Abstract:
A system for retaining and adjustably positioning a rearview mirror on an item of headgear. The system includes a flexible, resilient halo band of polymer plastic material removably attachable at each end thereof to the sides of the headgear and extending radially around the front of the headgear across the field of view. A rearview mirror component is slidingly positioned on the halo band and adjustably oriented to provide a rearward view to the wearer of the headgear. The rearview mirror component is a generally rectangular, semi-rigid panel, of polymer plastic material, with an attachment section having an array of parallel slots through which the halo band may be woven, and a reflective section, extending at an angle from the attachment section.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to safety devices for use with vehicles (man-made, such as bicycles and natural, such as horses) capable of transporting one or two individual riders, and to other environments where a visual awareness of the surroundings is desired. The present invention relates more specifically to an accessory attachment system with adjustable rearview mirror component configured to be worn by an individual rider in conjunction with headgear such as a helmet or separately as an item of integrated headgear. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Various safety devices have been developed to help protect individuals riding and/or controlling the movement of small one or two occupant vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Similar devices have been developed for those riding animals, such as horses. The discussion herein will generally relate to man-made vehicles, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems described herein will translate to other environments where headgear might be worn. One safety device that is frequently utilized on such vehicles is a rearview mirror designed to provide a safe and quick view of moving environment to the rear and side of the vehicle and the rider so as to allow the rider to achieve safer movement and control of the vehicle. Conventional devices used for rearward viewing during operation of off-road and on-road vehicles such as described above have many disadvantages. The most common manner of viewing to the rear of a moving vehicle involves the operator simply turning his or her head around to see what is behind and/or to the side. This method of viewing to the rear and the side causes two significant problems. The first involves the total loss of view in the direction of travel. The second involves a reduction in the control that the operator has over the vehicle while the operator is in a contorted body position on the vehicle. 
         [0005]    A device commonly used for viewing to the side and/or rear in situations such as described above comprises a permanently or removably mounted mirror positioned on the vehicle or body. Most permanently attached mirrors must be custom mounted using bolts or screws that require drilling holes into the frame or body of the vehicle, which in turn decreases the value of the vehicle and often leads to more rapid structural deterioration. Vehicle mounted mirrors (whether permanent or removable) also often alter the vehicle&#39;s exterior lines to a point where a standard protective cover for the vehicle no longer fits or to a point where the aerodynamics of the vehicle may be compromised. In addition, the use of a mirror attached to the frame structure or body of the vehicle often provides only a blurred view of the environment during vehicle operation as vibrations caused by rough terrain or other moving mechanical components of the vehicle compromise the clarity of the view within the mirror. Such vibrations and impacts may also result in damage to the mirror to the point it is no longer functional. 
         [0006]    Further efforts have been made to provide rearview mirror devices for small on-road and off-road vehicles that may be positioned on the hands or arms of the operator of the vehicle. Hand mirrors may be strapped to the back of the users hand so as to allow positioning of the mirror by raising the hand and orienting the mirror appropriately. To use these hand mirrors, the operator must typically raise their hand off of the handlebars or other control mechanisms of the vehicle during vehicle operation, a process which greatly compromises the safety associated with optimal control of the vehicle. 
         [0007]    Efforts have also been made to attach small mirrors to helmets, helmet visors, or other accessories that an individual operating a small vehicle might wear. While these types of rearview mirror devices reduce the effects of vehicle vibration on the clarity of view, all suffer from additional problems so as to make their use less than complete solutions. The smaller the mirror is, the closer it must be positioned to the user&#39;s eye to afford a wide angle rear view. Any mirror close enough to a bicycle rider&#39;s eye (for example) to give a broad rear view poses a risk of eye injury in a bicycle accident. In addition, any large or heavy mirror may react to jolts or vibrations on the rider themselves so as to fall out of adjustment and lose focus for a clear and properly oriented rear view. 
         [0008]    Nonetheless, the use of a rearview mirror attached to a rider&#39;s helmet appears to provide the best general solution for the overall safety problem. The difficulty with existing efforts to incorporate mirrors onto helmets involves the complexity and bulkiness with which the mounting mechanisms must be configured in order to prevent the problems described above. The preference would of course be to have a larger mirror surface to view such that the mirror surface need not be in very close proximity to the eyes of the user. Large mirrors, however, tend to be heavier and therefore require heavier and more complex mounting structures in order to maintain them in place. Typical ball and socket joint structures for placing and positioning mirrors on helmets fail when the size of the mirror becomes too large or the ball and socket joints loosen. 
