CA2248163C - A visor - Google Patents
A visor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2248163C CA2248163C CA002248163A CA2248163A CA2248163C CA 2248163 C CA2248163 C CA 2248163C CA 002248163 A CA002248163 A CA 002248163A CA 2248163 A CA2248163 A CA 2248163A CA 2248163 C CA2248163 C CA 2248163C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- visor
- visor part
- sheet
- slot
- movement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J3/00—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
- B60J3/02—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles adjustable in position
- B60J3/0204—Sun visors
- B60J3/0208—Sun visors combined with auxiliary visor
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Abstract
A visor (10) comprises a main movable first visor part comprising back plate (12) and front plate (14) and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part (16) therebetween. The sheet-like second visor part is carried on the first visor part (12, 14) by, for example, arms (30) to allow movement in the plane of the sheet. The arms (30) guide the auxilia ry visor part (16) during movement downwards and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part (12, 14). Alternatively, the auxiliary visor part may be guided by a V-shaped slot (54) or circular groove arrangement (140).
Description
A VISOR
The invention relates to a visor, especially a visor for a vehicle.
Sun visors for vehicles are known and are generally pivotally mounted inside the vehicle above the windscreen. The visor is pivotable between a retracted position in which it lies against a roof lining of the vehicle and an operative position in which it lies against the windscreen to blocs.: bright sunlight. Some drivers, because of their height, experience difficulties with visors. If a driver is small the visor may not be large enough to obscure the sun. Also when the road ahead is~~wet and the sun is bright, drivers may be dazzled by reflections. Auxiliary visors are known which are intended to lessen the dazzling effects of sun reflec~~ions. Such visors usually comprise a sheet of coloured transparent material which can be pulled from a main part of the visor to a position below the main visor part to reduce the glare from a low sun, reflections and oncoming headlights. Examples of such visors are disclosed in US Patent Nos 4023855, 4058340, 5015027, 5427427; UK Patent Application No. 2111447; PCT
Application No. W086/02322 and European Patent Application No. 0098050.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
The invention relates to a visor, especially a visor for a vehicle.
Sun visors for vehicles are known and are generally pivotally mounted inside the vehicle above the windscreen. The visor is pivotable between a retracted position in which it lies against a roof lining of the vehicle and an operative position in which it lies against the windscreen to blocs.: bright sunlight. Some drivers, because of their height, experience difficulties with visors. If a driver is small the visor may not be large enough to obscure the sun. Also when the road ahead is~~wet and the sun is bright, drivers may be dazzled by reflections. Auxiliary visors are known which are intended to lessen the dazzling effects of sun reflec~~ions. Such visors usually comprise a sheet of coloured transparent material which can be pulled from a main part of the visor to a position below the main visor part to reduce the glare from a low sun, reflections and oncoming headlights. Examples of such visors are disclosed in US Patent Nos 4023855, 4058340, 5015027, 5427427; UK Patent Application No. 2111447; PCT
Application No. W086/02322 and European Patent Application No. 0098050.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved visor which can be used to reduce glare from light sources at low level.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a diagonal slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means comprising a row of teeth formed in the diagonal slot and a toothed wheel whereby rotation of the toothed wheel effects movement of the second visor part relative to the first visor part, the toothed wheel forming the aforsaid cooperable member.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a U-shaped or V-shaped slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the U-shaped or V-shaped slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is 2a provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways form a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a substantially circular slot in the second visor part and a cooperble member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the substanially circular slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part carried on the first visor part by for movement in the plane of the sheet, and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part.
In that way the second visor part is guided along a particular path of movement which reduces the possibility that the second part may strike an adjacent component, for instance the rear view mirror of a motor vehicle in which the visor is, in use, installed.
The second part is preferably movable from a stowed position in which it is arranged so as not to protrude, at least by any appreciable amount, beyond an edge of the first part and an operative position in which the second part extends beyond said edge of the first part.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a diagonal slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means comprising a row of teeth formed in the diagonal slot and a toothed wheel whereby rotation of the toothed wheel effects movement of the second visor part relative to the first visor part, the toothed wheel forming the aforsaid cooperable member.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a U-shaped or V-shaped slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the U-shaped or V-shaped slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is 2a provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways form a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a substantially circular slot in the second visor part and a cooperble member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the substanially circular slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part carried on the first visor part by for movement in the plane of the sheet, and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part.
In that way the second visor part is guided along a particular path of movement which reduces the possibility that the second part may strike an adjacent component, for instance the rear view mirror of a motor vehicle in which the visor is, in use, installed.
The second part is preferably movable from a stowed position in which it is arranged so as not to protrude, at least by any appreciable amount, beyond an edge of the first part and an operative position in which the second part extends beyond said edge of the first part.
The second part may be transparent. The second part may be coloured and, preferably, the colour is chosen to co-ordinate with the interior trim of the vehicle.
The movement of the second part is preferably translational.
Mounting means may be provided for mounting the second visor part on the first visor part.
In one embodiment, the mounting means comprises spaced apart arms connected, eg pivotally, to the first part.
The arms preferably constitute said guide means. Each arm may be mounted on a wheel. In a preferred embodiment one of the first and second visor parts carries gearing which drives the wheels (which may be in the form or near wheels) such that, during movement of the second part;
both arms preferably rotate in the same direction. In that case; the arms preferably rotate through the same angle:
Drive means may be provided for causing the second part .of the visor to move relative to the first part. Where arms are provided, the drive means preferably causes the arms to rotate. The drive means may include a gearing arrangement,. for example a rack and pinion gearing. The drive means may include an electric motor or a manually SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) operable driving member.
Where one of the first and second carts carries gearing the gearing may comprise a drive input gear, a drive output gear for rotating each arm anri an idler gear between the drive input gear and each drive output gear.
In another embodiment the drive means is in the form of a belt and pulley arrangement for driving the arms. The belt and pulley arrangement preferably comprises respective driven pulleys carrying the two said arms ar.d drive pulley means for driving the driven pulleys througn belting.
95 The guide means may comprise a track on one oz the first and second parts and a co-operable member on the other of the first and second parts. The track may comprise a diagonal slot formed in one of the first and second parts, the member being on the other part. The track may comprise two diagonal slots extending transversely relative to one another and intersecting one another.
The track may comprise a V-shaped slot. Two tracks may -be provided, each track being co-operable with a respective member. The or each track is preferably formed in the second part and the or each member is formed or provided on the first part. The or each track may have a notched portion which receives the member when SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743' PCT/GB97l00612 the second part is in the stowed position to retain the second part in the stowed position. In a still further embodiment, the or each track may be circular_ In such a case the track may comprises a groove for receiving a 5 pin or stud_ The pin or stud may be provided on the second part_ Where the visor comprises a track, drive means is preferably provided for moving the visor from the stowed position_ The drive means may comprise a member pivotable about an axis normal to the visor having a part spaced from the axis and connected to the second visor part to allow actuation of the visor by rotating about the axis. Preferably the member includes a row of crenellations and the first visor part includes an element such as a resilient tang which engages the crenellations. In that way, the member is retained in position by the tang engaging the crenellations. That allows the second visor part to be held firm in any posi~~"io'n of deployment.
