Visor for a vehicle

Abstract

A visor for a vehicle is disclosed that is configured for movement between a stowed and one or more use positions and between a front position and a side position. The visor may include consumer devices such as mirrors, illumination devices, holders, instruments, etc. and may have an exterior surface that is textured, colored or configured to match or compliment and interior trim scheme of the vehicle. The visor has a body made from a material configured to be deform or yield during events such as deployment of an overhead frontal air bag system. A bracket assembly for positioning the visor during normal conditions is provided with the body of the visor and configured for attachment of the visor to a structure of the vehicle.

1 . A visor for a vehicle for use with an overhead airbag system, the visor comprising: 
 a bracket configured for attachment to the vehicle;    a body portion coupled to the bracket and configured for movement between at least one of a stowed position and a use position, and a front position and a side position;    the body portion comprising a deformable material configured to yield in the event of impact during a deployment of the airbag system.    
   
   
       2 . The visor of  claim 1  wherein the deformable material comprises a foam material.  
   
   
       3 . The visor of  claim 2  wherein the foam material comprises a laminated foam material.  
   
   
       4 . The visor of  claim 1  wherein the body portion further comprises at least one consumer device.  
   
   
       5 . The visor of  claim 4  wherein the consumer device includes at least one of a mirror, an illumination device, an electronic component, an instrument, and a holder.  
   
   
       6 . The visor of  claim 4  wherein the at least one consumer device is located proximate at least one end of the body portion  
   
   
       7 . The visor of  claim 4  wherein the consumer devices are insert molded within the body portion.  
   
   
       8 . The visor of  claim 4  further comprising wires routed through the body portion and the bracket to engage the at least one consumer device.  
   
   
       9 . The visor of  claim 1  wherein the visor is configured to be installed beneath the overhead air bag system.  
   
   
       10 . The visor of  claim 1  wherein the bracket comprises a projection that extending at least partially within the body portion.  
   
   
       11 . The visor of  claim 10  wherein the projection comprises a web.  
   
   
       12 . The visor of  claim 10  wherein the projection is insert molded within the body portion.  
   
   
       13 . A visor assembly for a vehicle comprising a bracket configured to mount a body portion of the visor assembly to an interior of the vehicle, the body portion comprising a foam material configured to yield in the event that the body portion is positioned within a deployment path of an airbag system.  
   
   
       14 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket is formed from a material comprising a plastic material.  
   
   
       15 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket comprises a projection in a clamshell configuration to capture the material of the body portion therebetween.  
   
   
       16 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket includes a projection that extends within the body portion and is adhered to the material of the body portion.  
   
   
       17 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket includes a projection that is clamped within the body portion.  
   
   
       18 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket includes a projection that is insert molded within the body portion.  
   
   
       19 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the bracket includes a projection that is molded with the body portion.  
   
   
       20 . The visor of  claim 13  wherein the body portion includes a mirror that is rotatable within the body portion.  
   
   
       21 . The visor of  claim 13  further comprising a light device that is repositionable.  
   
   
       22 . A method of making a visor for use in vehicles having an overhead airbag system, comprising: 
 providing a bracket having a first portion configured for attachment to a visor body and a second portion configured for attachment to an interior of the vehicle;    forming the visor body from a material having a sufficient rigidity to maintain a first shape for use in shielding an occupant of the vehicle and a sufficient flexibility to deform into a second position in the event of impact with the overhead airbag system to minimize interference with deployment of the airbag system and to minimize damage to the bracket.    
   
   
       23 . The visor of  claim 22  wherein the material comprises a foam material.  
   
   
       24 . The visor of  claim 23  wherein the foam material comprises a laminated foam material.  
   
   
       25 . The visor of  claim 22  wherein the visor body further comprises at least one consumer device.  
   
   
       26 . The visor of  claim 25  wherein the consumer device includes at least one of a mirror, an illumination device, an electronic component, an instrument, and a holder.  
   
   
       27 . The visor of  claim 25  wherein the at least one consumer device is located proximate at least one end of the visor body.  
   
   
       28 . The visor of  claim 25  wherein the consumer devices are insert molded within the body portion.