vents.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip further comprises rounded corners.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip is adapted to be cut into various shapes.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip is soft and bendable.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip is optionally polarized.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strip further comprises a green tint.  
     
     
         17 . A method of providing a visor to a protective helmet face mask, comprising: 
 providing an elongated translucent planar strip having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has substantially smooth edges;    mixing soap and water to obtain a soapy mixture;    applying a thin layer of the soapy mixture to a location on a surface of the face mask;    applying the elongated planar strip to the location on the face mask containing the soapy mixture; and    smoothing out any air bubbles located between the surface and the strip.    
     
     
         18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  further wherein the planar strip further comprises a series of flaps.  
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 18  further comprising fitting the flaps between and around brow vents on the helmet.  
     
     
         20 . A protective helmet visor system, comprising: 
 a protective helmet having a face mask; and    an elongated translucent planar strip attached to a surface of the face mask, the strip having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the strip has substantially smooth edges and rounded corners, and wherein the strip allows transmission of visible light and prevents transmission of ultraviolet light.