The drive means may comprises a motor drivably connected -to the aforesaid pivotable member. Alternatively; the pivotable member may be manually actuated. The motor may be drivably be connected to the pivotable member by means of a gear arrangement or by means of belts and pulleys.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
The movement of the second part is preferably translational.
Mounting means may be provided for mounting the second visor part on the first visor part.
In one embodiment, the mounting means comprises spaced apart arms connected, eg pivotally, to the first part.
The arms preferably constitute said guide means. Each arm may be mounted on a wheel. In a preferred embodiment one of the first and second visor parts carries gearing which drives the wheels (which may be in the form or near wheels) such that, during movement of the second part;
both arms preferably rotate in the same direction. In that case; the arms preferably rotate through the same angle:
Drive means may be provided for causing the second part .of the visor to move relative to the first part. Where arms are provided, the drive means preferably causes the arms to rotate. The drive means may include a gearing arrangement,. for example a rack and pinion gearing. The drive means may include an electric motor or a manually SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) operable driving member.
Where one of the first and second carts carries gearing the gearing may comprise a drive input gear, a drive output gear for rotating each arm anri an idler gear between the drive input gear and each drive output gear.
In another embodiment the drive means is in the form of a belt and pulley arrangement for driving the arms. The belt and pulley arrangement preferably comprises respective driven pulleys carrying the two said arms ar.d drive pulley means for driving the driven pulleys througn belting.
95 The guide means may comprise a track on one oz the first and second parts and a co-operable member on the other of the first and second parts. The track may comprise a diagonal slot formed in one of the first and second parts, the member being on the other part. The track may comprise two diagonal slots extending transversely relative to one another and intersecting one another.
The track may comprise a V-shaped slot. Two tracks may -be provided, each track being co-operable with a respective member. The or each track is preferably formed in the second part and the or each member is formed or provided on the first part. The or each track may have a notched portion which receives the member when SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743' PCT/GB97l00612 the second part is in the stowed position to retain the second part in the stowed position. In a still further embodiment, the or each track may be circular_ In such a case the track may comprises a groove for receiving a 5 pin or stud_ The pin or stud may be provided on the second part_ Where the visor comprises a track, drive means is preferably provided for moving the visor from the stowed position_ The drive means may comprise a member pivotable about an axis normal to the visor having a part spaced from the axis and connected to the second visor part to allow actuation of the visor by rotating about the axis. Preferably the member includes a row of crenellations and the first visor part includes an element such as a resilient tang which engages the crenellations. In that way, the member is retained in position by the tang engaging the crenellations. That allows the second visor part to be held firm in any posi~~"io'n of deployment.
The drive means may comprises a motor drivably connected -to the aforesaid pivotable member. Alternatively; the pivotable member may be manually actuated. The motor may be drivably be connected to the pivotable member by means of a gear arrangement or by means of belts and pulleys.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
In another embodiment the track is formed with a row of teeth on one side and a toothed wheel with an axis normal to the visor is located in the track and engages the row of teeth. The wheel can be rotated to effect movement of the second visor part. In one embodiment, the toothed wheel also runs through a rack of teeth in a further member and the further member has an actuating toothed wheel in the rack to effect movement of the rack_ Thus by rotating the actuating wheel the further member moves laterally which, in turn, rotates the toothed wheel in the track to effect movement of second visor part.
Alternatively, the further member is moved manually by means of a projecting tab which extends through a slot ir.
the face of the visor. In a further embodiment. the further member is moved by a motor connected to the actuating slotted wheel, far instance fly means of a belt and pulley.
The first and second parts of the visor may be substantially flat_ The f l rst part may be h l nged l n a veh l c I a , l n use , f or movement between its retracted position away from a windscreen of the vehicle and a position adiacent the windscreen.
The first and/or second part is/are preferably SUBSTITUTE SIiEET (RULE 28) substantially rectangular.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a retro-fittable auxiliary visor for a vehicle comprising a first part, a sheet-like second part carried on the first part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second part during movement downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first part.
The retro-fitted auxiliary visor may have features of the visor set out in the first aspect of the invention or any of the consistory clauses relating thereto.
Visors in accordance with the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a visor in accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 is an elevation of the visor of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of arrow II in FIG 1 showing the auxiliary sheet-like visor part of the visor in both stowed and operative positions, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 4 is an exploded perspective view of a further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 5 is a side elevation of the visor of Fig 4 looking in the direction of arrow V in Fig 4, Fig 5a is an exploded perspective view of a visor similar to the visor of Fig 4, Fig 6 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 7 is an elevation of part o= the auxiliary sheet-like visor part of the visor of Fig 6, Fig 8 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig s a cross-section through part of the visor of Fia 8 generally on line IX-IX in Fig 8, Fig 10 is a cross-section through part of another visor similar to the visor of Fig 8, - Fig 11 is an exploded perfective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97/006i2 Fig 12 is an elevation of the visor of.Fig 1i iooicina i.n the direction of line XII-XII in Fig 11, Fig 13 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further embodiment of visor in acc-ordance with the invention;
Fig 14 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Figs 15a - 15d show the assembly steps of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 1b is an elevation of the toothed wheel and the actuating wheel of the visor of Fig 15 shown to a greater scale, Fig 17 is an exploded perspective view of the visor of Figs 15a-d and 16, Fig 18 is an exploded perspective view of a further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 19 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 20 is an exploded view similar to Fig 11 showing a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, and Fig 21 is motorised version of the embodiment shown in 5 Fig 20.
In Fig 1 a visor 10 comprises a back plate 12. and..zront plate 14 (constituting collectively the aforesaid first visor part) and a sheet-like second auxiliary vis~~ part 10 16 located therebetween. The back plate 12 and f2'On'C
plate 94 are suitably secured to each ether. The saeet-like second auxiliary visor part 16 is herEinafter referred to as an auxiliary visor sheet 16.
The back plate 12 carries a gearing arrangement generally indicated at 18. The gearing arrangement f8 comorisss a central toothed gear wheel 20 and two toothed idler aeaz-wheels 22 located one each side of the central w::ejl 2Q_ Each idler wheel 22 is arranged in mesh with the central whee~~0. The gearing arrangement 18 further comprises toothed outer gear wheels 24 which mesh with the respective idler wheels 22. Each outer wheel 24 drivablv carries a mounting member 26 comprising a substantially circular body 28 with an arm 30 projecting radiaiiy therefrom. Each arm 30 has a mounting point 32 at its f ree end f or the aux l 1 l ary v l sor 1 6 _ 'The aux l 1 l at-v v l sor sheet 16 is pivotally mounted at spaced mounting points SI~BSTITI~TE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ~ PCTIGB97J00612 34 to the respective auxiliary visor mounting points 32 on the mounting members 26.
