Patent Abstract:
A system and method for varying hologram visibility is disclosed herein. Specifically the system can comprise a shield. The shield can comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram that is less visible the first layer is in the light state. The method can comprise attaching a second layer to a first layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram. The hologram can be less visible when the first layer is in the light state than when the first layer is in the dark state.

Full Description:
PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/454,030, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/517,589 filed Apr. 22, 2011, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Sefe Visor.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention pertains to the field of polyester film products containing images, and more specifically to the field of moving three dimensional holographic images in a clear or tinted, polarizing polymeric thin film applied to cycling helmets, visors, ski goggles, windshields, etc. the helmet, visor, ski goggles, etc can be made of a photochromic material. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sky is the limit for today&#39;s sport enthusiasts and athletes, and the more extreme the activity, the better. Not only do these sport enthusiasts and athletes enjoy pushing the envelope on the risks they take, but they insist on blazing a trail with a premium of individual style. Skiers and snowboarders may be bundled from head to toe, but still can be distinguished by their gear and by the graphics on their skis and snowboards. Long before the days of chopper builders on reality TV, motorcyclists always have taken pride in individually customizing their bikes, watercraft or other equipment as a personal statement. One thing that skiers, snowboarders, boaters, jet skiers and motorcyclists share is the need for clear vision and vision protection. For skiers and snowboarders the protection takes the form of goggles. For motorcyclists and boaters the protection takes the form of helmet visors and windscreens. 
     The prior art has put forth several designs for cyclist helmets, and tint and image applications. Among these are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,858 to Gary S. Silverman describes a method of simulating stained glass art by applying liquid paints to the object which may be a glass window or sheet. The leading paint dries in approximately two to three hours and then colored paints are applied as a covering over the areas which are peripherally defined by the leading paint. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,587 to Debra Gentry describes a bicycle helmet having a transparent eye shade and various interchangeable sun shield portions, along with affixed and built in sun shield portions. Stickers of various styles can be adhered to all eye shade portions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,474 to Gaylord E. Moss, Brian D. Cohn, Mao-Jin J. Chern, Lacy G. Cook, and John J. Ferrer describes a binocular holographic helmet mounted display used by pilots while flying in low light level environments. This mounted display also combines infrared or other image detection and instrumentation symbology which enhance a pilot&#39;s flight vision. 
     None of these prior art references describe the present invention. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system and method for varying hologram visibility is disclosed herein. Specifically the system can comprise a shield. The shield can comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram that is less visible the first layer is in the light state. 
     The method can comprise attaching a second layer to a first layer. The first layer can comprise a photochromic material having a dark state and a light state. The second layer can comprise a hologram. The hologram can be less visible when the first layer is in the light state than when the first layer is in the dark state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a motorcycle helmet. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a pair of goggles with a hologram. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a motorcycle with a hologram. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the integration of a hologram with a design of a motorcycle helmet. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a motorcycle that integrates a hologram with a motorcycle&#39;s design. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a second layer, wherein a second layer can be removable from a motorcycle helmet. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a second layer, wherein a second layer can be removable from goggles. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a hologram on goggles when a first layer is more opaque. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a hologram on goggles when a first layer is clear. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a hologram on a motorcycle helmet when a first layer is more opaque. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a hologram on a motorcycle helmet when a first layer is clear. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein is a system and method for fading and strengthening a hologram. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers&#39; specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a motorcycle helmet  100 . For purpose of this disclosure, motorcycle helmet  100  can be a protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle helmet  100  can be any type of headgear that can be used by motorcycle riders. Various type of headgear includes but is not limited to full-face helmet, off-road or motocross helmet, modular helmet, or open-face helmet. Motorcycle helmet  100  can comprise a body  101  and a shield  102 . Body  101  can be the base portion of motorcycle helmet  100  that covers the skull or head area of the user. Shield  102  can be attached at the front portion of body  101 . As such, shield  102  can be made of transparent material such as glass, polycarbonate, or plastics. Shield  102  can either cover the whole face or can only cover the eye area of the user. Shield  102  can be used to protect the rider from wind or small particles such as dusts, insects, or rocks, when driving or while doing any activities. Moreover, shield  102  can be used to screen out ultraviolet radiations (UV). In one embodiment, shield  102  can be removable from body  101 . In such embodiment, shield  102  can be removed and can be replaced with another shield. In another embodiment, shield  102  can be permanently attached to body  101 . Shield  102  can comprise a hologram  103 , which can enhance or personalize the look of motorcycle helmet  100 . Hologram  103  can be a three dimensional (3D) graphical image projected on shield  102 . 
