WO2001014181A2

WO2001014181A2 - Ice pull

Info

Publication number: WO2001014181A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/025230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard T. Schneider; Terry Don Woodward
Original assignee: Schneider Richard T; Terry Don Woodward
Priority date: 1999-08-23
Filing date: 1999-10-27
Publication date: 2001-03-01
Also published as: AU1237800A; WO2001014181A3

Abstract

A removable window cover (9) to be mounted onto the exterior surface of a motor vehicle's window, allowing for easy removal of accumulated ice, dirt, and debris. The window cover is secured to the exterior surface of the motor vehicle's window with an adhesive backing. The window cover is removed, with all the accumulated ice, dirt, and debris by grasping a removal tab (3) and peeling the window cover (9) off the window. Furthermore, messages may be printed on the window cover for display. The messages can include graphical designs, request for assistance, personal messages, or advertising.

Description

DESCRIPTION

ICE PULL Cross-Reference to a Related Application This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

60/150,242, filed August 23, 1999.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover device for motor vehicle windows, and in particular, to a cover device for placement on the exterior surface of the motor vehicle window providing a protective barrier allowing for easy removal of accumulated ice, dirt, and debris.

Background of the Invention

Clearing and/or cleaning motor vehicle windows after a snow or ice storm, or merely keeping the window clean and clear from dirt, dust, and debris, can be time-consuming, costly, and burdensome. Particularly in the case of snow and ice storms, clearing and cleaning motor vehicle windows may require a great deal of time and effort before one can safely operate the motor vehicle.

There are currently a number of methods for removal of the accumulation of ice from the motor vehicle windows. These methods include scraping or chemically treating the window after the ice has formed, or covering the window prior to the formation of the ice.

The most common approach for removal of ice is to have a scraper at one's disposal, and to remove the ice from motor vehicles by scraping. At best, this approach is awkward and time- consuming.

The method of covering the window to prevent the accumulation of ice can be accomplished by either covering the entire car with a car cover or covering the window only. Typically, the entire window is covered with a sheet of material such as a textile. When it comes time to remove the window covering the low temperature and accumulated ice have transformed the material into a frozen rigid sheet. The removal of the now frozen sheet can be difficult and cumbersome. Additionally, the frozen sheet must be stored after removal, typical this is in the trunk or back seat of the car. The storing of the frozen sheet in the truck of the car may not enable the frozen sheet to sufficiently thaw to be reused the next evening. While storing the frozen sheet in the back seat will allow the frozen sheet to thaw, this results in a wetting of the back seat. Furthermore, window coverings are usually not firmly secured to the motor vehicle and may be blown off in high winds. A second method is to spray the accumulated ice with a chemical to hasten the melting process. A typical method is to try and dissolve the ice by spraying the ice with alcohol. This is done routinely to remove ice buildup from the leading edge of airplane wings. This method may be useful for thin layers of ice, but with thicker layers of ice the method is not very effective. An alternative approach is to spray the window when it is still warm with a less volatile material to discourage ice formation. In some of the colder climates this approach is not very practical.

Another method is to electrically heat the window during the night to prevent the formation of ice. Typically, this is done in a garage setting, which many people do not have access to.

U.S. Patent No. 5,123,468 issued to Mater, Jr. discloses a removable cover for mounting over the exterior of a vehicle window. At each end of the cover is a cutout handhold. The cover is stretched across the window to be covered, and the handholds at each end are tucked inside the door frames of the vehicle. When the doors are closed, the cover is clamped between the door and the door frame, with the handholds positioned in the interior of the vehicle. When locked in this configuration, the handholds cannot be pulled through the space between the door frame of the door, and thus act to prevent removal of the cover from the vehicle. However, this device has a number of shortcomings: it is bulky, can soil the interior of the vehicle when being stored, and must be thawed before re-use. U.S. Patent No. 5,415,214 issued to Bock et al. discloses a cover device for motor vehicle windows which comprises an external shell with handles at each end. When placed over a window, the shell covers the window and the handles are closed between the door frames and the door, thereby preventing removal of the shell. This device is also bulky, and inconvenient for one person to apply to the vehicle. Thus, there still remains a need for a quick, easy, effective, and inexpensive method for removing accumulated ice from motor vehicle windows.

Brief Summary of the Invention The window cover of the subject invention allows for easy removal of accumulated ice, dirt, and debris from the exterior surface of a motor vehicle window, windshield, or external rear view mirror. The window cover comprises a front side, a backside, preferably a removal means, and means for adhering the cover to a window. In one embodiment, the entire backside is covered with an adhesive material, except for the removal means, which is preferably a tab. The adhesive is such that the widow covering can be firmly attached to the window, yet allows for easy removal. The window cover is preferably made from either a flexible plastic or a strong paper material. In another embodiment, the cover is made of a flexible material such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) that adheres to windows without the need for adhesives, for example, by static cling. To use, the window cover is placed onto the exterior surface of a window such that the backside of the cover contacts the window, where the means for adhering secures the window cover onto the window. Typically, the window cover will be left on overnight, providing a barrier between the window and the ravages of the environment. To remove the window cover, one grasps the removal means and peels the window cover off the window, along with any accumulated ice, dirt, and debris. If the embodiment is one without a removal means, then a blade or fingernail or other means is used to raise a portion of the cover off of the window, and that portion is then grasped and pulled on to peel the cover off the window. The window cover may then be conveniently disposed of.

Additionally, the window cover may comprise a transparent portion. The transparent portion allows the window cover to remain on the window during the operation of the motor vehicle, where the transparency provides the operator a clear view of the road and surrounding area.

In alternative embodiments, messages may be printed on the window cover, or otherwise affixed to or incorporated into the window cover, for display. The messages can include graphical designs, requests for assistance, personal messages, or advertising.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the subject window cover. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the subject window cover, comprising a transparent portion and an adhesive pattern covering only a portion of the backside of the cover. Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the cover in place on a motor vehicle windshield between a wiper blade and the windshield.

Detailed Disclosure of the Invention The window cover of the subject invention is depicted in Figure 1. The window cover

2 comprises a front side 1, a backside, adhering means, and preferably a removal means, here a removal tab 3. In a preferred embodiment substantially the entire backside, except for the removal tab 3, is covered with an adhesive material as the adhering means. The adhesive is such that the widow cover can be firmly attached to a motor vehicle window, yet allows for easy removal. "Motor vehicle window" or "window" is intended to include the windshield, side or rear windows, and external rear-view mirrors, unless otherwise specified herein or the context does not permit. One example of an adhesive that will attach, yet allow for easy removal, is standard adhesive 40/60 or 20/60. The window cover is preferably made predominately from either a flexible plastic or a strong paper material, or a combination of both. Alternatively, the cover can incorporate a flexible material such as LDPE, that self-adheres to glass and thereby provides adhesive means without the need for any additional adhesive compounds. Of course, additional adhesive compounds may also be used with such materials, if desired. Other materials which could be used to make the cover include, but are not limited to, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, teflon, nylon, dacron, hapalon, and other similar plastics.

Although some embodiments of the cover may be reusable, regardless of the material from which it is made, the window cover is preferably disposable. As an article of manufacture its disposable character may be touted on the packaging or on materials contained in the packaging. In one embodiment, the height and width of the window cover is such that the window cover covers the full height and width of the motor vehicle window.

In an alternative embodiment, the length and width of the window cover is less than the height and width of the motor vehicle window. A preferred version of this embodiment is about half the width and slightly less than the height of the windshield. In this embodiment, one or more window covers may be used together to provide the required coverage area.

In another preferred embodiment, the window cover is about 12 inches by about 10 inches.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the removal means is configured as to not lay flat against the window when the window cover is in place. For example, it can be a tab or handle manufactured into a non-planar form, such as a curved or raised configuration, at the time of manufacture; or alternatively, can comprise a bendable or malleable material such as a foil or wire which may be bent or moved into a raised position by the user. In this way the tab is not at as great a risk of being iced over. Alternatively, the removal means can be a portion of the cover having adhesive means on its backside, but wherein the adhesive means is covered, for example, by a protective film, to prevent that portion of the backside from adhering to the window. The removal means in a preferred embodiment is a tab having a hole therethrough, which results in a type of handle. The removal means can be a tab made substantially of the same material as the rest of the window cover, or it can be of different materials, or a combination of both. In another preferred embodiment, the removal means comprises a material having a texture or other character that makes it easier to grip than the rest of the window cover's front side.

In a further embodiment, the front side 1 of the window cover has a reflective coating, providing protection from solar radiation to the interior of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the cover may be made of a material which absorbs solar radiation or otherwise inhibits the passage of solar radiation therethrough.

In a still further embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the window cover has a transparent portion 4 substantially surrounded by a peripheral edge 5. The adhesive material in this embodiment is preferably only applied to the backside of the peripheral edge 5, but in an alternative embodiment could be applied to most or all of the backside.

In yet another embodiment, at least one message can be printed on, or otherwise affixed to or incorporated into, the front side 1 and/or backside of the window cover for display. Such messages can include graphical designs, requests for assistance, personal messages, or advertising. In any embodiments of the cover in which adhesive material is applied to the backside, the adhesive material can preferably be a double-sided tape. In more preferred embodiments the adhesive material, preferably double-sided tape, is affixed to the backside of the peripheral edge of the cover, the peripheral edge preferably being from about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches in width, and even more preferably, about 3/8 inch in width. As packaged, the adhesive means is preferably covered by an easily-removable protection film which prevents the adhesive from undesired sticking to any surfaces. The protection film is removed to expose the adhesive prior to applying the cover to a window.

The window cover of the subject invention can be applied to the front windshield, side windows, rear widow, or external rear-view mirrors to provide the desired protective barrier. In a preferred method of use, a user places the window cover, with the backside facing the window, onto the exterior surface of a window, where the adhesive secures the window cover onto the window. Typically, the window cover will be left on overnight, providing a barrier between the window and the accumulated ice. To remove the window cover, the user grasps the removal tab 3 and peels the window cover off the window, taking with it the accumulated ice. Figure 3 depicts yet another embodiment of the cover 9 in another type of use. In this embodiment of the cover there is preferably adhesive means exposed on both the front side and the backside of cover 9. After removing the cover from its packaging, the protection film (if any) is removed from the backside adhesive means, and the motor vehicle wiper arm 8 is lifted away from windshield 6 to create a space between wiper blade 7 and windshield 6. The cover 9 is slipped into this space, and the backside of cover 9 is placed into contact with windshield 6 where it is then held in place by the adhesive means. In a preferred embodiment, protection film is then removed from the front side of cover 9 to expose additional adhesive means, and wiper arm 8 is returned to its resting position, whereby wiper blade 7 contacts the front side of cover 9 and is preferably held in place by the additional adhesive means. Thus ice formation is inhibited on that portion of wiper blade 7 which is in contact with cover 9, ensuring ice-free surfaces of wiper blade 7 and windshield 6 when cover 9 is removed. This embodiment of the cover is preferably about 4 inches to about 36 inches long, and about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches in width. A particularly preferred embodiment is about 1 inch wide and about 24 inches long. In an alternative method of use, the user places a window cover having a transparent portion 4 onto the exterior surface of the window with the backside facing the window, where the adhesive on the backside of the peripheral edge 5 secures the window cover to the window. The transparent portion is preferably centered on the window cover, which allows the window cover to remain on the window during the operation of the motor vehicle, and is ideally located so that the transparent portion provides the operator a clear view through the cover of the road and surrounding area. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the entire cover, except possibly a portion of the removal means, is transparent. In a more particularly preferred embodiment, the entire cover is transparent. The window cover provides a protective barrier, protecting the window from road debris and accumulation of flying insects, such as "love bugs." The accumulation of dirt and/or squashed insects may be easily removed by simply removing the window cover, at which time a replacement cover may be conveniently applied.

In an alternative method of use, the window cover can be applied to a window to remove accumulated particulate dirt and debris. The user places the window cover, with the backside facing the window, onto the exterior surface of a window, where the particulate dirt and debris on the widow is adhered to the adhesive. The user removes the window cover by grasping the removal means and peels the window cover off the window, with the particulate dirt and debris attached to the backside of the window cover. The window cover is then easily disposed of.

A number of various combinations of the above embodiments and uses are easily envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art. Clearly, clear covers can create windows which withstand wintery, weather-related woes, while working wonders with witty advertising and allowing appreciated avoidance of one's otherwise onerous, ordinarily, offending obligations by relieving required remedial removal of road dirt, including impacted insects. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A removable, disposable window cover for attaching to the exterior surface of a motor vehicle window, said cover being made of at least one flexible material and comprising a front side, a backside, removal means integrally connected to said cover, and adhering means for attaching said backside to a window.

2. The window cover of claim 1, wherein said removal means is a tab.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein said tab has at least one hole therethrough.

4. The cover of claim 2, wherein said tab comprises a different material as compared to that of the front side of said cover.

5. The cover of claim 4, wherein said different material renders said tab easier to grip than said front side of said cover.

6. The cover of claim 4, wherein said different material is selected from the group consisting of foil and wire.

7. The cover of claim 2, wherein said tab is non-planar as compared to the front side of said cover.

8. The cover according to claim 1, wherein said removal means comprises a handle.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein said handle is non-planar as compared to said front side of said cover.

10. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive material applied to said backside of said cover.

1 1. The cover of claim 10, wherein said adhesive material covers substantially all of said backside, except for said removal means.

12. The cover of claim 10, wherein said adhesive material covers a portion of said backside.

13. The cover of claim 12, wherein said adhesive material is applied only to the peripheral edge of said backside.

14. The cover of claim 1, wherein said backside comprises a flexible plastic material which self-adheres to windows.

15. The cover of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a transparent portion.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein said cover is substantially entirely transparent.

17. The cover of claim 15, wherein said cover is transparent except for at least a portion of said removal means.

18. The cover of claim 15, wherein said cover is transparent except for said removal means and the peripheral edge of said cover.

19. The cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one message.

20. The cover of claim 19, wherein said message is a graphic design.

21. The cover of claim 19, wherein said message is a request for assistance.

22. The cover of claim 19, wherein said message is an advertisement.

23. The cover of claim 1, wherein said flexible material is selected from the group consisting of plastics and paper.

24. The cover of claim 23, wherein said flexible material is a plastic.

25. The cover of claim 23, wherein said flexible material is a paper.

26. An article of manufacture comprising packaging and at least one removable window cover disposed therein, said window cover being made of at least one flexible material and comprising a front side, a backside, removal means integrally connected to said cover, and adhering means for attaching said backside to a window.

27. The article of manufacture of claim 26, further comprising information indicating that said cover is disposable.

28. The article of manufacture of claim 26, further comprising instructions for applying said cover to a motor vehicle window.

29. A method of removing accumulated material from an exterior surface of a motor vehicle window comprising the steps of: applying a removable window cover to an exterior surface of a motor vehicle window, wherein said cover is made of at least one flexible material and comprises a front side, a backside, and adhering means for attaching said backside to a window, wherein applying said cover comprises contacting said external surface of said window with said backside of said cover such that said cover is removably secured to said exterior surface; allowing material to accumulate on said front side of said cover; and peeling said cover off said exterior of said window, whereby the accumulated material is removed.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said cover further comprises a removal means integrally connected to said cover, and wherein said method further comprises grasping said removal means prior to said peeling step.