The auxi 1 iarv visor sheet 1 6 is substantial iy rectangular and has a pull tab 36 at earn bottcm corner. The auxiliary visor sheet 16 is made from coloured transparent material. The colour can be selactec3 to complement the interior trim of the vehicle in which the visor is to be located.
The front plate 14 is substantially rectanguia~~ and has bottom corner portions 14a formed to allow easy access to the pull tabs 36.
In use, the user grasps one pull tab 3o and DuiIS Lh2 auxiliary visor sheet 16 from between the front and back plates 12, 14. The mounting members 26 rotate as shown in chain dotted lines in Fig 1 as the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is pulled down thereby guiding the auxiliary visor sheet downwards and sideways. The gearing arrangement 18 causes the mounting members 26 rotate in the same direction and through the same angiG. In that way it will be seen that the auxiliary visor sheet i6 moves in parallelogram fashion relative to the back plate 12 during the course of its movement. The auxiliary visor sheet can be pulled in either direction from the first visor part 12, 14 by using the appropriate pull tab SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 36. The back and front plates 12, i4 are joined together in such a way that the auxiliary visor sheet l6 can easily slide therebetween.
Fig 2 shows the visor of Fig 1 with the auxiliary visor sheet 16 shown in the normally stowed position. The left and right extended positions of the auxiliary visor.sneet 16 are shown in chain dotted lines.
The visor in Fig 3 is similar in many respects to that shown in Figs 1 and 2 and parts corresponding to parts ir.
Figs 1 and 2 carry the same reference numerals.
The visor 10 shown in Fig 3 comprises a back plate 12, front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet 16, as in Fia 1 . The back plate 1 2 carries a gearing arrangement 1 cs similar to that shown in Fig 1. In Fig s the centre gear wheel 20 is driven by a toothed rack 38 which is slidabiv mounted in an elongate recess 40 formed in the back plate 12. ~~he toothed rack 38 has a tab 42 projecting transversely from a mid part thereof. When the visor 10 is assembled, the tab 42 protrudes through an elongate slot 44 in the front plate 14 to allow the user to actuate the rack 38. Part of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is cut away, as shown at 46, to allow the tab 42 to pass therethrough.
SUBSTITUTE.SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743 ~ PCT/GB97/00612 In use, the user slides the tab 42 along the slot 44 to one side or the other to drive the centre gear whePi 20.
That, in turn, drives the idler gear wheels 22 and the outer gear wheels 24,, causing the mounting members 3b tc rotate in the same direction and through the same angle as each other in similar manner to that shown in Fig 1.
That causes the auxiliary visor sheet i6 to. move downwardly and sideways relative to the front and back plates 12, 14. Sliding the tab 42 back towards the middle of the slot 44 returns the auxiliary visor sweet 16 to the stowed position.
Figs 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of visor; again similar in some respects to the visor in Fig l. Parts in Figs 4 and 5 corresponding to parts Fig 1 carry the same reference numerals.
In Fig 4 the drawing is a reversal of that shown in Fig 1 and it will be noted that the gearing arrangement i8 is carrie3~~on the front plate 14. The centre gear wheel 20 in this case is driven by turning a handle in the form of knob 48 which is drivably connected to the centre wheel '20 v l a a shaf t 49 wh l ch passes through the f rout p 1 ate 14. Fig 5 shows the visor of Fig 4 in profile when.
assembled. The visors of Figs 1 to 4 will be of somewi~.at similar appearance in profile when assembled and it will be noted that despite comprising several comconer.ts tree SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) assembled visor is very compact. The spacing or plates 12; 14 can be seen from Fig 5.
Another arrangement where the auxiliary visor sheet 6 is actuated by a rotary knob 48 is shown in Fig 5a. In that embodiment the gearing arrangement 1& is mounted on the back plate 12, as in Figs 1 to 3_ In Fig 5a; the centre wheel 20 is actuated by a cog 21 rotatably mounted on the back plate 12 which cog is drivably connected to the knob 48 via a shaft 49 which passes through the front plate 14. Part of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is cut away as shown at 46, in similar manner to the Fia 3 viscr, to accommodate the shaft 49.
Fig 6 shows a further visor similar in some respects to that of Fig 1 and parts corresponding to parts i.~. Fig l carry the same reference numerals_ The visor 10 in Fig o comprises a back plate l2, a front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet i6 located ther~tween as in Fig 1.
The back plate 12 carries spaced apart mounting lugs 50 for the auxi 1 iary visor sheet 1 6. The lugs 5~~ :-gave axial screw-threaded bores 52 formed therein.
The aux l 1 l ary v l sor sheet 1 6 has two V-shaped s l cts 5~~
formed therein. The slots 54 are spaced apart and are formed in an upper part of the auxiliary visor sh2e't lo.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97!32743 PCTlGB97/00612 One of the slots 54 is shown in more detail in Fig l. As in Fig 1; the sheet 16 is provided with pull tabs 36_ The front plate 14 has apertures 56 formed therein which 5 receive the lugs 50, upon assembly together of the back and front plates 12; 14. Each lug 50 is arranged to extend through one of the slots 54 in the auxiliary visor sheet 16 and the back and front plates 12; 14 are secured together by means of bolts 58 which are screwed into tha 10 screw-threaded bores 52. Upon assembly, tine ends of the lugs 50 engage the undersides of the heads cf bolts 58.
In that way the lugs 50 act to space the front and back plates 14, 12 apart so that the auxiliary viscr sneer i6 is free to slide in and out of the visor i0.
Alternatively, the further member is moved manually by means of a projecting tab which extends through a slot ir.
the face of the visor. In a further embodiment. the further member is moved by a motor connected to the actuating slotted wheel, far instance fly means of a belt and pulley.
The first and second parts of the visor may be substantially flat_ The f l rst part may be h l nged l n a veh l c I a , l n use , f or movement between its retracted position away from a windscreen of the vehicle and a position adiacent the windscreen.
The first and/or second part is/are preferably SUBSTITUTE SIiEET (RULE 28) substantially rectangular.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a retro-fittable auxiliary visor for a vehicle comprising a first part, a sheet-like second part carried on the first part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second part during movement downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first part.
The retro-fitted auxiliary visor may have features of the visor set out in the first aspect of the invention or any of the consistory clauses relating thereto.
