Helmet with retractable visor and bridge

Abstract

A helmet comprises an outer shell, a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and a movable bridge that is positionable against a user's face. The visor moves along an arc-shaped track and/or a pivot from a position stored within the helmet shell to a deployed position in front of the face and the bridge is moved against the user's face. The helmet and integrated bridge assembly provides a seal from the visor to the user's face, thus protecting the face against wind and other debris.

1 . A helmet and visor assembly comprising:
 a. a helmet shell;   b. a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; and   c. a boot and bridge assembly that provides a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the boot and bridge assembly is substantially horizontally movable. 
     
     
         2 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the boot and bridge assembly is substantially vertically movable. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet shell comprises a squeegee positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet shell comprises one or more anti fog pads positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the visor is located within the helmet shell when it is in the retracted position. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the boot and bridge assembly comprises a flexible section for maintaining the seal with the face. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by one or more trolleys running in tracks on control arms. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by flexible actuator bars synchronized by a pinion gear. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bridge boot assembly is held in the retracted position and the deployed position by a spring. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the boot bridge assembly is vertically adjustable independent of its tracks. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the visor moves on an arc-shaped track. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the visor pivots from the retracted position to the deployed position. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet and visor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet. 
     
     
         14 . A control mechanism for a helmet and visor comprising:
 a. a tab for moving the visor between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the tab moves the visor along a L-shaped track between the deployed position and the retracted position; and   b. a latch for holding the visor in one of the retracted position and the deployed position.   
     
     
         15 . The control mechanism of  claim 14 , wherein the control mechanism comprises a cable. 
     
     
         16 . The control mechanism of  claim 15 , wherein the visor and bridge are moved in sequence by the cable. 
     
     
         17 . The control mechanism of  claim 16 , wherein the visor and bridge move circumferentially together and the bridge moves radially on its own, while the visor is locked in place. 
     
     
         18 . The control mechanism of  claim 15 , wherein a left and a right cable motion is synchronized. 
     
     
         19 . The control mechanism of  claim 15 , wherein the cable is routed in a figure eight shape pattern within the helmet shell. 
     
     
         20 . The control mechanism of  claim 14 , wherein the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet. 
     
     
         21 . A visor assembly configured for coupling with a helmet comprising:
 a. a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position;   b. a control mechanism for moving the visor between the retracted position and the deployed position; and   c. a bridge boot assembly coupled to the visor and configured for providing a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position.   
     
     
         22 . The visor assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the visor assembly comprises an aftermarket visor assembly.