         [0009]    It would therefore be desirable to have a system for mounting safety accessories such as a rearview mirror to the helmet of the rider/operator of a small on-road or off-road vehicle that provides a wide angle field of view and a rugged but inexpensive mechanism for variably positioning the mirror and other safety accessories. It would be desirable if such an accessory attachment system could be incorporated onto existing helmet designs having a variety of sizes and shapes. It would be desirable to allow for the retrofit of such a system to an existing helmet or to incorporate the system into an original equipment manufactured design. It would also be desirable if such a rearview mirror system could be incorporated into a novel item of headgear not necessarily associated with a helmet structure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to facilitate a rearward view of the surrounding, moving environment for the operator of a bicycle, a snowmobile, an ATV, a motorcycle, or similar one or two occupant vehicle. 
         [0011]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an improved means for securing a rearward view for the operator of an on-road or off-road vehicle, a means that may be positioned on a variety of existing forms of protective headgear worn by operators of such vehicles. 
         [0012]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an improved means for securing a rearward view for an individual within any environment where an item of headgear might be worn and activities surrounding the individual must be visually monitored. 
         [0013]    The objectives of the present invention are fulfilled by providing a system for retaining and adjustably positioning a rearview mirror on a helmet or other item of headgear. The system includes a flexible, resilient halo band of clear polymer plastic material removably attachable at each end thereof to the sides of the helmet and extending radially around the front of the helmet across the field of view. A rearview mirror component is slidingly positioned on the halo band and adjustably oriented to provide a rearward view to the wearer of the helmet. The rearview mirror component may preferably be a generally rectangular, semi-rigid panel, of polymer plastic material, with an attachment section having an array of parallel slots through which the halo band may be woven, and a reflective section, extending at an angle from the attachment section. 
         [0014]    The system may include components that fasten to the operator&#39;s helmet using hook and loop fastener surfaces with an adhesive backing. This allows the system to be removed and reinstalled any time the operator stores his or her helmet, or transports their helmet in a protective bag. This system also allows the operator to take advantage of a safe and quick view towards the side or rear by providing: no hand movements required which leaves the operator in control of the vehicle with both hands on the handlebars; a quick blind spot free view on both sides of the operator with no head or body movements needed; and only a very slight eye movement similar to the glance needed to look at a speedometer while driving a car. The system is fully adjustable with three axes of rotation incorporated into each mirror. 
         [0015]    According to one embodiment of the invention, a mirror and halo track attachment for an existing bicycle helmet is provided where the helmet may have a removable visor. The invention attachment has holes which allow retrofit attachment to the helmet between the visor and the helmet. The mirror weaves onto the halo track which takes on a hoop shape when attached to a bicycle helmet. The mirror travels on the length of the hoop (typically 16 inches) to place the mirror a sufficient distance from the bicycle rider to use to provide a rear view. The mirror travels on the curve of the hoop to adjust the angle of the mirror. The bicycle rider may also easily adjust a third axis, because the mirror is rotatable in its position on the halo track. 
         [0016]    Alternate embodiments provide non-helmet type items of headgear that incorporate the same halo track and adjustable mirror elements for use in a variety of visual environments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers represent like parts, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical bicycle helmet implementing the halo band accessory attachment system and adjustable rearview mirror of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a view from the helmet wearer&#39;s perspective of the halo band accessory attachment system of the present invention shown with the adjustable rearview mirror component attached in the orientation of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an elevational view of the adjustable mirror component of the system of the present invention shown removed from the halo band component. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the adjustable mirror component of the system of the present invention, again shown removed from the halo band component of the system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of a typical bicycle helmet implementing the halo band accessory attachment system of the present invention showing the placement and orientation of the adjustable mirror component of the system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a view from the helmet wearer&#39;s perspective of the halo band accessory attachment system of the present invention shown with two adjustable rearview mirror components attached in opposite orientations on the left and right side of the system. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  are elevational views of two alternate embodiments of the adjustable mirror component of the system of the present invention, each shown removed from the halo band component. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 8A-8E  are elevational views of further alternate embodiments of the adjustable mirror component of the system of the present invention, each shown removed from the halo band component. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 9A-9D  are side elevational views of an alternate embodiment of the halo band system of the present invention with eye glare guard, the halo band component integrated on a headband, a visor, a hat, and on a cap. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 10A &amp; 10B  are side elevational views of two further alternate embodiments of the halo band component of the system of the present invention shown integrated on a cap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    As described above, the present invention is intended to be used with a variety of bicycle helmet designs as well as a variety of similar protective headgear products where the user might benefit from the attachment of accessories such as a rearview mirror. The system may be implemented on other types of non-protective headgear as well. The detailed descriptions that follow are generally directed to a bicycle helmet and the use and attachment of the system of the present invention to such helmets. This description, however, is not intended to be limiting of the potential applications for the system of the present invention, but instead should be read as representative of the manner in which the system may be implemented with a variety of different types of protective and non-protective headgear. 