     Further, shield  102  can comprise a first layer  104  and a second layer  105 . First layer  104  can be the innermost layer of shield  102 . First layer  104  can comprise a photochromic material that allows shield  102  to change color upon and depending on the exposure of light. Second layer  105  can be the outermost layer of shield  102  covering first layer  104 . Second layer  105  can comprise a holographic material that enables any graphical images to be seen in three dimensional (or 3D) forms. In one embodiment, hologram can be substantially transparent. As seen in  FIG. 1 , hologram  103  can be placed on second layer  105  of shield  102 . The layer structure described herein can aid in strengthening the image of any holographic images when shield  102  is exposed to light by causing reflection. Inversely, when shield  102  is hidden from light the holographic image on second layer  105  can fade. In one embodiment, hologram  103  can be etched into photochromic material. As such, first layer  104  and second layer  105  are combined into one continuous object. In another embodiment, hologram  103  can be a combination of photochromic and non-photochromic material to cause reflection in a darkened state and non-reflection in a lightened state as discussed below. 
     Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the light mentioned herein can be light comprising ultraviolet (UV) radiations such as sunlight. Since photochromic material reacts with ultraviolet (UV) radiations, shield  102  and hologram  103  can react differently or may not have any reactive response when exposed to room lights that does not contain ultraviolet (UV) rays. Moreover, hologram  103  and any holographic image placed on second layer  105  do not affect the vision of the user. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a pair of goggles  200  with hologram  103 . For purpose of this disclosure, goggles  200  can be a type of eyewear that can either be used to protect the eye, or to enhance vision. Moreover, goggles  200  can also comprise body  101  and shield  102 . In this embodiment, body  101  can be the frame that encloses or surrounds shield  102 . Goggles  200  can be worn around the head and fit snuggly in the eye area. Further, shield  102  of goggles  200  can comprise hologram  103 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a motorcycle  300  with hologram  103 . For the purpose of this disclosure, motorcycle  300  can be a type of motor vehicle that can be used for transportation. Motorcycle  300  can be a two or three wheeled motorized vehicle such as ATVs, scooters, or dirt bikes. Motorcycle  300  can comprise body  101  and shield  102 . Body  101  can be the main structure of motorcycle  300  wherein shield  102  can be attached. In this embodiment, shield  102  can be a windshield of motorcycle  300  placed at the front portion of motorcycle  300 . Shield  102  can be used to personalize the look of motorcycle  300 . As such, hologram  103  can be applied to shield  102  to enhance the appearance of motorcycle  300 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the integration of hologram  103  with a design  401  of motorcycle helmet  100 . Design  401  can be any two dimensional (2D) decoration that can be implemented through drawing, printing, painting, engraving, and/or embossing. As such, design  401  can complement the appearance of any structure or material. Design  401  can be used in body  101  of motorcycle helmet  100 . In this embodiment, hologram  103  on shield  102  can be integrated with design  401 . Hologram  103  can add to the interesting look of motorcycle helmet  100  especially when exposed or concealed from light. In a scenario wherein motorcycle helmet  100  is worn outdoor at day time, hologram  103  can appear and blend with design  401  of motorcycle helmet  100 . Conversely, hologram  103  can fade out at night thus only design  401  can be visible during this time. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates motorcycle  300  that integrates hologram  103  with the motorcycle&#39;s design  401 . In this embodiment, design  401  can be placed on body  101  of motorcycle  300 . Hologram  103  employed on shield  102  can complement design  401  applied on body  101  of motorcycle  300 . When motorcycle  300  is used at day time wherein motorcycle  300  is exposed to direct sunlight, hologram  103  can be visible therefore improving the overall appearance of motorcycle  300  during this time. Contrarily, at dusk or at night hologram  103  on shield  102  can disappear or can be barely visible to onlookers. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of second layer  105 , wherein second layer  105  can be removable from motorcycle helmet  100 . Second layer  105  can comprise a top surface  601  and a bottom surface  602 . Top surface  601  can be the portion of second layer  105  that comprises hologram  103 . Bottom surface  602  can be the portion of second layer  105  that connects with the top surface of first layer  104 . In one embodiment, second layer  105  can be attached to first layer  104  with a clear adhesive. In such embodiment, second layer  105  can self-adhere with first layer  104 . Moreover, second layer  105  in this embodiment can utilize peel and stick method wherein second layer  105  can be removed and reapplied on top of first layer  104  numerous times. In another embodiment, second layer  105  can be printed on a statically connectable material and placed on top of first layer  104 . In such embodiment, second layer can be positioned and connect to first layer without the use of adhesives. Such embodiment has the added benefit of being easier to remove and reattach. In such embodiment a different second layer  105  that comprises a different holographic design can be placed on first layer  104 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of second layer  105 , wherein second layer  105  can be removable from goggles  200 . Second layer  105  of shield  102  on goggles  200  can be interchangeable. As such, a different hologram  103  design can be used on another second layer  105 . In one embodiment, second layer  105  can be removed and reapplied at the top of first layer  104  through peel and stick method. In such embodiment, bottom portion  602  of second layer  105  can comprise of clear adhesive. As such second layer  105  can be removed and reapplied on top of first layer  104  numerous times. In another embodiment, second layer  105  can be printed on a statically connectable material and placed on top of first layer  104 . Further in another embodiment, shield  102  can be interchangeable. In this embodiment, the whole shield  102  can be replaced instead of just the second layer  105 . As such, second layer  105  can be permanently attached to first layer  104 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates hologram  103  on goggles  200  when first layer  104  is more opaque. The projection of hologram  103  can adjust depending on the amount of exposure of goggles  200  from sunlight. When goggles  200  are exposed or placed in direct sunlight, first layer  104  becomes darker or more opaque. First layer  104  or photochromic materials rely on organic photochromic molecules, wherein at the exposure of sunlight, first layer  104  can absorb ultraviolet radiation causing first layer  104  to darken. Therefore, as first layer  104  becomes darker, hologram  103  on second layer  105  can appear more vibrant due to the reflective nature of the dark background. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates hologram  103  on goggles  200  when first layer  104  is clear. At a similar pattern, when goggles  200  are concealed from sunlight, the absence of ultraviolet radiation can cause first layer  104  to lighten and fade. Therefore, as ultraviolet on first layer  104  clears or fades out, hologram  103  on second layer  105  can lighten. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates hologram  103  on motorcycle helmet  100  when first layer  104  is more opaque. In a scenario wherein motorcycle helmet  100  are exposed or placed in direct sunlight, first layer  104  of shield  102  becomes more opaque. First layer  104  becomes darker as ultraviolet light is absorbed. Therefore as first layer  104  becomes darker, hologram  103  on second layer  105  can appear more vibrant. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates hologram  103  on motorcycle helmet  100  when first layer  104  is clear. Hologram  103  on second layer  105  can lighten when there is an absence of sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Therefore, hologram  103  can be barely visible during night time or when the weather is cloudy. This can be the result of the absence of ultraviolet radiation, which causes first layer  104  to lighten and fade. 
     Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Technology Classification (CPC): 1