EP2091771A1 - Rear net wind deflector for a convertible vehicle - Google Patents
Rear net wind deflector for a convertible vehicleInfo
- Publication number
- EP2091771A1 EP2091771A1 EP07824477A EP07824477A EP2091771A1 EP 2091771 A1 EP2091771 A1 EP 2091771A1 EP 07824477 A EP07824477 A EP 07824477A EP 07824477 A EP07824477 A EP 07824477A EP 2091771 A1 EP2091771 A1 EP 2091771A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- windscreen
- net
- vehicle
- framework
- arm
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010070 extrusion (rubber) Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/22—Wind deflectors for open roofs
- B60J7/223—Wind deflectors for open roofs specially adapted for convertible cars
Definitions
- This invention relates to a removable rear windscreen for a vehicle for reducing turbulence and wind noise in a vehicle ' s cockpit while driving with the convertible top down.
- One type of known windscreen comprises an upright, rigid generally rectangular framework' for mounting vertically in the vehicle behind a front row of seats, across which is stretched a wind-breaking net. See for example US 6,352,300.
- a windscreen of this known type is essentially a flat, two-dimensional panel.
- a problem with flat panel windscreens is that they can restrict front seat movement.
- the present invention consists of a contoured rear windscreen for a convertible vehicle, the windscreen including a framework to which is secured a pliable net, and wherein the framework comprises a first arm, and a second arm, the second arm being shaped so that the surface of the net follows a three-dimensional contour, and wherein the first and second arms are pivotalIy attached to one another at each of their ends by an over-centre hinge.
- a windscreen may be shaped to fit around the trim of the rear of the vehicle cockpit, thus allowing freedom of movement of the front seats .
- the framework comprises two members which are hinged together so that the windscreen can be folded for storage .
- over-centre hinges advantageously allows the tension in the net to assist the framework in maintaining its open position when the windscreen is in use. Further, when the windscreen is folded for storage and the net moves through the pivot axis, the net tension helps to hold the framework closed.
- Brackets may be provided at opposite sides of the framework to enable attachment of the windscreen to the vehicle .
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a windscreen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the windscreen of Fig. 1 mounted in a vehicle
- Fig. 3 is a further perspective view of a windscreen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and in an open (deployed) position
- Fig. 4 is a side view of the windscreen of Fig. 3, and
- Fig. 5 is a side view of the windscreen of Fig. 3 in a closed (folded) position.
- a contoured rear windscreen 1 consists of a pliable net 2 stretched across a framework which comprises an upper arm 3 and a lower arm 4.
- the net 2 has a fine mesh and is made from nylon.
- Each arm 3, 4 is made from extruded aluminium.
- the net 2 is attached to the arms in a conventional manner by pulling it over a slot (not shown) in each arm and pushing a rubber extrusion (not shown) into the slot, thereby holding the net 2 in place.
- the upper and lower arms 3, 4 are pivotalIy attached to one another and the windscreen 1 can be folded for storage.
- Brackets 5 are secured at either side of the upper arm 3 (close to the point of attachment to the lower arm 4) for the purpose of securing the windscreen inside a vehicle.
- the upper arm 3 which has an inverted U-shape, lies in a generally vertical plane.
- the lower arm 4 lies in a - A - generally horizontal plane and is kinked in order to follow the contours of the rear bulkhead of the vehicle 6. Because the net 2 is stretched tightly across the framework and firmly secured thereto, it too follows the contours of the rear bulkhead and thus allows a longitudinal adjustment of the position of the front seats 7.
- each end of the upper and lower arms 3, 4 is fitted with a plastics end cap, 8, 9 respectively.
- Each end cap 8, 9 incorporates co-operating over-centre hinge members 10, 11 respectively, thereby providing pivotal attachment of the two arms 3 , 4.
- the pivot axis 12 lies above the plane of the lower arm 4 when the windscreen is in its open, deployed position.
- the over-centre arrangement permits the net tension (represented by the arrows "A" in Figs. 3 and 4) to hold the arms 3, 4 apart when the windscreen 1 is erected.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A removable rear windscreen (1) for a convertible vehicle (6) consists of a pliable net (2) which has a three-dimensional contoured shape to enable it to fit around the contours of the rear bulkhead of the vehicle, thereby permitting greater front seat travel ' than is possible with a flat panel windscreen. The net (2) is stretched across a frame comprising an upper and lower arm (3, 4) the arms being pivotally connected to one another by an over- centre hinge arrangement (10, 11). This permits folding of the windscreen (1) for storage and has the added advantage of permitting the net tension to hold the arms (3, 4) apart when in the open, deployed position.
Description
REAR NET WIND DEFLECTOR FOR A CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE
This invention relates to a removable rear windscreen for a vehicle for reducing turbulence and wind noise in a vehicle ' s cockpit while driving with the convertible top down.
One type of known windscreen comprises an upright, rigid generally rectangular framework' for mounting vertically in the vehicle behind a front row of seats, across which is stretched a wind-breaking net. See for example US 6,352,300.
A windscreen of this known type is essentially a flat, two-dimensional panel. A problem with flat panel windscreens is that they can restrict front seat movement.
The present invention consists of a contoured rear windscreen for a convertible vehicle, the windscreen including a framework to which is secured a pliable net, and wherein the framework comprises a first arm, and a second arm, the second arm being shaped so that the surface of the net follows a three-dimensional contour, and wherein the first and second arms are pivotalIy attached to one another at each of their ends by an over-centre hinge.
By virtue of the invention, a windscreen may be shaped to fit around the trim of the rear of the vehicle cockpit, thus allowing freedom of movement of the front seats .
Advantageously, the framework comprises two members which are hinged together so that the windscreen can be folded for storage .