         [0029]    Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  which is a perspective view of the bicycle helmet accessory attachment system of the present invention as it may be configured in conjunction with a typical (U.S. region) bicycle helmet. Bicycle helmet system  10  is shown to essentially include helmet shell  12  and halo band accessory system  14 . Halo band accessory system  14  is attached to helmet shell  12  in a manner described in more detail below, but generally is positioned from side to side, bent or curved, preferably with a residual clamping force, across the front of the helmet so as to allow the proper placement and positioning of adjustable mirror component  16 . Adjustable mirror component  16  is fitted to flexible band  18  which itself is attached to helmet shell  12  at two points on each end of flexible band  18 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , attachment end plate (left side)  20  is shown as a first attachment point to helmet shell  12  while a corresponding end plate (right side), not shown, is used to secure the second end of flexible band  18 . 
         [0030]    In the manner of the system configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , adjustable mirror  16  may be variably positioned along flexible band  18 , as may be required by the user, to provide the best view towards the side and rear while riding a bicycle. Adjustable mirror  16  slides, in a manner described in more detail below, along flexible band  18  from a first point on the right side of the band all of the way around and across the front to a point on the left side of the band. In this manner it can be seen that adjustable mirror  16  may be positioned and placed on either side of the helmet depending upon the riding conditions that the user is confronted with (such as traffic on the right or left) and further depending on the user&#39;s preference. The preferred embodiment placement of adjustable mirror  16  for traffic flow (for example, in the United States and many other countries) would be on the left hand side of helmet shell  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Some modification of the structure of adjustable mirror  16  may be necessary if placement on the right hand side of flexible band  18  is desired. See also the discussion following with respect to  FIG. 6  for variations on reversing mirror orientation and doubling mirror placement. It should be clear, however, that the appropriate configuration either on the right or left side of the bicycle helmet can easily be implemented with the structures of the present invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  also discloses that the preferred material from which flexible band  18  is made is a clear, flexible, durable sheet of plastic or polymer composition. The polymer material composition sheet should be sufficiently thick and resilient as to maintain a clamping spring force within the halo band once it is placed on and attached at each of its end points to the helmet shell  12 . Preference is for a clear polymer sheet so as to allow for additional visual access to the mirror surface as described in more detail below, although some embodiments may incorporate an opaque or partially opaque band to facilitate an eye shading function for the halo band component. The adjustable mirror is preferably a semi rigid sheet of material, bendable at one point (again described in more detail below) and coated on one or both sides with a layer of reflective material. A polycarbonate Lexan® material may best serve as the mirror substrate (backing) while a polyacrylic material may best serve as the reflective surface element. Variations on these composition materials are anticipated. 
         [0032]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 2  for a detailed description of the halo band accessory system  14  of the present invention shown detached from the helmet shell disclosed in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  is a forward looking plan view (that is, a view from the wearer&#39;s perspective) of halo band accessory system  14  shown with adjustable mirror component  16  incorporated in a position similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . Flexible halo band  18  is shown laid flat (i.e., detached from the helmet); a configuration that the resiliency of the material might preferably resist when detached. Halo band accessory system  14  is shown to be comprised of flexible band  18  having a width of and a length (not shown) commensurate with the desired adjustability of the mirror. In other words, although the width of the flexible band  18  might be consistent, it is preferable to provide bands of varying lengths to accommodate different helmet sizes and different desired mirror adjustments. 
