AU2014353880B2

AU2014353880B2 - A removable sun visor for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: AU2014353880B2
Application number: AU2014353880A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wesley TAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-22
Filing date: 2014-11-17
Publication date: 2017-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-17
Also published as: AU2014353880A1; JP2016537246A; WO2015074110A1; JP6440710B2

Abstract

A removable vehicle sun visor for a side window of a vehicle is provided. The sun visor comprises an irregular shaped body member having at least a first longitudinal, side and a second longitudinal side. A first flap member is formed integrally with at least a portion of the first longitudinal side of the body member and. a second flap member formed integrally with at least a portion of the second longitudinal side of the body member. At least a first fastening device is attached to the first flap member and at least a second fastening device is attached to the second flap member. Each fastening device is releasably fastenable to a portion of a metal frame of a vehicle door.

Description

WO 2015/074110 PCT/AU2014/050353 1 “A removable sun visor for a vehicle'’

Technical Field 100011 Embodiments generally relate to a removably attachable sun visor and more particularly to a sun visor for use on a side window of a vehicle, such as a car or a truck.

Background [0002] Sunlight shining through the windows of a passenger or goods vehicle can have undesirable effects on the driver and passengers - these include distraction ffoin safe driving, disecmtfort from the radiant heat and accelerated skin damage from too much exposure to the sun.

[0003] Traditionally in automotive vehicles, a pair of sun visors are respectively pivot mounted to the interior roof surface, above the front windscreen so that each respecti ve visor can, depending on the orientation of the car to the sun, be used to block shade coming in through the front windscreen, and can he swung to block shade appearing through the side window. Such visors are permanently attached to the vehicle. Typically such sun visors were .constructed with a hatdhoard core covered with a plastic foam or other .suitable- padding material which in turn is covered with an upholstery layer. With this design, metal fixtures must be: riveted or otherwise attached to the hardboard to form a socket, and a torque spring structure is mounted in the socket for maintaining the visor in its storage position when not in use.

[0004] More recently, removable sun visors have been developed, One such example is that disclosed in US 20020089208 which describes a visor made of a thin rectangular shaped piece of resin plastic which folds at the top. Heavy duty magnets are adhered with glue to the fold. At tiae fold, the visor attaches to the top of die ear door outside of the vehicle and resultantly will not interfere with the opening or closing of the windows. PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 2 [0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It Is not to be takes as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0006] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or ‘’comprising'’, will be understood, to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or step, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or step.

Summary [0007] A removable sun visor for a side window of a vehicle is provided, the sun visor comprising: an irregular shaped body member having at least a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; a first flap member formed integrally with at; least a portion of the first longi tudinal side of the body member and a second flap member formed integrally wi th at least a portion of the second longitudinal side of the body member; and at least a first fastening device attached to the first flap member and at least a second fastening device attached to the second flap member; where each of said fastening devices are releasabiy fastenable to a portion of a metal frame of a vehicle door, [0008] In some embodiments, the sun visor comprises a third fastening device attached to the first flap member, said third, fastening device being spaced apart from the first fastening deviee, In some embodiments, the sun visor additionally comprises a fourth fastening deviee attached to the second flap member, said fourth fastening device being spaced apart from the second fastening device. PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 3 [0009] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member and each of its associated flap members are demarcated by a line of weakness. Accordingly, the lines of weakness enable the sun visor to be manipulated, in some embodiments, the lines of weakness comprise fold lines. In some embodiments, the lines of weakness comprise grooves. In still other embodiments the lines of weakness comprises score lines. In some embodiments the lines of weakness comprise a mixture of fold lines and score lines, [0010] in some embodiments, the sun visor may comprise additional lines of weakness, the: additional lines of weakness running spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal sides.

[0011] In some embodiments, each flap member is foldable, substantially at light angles to the body member to enable said fastening members to attach to the metal frame of the vehicle door. This embodiment is only necessary with certain models of vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments* each fastening device may he a magnet fastener comprising a magnet configured with a hole there-through and a snap fit fastener. The snap-fit fastener may comprise at one end a flexible shaft portion and at an opposite end a radially outwardly projecting base portion. In such emhodirnents the base portion of the snap-fit fastener is adjacent one side of the flap member, the magnet adjacent the opposite side of the flap member, and the flexible shaft portion penetrates through an aperture formed in the flap member and through the hole in the magnet to securely fasten the magnet fastener to the flap member. |0013| In optional embodiments, each fastening device may comprise a suction-cup pad or a section of suction cup tape. As will he appreciated, in an instance where each fastening device comprises a section of suction cup tape, the tape is covered on one side in an acrylic or an acrylic-like adhesive which adheres the section of tape to the respective flap member. On the reverse side, the tape has a plurality of microscopic craters that work by creating many partial vacuums between the tape and the door PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 4 frame. Advantageously, the tape is not pressure sensitive and is able to rehond repeatedly, leaving no residue on die door frame.