Visors in accordance with the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a visor in accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 is an elevation of the visor of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of arrow II in FIG 1 showing the auxiliary sheet-like visor part of the visor in both stowed and operative positions, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 4 is an exploded perspective view of a further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 5 is a side elevation of the visor of Fig 4 looking in the direction of arrow V in Fig 4, Fig 5a is an exploded perspective view of a visor similar to the visor of Fig 4, Fig 6 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 7 is an elevation of part o= the auxiliary sheet-like visor part of the visor of Fig 6, Fig 8 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig s a cross-section through part of the visor of Fia 8 generally on line IX-IX in Fig 8, Fig 10 is a cross-section through part of another visor similar to the visor of Fig 8, - Fig 11 is an exploded perfective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97/006i2 Fig 12 is an elevation of the visor of.Fig 1i iooicina i.n the direction of line XII-XII in Fig 11, Fig 13 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further embodiment of visor in acc-ordance with the invention;
Fig 14 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Figs 15a - 15d show the assembly steps of a still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 1b is an elevation of the toothed wheel and the actuating wheel of the visor of Fig 15 shown to a greater scale, Fig 17 is an exploded perspective view of the visor of Figs 15a-d and 16, Fig 18 is an exploded perspective view of a further visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 19 is an exploded perspective view of a yet further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, Fig 20 is an exploded view similar to Fig 11 showing a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) still further embodiment of visor in accordance with the invention, and Fig 21 is motorised version of the embodiment shown in 5 Fig 20.
In Fig 1 a visor 10 comprises a back plate 12. and..zront plate 14 (constituting collectively the aforesaid first visor part) and a sheet-like second auxiliary vis~~ part 10 16 located therebetween. The back plate 12 and f2'On'C
plate 94 are suitably secured to each ether. The saeet-like second auxiliary visor part 16 is herEinafter referred to as an auxiliary visor sheet 16.
The back plate 12 carries a gearing arrangement generally indicated at 18. The gearing arrangement f8 comorisss a central toothed gear wheel 20 and two toothed idler aeaz-wheels 22 located one each side of the central w::ejl 2Q_ Each idler wheel 22 is arranged in mesh with the central whee~~0. The gearing arrangement 18 further comprises toothed outer gear wheels 24 which mesh with the respective idler wheels 22. Each outer wheel 24 drivablv carries a mounting member 26 comprising a substantially circular body 28 with an arm 30 projecting radiaiiy therefrom. Each arm 30 has a mounting point 32 at its f ree end f or the aux l 1 l ary v l sor 1 6 _ 'The aux l 1 l at-v v l sor sheet 16 is pivotally mounted at spaced mounting points SI~BSTITI~TE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ~ PCTIGB97J00612 34 to the respective auxiliary visor mounting points 32 on the mounting members 26.
The auxi 1 iarv visor sheet 1 6 is substantial iy rectangular and has a pull tab 36 at earn bottcm corner. The auxiliary visor sheet 16 is made from coloured transparent material. The colour can be selactec3 to complement the interior trim of the vehicle in which the visor is to be located.
The front plate 14 is substantially rectanguia~~ and has bottom corner portions 14a formed to allow easy access to the pull tabs 36.
In use, the user grasps one pull tab 3o and DuiIS Lh2 auxiliary visor sheet 16 from between the front and back plates 12, 14. The mounting members 26 rotate as shown in chain dotted lines in Fig 1 as the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is pulled down thereby guiding the auxiliary visor sheet downwards and sideways. The gearing arrangement 18 causes the mounting members 26 rotate in the same direction and through the same angiG. In that way it will be seen that the auxiliary visor sheet i6 moves in parallelogram fashion relative to the back plate 12 during the course of its movement. The auxiliary visor sheet can be pulled in either direction from the first visor part 12, 14 by using the appropriate pull tab SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 36. The back and front plates 12, i4 are joined together in such a way that the auxiliary visor sheet l6 can easily slide therebetween.
Fig 2 shows the visor of Fig 1 with the auxiliary visor sheet 16 shown in the normally stowed position. The left and right extended positions of the auxiliary visor.sneet 16 are shown in chain dotted lines.
The visor in Fig 3 is similar in many respects to that shown in Figs 1 and 2 and parts corresponding to parts ir.
Figs 1 and 2 carry the same reference numerals.
The visor 10 shown in Fig 3 comprises a back plate 12, front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet 16, as in Fia 1 . The back plate 1 2 carries a gearing arrangement 1 cs similar to that shown in Fig 1. In Fig s the centre gear wheel 20 is driven by a toothed rack 38 which is slidabiv mounted in an elongate recess 40 formed in the back plate 12. ~~he toothed rack 38 has a tab 42 projecting transversely from a mid part thereof. When the visor 10 is assembled, the tab 42 protrudes through an elongate slot 44 in the front plate 14 to allow the user to actuate the rack 38. Part of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is cut away, as shown at 46, to allow the tab 42 to pass therethrough.
SUBSTITUTE.SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743 ~ PCT/GB97/00612 In use, the user slides the tab 42 along the slot 44 to one side or the other to drive the centre gear whePi 20.
That, in turn, drives the idler gear wheels 22 and the outer gear wheels 24,, causing the mounting members 3b tc rotate in the same direction and through the same angle as each other in similar manner to that shown in Fig 1.
That causes the auxiliary visor sheet i6 to. move downwardly and sideways relative to the front and back plates 12, 14. Sliding the tab 42 back towards the middle of the slot 44 returns the auxiliary visor sweet 16 to the stowed position.
Figs 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of visor; again similar in some respects to the visor in Fig l. Parts in Figs 4 and 5 corresponding to parts Fig 1 carry the same reference numerals.
In Fig 4 the drawing is a reversal of that shown in Fig 1 and it will be noted that the gearing arrangement i8 is carrie3~~on the front plate 14. The centre gear wheel 20 in this case is driven by turning a handle in the form of knob 48 which is drivably connected to the centre wheel '20 v l a a shaf t 49 wh l ch passes through the f rout p 1 ate 14. Fig 5 shows the visor of Fig 4 in profile when.
assembled. The visors of Figs 1 to 4 will be of somewi~.at similar appearance in profile when assembled and it will be noted that despite comprising several comconer.ts tree SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) assembled visor is very compact. The spacing or plates 12; 14 can be seen from Fig 5.
Another arrangement where the auxiliary visor sheet 6 is actuated by a rotary knob 48 is shown in Fig 5a. In that embodiment the gearing arrangement 1& is mounted on the back plate 12, as in Figs 1 to 3_ In Fig 5a; the centre wheel 20 is actuated by a cog 21 rotatably mounted on the back plate 12 which cog is drivably connected to the knob 48 via a shaft 49 which passes through the front plate 14. Part of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is cut away as shown at 46, in similar manner to the Fia 3 viscr, to accommodate the shaft 49.
Fig 6 shows a further visor similar in some respects to that of Fig 1 and parts corresponding to parts i.~. Fig l carry the same reference numerals_ The visor 10 in Fig o comprises a back plate l2, a front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet i6 located ther~tween as in Fig 1.