         [0033]    Each end of flexible band  18  is configured with an attachment end plate. Left side attachment end plate  20  is shown on one end of flexible band  18  with right side attachment end plate  21  positioned on the opposite end of flexible band  18 . Associated with each of the attachment end plates  20  and  21  are a variety of attachment components. In  FIG. 2 , hook and loop attachment pads  22  are shown with left side attachment end plate  20 , while hook and loop attachment pads  24  are shown associated with right side attachment end plate  21 . Attachment post aperture  25  is shown configured on left side attachment end plate  20  and attachment post aperture  23  is shown configured on right side attachment end plate  21 . 
         [0034]    Hook and loop attachment pads  22  and  24  are preferably matched pairs (one helmet, one band) with corresponding pads positioned on the helmet shell of the bicycle helmet. Referring again to  FIG. 1  (as well as  FIG. 5 ), one side of the pair of hook and loop pads may be adhesively attached to the helmet shell, while the corresponding side of the hook and loop pad pair is fixed to the inside surface of flexible halo band  18 . In this manner, the hook and loop attachment pads are used to secure each end of the flexible halo band  18  to the helmet shell as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    An alternate means of attaching flexible halo band  18  to the helmet shell may utilize attachment post apertures  23  and  25 . These apertures, positioned in attachment end plates  20  and  21 , align with and receive attachment posts  27  and  29  that would be fixed to the sides of the helmet shell of the bicycle helmet. Such attachment posts are known in the art and are often utilized to attach visors to helmet shells. The configuration of attachment post apertures  23  and  25  in the present invention is such as to allow use of existing visors in concert with the halo band accessory system of the present invention or to allow use of the halo band accessory system without the use of a visor. In general, therefore, attachment end plates  20  and  21  are configured with a variety of attachment mechanisms that permit attachment of the halo band accessory system  14  to a wide variety of helmet shell configurations. 
         [0036]    Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the manner in which adjustable mirror  16  is positioned on and movable with respect to flexible halo band  18 . An array of attachment slots  30  (three in the preferred embodiment) are configured through adjustable mirror attachment section  28 . Extending from mirror attachment section  28  is visible mirror extension section  26 . This structure of adjustable mirror  16  is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    Adjustable mirror  16  may be positioned and placed on flexible halo band  18  by sliding halo band  18  through each of attachment slots  30  as shown. The friction between the surfaces of adjustment mirror attachment section  28  (between attachment slots  30 ) and the surface of flexible halo band  18  is sufficient to allow for the adjustable placement of mirror  16  on the flexible band. The primary adjustments shown in  FIG. 2  include adjustable mirror angle α which results from a difference between the width of attachment slots  30  and the flexible halo band width. An additional adjustment is, of course, provided by the side to side movement that may be made with adjustable mirror  16  along the length of flexible band  18 . 
         [0038]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 3  for a detailed description of the structure of adjustable mirror  16  of the present invention. Adjustable mirror  16  may preferably be configured as shown in  FIG. 3  as a generally rectangular sheet of semi rigid material having a lower extension that provides an increased viewing surface for the user. Adjustable mirror  16  is generally comprised of visible mirror extension section  26  and adjustable mirror attachment section  28 . As described above, attachment section  28  is configured with attachment slots  30  having a slot width as shown. Mirror extension section  26  is associated with and connected to attachment section  28  at bendable joint  32 . All or a portion of mirror extension section  26  is covered with mirror surface  34 . The non-rectangular lower extension of mirror extension section  26  is preferably configured with a mirror drop angle β as shown. This angle provides a compromise between offering a larger mirror surface  34  visible to the user and the non-obstruction of the forward view of the user. Mirror drop angle β (preferably 0° to 45°) in conjunction with adjustable mirror angle α (also preferably 0° to 45°) shown in  FIG. 2  together provide a variable amount of mirror surface  34  visible to the user according to the user&#39;s preferences. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the adjustable mirror component  16  of the present invention showing the manner in which visible mirror extension section  26  is bendably connected to adjustable mirror attachment section  28 . The bend at bendable joint  32  provides a mirror viewing angle θ (preferably 0° to 45°) as shown. Bendable joint  32  may preferably be a re-positionable joint such as may be provided by any number of plastic substrates (polycarbonate, for example) forming the material from which adjustable mirror  16  is constructed. Such plastic substrates forming the basis for the construction of adjustable mirror  16  may provide a bendable joint  32  that has a relatively long lifetime of minor adjustments back and forth changing the viewing angle θ. Alternate embodiments may utilize a frictional hinge mechanism in place of bendable joint  32  to provide a longer lifetime of more significant adjustments to the viewing angle. In general, a single user would likely set the viewing angle with a manual adjustment of bendable joint  32  and therefore retain that viewing angle through repeated use. 
