Abstract:
A visor can be manually positioned in a number of directions such that it is manually rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein that axis of rotation is itself manually pivotable through a range of angles about a pivot member. The visor manually repositionable, and includes a visor blade, a blade holder for securing the visor blade, a visor clip, and a pivot ball for connecting the blade holder and the visor clip. The pivot ball is repositionable throughout a range of angular motion; and the pivot ball has an axis.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of Provisional Application No. 62/389,326 filed on Feb. 23, 2016, inventor Allan N. Abruzzio, entitled “Sun Glare Visor X”. The entire disclosure of this provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference thereto, in its entirety. This application also claims the priority of Design Patent application Ser. No. 29/565,039 filed on May 17, 2016, inventor Allan N. Abruzzio, entitled “Sunglare Visor”. The entire disclosure of this design patent application is hereby incorporated by reference thereto, in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to visors, and particularly adjustable visors that can be moved to different positions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is a problem in the art to provide a visor. Such visors can be used anywhere that they are needed to block light, such as in vehicles. Visors can also be used near bright sources of light, such as near lamps and large windows. Most such visors can be manually moved in a single direction, such as folding down, or rotating into a down or up position. It is a problem in the art to provide an adjustable visor that can move in more than one direction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a visor than can be manually positioned in a number of directions such that it is manually rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein that axis of rotation is itself manually pivotable through a range of angles about a pivot member. 
         [0006]    The visor of the present invention is manually repositionable, and includes: 
         [0007]    a visor blade; 
         [0008]    a blade holder for securing the visor blade; 
         [0009]    a visor clip; 
         [0010]    a pivot ball for connecting the blade holder and the visor clip, the pivot ball being repositionable throughout a range of angular motion; and the pivot ball having an axis; 
         [0011]    wherein the visor blade can be manually positioned throughout the range of angular motion, and wherein the visor blade can be pivoted about the axis of the pivot ball. 
         [0012]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a Sunglare Visor X, according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a main visor clip, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of the main visor clip of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the main visor clip of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the main visor clip of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a blade holder, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top elevational view of the blade holder of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the blade holder of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the blade holder of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a blade holder back brace, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a top elevational view of the blade holder back brace of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the blade holder back brace of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the blade holder back brace of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a tinted blade, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a top elevational view of the tinted blade of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the tinted blade of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the tinted blade of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a ribbed pivot ball, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a top elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the pressure plug, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a top elevational view of the pressure plug of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational view of the pressure plug of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of the pressure plug of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a pressure plug rubber bushing, used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a top elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a front elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing the visor of  FIG. 1  in a plurality of different positions shown in dashed outline. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip and blade of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade tilted slightly forward with its upper edge tilted upward from the plane of the drawing. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip and blade of  FIG. 32 , showing the blade tilted slightly backward. 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip and blade of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade in an upright position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip and blade of  FIG. 32 , showing the blade rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the clip, as viewed in the plane of the figure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip and blade of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade rotated in a counter clockwise direction relative to the clip, as viewed in the plane of the figure. 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the visor of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from the rear. 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  is a cross sectional view of the pressure plug rubber bushing of  FIGS. 27-30 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is a cross sectional view of the pressure plug of  FIGS. 23-26 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a visor  100 , according to the present invention.  FIG. 1  illustrates in dashed outline various positions and angles in which the visor  100  can be moved and turned. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . This is an exploded view showing the elements of the visor  100 , including a main visor clip  10 , a blade holder  20 , a blade holder back brace  30 , a tinted blade  40 , a ribbed pivot ball  50 , a pressure plug  60 , a pressure plug rubber bushing  70 , a pivot ball lock nut  80 , and a plurality of blade holder screws  90 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a main visor clip  10 , used in the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . As seen in  FIG. 3  there is a flange  14  having a threaded bore  16  (indicated also in  FIG. 4 ), and is discussed further below. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of the main visor clip  10  of  FIG. 3 . Here, the main visor clip  10  includes a pair of arms  12  adapted to clip onto and engage a thin support member (not shown) in a vehicle. Such thin support members can include existing structures such as arms or blades, or can be installed separately by the user. 
