GB2486396A

GB2486396A - Vehicle internal sunshade for driver

Info

Publication number: GB2486396A
Application number: GB1016717.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Khan-Sullman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-04
Filing date: 2010-10-04
Publication date: 2012-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-04
Also published as: GB2486396B; GB201016717D0

Abstract

The sunshade comprises: at least one panel 1, 2 of material providing an aperture or other opening to allow reversible passage of a rear-view mirror through the panel(s) for fitting or removal, lips of opening/aperture fitting around the mirror and/or its support means, when the device is functionally deployed, so that it occupies a position between the mirror and the windscreen; the sunshade comprises a separable second part 6 for providing greater cover of the windscreen when the vehicle is parked, reversibly attachable to the panel(s) by attachment means 7. The second part 6 also has means 9 for attachment to part of the vehicle, e.g. the windscreen. The sunshade can be provided with a support means that allows deployment of it outside of the vehicle as a warning device, e.g. if the vehicle is broken down.

Description

SCAR MIRROR SUNSIIA (pr Russell Suilman -V' Osber2010) LNTRQPUCTIS»=N A car's pre-fitted windscreen drivers and front seat passengers' sunshades do not nainimise sun glare from around the area of the cat tear view mirror, as it is essential to maintain good rear visibility. There is therefore the need for a product that can block sunlight in the area between a vehicle's pre-fitted sunshades, whilst maintaining good rear visibility.

DESCRIPTION

A Car Mirror Sunhade (hereinafter described as the device) comprises at least one panel of material that is flexible (at least in part), said panel incorporates an aperture, opening or slit (which when the device is deployed fits around the base or length of the stem of the rear-view mirror), end means of detachably securing the device to one or more parts (e.g. windscreen, driver sun-shade, etc.) of the vehicle in which the device is used. The opening/aperture in the device does not extend to or foun any part of the ouler edge, perimeter or boundary of the device.

This part of the device forms the driving sunshade' for use during driving and whilst parked (with secondary function as a warning means).

A second sunshade (for use only when the car is parked and not being driven, being referred to as a parked sunshade later in this document) which reversibly attaches to the first part of the device (i.e. the driving sunshade, used when the car is underway and being driven).

Some embodiments of the device incorporate elements to facilitate night-visibility of' the deployed device to other road-users (e.g. the use of reflective strips/illuminated components/cat's eyes reflectors/reflective materials in the device) for purposes of safety.

The device can be provided in a folded, rolled-up or other form for ease of transport, and various embodiments of the shade may incorporate at least one rigid and/or semi-rigid component to assist in form, function and/or shape. In other embodiments otthe device there will be no rigid or semi-rigid components incorporated.

Embodiments of the device wherein the opening/aperture or slit in the device exists within elastic material (where the device is elastic at least in part). and the opening is larger, the same as, or less than the diameter of the mirror stem or its base, allows the stan or its base to fit snugly within the opening, as the aperturee'opening in some embodiments can be designed to fit snugly around a particular specific stem size (Le, jhe device may be provided for use specific to a particular car-type/steixi size).

The size, elasticity and/or flexibility of the opening, aperture or slit allows passage of the rear-view mirror through the said opening/slit so that the device can then be deployed in between the mirror and windscreen, thereby covering the desired part of the windscreen and blocking annoying sunlight, whilst not impeding use of the mirror and allowiug full

I

rear-view visibility. When deployed, as the mirror has been passed through the shade, it remains uncovered and affords the driver clear, unimpeded/unblocked teat-view vision, whilst the device blocks unwanted light through the windscreen from behind the rear-view mirror.

The device is provided, in some embodiments, with means by which that the slit, aperture or other opening, can be reversibly sealed closed (at least in part), completely or partially.

The component panels of the device may be directly joined together in some embodiments, whilst in other embodiments the component panels of die device are not directly joined together but are held together (indirectly interconnected) in a fixed or variable relationship relative to one another by indirect or external meats, such as can be achieved by using adjustable frames or panels or other supports to hold the panels together relative to one another.

The aperture or opening in the device can extend to the edge or boundary/perimeter of the device, but the aperture does not form an actual part of the edge or boundary of the device.

When the device is deployed, if any part otthe slit or opening remains open, to prevent unwanted light seepage through the apernn'e, means ot'sealing (e.g. using Velcro® strips, clips, poppers, etc.) the opening/aperture or slit are provided, to ensure no leakage of unwanted sunlight from either side of the rear view minor, Le., that part of the opposing lips' of the slit that do not come into contact with the base or length of the stem can be held/secured together to ensure that the shade function provided by the device is effective.

A Car Mirror Sunshade comprises: a first part, with at least one panel of material incorporating an aperture or other opening to allow reversible passage of a car rear-view minor through the device for function, (and said opening/aperture fitting [at least in patti around part of a rear-view mirror, and/or its support stern base, and/or some other part of the mirror stem, when the device is functionally deployed), and where the opening/aperture in the flag may extend to but does not form any part of the outer edge/boundary or perimeter of the shade, and where, in function, at least part of the device is positioned between the reamview mirror and the car's front windscreen; and, a second part, comprising a sunshade (flexible at least in part) that detachably attaches to the first part and/or t t eat one part of the car, wherein this second part can incorporate in some embodiments warning means (e.g. reflective strips, symbols. LIXDILCD lights, eEc,.) and used to obscure at least part of the window/windscreen.

A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least two parts which can be reversibly/detachably attached together; A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least two parts which are integrally attached together; A Cat Mirror SUnshade in some embodiments incorporates at least two panels which can be reversibly/detachably attached together; A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least one aperture; A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least two panels which are integrally attached together; A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least two panels which are attached together, wherein an elastic panel incorporating an aperture is integrally attached to a second flexible panel.

A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates a single panel incorporating an aperture, whereirt said panel incorporates at least one fold (that overlies the aperture on one face of the device) to form a protective lip over the aperture on at least one side of the panel, to prevent light leakage through the aperture during functional use; A Car Mirrur Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least one part which is adjustably variable in relationship and/or position relative to at least one other part c&the device; A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at Least one part which is

adjustable in shape1

A Car Mirror Sunshade in some etnbodhnents incorporates at least one part that is reversibly detachable from the device.

A Car Minor Sunshade in some embodiments incorporates at least one part oithe device is detachable from another part of the device.

A Car Mirror Sunshade incorporates at least one means of detachably attaching/securing at least part of the device to at least one part of the vehicle (e.g. via suction cups to the windscreen, clip to the stern, elasticated hoops and/or Velcro® cufft to a car's integrally fitted sunshades, straps, ties, Static Slicker, Static Cling Slicker, Car Sunshade Sticker, Electrostatic Sticker, Window Sticker, etc.). At least one of the means of reversibly securing the device to parts of the car, in some embodiments of the device, will be

adjustable.

A Car Mirror Sunshade incorporates at least one means of detachably securing at [east part of the device to at least one part of the vehicle, e.g. by using one or more of suction cups, clips, elasticated hoops4 Velcro® cuffi, ties, Static StIcker, Static Cling Sticker, Car Sunshade Sticker, Electrostatic Sticker, Window Sticker, etc.). The ear windscreen, integrally fitted driver andlor hunt passenger car sunshades are some of the anchor points to which various embodiments of the device can be reversibly secured in function.

A Car Minor Sunshade wherein some embodiments of the device in function reversibly attaches to at least one of the of the car's fitted sun shades (The vehicle's pre-fitted integral driver's sunshade); A Car Mirror Sunshade in some embodiments includes integrally at least one anchor component (e.g. at least one elasticated loops), separate froni the shade part of the device, said anchor component that is reversibly attached to at least one of the car's pre-frttcd windscreen front sun shades, this anchor component forming at least one anchorage point for the device during ftnction.

A Car Mirror Sunshade ins some embodiments includes detachably at least one anchor coffiponent (e.g. at least one loop that is fitted to the car sunshade, and wherein the device incorporates a Velcro® component to which a compatible Velcro® component on the Sunshade part of the device reversibly attaches in function) that is reversibly attached to at least one of the car's pre-fitted windscreen front sun shades, this anchor component forming at least one anchorage point for the device during fUnction; in this way, the device has at least one part that remains separately attached to part of the car even when the device is not deployed, and to which the device can be reversibly attached as required.