         [0040]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 5  which is a rear elevational view of the bicycle helmet system  10  of the present invention as implemented in conjunction with helmet shell  12 . In this view, the back  15  of helmet shell  12  is shown with only a small portion of the flexible halo band visible on either side. In this case, right side attachment end plate  21  and left side attachment end plate  20  are shown on either side of helmet shell  12 , being attached thereto through the use of hook and loop attachment pads as described above. Also in the view of  FIG. 5  may be seen the larger portion of adjustable mirror  16  that is generally visible from the rear of the user (and therefore visible to the user towards the rear). Adjustable mirror  16  is shown positioned at the angles and in the orientation described above, presenting mirrored surface  34  to the user to view the area behind the user and angled to present that same view to the eye of the user wearing the helmet. In the view of  FIG. 5  it can be seen how a major portion of mirror surface  34  and of visible mirror extension section  26  can be seen and used for rearview mirror purposes. 
         [0041]    The orientation shown in  FIG. 5  shows the best view of traffic approaching from behind and to the side of the user wearing the helmet oriented in a forward looking direction. Simple movement of the user&#39;s eyes to the side and up to view the rearview mirror surface provides the best available view of traffic approaching from behind to the left hand side. Again, as indicated above, re-orientation of the adjustable mirror  16  may provide for alternate views of traffic approaching from the rear. In addition, side to side movement of the users head will re-orient the view from side to side to the rear of the user in a manner that may be quickly accomplished without jeopardizing the forward view of the user. 
         [0042]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 6  for a brief description of an alternate preferred embodiment of the halo band accessory system  14  as shown detached from the helmet shell with two adjustable mirror components  16  and  42 . These two mirror components  16  and  42  are incorporated at alternate left and right positions similar to that shown in  FIG. 1  (the left hand side in the case of mirror component  16 ) and in a mirrored fashion on the right hand side of flexible halo band  18  in the case of mirror component  42 . As indicated above, it is anticipated that mirror component  16  may be constructed to be reversible so as to be alternately positioned on the opposing side of halo band  18 , or to be duplicated with symmetrical geometry and presented in matched pairs on each side of halo band  18  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this double mirror configuration shown in  FIG. 6  would comprise two adjustable mirror components  16  and  42  constructed of the same base material but with mirror surfaces on opposite faces of the base material. The preference for this type of construction would eliminate the presence of a mirrored surface on the outward face of either mirror component. Otherwise, the adjustable aspects of mirror component  42  are identical to adjustable aspects of mirror component  16 . Mirror component  42  shown in  FIG. 6  includes the same or similar mirror attachment section  48  having an array of attachment slots  40  as shown. Once again, the friction between the surfaces of the adjustment mirror attachment section  48  (between attachment slots  40 ) and the surface of flexible halo band  18  is sufficient to allow for the adjustable placement of mirror  42  on the flexible band. Adjustable mirror  42  is generally comprised of visible mirror extension  46  and adjustable mirror attachment section  48 . The adjustment of mirror  42  may be accomplished by sliding the mirror along the length of halo band  18  and by appropriate tilting of the mirror component through angle similar to the manner in which the corresponding adjustable mirror  16  may be tilted through angle. The user may, of course, adjust the two separate mirror components independently to provide for customized viewing angles from each. 
         [0044]    Also shown in  FIG. 6  are examples of post attachment components  27  and  29  that may be required with helmet systems that do not already incorporate such attachment components for visors or the like. Post attachment components  27  and  29  may, in the preferred embodiment, be rigid plastic posts extending from plates having an adhesive face that allows for their permanent or semi-permanent mounting on the external shell of the helmet. The halo band of the present invention may then be attached using attachment post apertures  23  and  25  as described above, to these now permanent post attachment components  27  and  29  positioned in an appropriate manner on the sides of the helmet. 