         [0056]    The main visor clip  10  also includes a flange  14  having a threaded bore  16 . The threaded bore receives the ribbed pivot ball  50 , the pressure plug  60 , and the pressure plug rubber bushing  70 . This assembly is described in further detail below, and enables the ribbed pivot ball secured to the blade  40  to pivot relative to the flange  14  which is secured to a support by the arms  12 ,  12 . In this way, the blade  40  can be rotated and tilted relative to the main visor clip  10 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a blade holder  20 , used in the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . The blade holder  20  is an armature that holds the tinted blade  40  with three screws  90  that pass through to the blade holder back brace  30  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The blade holder  20  includes a brace portion  24  having three bores  26 , and includes an arm  21  having a socket  22 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  is a top elevational view of the blade holder  20  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the blade holder  20  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the blade holder  20  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a blade holder back brace  30 , used in the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . The blade holder back brace  30  adds support, and is used in the manner discussed above, to secure the tinted blade  40 . The blade holder back brace  30  includes a brace wall  32  having three bores  34  with sidewalls  36 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 12  is a top elevational view of the blade holder back brace  30  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the blade holder back brace  30  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the blade holder back brace  30  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a tinted blade  40 , used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . The tinted blade  40  has a body  42  and is generally transparent, using tint to reduce sun glare. In a preferred embodiment, the tinted blade  40  is composed of an optically clear acrylic sheet  42  for the purpose of filtering out glare from the sun. A plurality of bores  44  are includes in the body  42 , to allow the fasteners  90  to pass through between the blade holder back brace  30  and the blade holder  20 . 
         [0066]    The tinted blade  40  can in the alternative include polarized layers, to reduce sun glare using polarization. Additionally, the tinted blade  40  can employ tinting together with polarization, as a further embodiment of the invention. The tinted blade  40  can be similar in thickness and dimensions to an automobile visor, or it can be somewhat larger or smaller; all such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0067]      FIG. 16  is a top elevational view of the tinted blade  40  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the tinted blade  40  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the tinted blade  40  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a ribbed pivot ball  50 , used in the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . The ribbed pivot ball  50  includes a stem portion  52 , a nut portion  54 , a neck  56 , and a ball portion  58  having three ribs  59 . The first of the ribs  59  is disposed horizontally at the widest portion of the ball portion  58 . The third of the ribs  59  is disposed adjacent the bottom end of the ball portion  58 , while the second of the ribs  59  is disposed midway between the first rib and the third rib of the ribs  59 . 
         [0071]    As seen in  FIG. 2  and in  FIGS. 19-22 , the upper end  52  of the ribbed pivot ball  50  is attached to the blade holder  20  with the lock nut  80 , the upper end  52  is preferably a threaded member adapted to engage with the lock nut  80 . When assembled, the ribbed pivot ball  50  resides inside the bore  16  of the main visor clip  10 , and the pressure plug rubber bushing  70  is pushed into abutment with the ribs  59  and the lower end of the ribbed pivot ball  50 , which helps lock the ribbed pivot ball  50  in position. Then, the pressure plug  60  is threaded into the bore  16  of the main visor clip  10 , and manually tightened to firmly secure the ribbed pivot ball against the pressure plug rubber bushing  70 . 
         [0072]    Due to the construction described above, the blade  40  can be pivoted relative to the clip  10  by pivoting of the ribbed pivot ball  50 , by use of sufficient manually applied force to overcome the frictional resistance between the ribbed pivot ball  50  and the pressure plug rubber bushing  70 . If the frictional resistance is too strong, the user can manually loosen the pressure plug  60 . Alternatively, if there is insufficient friction to keep the blade  40  in place, then the user can manually tighted the pressure plug  60 . 
         [0073]    The ribbed pivot ball  50  can pivot inside the socket  16  of the main clip  10 . There are ribs  59  on the ball portion  58  to help reduce movement of the ball portion  58  when locked down into position. 
         [0074]      FIG. 20  is a top elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball  50  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball  50  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the ribbed pivot ball  50  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the pressure plug  60 , used in the visor of  FIG. 1 . The pressure plug  60  threads into the block portion  14 ,  16  of the main visor clip  10  and when turned puts pressure on the ribbed pivot ball  50 . 
         [0078]    As seen in  FIGS. 23-26 , the pressure plug  60  includes a concave portion  66  bounded by a rim  68 . The concave portion  66  includes four ribs  67  meeting at a center point. The pressure plug  60  has a threaded portion  62 , a landing  63 , and a stem portion  64  adapted for manual turning of the pressure plug  60 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 24  is a top elevational view of the pressure plug  60  of  FIG. 23 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational view of the pressure plug  60  of  FIG. 23 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of the pressure plug  60  of  FIG. 23 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a pressure plug rubber bushing  70 , used in the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 . The pressure plug rubber bushing  70  is attached to the end of the pressure plug  60 , and adds a cushioned grip to the ribbed pivot ball  50 . This conforms to the ribs  59  on the ribbed pivot ball  50  to help reduce unwanted movement. 
         [0083]    The bushing  70  has a concave upper surface  72 , a rim  74 , and four equally spaced legs  76  which are adapted to be received within the spaces between the arms  67  of the pressure plug  60 . 
         [0084]    The pressure plug  60  can be loosened to facilitate adjustment of the tinted blade  40 , and then re-tightened to secure the tinted blade  40  in place so that the tinted blade  40  remains in place. 
         [0085]    Alternatively, if the pressure plug  60  is tightened with a minimal force needed to keep the tinted blade  40  in place, then when a sufficiently strong manual force is applied to the tinted visor  40 , the tinted visor  40  can be adjusted without loosening of the pressure plug  40 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 28  is a top elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing  70  of  FIG. 27 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 29  is a front elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing  70  of  FIG. 27 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of the pressure plug rubber bushing  70  of  FIG. 27 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing the visor  100  of  FIG. 1  in an initial position shown in solid outline as well as in plurality of different positions shown in dashed outline. The rotational direction of repositioning of the blade  40  in  FIG. 31  about a vertical axis (i.e. through the center of the bore  16  of the main visor clip  10  is indicated by the double headed arrow W. 
         [0090]    In a preferred embodiment, the blade  40  can rotate about its vertical axis in the rotational direction shown by the double-headed arrow W through an angle of 200 degrees (as measured from the initial position shown in solid outline). Further variations are possible, depending on the specific dimensions used, and the present invention is not limited to the specific range of motion of 200 degrees indicated by the double-headed arrow W. Exemplary positions of the blade are shown in  FIG. 31 , for example the rotation of the blade  40  can be from the original position shown in solid outline in  FIG. 31 , all the way to the dashed outline positions, and anywhere in between. 
         [0091]    In use, the visor  100  is clipped to an existing visor in a vehicle, such as a driver&#39;s side visor or a passenger side visor. The existing visor can be in a passenger car, pickup truck, SUV, or truck. For example, in one use, the main visor clip  10  is attached to a left edge of an existing driver&#39;s side visor, with the arms  12  receiving the existing visor therebetween. The visor  100  can be clipped in another use onto the right side of an existing passenger side visor. The positioning is not limited to these examples, and the visor  100  can be clipped to any portion of an existing visor, including the top, bottom, left, and right side edges. 
         [0092]    Additionally,  FIG. 31  depicts two arrows labeled T, one appearing clockwise and up out of the plane of the figure, and the other appearing counter-clockwise and down from the plane of the figure. The arrows T, T are used to indicate transverse pivoting of the blade  40  generally about its longitudinal axis (i.e. an axis lying along the length of the blade  40  and generally transverse to the axis of the bore  16  of the main visor clip  10 , which would be out of the plane of the figure. In the preferred embodiment, the blade  40  can be adjusted by twisting it upward and to the right as indicated by the curved arrow labeled T pointing toward the right in  FIG. 31  indicating a twisting of the blade  40  resulting in its uppermost edge rising up from the plane of the figure while the lowermost edge moves downward from the plane of the figure. The leftmost arrow T represents an opposite direction of twisting, with the result that the uppermost edge of the blade  40  moves below the plane of the figure, while the lowermost edge of the blade  40  rises up from the plane of the figure. In a preferred embodiment, the range of motion of the blade  40  in the direction shown by the rightmost arrow T can be up to 25 degrees clockwise (as viewed from the end of the blade  40  looking toward the main visor clip  10 ), and the counter-clockwise rotation of the blade  40  in the direction shown by the leftmost arrow T can be in a range of up to 25 degrees counter-clockwise. 
         [0093]    Additionally, the blade  40  can pivot upward in a clockwise direction U shown in  FIG. 31 , where the end of the blade  40  rises upward, and the blade  40  can pivot downward in a counter-clockwise direction V shown in  FIG. 31 , where the end of the blade  40  moves downward. This is shown in the dashed outline positions of the blade  40 . The range of motion in the direction indicated by the arrow U is preferably in a range of 20 degrees from level. The range of motion in the direction indicated by the arrow V is preferably in a range of 30 degrees from level. 
         [0094]    It is also possible for the visor  100  to be clipped to any thin upright support, using the arms  12  to clip the visor  100  onto such upright support. All such uses are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0095]    In  FIG. 31 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of the arrows shown are as follows: 
         [0096]    T=25 degrees, U=20 degrees, V=30 degrees, and W=200 degrees, in the directions shown. 
         [0097]      FIG. 32  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip  10  and the blade  40  of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade  40  tilted slightly forward with its upper edge tilted upward from the plane of the drawing. A double-headed arrow R indicates this motion. The motion indicated by the double-headed arrow R in  FIGS. 32, 33, and 34  corresponds to the directions T, T of  FIG. 31 . 
         [0098]    In  FIG. 32 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of R shown is 25 degrees in the direction shown. 
         [0099]      FIG. 33  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip  10  and the blade  40  of  FIG. 32 , showing the blade  40  tilted slightly backward. 
         [0100]    In  FIG. 33 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of R shown is zero degrees (0 degrees). 
         [0101]      FIG. 34  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip  10  and the blade  40  of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade  40  in an upright position. 
         [0102]    In  FIG. 34 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of R shown is 25 degrees in a direction as shown, which is opposite the direction shown for  FIG. 32 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 35  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip  10  and the blade  40  of  FIG. 32 , showing the blade  40  rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the clip  10 , as viewed in the plane of the figure. This rotation is indicated by the double-headed arrow S in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , and this double-headed arrow S corresponds to the arrows labeled U and V in  FIG. 31 . 
         [0104]    In  FIG. 35 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of the arrow S is 20 degrees in the direction shown. 
         [0105]      FIG. 36  is a close up perspective view showing relative rotation between the clip  10  and the blade  40  of  FIG. 1 , showing the blade  40  rotated in a counter clockwise direction relative to the clip  10 , as viewed in the plane of the figure. 
         [0106]    In  FIG. 36 , in a preferred embodiment, the value of the arrow S is 30 degrees in the direction shown, which is opposite the direction shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the visor  100  of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from the rear. 
         [0108]      FIG. 38  is a cross sectional view of the pressure plug rubber bushing  70  of  FIGS. 27-30 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 39  is a cross sectional view of the pressure plug  60  of  FIGS. 23-26 . 
         [0110]    The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.