A Car Mirror Sunshade as claimed in any preceding claim whcrein the device, using illuminated andlor reflective component (so the device also functions as a light nflector for road safety), wherein the reflector, said reflector components reflecting light from oncoming traffic as a warning means on those occasions when a vehicle's hazard lights cannot be used or are non-functional in the darkness of night; the device includes a detachable part that is used as a sunshade that blocks the entire window or windscreen. In function this part attaches to the device, and in some embodiments hangs down passively, whilst in other embodiments this part of the device is secured detachably by reversible securing means to the window/windscreen.

A Car Mirror Sunshade wherein the slit, aperture or other opening, at least in part, of the device fits around The stem of the rear-view mirror when the device is deployed, and where there are provided means ofjoining the two lips' of the slit or other opening together in a closed' position once the device is deployed, thereby preventing the leakage of sunlight through the slit/opening in the device, i.e. the device is provided with a means by which the openingtaperture is reversibly sealed closed to minimise leakage of sunlight once the device is in functional position, opening these reversibly sealed lips being required to rcmove the device from the functional position; The device can also integrally or detachably incorporate means by which devices such a mirrors, cameras, Internet cameras, portable fans, fragrances, fragrance dispensers, air fresheners, pockets/pouches (e.g. to hold a car park ticket, pass, permit coins, etc.), Ole.

may be supported, contained by or otherwise attached to or held by the device. Such means of attachment of these devices may either be integral to the device or be provided additional to the device as accessories. Where the accessory (e.g. fan, fragrance) is not integrally incorporated into the device) straps, clips, holders, pouch/pocket or other means of attachment or support may be provided for it Where the opening in some embodiments of the device is made to be the same as or similar to the size of the transverse cross-section of the mirror stein, then where the material containing the opening is elastIc, there is no need to have to seal any areas as the aperture of the opening will lit close to or snugly with the mirror-stem or its base.

The device is provided with means by which k can be detachably attached to at least one part of the car. In some embodiments, the device and its detachable fall light-blocking curtain sunshade are provided with integrally attached or detachable reflective panels (or other warning means) for purposes of road safety.

The opening/aperture in the device may be made very small. In other embodiments, the opening, aperture or slit in the device may exist between overlapping 4lips' of flexible and/or elastic material. The overlap would allow the mirror and stern to be passed through the aperture/opening or slit whilst the overlap would create a light-seat to prevent light leakage. The overlap would mean that the aperture, opening or slit would be present but would not be visibly open or apparent when the device is not deployed.

Preferably, the aperture of the device is wider than the rearMew mirror to be passed through it The slit nitty be vertical, horizontal, parallel to, or at some other angte to the longitudinal length of the device. Two or more apertures/openings/slits together with one another may in other embodiments form the opening in the device.

The device may be composed of the sante or similar materials to those used in current arid existing styles of sunshade (either vehicle-fitted or portable accessory, e.g. aide-window sunshades available as car accessories from retailers for reducing glare, etc on children or other passengers), or different materials.

DRAWINGS

Figure 1(A) shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device wherein the device comprises a pair of flexible panels I and 2 with inner edges 3 and 4 respecth'ety.

Figure 1(B) shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the driving sunshade part of the device, as shown in Figure 1(A), wherein the device comprises panels 1 and 2, with edges 3 and 4 respectively, said panels I and 2 partially overlappirtg one another at AFDG. Overlapping panels 1 and 2 are integrally joined together/interconnected (e.gsewn together) at ABCI) and EFGI-l, but not joined together at the area of overlap BEHC, thereby creating an opening/aperture/space between the joined panels I and 2 at REliC, and wherein inner edges 3 (position shown by broken line) and 4 form the light excluding overlapping ups of the aperture/opening in the device that exists at BE}IC. The device incorporates two elasticated/elastic straps 5 which anchor this driving sunshade to (in this case the vehiclea pre-fitted driver and front passenger sunshades) parts of the vehicle. In some embodiments the straps will be adjustable.

Figure 1(C) shows the lint embodIment, numbered and labelled as in Figure 1(A) and 1(B), wherein the dstathable parked sunshade pan of the device 6, has been detachably attached to the driving snsbade part of the device via detachable interconnecting means 7. The parked sunshade part of the devIce incorporates means 9 by which at least part of the parked sunshade part of the device can be detachably attached to at least one part of the vehicle (e.g. suction cups on the shade will allow detachable attachment of the parked, sunshade's lower border S to the vehicle's front windscreen) Figure 1(D) shows the first embodiment as disclosed in Figure 1(C) when in functional deployment. Rear-view mirror 10 has been passed through the aperture in the device, with the minor stern 11 being positioned, at least in part, between the inner edges 3 and 4 of the aperture, their overlapping arrangement creating a light-seal about the stem.

Means of reversible sealing (e.g. VeleroC)) allow the aperture in the device to be sealed around The girth of the mirror stem. 11. Straps 5 (elasticated at least in part) detachably attach the device to the dilver's U and front-passenger's 13 pre-fitted sunshades of the vehicle.

In this way, then, the area between the pro-fitted sunshades is now shielded from sunlight glare by the device; whilst the rear view mirror 10 remains uncovered and fUll rear visibility Is retained.

The device would also be provided with a support means (not shown) wherein the driving and/or parked sunshade pans of the device which would allow the device to be deployed outside of and separate from the vehicle.

Figure 2(A) shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the device wherein: a single panel 14 incorporates a slit/aperture or other type of opening 15 (said aperture being one through which the rear view mirror will be passed during fitting/removal of the device), and wherein this driving sunshade part of the device incorporates adjustable upper 16 and Jower 17 straps by which the device is reversibly secured to parts of the car..

In Figure 2(B), the embodiment of the device (as shown and. numbered in Figure 2(A)), wherein a second smaller panel lB is partially attached (at side borders 19 and lower border 20) to the first panel 14, to act as a sunlight light-limiting lip overlying the aperture 15 (shown here as a broken line 15 under 13). The minor is passed through the aperture 15 and the upper border of 18 during fitting and during removal.

Figure 3(A) shows another embodiment similar to and nwnbered the same as that shown in Figure 2, wherein the panel 14 is folded along lines X and Y (as shown in Figure 3(A) and 3(B)), to form the dilving sunshade part of the device.

Figure 3(C) shows the completed device, wherein the folded part of the panel 14 overlies the aperture/opening 15 (shown as a broken line 15 under the fold). The folded part of the panel 14 is attached at 21 on either side of the light lbniting lip A]CD that overlies the aperture 15. In fUnction, the mirror is passed through the aperture and through the free (open) border of the light Limiting lip ABCD.

Further embodiments would come with anchorage points being provided as integral or detachable parts of a car to which the device can be detachably secured.

Other embodiments of the device arc made with both elastic and flexible panels.

AiLhough the examples shown in the drawings feature overlapping inner edges, the invention can also be provided in embodiments wherein the inner edges do not overLap.

Tension in the device, especially at the inner edges (to maintain a light-limiting seal and/or to prevent stretch or distortion) can be maintained or attained by the placement of elastic components in the panels (e.g. at or within the inner edges of the component panels).

Means of holding/sealing (reversibly) the inner edges of the panels together in a pre-arranged relationship with one another once the flag is in function can be achieved by use of Velcro®, clips, poppers, etc. Means other than suction cups can be used additionally or exclusively to secure (reversibly) a shade when it is deployed. Embodiments of the shade can be made to be the same as or longer than the longitudinal length of the windscreen.

in embodiments wherein the device incorporates more than one panel in the device, There will be at least one aperture or opening in the device through which the rear-view mirror is passed during removal or deployment.

Other modifications and embodiments of the invention, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art., are to be deemed within the anibit and scope oldie invention, and particular embodiments hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g. interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each, without departing from the scope of the patent monopoly hereby sought.

In some embodiments of the device, the opening, aperture or slit in the device may exist between overlapping lips' of flexible and/or elastic material. The overlap would allow the mirror and stern to be passed through the aperture/opening or slit whilst the overlapping lips would create a light-seal to prevent ligbt leakage. The overlap would mean that the aperture, opening or sift would be present but would not be visib'y open or apparent when the device is not deployed.