The back plate 12 carries spaced apart mounting lugs 50 for the auxi 1 iary visor sheet 1 6. The lugs 5~~ :-gave axial screw-threaded bores 52 formed therein.
The aux l 1 l ary v l sor sheet 1 6 has two V-shaped s l cts 5~~
formed therein. The slots 54 are spaced apart and are formed in an upper part of the auxiliary visor sh2e't lo.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97!32743 PCTlGB97/00612 One of the slots 54 is shown in more detail in Fig l. As in Fig 1; the sheet 16 is provided with pull tabs 36_ The front plate 14 has apertures 56 formed therein which 5 receive the lugs 50, upon assembly together of the back and front plates 12; 14. Each lug 50 is arranged to extend through one of the slots 54 in the auxiliary visor sheet 16 and the back and front plates 12; 14 are secured together by means of bolts 58 which are screwed into tha 10 screw-threaded bores 52. Upon assembly, tine ends of the lugs 50 engage the undersides of the heads cf bolts 58.
In that way the lugs 50 act to space the front and back plates 14, 12 apart so that the auxiliary viscr sneer i6 is free to slide in and out of the visor i0.
15 Alternatively, any other suitable spacer or spacers may be used to space the plates 12; 14.
In order to move the auxiliary visor sheet !6 from its stowed position to its operative position. one of ti-~r pull tabs 36 is pulled diagonally downwards. The lugs 50 slide along the respective slots 54 until they reach the end of their respective slot. The slots ensure that the movement o f the aux l 1 l ary v l sor shee t 1 6 l s gu l tied and smooth. When it is no longer required, tine auxiliary visor sheet 16 can be pushed back to its stowec position suherein each lug 50 lies at the apex o~ of its -respective slot 54. The lugs 50 will slide out of the notched portions 62 when the auxiliary visor sheet is pulled SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) manually downwards. Each slot 54 has a notched r~ortion 62 at its apex 60 and the lug 50 lies in the no~c'r:ed portion to prevent the auxiliary visor sheet 2rom gradually sliding out into its operative pcsiticn due to;
for instance vibration of the vehicle in which is carried. Each slot 54 may also have indents 64 formed in the upper edge thereof which receive the iuc .50 in different operative positions of the sheet i6. In that way the user can select the amount by which the auxiiiarv visor sheet 16 protrudes depending upon the light conditions which is particulary advantageous.
The slots 54 could be U-shaped cr semi-circular- to accommodate movement of the auxiliary visor sheet i6 ir.
either direction. Alternatively, the slot may be ur~i-directional to allow movement of the auxiiiarv visor sheet 16 to one side only of the back and ~rcnt plates 12, 14.
Figs 8 and 9 show a further visor in accordance with the invention. The visor in Figs 8 and 9 is similar in many respects to that shown in Fig 1 and parts ccrresponding ~to parts in Fig 1 carry the same reference numerals. In Figs 8 and 9 the visor comprises a back piaLe ;?. a front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet i6 located - therebetween _ As f n the v f sors o f F f gs t . 3 and ~1 the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is carried by mounting members SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97/00612 26. The mounting members 26 are drivably mounted to respective spaced actuating pulleys 66 which; in turn;
are rotatably mounted on the back plate 12. The pulleys 66 are connected by belts 68 to a pulley arrangement 70 shown in detail in Fig 9. The pulley arrangement 70 comprises two drive transmitting pulleys 71a; 7ic~ for transmitting drive via belts 68 to the actuating pulleys 66 and a pulley 71c which is connected by a dries belt 72 to a drive pulley 74. The drive pulley 74 is drivably connected to a gear wheel 75 which is driven by a motor 7 6 v l a a worm gear 7 7 . The motor 7 6 l s powered by the battery 78. The whole drive arrangement is mounted in a recessed part 79 on the back plate 12. Push button controls 80 are located on the front plate i4 and are; in use, connected electrically to the motor 76. Tl-.e controls 80 may comprise a rust switch button 80a for moving the auxiliary visor sheet 16 outwards and downwards to the left and a second switch butLOn rs!~b for retracting the auxiliary visor sheet. A third switch button$Oc is used for moving the auxiliary visor sheet 16 outwards and downwards to the right anti a zourth switch button 80d is used for retracting Zhe auxiliary 'visor sheet from that position. Alternatively a single switch eg a rocker switch, could be used to control movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 16.
M l cro sw l tches M~ , MZ are I ocated ad l atop t f.:~e v l sor SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) actuating pulleys-66. Each visor actuating pulley n6 has the micro switch M~ located directly aDOVe its Di.votal axis and the micro switch M2 at one wide thereof corresponding to the position of the arr. ~0 of the mounting member 26 when the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is fully extended to that side. The micro switches M~; M"
are arranged to cut off power to the drive motor 76 when actuated by the mounting members 26. That prsvents the visor from being extended or retracted too far. Power is restored to the drive motor after a predetermined period and circuitry may be provided to allow the drive motor i6 to be driven again once a micro switch i-ias been actuated.
In that way, if the visor is fully extended, sav; to the left the drive motor 76 is deactivated by the memb=r a6 actuating the left hand micro switch M". once the predetermined period has expired the drive circuitry allows the drive motor 76 to retract the visor until the upper micro switch M~ is actuated to switch off the motor 76. After a predetermined period, the motor r6 can be operated again to extend the visor to the right or to the left_ The micro switch MZ on the right of the visor as shown operates in the same way as the left hand micro -switch M2.
The motor 76 may receive power from the vehicle battery - dispensing with a requirement for a separate hart=rv.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97l00612 In Fig 10 another drive arrangement is shown. In that case a smaller motor 82 than that shown in Figs Fs and 9 ' is arranged to drive the drive pulley 74 directly. Ti-~e drive pulley 74 is mounted co-axially on output shaft fs4 of the motor 82. With that arrangement frictional losses are reduced by eliminating the worm and wheel gearing 75;
77.
It is envisaged that either embodiment oz motor 70; 82 may be used to drive the gearing arrangement i8. In such a case the motor 76, 82 drives the centre wheel 20 either via gearing or via a belt as in the case of the motor 82 of Fig 10.