[0014] In other embodiments, each fastening device may comprise a section of double-sided adhesive tape. A first side of the section of tape may adhere substantially permanently to the respective flap member and a second side of the section of dip tape may comprises a pressure sensitive acrylic to enable the visor to be attached to the door and also removed numerous times. An example of such tape is the 3M™ Pressure Sensitive Acrylic Foam Tape.

[0Q1.5] In still further embodiments, each fastening device may comprise a first portion and a second portion, whereby the first portion is adhered to the respective flap member and the second portion is permanently attached to the car door and operable to lock onto the respeetive first -portion of the fastening device by way of a snap fit or other mechanical attachment method, hut which can he released when needed. One example of such a fastening device is a strip of veicro/hook & loop tape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member has a third longitudinal side which shorter than the first longitudinal side and which is spaced .apart from and parallel to the fust longitudinal side.

[0017] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member has a fourth side which connects the first and third longitudinal sides, where the fourth side has an angled leading edge portion with respect to each of the first and third longitudinal sides and a rounded off tailing portion. The body member and the integrally formed, first and second flap members may be formed of a semi-stiff flat sheet which itself is one of an opaque material, a reflecting material, a tinted transparent material or a photoehromie material to progressively darken when exposed to progressively brighter light conditions. Optionally, the body member and the integrally formed first and second flap members may be formed of a flexible and foldable material, such as a fabric, having stiffened edges. PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 5 [00TB] to some embodiments, the son visor further comprises an extensible, retractable member disposed oil the body member, when extended, elongating the area of said body member. The extensible, retractable member may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first longitudinal side. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal side, [0019] An advantage offered by at least one embodiment of the invention is a means of reducing the intensity of sunlight striking the face and neck of the driver, front seat passenger or rear seat passenger through the side window.

[0020] It should be noted that any of the various features of the above subject of the application can be combined as suitable and desired.

Brief Description of Drawings [0021] In order that the present invention may be more dearly ascertained, embodiments will now he described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure la illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first sun visor for a vehicle in accordance with the invention in an unfolded position;

Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the sun visor shown in

Figure 1c illustrates a perspecti ve view of a first face of a second sun visor for a vehicle in accordance with the invention in an unfolded position;

Figure Id illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the sun visor shown in Figure lc;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a fastening device used in the sun visor sho%vn in Figures la and lb; PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 6

Figure 3 illustrates the son visor of Figures 1 a and lb installed in a vehicle:;

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a further embodiment of a sun visor for a vehicle in aecordanee with the invention;

Figure fa illustrates a plan view of a still further embodiment of a sun visor for a vehicle in accordance with die invention with the extendable member shown in a retracted position: and

Figure 5b illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of a sun visor shown in figure 5a with the extendable member shown in an extended position.

Description of Embodiments [0022] Referring now to the drawings in which: like numerals represent tike elements throughout the several views, Figure la illustrates an interior facing face of a sun visor 10 in accordance with the invention and Figure lb illustrates the exterior facing face of the sun visor 10. The sun visor 10 has an irregular shaped body memfaer 12 having at least a first longitudinal side 14 and. a second longitudinal side 16. Respective longitudinal Sides form fold lines. The body member 12 of the sun visor has a distinctive: angled leading edge 32 and. the forward: lower corner of the body member 12 is rounded off with a large radius 34.

[0023] A first flap member 20 is formed integrally with at. least a portion of the first longitudinal side 14 of the body member 12 and. a second flap member 22 is formed integrally with at least a portion of the second longitudinal side 16: of the body member 12, Attached to the first flap member 20 are first and second fastening devices 26 and 28. Attached to the second flap member 22 is a third fastening device 30.