         [0045]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  for detailed descriptions of alternate embodiments of the mirror component of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  shows adjustable mirror  50  as a first geometrically alternate embodiment for the mirror component. Adjustable mirror  50  may preferably be configured as shown in  FIG. 7A  as a more basic rectangular sheet of semi-rigid material without the lower mirror extension provided for in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . Adjustable mirror  50  is generally comprised of mirror extension section  56  and adjustable mirror attachment section  58 . As described above, attachment section  58  is configured with attachment slots  60  having a slot width as shown. Mirror extension section  56  is associated with and connected to attachment section  58  at bendable joint  62 . All or a portion of mirror extension section  56  is covered with mirror surface  54 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7B  modifies the embodiment shown and described above with regard to  FIG. 3  by providing for an expanded non-rectangular upper and lower wing extension of the mirror section. In  FIG. 7B , non-rectangular lower extension section  76  is preferably configured with a mirror drop angle as shown. In a similar fashion, non-rectangular upper extension section  77  is preferably configured with a mirror rise angle as shown. These angles provide an increased mirror surface  74  visible to the user and yet still maintain a generally non-obstructed forward view to the user. Preferred angles to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7B  are similar to those described above in conjunction with the embodiment represented in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0047]    Adjustable mirror  70  as shown in  FIG. 7B  is generally comprised of a visible mirror component made up of lower extension section  76  and upper extension section  77  attached to adjustable mirror attachment section  78 . As described above, attachment section  78  is configured with attachment slots  80  having a slot width as shown. Mirror extension sections  76  and  77  are associated with and connected to attachment section  78  at bendable joint  82 . All or a portion of mirror extension sections  76  and  77  may be covered with mirror surface  74 . 
         [0048]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 8A-8E  for five further alternate embodiments of the geometric construction of the mirror component of the system of the present invention. In  FIG. 8A , adjustable mirror  90  provides a much smaller mirror surface  94  positioned on mirror extension section  96  while maintaining the same sized mirror attachment section  98  connected at bendable joint  92 .  FIG. 8B  provides adjustable mirror  100  incorporating an oblong shaped mirror extension section  106  having mirror surface  104  providing a more customized rearview image to the user. Mirror extension section  106  is associated with and connected to attachment section  108  at bendable joint  102 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8B  provides an example where mirror extension section  106  may be made from a substrate material different from the material of mirror surface  104 . In this example, mirror surface  104  may be of a harder acrylic material that is set in a recess formed in the softer polycarbonate material of mirror extension section  106 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 8C-8E  represent further circular or oblong mirror components that address alternate preferences for the user and the user&#39;s view. In  FIG. 8C , adjustable mirror  110  provides a larger circular mirror surface  114  positioned on mirror extension section  116  while maintaining the same sized mirror attachment section  118  connected at bendable joint  112 . In  FIG. 8D , adjustable mirror  120  provides a smaller and orthogonally oriented oblong shaped mirror surface  124  positioned on mirror extension section  126 , while again maintaining the same sized mirror attachment section  128  connected at bendable joint  122 . This orthogonal orientation may be preferable where a greater vertical field of view (such as in mountainous terrain) is desired. Finally, in  FIG. 8E , adjustable mirror  130  provides a very small mirror surface  134  positioned on mirror extension section  136 , again while maintaining the same sized mirror attachment section  138  connected at bendable joint  132 . Various advantages and disadvantages to each of the configurations shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E  are anticipated. The presentation of these alternate embodiments is intended to be representative of modifications to the mirror component that can be made to reflect specific environments within which the rearview mirror is utilized. In some instances, a very narrow and specific rearview image may be preferred, such as that shown in  FIG. 8E  which provides for greater forward visibility around the smaller mirror component. Some driving conditions may make the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8D  preferable which provides an orthogonal orientation to the oblong mirror component shown in  FIG. 8B . It will be recognized that an individual user may choose to retain a number of different mirror component embodiments in conjunction with a single halo band system insofar as the mirror components may be removed from and replaced on the halo band as needed. In addition, a primary mirror of a first geometric structure might be paired with a secondary mirror of a distinct geometric structure. 
         [0050]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 9A-9D  which are side elevational views of an alternate halo band structure implemented on (incorporated into) a variety of headbands, visors, hats, and caps.  FIGS. 9A-9D  represent a distinct method of attachment (or more specifically, incorporation) that allows for the use of the rearview mirror system of the present invention in conjunction with a variety of other non-helmet types of headgear.  FIG. 9A  represents the halo band accessory system  202  implemented on a headband component  203 . The system  202  may be secured on the wearer with adjustable attachment component  207 . Attachment component  207  may comprise hook and loop elements, cloth strap material, or button attachment sections. Flexible halo band  204  in this case incorporates eye glare guard section  208  that extends downward from flexible halo band  204  in the area adjacent the user&#39;s eyes. The eye glare guard section  208  provides for improved viewing the mirror component (not shown) that would be positioned forward from eye glare guard section  208 . 