In Fig 11 the visor 10 is substantially similar tc that shown in Fig 6 and parts corresponding to parts in gig o carry the same reference numerals. The visor IQ in Fia 11 is substantially similar to that in Fio d anti ti-~us will not be described in detail with exception that the visor is actuated by the member 90 instead ci bzin~
pul led manual 1y from the f first visor cart. Ti~.e member 90 is generally circular and is pivotally mountec to ti-~e back plate 12_ A slot 92 is formed in an upper part of the part of the member 90 for co-operation wits, a projection 94 on the auxiliary visor sheet 16. Thus when the member 90 is rotated about its axis the prc==ction 94 co-operates with the slot 92 on the memper 9C~ tc =ife,~t SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 PCTlGB97/00612 movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 1o downwards and sideways. The movement is controlled by the lugs 50 in slots 54. A row of teeth 96 is formed arounc Lhe lower part of the member 90 and a resi i lent tang 98 projects 5 upwardly from the rear part 12 to engage with the teeth 96. In that way the member 90 moves wit:z a ratchet l.ik~
motion so that the auxiliary visor sheets i6 can be extended to any desired position and taen retained in that position. A plurality of ffinger iiKe oroiections 10 100 extend from the upper part oz the member 90 and protrude above the upper surface of the visor iG to allow a user to actuate the member. IL desired,. the upper part of the visor 10 can be cut away to reveal the finger lilte projections 100_ Fig 13 shows a further embodiment or visor a0 s:miiar fir.
merit in many respects to that shown in Figs 1 i and i 2 and parts corresponding to carts in rr~igs !f a..d i~ carry the same reference numerals.
In Fig 13 the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is actuated by a wheel 102 which is pivotally mounted to the rear piat~
1 2. An upper part of the wheel 1 02 as a slot f 0~ c~ahici;
co-operates with a projection 106 on the auxiliary visor sheet. The wheel 102 is driven by a motor is'2 via a ~elr.
108.
SUBSTITUTE SWEET (RULE 26) The embodiment of Fig 14 is substantially similar to the embodiment of Fig 13 with the exception that the wheel 102 has a toothed edge 110 and is driven by means of a motor 76 driving a worm gear 77.
Fig 15a - 15d illustrate the assembly of a further embodiment of visor 10 in accordance with the invention.
The visor shown in Fig 15a - 15d is similar to many respects to that shown in Fig 6 and parts corresponding to parts in Fig 6 carry the same reference numeral. The visor 10 in Fig 15 comprises a backplate 12, an auxiliary visor sheet 16 with two V-shaped slots 54. The V-shaped slots 54 each have a row of teeth 112 on their respective upper surfaces and a toothed wheel 114 which is rotatably mounted to the backplate 12 and which extends through the respective slot 54. The toothed wheel 114 is shown in more detail in Fig 16. An elongate actuating member 116 is provided between the auxiliary visor sheet 16 and a front plate 14. The toothed wheels 114 in the slots 54 extend into the actuating member 116. A rack of teeth 118 is formed on the upper surface of the actuating member 116.
The toothed wheels 114 mesh with the teeth in the rack 118.
An actuating toothed wheel 120 is rotatably mounted to the front plate 14 and extends into the actuating member 116 in mesh with the rack teeth of the rack 118. The actuating tooth wheel 120 can be rotated by means by of a knob 122 on the front face of the front plate 14.
Fig 16 shows one toothed wheel 114 and the actuating tooth wheel 120 to a larger scale.
Fig 17 shaves the visor of Fig 16 in a exoieded perspective view. In order to operate the viscr o= Fic 17 the knob 120 is turned which, in turn; rotates the actuating tooth wheel 120. That causes the actuating member 116 to move laterally which rotates the toot;~~ed wheels 114 in the respective slots 54. The toothed wheels 114 effect movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 by engaging the rows of teeth 1i?. in the si.ots 54.
Figs 18 and 19 show embodiments of visor wi~r. are substantially similar to that shown in Figs i5-~7 na.rts corresponding to parts in Figs 15-17 carry t~-~e same reference numerals.
In the Fig 18 visor 10 the auxiliary visors sheet f6 is actuated in substantially similar fashion to ine visor of Figs 15-17 the exception that the elcngate actuating -member 116 is actuated manually by means or siidina a projecting tab 124 along a slot 120' in the iron;. plate.
- I n the embod l ment o f F l g 1 9 ; aga. l n t he aux. l l l ary v l sor sheet 16 is actuated in simi lar fashion to tf.at shoca;: i.n SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743 ' PCT/GB97/00612 Figs 15-17. However, the elongate actuating member ii6 is moved laterally by means of a actuating toothed Wheel 120 engaging with the rack 118. The toothed wheel 1%0 in Fig 19 is rotated by means of a mctor r32 via a bci.t i2~~s and pulley 130.
In Fig 20, an arrangement similar to Fig f1 is. shown except that the tracks, indicated at 140, are in the form of circular grooves formed in the back plate i2. I'he auxiliary visor sheet 16 carries studs i42 which fit slidably into the grooves 140_ The member 90 is similar to that in Fig 11 except that it has a pin i4=i tuereon which locates in a hole 146 in 'the auxi I iarv visor l 6.
The member 90 is rotatably mounted on the baci-; plate i2.
The backplate 12 has a tang 98 thereon, pre=eraiJly resilient, which co-operates in a ratchet like manner with teeth 9o around the lower half cf the memoer 90.
The studs 142 are spaced apart by the same d l stance as the centres of curvature of the tracks 140 and the centres of curvature of the tracks 140 and the axis about which the member 90 rotates are contained i:~ a common plane (not shown).
By rotating the member 90, the au:~iliary visor sheet i6 moves downwardly and sideways relative to the front and back plates 14, 12 with the tracks 140 guiding 'the studs SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 142.
If the entire member 90 is formed with teeth qn; the member 90 can be rotated through :i6G decrees if reauired so that the auxiliary visor turns through full circJ2.
In Fig 21 , an electric motor 82 drives a pul iey ;:~5. which itself drives a pulley 1Q2 via a belt 1Q8. The pulley is rotatably mounted on a pin 146 on the backpiate i~: and has a pin 144 therecn located as in Fig 20. in cthar respects the arrangement is the same as in dig 20 and the motor 82 provides powered operation cf the auxiliary visor sheet 1b.
All of the visors shown may be ritted as standard sun visors in vehicles and will ncrmaliy~ be pivoLaliy connected to the vehicle adiacent the windscreen or other required part. Alternatively, the vicars may be retro-fittable to existing vehicles by attaching the visor i0 2Q to the standard visor in the vehicls, for instance by means of fasteners or adhesive. All of the embodiments can be manufactured in a slim format to ena~~le retro 'fitting. It is envisaged that an existing viscr maw L
adapted to include a visor in accordance wit:- the invention_ SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
In order to move the auxiliary visor sheet !6 from its stowed position to its operative position. one of ti-~r pull tabs 36 is pulled diagonally downwards. The lugs 50 slide along the respective slots 54 until they reach the end of their respective slot. The slots ensure that the movement o f the aux l 1 l ary v l sor shee t 1 6 l s gu l tied and smooth. When it is no longer required, tine auxiliary visor sheet 16 can be pushed back to its stowec position suherein each lug 50 lies at the apex o~ of its -respective slot 54. The lugs 50 will slide out of the notched portions 62 when the auxiliary visor sheet is pulled SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) manually downwards. Each slot 54 has a notched r~ortion 62 at its apex 60 and the lug 50 lies in the no~c'r:ed portion to prevent the auxiliary visor sheet 2rom gradually sliding out into its operative pcsiticn due to;
for instance vibration of the vehicle in which is carried. Each slot 54 may also have indents 64 formed in the upper edge thereof which receive the iuc .50 in different operative positions of the sheet i6. In that way the user can select the amount by which the auxiiiarv visor sheet 16 protrudes depending upon the light conditions which is particulary advantageous.