The use of over-centre hinges advantageously allows the tension in the net to assist the framework in maintaining its open position when the windscreen is in use. Further, when the windscreen is folded for storage and the net moves through the pivot axis, the net tension helps to hold the framework closed.
The effects of the net tension may be further assisted by the incorporation of a spring within each hinge.
Brackets may be provided at opposite sides of the framework to enable attachment of the windscreen to the vehicle .
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings of which/
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a windscreen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the windscreen of Fig. 1 mounted in a vehicle,
Fig. 3 is a further perspective view of a windscreen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and in an open (deployed) position,
Fig. 4 is a side view of the windscreen of Fig. 3, and
Fig. 5 is a side view of the windscreen of Fig. 3 in a closed (folded) position.
With reference to Figs . 1 and 2 , a contoured rear windscreen 1 consists of a pliable net 2 stretched across a framework which comprises an upper arm 3 and a lower arm 4. The net 2 has a fine mesh and is made from nylon.
Each arm 3, 4 is made from extruded aluminium. The net 2 is attached to the arms in a conventional manner by pulling it over a slot (not shown) in each arm and pushing a rubber extrusion (not shown) into the slot, thereby holding the net 2 in place.
The upper and lower arms 3, 4 are pivotalIy attached to one another and the windscreen 1 can be folded for storage.
Brackets 5 are secured at either side of the upper arm 3 (close to the point of attachment to the lower arm 4) for the purpose of securing the windscreen inside a vehicle.
When the windscreen 1 is positioned in a vehicle 6 (see Fig. 2) , the upper arm 3, which has an inverted U-shape, lies in a generally vertical plane. The lower arm 4 lies in a
- A - generally horizontal plane and is kinked in order to follow the contours of the rear bulkhead of the vehicle 6. Because the net 2 is stretched tightly across the framework and firmly secured thereto, it too follows the contours of the rear bulkhead and thus allows a longitudinal adjustment of the position of the front seats 7.
With reference to Figs. 3 to 5, each end of the upper and lower arms 3, 4 is fitted with a plastics end cap, 8, 9 respectively. Each end cap 8, 9 incorporates co-operating over-centre hinge members 10, 11 respectively, thereby providing pivotal attachment of the two arms 3 , 4. The pivot axis 12 lies above the plane of the lower arm 4 when the windscreen is in its open, deployed position.
The over-centre arrangement permits the net tension (represented by the arrows "A" in Figs. 3 and 4) to hold the arms 3, 4 apart when the windscreen 1 is erected.
When the windscreen 1 is to be folded for storage after removal from the vehicle 6, the lower arm 4 is rotated upwards towards the upper arm 3. In so doing, the net 2 swings through the pivot axis 12 and the tension in the net
(arrows "A" in Fig. 5) assists in keeping the windscreen folded.
Claims
1. A contoured rear windscreen for a convertible vehicle, the windscreen including a framework to which is secured a pliable net, and wherein the framework comprises a first arm, and a second arm, the second arm being shaped so that the surface of the net follows a three-dimensional contour, and wherein the first and second arms are pivotally attached to one another at each of their ends by an over-centre hinge.
2. A windscreen according to claim 1 and further including brackets for attaching the windscreen inside a vehicle .
3. A windscreen according to either preceding claim in which said members comprising the framework are made from extruded aluminium.
4. A windscreen according to any preceding claim in which each end of said members comprising the framework is fitted with a plastics end cap, each end cap incorporating a co-operating over-centre hinge member.
5. A windscreen according to any preceding claim in which the net has a fine mesh and is made from nylon.
6. A windscreen substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0622163A GB2443616A (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2006-11-07 | Contoured net rear windscreen for a convertible vehicle |
| PCT/GB2007/004244 WO2008056138A1 (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2007-11-07 | Rear net wind deflector for a convertible vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP2091771A1 true EP2091771A1 (en) | 2009-08-26 |
Family
ID=37594469
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP07824477A Withdrawn EP2091771A1 (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2007-11-07 | Rear net wind deflector for a convertible vehicle |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2091771A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2010508212A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2443616A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008056138A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19502794A1 (en) * | 1995-01-30 | 1996-08-01 | Fmb Fahrzeug Und Maschinenbau | Foldable wind protection for cabriolet motorcar |
| DE19709602C2 (en) * | 1997-03-08 | 1999-01-14 | Dema Products Maschinenbau H D | Wind protection for motor vehicles |
| EP0887217B1 (en) * | 1997-06-26 | 2005-03-30 | ORIS FAHRZEUGTEILE HANS RIEHLE GmbH | Windstop device |
| GB9819240D0 (en) * | 1998-09-03 | 1998-10-28 | West Alloy Diecastings | Cupboard door hinge |
| DE10061562A1 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2002-06-13 | Oris Fahrzeugteile Riehle H | windbreak |
| DE10063770B4 (en) * | 2000-12-21 | 2007-08-02 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Wind protection device for a motor vehicle |
| DE10336483A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2005-03-03 | Hartl, Günther | Wind-protection device for an open motor vehicle comprises a wind bulkhead, two hinges, and a locking device |
-
2006
- 2006-11-07 GB GB0622163A patent/GB2443616A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2007
- 2007-11-07 WO PCT/GB2007/004244 patent/WO2008056138A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2007-11-07 JP JP2009535793A patent/JP2010508212A/en active Pending
- 2007-11-07 EP EP07824477A patent/EP2091771A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO2008056138A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2443616A (en) | 2008-05-14 |
| GB0622163D0 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
| JP2010508212A (en) | 2010-03-18 |
| WO2008056138A1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20090608 |
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| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
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| 111Z | Information provided on other rights and legal means of execution |
Free format text: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR Effective date: 20091001 |
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| DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
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| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
| 18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20110211 |