[0024] With reference to Figure 2, fastening devices are each in the form of a magnet fastener which comprise a magnet 50 and a snap-fit fastener 52, The magnet 50 has a central recessed hole tbere-through 54. Each fastening device is attached to its respective flap member (a portion of which is shown by numeral 56) by way of the PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 7 snap fit fastener 52, Bar each fastener, a comparable sized aperture 58 is formed in the flap member 56 where thefastening device is to be attached and the magnet 50 aligned them over. Each snap fit fastener 52 has a flexible shaft portion 60 that pushes through aperture 58 .in the flap member and locks into the central recessed hole 54 of the magnet 50 on the opposite side of the flap member. This secures the magnet 50, the snap fit fastener 52 and tire flap member 56 together. The snap fit fastener can be made of plastic, metal or other suitable material [0025] The function of the magnet fasteners is to hold the sun visor 10 in place when the car door is open and to assist in securing the sun visor .10 when the door is closed. When the car door is closed, the sun visor 1.0 is held securely between the cat door and die car body. The position of the second flap member 22 is designed to secure the bottom rear corner of the shade.,: enhancing its stability in strong wind when driving with the window open and stopping; it flapping excessively. Located on the cabimside of the vehicle door, the visor is protected from the elements when the windows are wound up.

[0026] The body member 12 and the integrally flamed first and second flap members 20 and 22, are formed of a semi-stiff flat plastic sheet which itself is a. photochrmnic material to progressively darken when exposed to progressively brighter light conditions. 10027 ] In this embodiment, in use, each flap member 20 and 22 is foldable, substantially at right angles to the body member to enable the respective fastening devices to attach to a metal frame of a vehicle door. It should he appreciated that not all embodiments require the flaps to fold down. The fold lines 12 and 14 increase the flexibility of the semi-stiff flat plastic sheet along the lines enabling the first and second flap members to be easily folded over using one’s fingers. Thus, the sun visor 10 is readily able to be removed and. reattached. The fold lines also allow the memory of the plastic to recover which enable die flap members 20 and 22 to become coplanar with the body member 12, thus revetting the sun visor 10 to its original flat shape for storage, or to suit another vehicle. Additional fold lines (not illustrated) enable the PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 8 shade to be adjusted into several mounting configurations to suit attachment to dour frames of various designs, [0028] As is illustrated in Figure 3, the size and shape of the sun visor 10 allows it to he fitted neatly in the top rear comer of the side window 42, on the cabin side of the door. In this position, the sun visor 10 shields the driver or passenger’s head from sunlight shining from the side but it does not obstruct the driver's view of road traffic through the side window and it also allows a good view of traffic signals and road signs through the forward portion of the side window when the car is,: stopped at a traffic intersection. The angled leading edge 32 of the body member 12 optimises the shading effect and the driver's field of view'.

[0020] The forward lower corner of the body member 12 is rounded off with a large radius 34 to minimise flapping in strong wind when driving with the side window open and also to prevent injury to the eyes or head of the driver or passenger if accidental contact: is: made.

[0030] Advantageously, and with reference to Figures 1c and Id, the position of the second flap member 22 and magnet 30, as well as the flexibility of die material per se, also enables the sun visor 10 to suit car door frames with the rearmost upright member inclined at different angles to the vertical.

[0031] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, sun visor 70 is provided with extra fold lines in the form of score lines 72, which enable the sun visor 70 to he trimmed to suit drivers of different heights.

[0032] In a still further embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 a and 3hs son visor 80 is provided with an extensible, retractable member 82. In the embodiment illustrated, extensible, retractable member 82 is held in position with respect to the. body member 12 by a series of cut-outs 84 formed directly in die body member 12. The cut-outs 84 enable the extensible, retractable member 82 to he manually pulled to slide out into die extended position shown in Figure 5b, The retractable member Is illustrated as being WO 2015/074110 PCT/AU2014/050353 9 rectangular, however it should he appreciated that other shapes may be envisaged, sued as, but not limited to oblong shapes. Similarly, the cut-outs are illustrated as being semi-circular in shape, and it should be appreciated that other shapes may be envisaged.

[0033] Although die sun visor 10 is designed for the driver or front seat passenger windows, it can easily be adapted for use on the tear passenger windows with minor changes in shape and dimensions, [0034] Advantageously, the fold-flat design enables convenient storage when not in use as it takes up very little space.

[0035] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. For instance, whilst the above embodiment is shown having two fastening devices attached to the first flap member, it should be appreciated that in another embodiment the first flap member 20 may have a single fastening device, ideally centrally located.

[0036] Whilst the sun visor 10 is described as using magnets with snap-fit fasteners to permit quick attachment and removal, of the shade to the door frame, in an alternative: embodiment the magnets could be adhered to the respective flap members using a strong adhesive.

[0037] Whilst the sun visor 10 is described as having told lines, in other embodiments' scored told lines are utilised. Scored fold lines are typically formed by crushing or partially crushing one or both sides of the body member along the desired fold, line, Thss weakens the blaitk material so that it can be folded Mong such line, In addition, the crashed score line can include perforations at intervals along: its length.

Whilst the embodiment as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b show the extensible, retractable member 82 -feeing held in place- by cut-outs formed .In the body merab.es: 12, in alternative embodiments, rather than forming cut-outs directly into the body member 12, guide components may be adhered to the face of the body member 12 to effect the same sliding function. The guide components may be in the form of. magnetic members. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member could be a continuation of the PCT/AU2014/050353 WO 2015/074110 10 body member 12 with a fold line separating body member 12 from the extensible, retractable member, such that the extendable member is unfolded to increase the area of the body member 12 and hence the visor area. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member could he attached by a joint permitting rotational movement (e.g, a ri vet), such that the extendable portion can he rotated out to the extended position or retracted. In still further embodiments, the body member 12 may be formed of a pair of sheets to form a sleeve and the extendable member may sit within the sleeve and he extended and retracted as needed. The present embodiments are, therefore, to he considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS: L A removable vehicle sun visor for a side window of a vehicle. the sun visor comprising: an irregular shaped body member having at least a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; a first flap member formed integrally with at least a portion of the first longitudinal side of die body member and a second flap member formed integrally with at least a portion of the second longitudinal side of the body member; and at least a first fastening device attached to the first flap member and at least a second fastening device attached to the second flap member; where each of said fastening devices are relcasably fastenable to a portion of a metal frame of a vehicle door.
2. A removable vehicle sun visor according to claim 1, furtlier comprising a third fastening device attached to the first flap member, said third fastening device being spaced apart from: the first fastening device.
3. A removable vehicle sun visor according to claim 1 or 2, where the irregular shaped body member and each of its associated flap members are demarcated by a line of weakness.
4. A removable sun visor according to claim 3, where the lines of weakness enable the sun visor to be manipulated and comprise one of fold lines, grooves and score lines.
5. A removable sun visor according to claim 3 or 4, where the sun visor composes additional lines of weakness, the additional lines of weakness running spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal sides.
6. A removable sun visor according to any one of the preceding claims, where each fastening device comprises a magnet fastener.
7. , A removable sun visor according to claim 6, where each magnet is attached to its respective flap member by way of a snap fit fastener.
8.. A removable sun visor according to claim 7, where the snap-fit fastener comprises at one end a flexible shaft portion and at an opposite end a radially outwardly projecting base portion, and the fastening device is configured such that the base portion of the snap-lit fastener is adjacent one side of the flap member, the magnet adjacent the opposite side of the flap member, and the flexible shaft portion penetrates through an aperture formed in the flap member and through the hole in the magnet to Securely fasten the fastening device to the flap member.
9. A removable sun visor according to any one of the preceding claims, where the body member and the -.integrally formed first and second flap members is formed of a semi-stiff flat sheet which is an opaque material.
10. A removable sun visor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, where the body member and the integrally formed first and second flap members is formed of one of a reflecting material, a tinted transparent material and a photochromic material to progressively darken when exposed to progressively brighter light conditions.
11. A removable sun visor according to any one of the preceding claims, where the irregular shaped body member has a third longitudinal side which shorter than the first longitudinal side and which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first longitudinal side.
12. A removable sun visor according to claim 11, where the irregular shaped body member has a fourth side which connects the first and third longitudinal sides, where the fourth side has an angled leading edge portion with respect to each of the first and third longitudinal sides and a rounded off tailing portion.
13. A removable sun visor, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an extensible, retractable member disposed on the body member, when extended, elongating the area of said body member.
14. A removable sun visor according to claim 13, where the extensible» retractable member extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first longitudinal side.
15. A removable sun visor according to claim 13, where the extensible, retractable member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal side.