The slots 54 could be U-shaped cr semi-circular- to accommodate movement of the auxiliary visor sheet i6 ir.
either direction. Alternatively, the slot may be ur~i-directional to allow movement of the auxiiiarv visor sheet 16 to one side only of the back and ~rcnt plates 12, 14.
Figs 8 and 9 show a further visor in accordance with the invention. The visor in Figs 8 and 9 is similar in many respects to that shown in Fig 1 and parts ccrresponding ~to parts in Fig 1 carry the same reference numerals. In Figs 8 and 9 the visor comprises a back piaLe ;?. a front plate 14 and an auxiliary visor sheet i6 located - therebetween _ As f n the v f sors o f F f gs t . 3 and ~1 the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is carried by mounting members SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97/00612 26. The mounting members 26 are drivably mounted to respective spaced actuating pulleys 66 which; in turn;
are rotatably mounted on the back plate 12. The pulleys 66 are connected by belts 68 to a pulley arrangement 70 shown in detail in Fig 9. The pulley arrangement 70 comprises two drive transmitting pulleys 71a; 7ic~ for transmitting drive via belts 68 to the actuating pulleys 66 and a pulley 71c which is connected by a dries belt 72 to a drive pulley 74. The drive pulley 74 is drivably connected to a gear wheel 75 which is driven by a motor 7 6 v l a a worm gear 7 7 . The motor 7 6 l s powered by the battery 78. The whole drive arrangement is mounted in a recessed part 79 on the back plate 12. Push button controls 80 are located on the front plate i4 and are; in use, connected electrically to the motor 76. Tl-.e controls 80 may comprise a rust switch button 80a for moving the auxiliary visor sheet 16 outwards and downwards to the left and a second switch butLOn rs!~b for retracting the auxiliary visor sheet. A third switch button$Oc is used for moving the auxiliary visor sheet 16 outwards and downwards to the right anti a zourth switch button 80d is used for retracting Zhe auxiliary 'visor sheet from that position. Alternatively a single switch eg a rocker switch, could be used to control movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 16.
M l cro sw l tches M~ , MZ are I ocated ad l atop t f.:~e v l sor SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) actuating pulleys-66. Each visor actuating pulley n6 has the micro switch M~ located directly aDOVe its Di.votal axis and the micro switch M2 at one wide thereof corresponding to the position of the arr. ~0 of the mounting member 26 when the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is fully extended to that side. The micro switches M~; M"
are arranged to cut off power to the drive motor 76 when actuated by the mounting members 26. That prsvents the visor from being extended or retracted too far. Power is restored to the drive motor after a predetermined period and circuitry may be provided to allow the drive motor i6 to be driven again once a micro switch i-ias been actuated.
In that way, if the visor is fully extended, sav; to the left the drive motor 76 is deactivated by the memb=r a6 actuating the left hand micro switch M". once the predetermined period has expired the drive circuitry allows the drive motor 76 to retract the visor until the upper micro switch M~ is actuated to switch off the motor 76. After a predetermined period, the motor r6 can be operated again to extend the visor to the right or to the left_ The micro switch MZ on the right of the visor as shown operates in the same way as the left hand micro -switch M2.
The motor 76 may receive power from the vehicle battery - dispensing with a requirement for a separate hart=rv.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 ' PCT/GB97l00612 In Fig 10 another drive arrangement is shown. In that case a smaller motor 82 than that shown in Figs Fs and 9 ' is arranged to drive the drive pulley 74 directly. Ti-~e drive pulley 74 is mounted co-axially on output shaft fs4 of the motor 82. With that arrangement frictional losses are reduced by eliminating the worm and wheel gearing 75;
77.
It is envisaged that either embodiment oz motor 70; 82 may be used to drive the gearing arrangement i8. In such a case the motor 76, 82 drives the centre wheel 20 either via gearing or via a belt as in the case of the motor 82 of Fig 10.
In Fig 11 the visor 10 is substantially similar tc that shown in Fig 6 and parts corresponding to parts in gig o carry the same reference numerals. The visor IQ in Fia 11 is substantially similar to that in Fio d anti ti-~us will not be described in detail with exception that the visor is actuated by the member 90 instead ci bzin~
pul led manual 1y from the f first visor cart. Ti~.e member 90 is generally circular and is pivotally mountec to ti-~e back plate 12_ A slot 92 is formed in an upper part of the part of the member 90 for co-operation wits, a projection 94 on the auxiliary visor sheet 16. Thus when the member 90 is rotated about its axis the prc==ction 94 co-operates with the slot 92 on the memper 9C~ tc =ife,~t SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/32743 PCTlGB97/00612 movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 1o downwards and sideways. The movement is controlled by the lugs 50 in slots 54. A row of teeth 96 is formed arounc Lhe lower part of the member 90 and a resi i lent tang 98 projects 5 upwardly from the rear part 12 to engage with the teeth 96. In that way the member 90 moves wit:z a ratchet l.ik~
motion so that the auxiliary visor sheets i6 can be extended to any desired position and taen retained in that position. A plurality of ffinger iiKe oroiections 10 100 extend from the upper part oz the member 90 and protrude above the upper surface of the visor iG to allow a user to actuate the member. IL desired,. the upper part of the visor 10 can be cut away to reveal the finger lilte projections 100_ Fig 13 shows a further embodiment or visor a0 s:miiar fir.
merit in many respects to that shown in Figs 1 i and i 2 and parts corresponding to carts in rr~igs !f a..d i~ carry the same reference numerals.
In Fig 13 the auxiliary visor sheet 16 is actuated by a wheel 102 which is pivotally mounted to the rear piat~
1 2. An upper part of the wheel 1 02 as a slot f 0~ c~ahici;
co-operates with a projection 106 on the auxiliary visor sheet. The wheel 102 is driven by a motor is'2 via a ~elr.
108.
SUBSTITUTE SWEET (RULE 26) The embodiment of Fig 14 is substantially similar to the embodiment of Fig 13 with the exception that the wheel 102 has a toothed edge 110 and is driven by means of a motor 76 driving a worm gear 77.
Fig 15a - 15d illustrate the assembly of a further embodiment of visor 10 in accordance with the invention.