         [0051]    The attachment of flexible halo band  204  to headband component  203  may preferably be made at bracket  205  positioned on headband  203 . Bracket  205  may preferably incorporate a pivot point connection  206  that allows for some variation in the angle of flexible halo band  204  in front of the eyes of the user. 
         [0052]      FIG. 9B  represents the halo band accessory system  212  implemented on a visor component  213 . The system  212  may be secured on the wearer with adjustable attachment component  217 . Flexible halo band  214  in this case incorporates eye glare guard section  218  that extends downward from flexible band  214  in the area adjacent the user&#39;s eyes. Attachment of flexible halo band  214  to visor component  213  may preferably be made at bracket  215  positioned on visor  213 . Bracket  215  may preferably incorporate a pivot point connection  216  that allows for some variation in the angle of flexible halo band  214  in front of the eyes of the user above or below front brim  219  of the visor  213 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 9C  represents the halo band accessory system  222  implemented on a hat component  223  provided with adjustable attachment component  227 . Flexible halo band  224  again incorporates eye glare guard section  228  that extends downward from flexible halo band  224  in the area adjacent the user&#39;s eyes. Attachment of the flexible halo band  224  to hat component  223  may be made at bracket  225  positioned as shown. Bracket  225  may preferably incorporate a pivot point connection  226  that allows for some variation in the angle of flexible halo band  224  in front of the eyes of the user, again above or below front brim  229  of hat  223 . Additional support for halo band  224  is provided in this example by adjusting straps  220   a  and  220   b  that extend from an attachment point  221  on halo band  224  over hay component  223 , to a second attachment point (not shown) on an opposite side of halo band  224 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 9D  represents the halo band accessory system  232  implemented on a cap  233  provided with adjustable attachment component  237 . Flexible halo band  234  again incorporates eye glare guard section  238  that extends downward from flexible halo band  234  in the area adjacent the user&#39;s eyes. Attachment of flexible halo band  234  to cap  233  may be made at bracket  235  positioned as shown. Bracket  235  in this case may preferably incorporate a non-pivoting connection  236  that more rigidly supports halo band  234  in a fixed position on cap  233 . Additional support for halo band  234  is provided in this example by adjustable straps  230   a  and  230   b  that extend from an attachment point  231  on halo band  234 , over cap  233 , to a second attachment point (not shown) on an opposite side of halo band  234 . 
         [0055]    Reference is finally made to  FIGS. 10A and 10B  for a description of further alternate embodiments of the halo band component of the system of the present invention. In  FIG. 10A , a straightforward and simple flexible halo band  244  is shown attached to a cap  242  similar to the manner in which the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 9D  is attached to the cap structured therein. In this case, a simple narrow flexible halo band  244  is attached to cap  242  at bracket  245  positioned on cap  242 . Bracket  245  may again preferably incorporate a pivot point connection  246  that allows for variation in the angle of flexible halo band  244  in front of the eyes of the user above or below cap brim  249 . Additional support for halo band  244  is provided in this example by strap  247  that extends from attachment point  241  on halo band  244 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 10B  provides a wider flexible halo band  254  configuration, one in which the material from which flexible band  254  is constructed might better serve to provide shading to the eyes of the user fully across the user&#39;s front field of view. In a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 9D , attachment of flexible band  254  to cap  252  may be made at bracket  255  positioned on cap  252 . Bracket  255  may again preferably incorporate a non-pivoting connection  256  that more rigidly supports halo band  254  in a fixed position around cap brim  259 . Further variations on the geometric shape of the flexible band component of the system of the present invention are anticipated. 
         [0057]    Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize structural modifications and alternate construction materials that will likewise fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The geometric dimensions described are variable according to both the environment within which the system is used, and the overall size of the helmet to which the accessory system is attached. Variations in these geometries will be apparent to those skilled in the art according to these variations in the environment and size of the helmet. 
         [0058]    In addition, the preferred materials from which the various components of the present invention may be constructed have been identified in the preferred embodiment so as to optimize the versatility of the system while at the same time minimizing cost and maximizing durability. Variations on the materials identified may be made to further minimize cost or to further improve durability.