WO2001025037A1

WO2001025037A1 - Scented sunshade

Info

Publication number: WO2001025037A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/023219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roc Camp; Lisa Killen
Original assignee: Roc Camp; Lisa Killen
Priority date: 1999-10-06
Filing date: 1999-10-06
Publication date: 2001-04-12
Also published as: AU6416099A

Abstract

A scented sun shade (10) for dispersing an aroma into the interior of a vehicle includes a base sun shade member having a sufficient thickness and strength so as to be placed upright in a vehicle window. A scent carrier (11) is associated with the sun shade (10) and adapted to release the aroma over a period of time in a controlled manner. The use of the sun shade (10) along with the scent carrier (11) allows for dispersal of the aroma in the vehicle's interior when the vehicle is not in use so as to not interfere with the operation of the vehicle nor require any other special device.

Description

SCENTED SUNSHADE

This invention relates to scented sunshades which are adapted to release a scent over time as the sun impinges on it.

Background Art

In the past various attempts have been made to introduce a scent into the interior of an automobile for pure olfactory reasons and to deodorize the interior We are all familiar with the scented "tree" which hangs from the rear view mirror and which has been sold for decades. Another attempt to deodorize has been placing absorbent materials permeated with perfume in the air conditioning or ventilation system which bring an aroma to the vehicle interior. Other attempts involve the use of a perforated clip on attachment to gradually release an aroma with the action of the wind currents in the car interior. Some of the clip on devices attach to the vents of the vehicle climate control system and have vanes thereon to assist in the dispersion of the scent. Older versions are connected to the defroster system of the car.

Air freshening or deodorizing has been a long sought goal of auto and truck users Products have been developed which include solids, liquids, or aerosol sprays to provide the desired effect. Typically these products are used to eliminate, chemically change or mask and existing scent. They either absorb odgrous molecules by dissolving or emulsifying them or killing the bacteria that causes the offensive odor.

The problem with all of the foregoing devices is that they require a separate carrier for the scent, a new device to be introduced into the interior of the car especially when the car is in operation which makes it another unwanted piece of apparatus or fixture to bother with It has to be specially manufactured and does not serve any other purpose The Invention

The instant invention solves all the foregoing problems by utilizing a device already in use by millions of motorists, the sun shade. It allows for a scent to be gradually dispersed from an already existing device found in a vehicle which serves another purpose, namely deflecting the suns hot rays from the interior thereby avoiding unnecessary heating and degrading and potential cracking of the cars interior trim package including the dashboard. The scents used in the instant invention are those whose release can be normal or those which heating by the sun hastens and accelerates

The present invention does not require a separate manufacture of a device and does not require any special attachment. It is manufactured together with the sun shield and is put into operation simply by the placement of the sun shield.

In addition, the instant device does its work when the car is sitting still and does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. The vehicle owner simply puts the sun shield in place and the operation of the suns rays upon the device does the rest.

The instant invention can come in several versions. There is the preferred embodiment of the scent being embodied within a foldable cardboard windshield shade which can have a single layer air cell bubble, a double layer air cell bubble, made of a vinyl layer or a cardboard/polyester laminate. Other embodiments involve a vehicle side shade, rear window shade or a profile shade. These can be made of polyester mesh or perforated PNC vinyl. The scent delivery devices within the shades can include a typical blotter/oil essence hanging scent delivery system which can be applied to the shade using a self adhesive backing, a crack and peel scent carrier which affords controllable scent dispersion, the use of scent oils mixed with printing inks which are used to print images onto cardboard, bubble or polyester mesh window shades, ink flood coating where the shades are printed in a solid color and a polyester mesh used in various scent shade configurations impregnated with the scent material. The scent carrⁱers forming an integral part of this invention can be used to control the emⁱssⁱon of an air freshening scent, used to control offensive odors, and fragrances which are used to enhance mood, control stress, etc. The fragrance also varies with ^' gender as m the instance of pine smell which women associate with cleaners and do not like while men associate the smell with the outdoors and like it Also, counteragents_, those substances that bind with odor-causing agents to neutralize their smell like some agents used to defeat the smell of cigarette smoke

Objects of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an scented sun shade for vehicles, and

It is another object of this invention to provide a scented sun shade whereby the scent is released over time, and

It is a further object of this invention to provide a scented sun shade using scented ink whereby printing on said shade emits a scent, and

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a crack and peel scented sun shade of which sections may be peeled away to allow emission of scent in a controlled manner, and

Another object of this invention is to provide a scented sun shade of either a single or multiple layer air cell bubble, and

Still another object of this invention is to provide a scented sun shade of a vinyl construction, and

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a scented sun shade of a cardboard/polyester laminate, and

A further object of this invention is or provide a scented vehicle side or rear window shade, and An additional object of this invention is to provide a scented sun shade made of polyester mesh or perforated PNC vinyl, and

These and other objects will become apparent when reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a scented sun shade with a fragrance carrier thereon,

Figure 2 shows the adhesion method of the shade of Fig. 1,

Figure 3 shows an impregnated sun shade with a clear protective liner over one surface thereof,

Figure 4 shows the laminated construction of Fig. 3,

Figure 5 shows a partial scent impregnated fold shade with a crack and peel liner,

Figure 6 shows the laminated construction for the shade of Fig. 5,

Figure 7 shows the use of a molded designer shade with a tube carrier for the scent,

Figure 8 is a top view of the shade of Fig. 7,

Figure 9 shows a shade with a folded scent carrier,

Figure 10 shows a side view of the shade of Fig. 9,

Figure 11 shows a shade with a pouch carrier for the scent,

Figure 12 shows the side view of the layers of the shade of Fig. 1 1,

Figure 13 shows configurations of panel spring shades,

Figure 14 shows configurations of a side and profile shade, Figure 15 shows configurations of a rear window shade,

Figure 16 shows a configuration of a scent disk for application to a sun shade,

Figure 17 shows another configuration of a scent disk with a snap for application to a sun shade,

Figure 18 shows a folding sun shade with a pocket opening with perforations for dispersal of a scent,

Figure 19 shows an enlarged detail of the pocket of Fig. 18,

Figure 20 shows a cut away side view of the pocket of Fig. 18.

Figure 21 shows a front view of a scent disk with a protective wrapper thereon, and

Figure 22 shows a side view of the disk of Fig. 20 and a front and side view of a pressure washer which is used in conjunction with said disk.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to the drawings there is shown in Figure 1 a sun shade 10 with folds. Shown in place thereon is a fragrance carrier 11 which can be made of impregnated cardboard, paper blotter, molded plastic, etc. The fragrance carrier usually has a seal thereon which, once broker, allows the scent to be dispersed. The carrier is packaged in either paperboard containers or plastic wrappers. Carrier 11 is usually adhered to the shade by adhesives but can be attached by the use of Nelcro, glues or other adhesion methods which allow for easy application. To expose, the plastic encasing the carrier is cut along its top to allow for the carrier to protrude outwards to expose it to the air. The amount of exposure of the carrier determine the strength of the scent. The folding shade itself can be made of corrugated cardboard, polyester/pressboard or corrugated core, polyester/pressboard with polyester laminate, polyester/polyfoam laminate, polyester/air cell core/polyester, PVC/foam core/PVC. polystyrene or other materials designed with a degree of rigidity that allows the window shade to stand behind the windshield to block sunlight. Figure 2 shows a windshield shade 12 with an impregnated rear surface 14 and a protective liner 13 which can be cracked and peeled to control the dispersion of the scent. The liner is laminated over the scent 14 layer. Figures 3 and 4 show the layer 13 and the laminated construction. This embodiment allows for 100% surface coverage. The embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 shows a partial scent impregnated shade where the coverage can vary. The peel layer 15 covers area 17 on the shade 16 and allows for the same controlled dispersion as in the embodiment of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows the laminated construction of the embodiment.

Figures 7 and 8 show a shade 17 with folds 18 therein and which has attached on one edge a tube 19 carrying scented oil, water ,etc These tubes or scent carriers can be attached on either the left or right hand edge of the shades by use of clips, Velcro, stitching or cut pockets. This allows the shade to be closed to the full extent possible without interference by the scent carrier. The carrier tube or container can be manufactured from injected molded plastics, be jar or vial shaped and are elongated as shown.

Figures 9 and 10 show a shade 20 with folds 21 having a fold 22 with a tab portion 24 depending therefrom. A glassine pouch 23 holds the scent carrier and the tab 24 folds up against the shade 20 as shown in Fig. 20. Graphics can be printed on the side opposite the folded tab. The perimeter of the pocket can be secured by adhesive trapping the scent holder within the envelope. The scent carrier is withdrawn as scent in required within the auto interior.

Figure 11 shows a variation on the scheme with shade 25 having folds 26 with pouch 27 and a scent carrier 28 in raised position to expose its scent to the interior of the vehicle. A variation is shown in Fig. 12 with graphics 29 on both sides of a scent carrier

23.

Figures 13 through 15 show variations on a scented spring shade. These shades can be made of Nylon, PNC, polyester, Tyvek or other flexible cloths or materials. The fragrance or scent carrier can be made of molded or injected plastic materials, jars, vial or tubes and can be secured to the shade by clips or by a sewn pouch. Figure 13 shows two single panel spring shades 30, one of which has a carrier 31 thereon. The shades can be of a twin loop, one piece configuration such as that shown by 32. In Figure 14, a side shade 33 with scent carrier, profile shade ( follows profile of window ) 35 with scent carrier 36 and twin loop side shade 37 with scent carrier 38 are shown. Figure 15 shows a rear window shade 39 with scent caπier 40 thereon and a trapezoid twin loop shade 41

Figure 16 shows a scent disk 30 which has fit pins 31 thereon with apertures 32 which allow for the disks to be pressure fit within holes in the scent shades. By variations of vinyl thickness and surface area size the scent may be controlled. One side may be scented and the other not. The configuration of the scent disks allows for consistent positioning of the disk from shade to shade. Graphics such as 33 can be place on the disks. Figure 17 shows a round disk 34 with a snap portion 35 of square configuration on one side and graphics 36 on the other.

Figure 18 shows a shade 40 with a center fold 42 and folds 41 with a pocket 43 therein for receiving a scent carrier . The pocket 43 has an opening 44 and holes 45 to allow dispersion of the scent. Folding .seams 46 define the pocket opening. Figure 20 shows a shade 50 of double bubble construction with layers 51 and 52 with holes 49 partially through the shade material 51 to allow for scent dispersion.

Figures 21 and 22 show another embodiment of a scent disk. A disk 60 is shown in Figure 21 of generally rectangular configuration although it can be circular or another shape as desired. The disk 60 has a thickness 61 protruding therefrom is a pin member 62 which has ribs 63 molded thereon. The ribs 63 cooperate with a pressure washer 64 which has expansion joints 65 cooperating therewith to lock the disk in place.

It has been shown that the instant invention provides for a simple yet effective means for dispersing scents, whether of fiesheners, fragrances or counteragents within the confines of an vehicle without the necessity of adding any components to the interior and for performing the dispersion when the vehicle is not occupied. It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made to the appended claims without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

01/25037

1 A scented sun shade for dispersing an aroma into the interior of a vehicle, said shade comprising

a base sun shade member having sufficient thickness and strength to be placed upright in a vehicle window,

a scent carrier associated with said shade and adapted to release an aroma over a period of time in a controlled manner, whereby the use of the sun shade coupled with the scent carrier allows for dispersal of an aroma in the interior when the vehicle is not in use and does not interfere with the use of the vehicle nor require any special other device

2. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier contains an air freshener adapted to absorb, dissolve or emulsify offensive odors within the vehicle.

3. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier contains a counteragent adapted to destroy odor causing bacteria within the vehicle

4. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier contains a fragrance adapted to enhance the scent with the vehicle

5 A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier is secured to said sun shade by an adhesive means

6. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherem said scent carrier is secured to said shade by velcro.

7 A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said shade has one side thereof impregnated with an aroma causing agent thus providing the scent carrier.

8. A scented shade as in Claim 7 including a crack and peel laminate covering over the side of said shade which is impregnated with the agent.

9. A scented shade as in Claim 7 wherein said one side is painted or impregnated with color and said agent is part of said impregnating color or paint

10. A scented shade as in Claim 7 wherein said side it wholly impregnated with said agent.

11. A scented shade as in Claim 7 wherein said side is only partially impregnated with said agent.

12. A scented shade as in Claim 11 wherein said side has a crack and peel laminate over that portion which is impregnated.

13. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier is a tubelike affair adapted to be attached to an edge of said shade

14. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said shade has a pocket formed therein and said scent carrier is located within said pocket.

15. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein said scent carrier is encased in a glassine envelope and is adapted to be cut to expose the scent carrier and disperse the aroma.

16. A scented shade as in Claim 1 wherein the shade is a spring shade adapted to fit a window in said vehicle.

17 A scented shade as in Claim 16 wherein said shade is a twin loop shade.

18. A scent disk adapted to be placed in a sun shade for a vehicle, said disk comprising

a first surface with graphics thereon,

a second reverse surface with protrusions thereon adapted to engage the sun shade to hold the disk in place.,

said disk being made of a material which is impregnated with a scent adapted to be slowly released over time especially with heat from the sun bearing on the sun shade, and

a removable protective wrapping on said disk to prevent emissions of the scent until the wrapping is removed whereby the scent is preserved from dissipation in the air until the disk is placed in use.

19. A disk as in Claim 18 wherein said protrusions are pressure fit pins.

20. A disk as in Claim 18 wherein saiά protrusion is a snap flange which has ribs thereon and a cooperating pressure washer adapted to engage said ribs to lock the disk in place on a sun shade.