The visor shown in Fig 15a - 15d is similar to many respects to that shown in Fig 6 and parts corresponding to parts in Fig 6 carry the same reference numeral. The visor 10 in Fig 15 comprises a backplate 12, an auxiliary visor sheet 16 with two V-shaped slots 54. The V-shaped slots 54 each have a row of teeth 112 on their respective upper surfaces and a toothed wheel 114 which is rotatably mounted to the backplate 12 and which extends through the respective slot 54. The toothed wheel 114 is shown in more detail in Fig 16. An elongate actuating member 116 is provided between the auxiliary visor sheet 16 and a front plate 14. The toothed wheels 114 in the slots 54 extend into the actuating member 116. A rack of teeth 118 is formed on the upper surface of the actuating member 116.
The toothed wheels 114 mesh with the teeth in the rack 118.
An actuating toothed wheel 120 is rotatably mounted to the front plate 14 and extends into the actuating member 116 in mesh with the rack teeth of the rack 118. The actuating tooth wheel 120 can be rotated by means by of a knob 122 on the front face of the front plate 14.
Fig 16 shows one toothed wheel 114 and the actuating tooth wheel 120 to a larger scale.
Fig 17 shaves the visor of Fig 16 in a exoieded perspective view. In order to operate the viscr o= Fic 17 the knob 120 is turned which, in turn; rotates the actuating tooth wheel 120. That causes the actuating member 116 to move laterally which rotates the toot;~~ed wheels 114 in the respective slots 54. The toothed wheels 114 effect movement of the auxiliary visor sheet 16 by engaging the rows of teeth 1i?. in the si.ots 54.
Figs 18 and 19 show embodiments of visor wi~r. are substantially similar to that shown in Figs i5-~7 na.rts corresponding to parts in Figs 15-17 carry t~-~e same reference numerals.
In the Fig 18 visor 10 the auxiliary visors sheet f6 is actuated in substantially similar fashion to ine visor of Figs 15-17 the exception that the elcngate actuating -member 116 is actuated manually by means or siidina a projecting tab 124 along a slot 120' in the iron;. plate.
- I n the embod l ment o f F l g 1 9 ; aga. l n t he aux. l l l ary v l sor sheet 16 is actuated in simi lar fashion to tf.at shoca;: i.n SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97132743 ' PCT/GB97/00612 Figs 15-17. However, the elongate actuating member ii6 is moved laterally by means of a actuating toothed Wheel 120 engaging with the rack 118. The toothed wheel 1%0 in Fig 19 is rotated by means of a mctor r32 via a bci.t i2~~s and pulley 130.
In Fig 20, an arrangement similar to Fig f1 is. shown except that the tracks, indicated at 140, are in the form of circular grooves formed in the back plate i2. I'he auxiliary visor sheet 16 carries studs i42 which fit slidably into the grooves 140_ The member 90 is similar to that in Fig 11 except that it has a pin i4=i tuereon which locates in a hole 146 in 'the auxi I iarv visor l 6.
The member 90 is rotatably mounted on the baci-; plate i2.
The backplate 12 has a tang 98 thereon, pre=eraiJly resilient, which co-operates in a ratchet like manner with teeth 9o around the lower half cf the memoer 90.
The studs 142 are spaced apart by the same d l stance as the centres of curvature of the tracks 140 and the centres of curvature of the tracks 140 and the axis about which the member 90 rotates are contained i:~ a common plane (not shown).
By rotating the member 90, the au:~iliary visor sheet i6 moves downwardly and sideways relative to the front and back plates 14, 12 with the tracks 140 guiding 'the studs SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 142.
If the entire member 90 is formed with teeth qn; the member 90 can be rotated through :i6G decrees if reauired so that the auxiliary visor turns through full circJ2.
In Fig 21 , an electric motor 82 drives a pul iey ;:~5. which itself drives a pulley 1Q2 via a belt 1Q8. The pulley is rotatably mounted on a pin 146 on the backpiate i~: and has a pin 144 therecn located as in Fig 20. in cthar respects the arrangement is the same as in dig 20 and the motor 82 provides powered operation cf the auxiliary visor sheet 1b.
All of the visors shown may be ritted as standard sun visors in vehicles and will ncrmaliy~ be pivoLaliy connected to the vehicle adiacent the windscreen or other required part. Alternatively, the vicars may be retro-fittable to existing vehicles by attaching the visor i0 2Q to the standard visor in the vehicls, for instance by means of fasteners or adhesive. All of the embodiments can be manufactured in a slim format to ena~~le retro 'fitting. It is envisaged that an existing viscr maw L
adapted to include a visor in accordance wit:- the invention_ SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (9)
1. A visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a diagonal slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means comprising a row of teeth formed in the diagonal slot and a toothed wheel whereby rotation of the toothed wheel effects movement of the second visor part relative to the first visor part, the toothed wheel forming the aforsaid cooperable member.
2. A visor according to claim 1 in which the diagonal slot comprises two slot portions arranged transversely relative to one another.
3. A visor according to claim 1 or 2 in which the slot comprises a V-shaped slot.
4. A visor according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which two slots are provided, each slot being cooperable respectively with said cooperable member.
5. A visor according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the slot has a notched portion which receives the cooperable member when the second visor part is in a selected position such as the stowed position to retain the second visor part in the selected position.
6. A visor according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the toothed wheel meshes with a rack of teeth in a further member and movement of the further member effects movement of the second visor part.
7. A visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways from a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a U-shaped or V-shaped slot in the second visor part and a cooperable member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the U-shaped or V-shaped slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
8. A visor comprising a main movable first visor part and an auxiliary sheet-like second visor part for movement in the plane of the sheet and guide means for guiding the second visor part during movement thereof downwardly and sideways form a stowed position on the first visor part, the guide means comprising a substantially circular slot in the second visor part and a cooperble member on the first visor part, the visor further having drive means for moving the second visor part relative to the first visor part, whereby the substanially circular slot enables the second visor part to be deployed on either side of the first visor part.
9. A visor according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the visor is retrofittable to an existing visor of a vehicle.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9604682.6 | 1996-03-05 | ||
| GB9604682A GB2298838B (en) | 1995-03-17 | 1996-03-05 | Anti-glare see through visor for any vehicle |
| GBGB9616200.3A GB9616200D0 (en) | 1996-03-05 | 1996-08-01 | A visor |
| GB9616200.3 | 1996-08-01 | ||
| PCT/GB1997/000612 WO1997032743A1 (en) | 1996-03-05 | 1997-03-05 | A visor |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2248163A1 CA2248163A1 (en) | 1997-09-12 |
| CA2248163C true CA2248163C (en) | 2006-08-22 |
Family
ID=36940287
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002248163A Expired - Fee Related CA2248163C (en) | 1996-03-05 | 1997-03-05 | A visor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2248163C (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-03-05 CA CA002248163A patent/CA2248163C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2248163A1 (en) | 1997-09-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |