WO2023058059A1

WO2023058059A1 - Sun visor for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023058059A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhijeet Khanvilkar
Original assignee: Hodek Innovations Pvt. Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-06
Filing date: 2022-10-06
Publication date: 2023-04-13

Abstract

Disclosed is a sun visor (100) for a vehicle. The sun visor (100) comprises a first part (10) and a second part (15) connected together by a foldable mechanism (20). The first part (10) and the second part (15) include an improved design of releasable/extendable frame structures (11, 15) that reduces glare and provides better shading means for a driver and a front seat passenger in a vehicle. Alternatively, the sun visor (100) includes the first part (10) and the second part (15) manufactured as a single unit having a sliding mechanism. The sun visor (100) blocks sun rays coming through a side window or an upper corner of a windshield which was the major drawbacks of a conventional sun visor. The sun visor (100) is easy to manufacture, thin and light in weight, and accommodated in minimum envelope size.

Description

SUN VISOR FOR VEHICLE

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to sun visors and more particularly, to a sun visor for a vehicle with extenders to provide driving an additional protection and more safety to passenger and driver.

Background of the invention

Sun visor is a component that can be placed at ceiling of a vehicle above the windshield and can be folded down when sun disturbs the person sitting on the driving seat or passenger seat. The passenger car traditionally comprises a first sun visor for the driver and second sun visor for passenger to block glare through windshield and the same sun visor can be turned horizontally to block glare from side window.

A conventional model of sun visor as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,201,377 comprises a simply supported leaf spring on a panel to engage a support arm thus positioning the panel relative to the support arm. When the leaf spring engages with the support arm, the panel can be easily slid longitudinally along the support arm. When the panel is rotated such that the leaf spring engages a cylindrical rather than flat portion of the support arm, sufficient frictional engagement is created between the leaf spring and the support arm. This prevents any sliding movement between the leaf spring and the support arm and consequently between the panel and the support arm.

Another version of sun visor comprises a sun visor body having a front surface and a rear surface a hinge for connecting the sun visor body to a roof structure of a vehicle and an upper rod unrotatably connected to the sun visor body. The hinge arrangement consists of a hook member in which a rod-shaped lateral extension of the sun visor body can be detachably engaged. This allows the sun visor body tiltable about an upper horizontal axis between a first screening position and an inoperative position where the sun visor body can be upwardly folded and the rear surface facing the headliner. Here, the upper rod comprises a lateral end portion that laterally protrudes from a side portion of the sun visor body which is opposite to a rod-shaped lateral extension. A detent member is rotatably coupled to the upper rod and is designed to selectively retain the sun visor body in screening and inoperative positions. A pivot means connected to the lateral end portion of the upper rod as well as to the roof structure helps to swing the sun visor body against a resistance exerted against pivoting by a braking arrangement. However, such the sun visors are relatively complicated and expensive to manufacture.

Generally, the sun visor flat body is made of metal skeleton / plastics with foam padding or fabric. Also, the current design of sun visor is not sufficient to block the sunlight from windshield and side window simultaneously during the day driving. The passage around the rear view mirror and some part of side window remains uncovered and during day time varying position of the glare through these passages may disturb the driver or the passenger.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a sun visor that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional sun visors.

Objects of the invention

A key objective of the present invention is to shade the eyes of driver and passenger from glare of sunlight from windshield and side window simultaneously and provide a comfortable driving with additional protection and more safety to a passenger and a driver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thin and light weight sun visor that can easily accommodate in the upper free space of windshield. Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved glare shield that can be shifted along an axis to any desired position and can be readily held in any desired position.

Yet, another object of the present invention to allow the driver and passenger is able to adjust either length or width of a glare shield according to the sun position.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a sun visor for a vehicle. The sun visor comprises a first part, a second part and a sliding mechanism. The first part is fitted on a first mounting position of the vehicle. The first part includes a first frame structure attached to one end of a first tube through a first hinge member. The first frame structure includes a plurality of panels superimposed vertically in a closed position. The plurality of panels slides in a vertical direction to block sunrays coming from an upper comer of a windshield. The second part is fitted on a second mounting position of the vehicle. The second part includes a second frame structure coupled to a second tube at a top side thereof through a second hinge member. The hinge members allow the frame structures to swing about an axis between a first position where a front surface thereof is upwardly folded to face a vehicle roof body and a second position where the front face of the frame structures face a user. The second frame structure includes a plurality of panels superimposed horizontally in a closed position. The plurality of panels slides in a horizontal direction to block sun rays coming through a side window.

The sliding mechanism is fixedly mounted on opposite edges of the plurality of panels of the first frame structure and on opposite edges of the plurality of panels of the second frame structure. The sliding mechanism includes a first pair of guide ways for allowing sliding of the plurality of panels there through and a second pair of guide ways for allowing sliding of the plurality of panels there through. The sliding mechanism is selected form any one of a telescope sliding mechanism, a manual sliding mechanism and a flip sliding mechanism. The telescope sliding mechanism includes a first pair of telescopic rods and a second pair of telescopic rods. An open end of an outermost rod of each of the first and second pair of telescopic rods is permanently configured on a rigid frame at a closed side of the frame structures and an innermost rod is attached to an inner most panel of the plurality of panels such that the movement of the telescopic rod reciprocate a sliding motion of the plurality of panels. The first and second pair of telescopic rods are actuated by an electrical actuator and are operated by using anyone of a switch and a remote.

In accordance with the present invention, the first part and the second part are connected together by means of a foldable mechanism and fixed to a third mounting position of the vehicle. The foldable mechanism is selected form any one of a rod, a hinge and a spring. Alternatively, the first part and the second part are manufactured as a single unit having a folding mechanism. The single unit includes a plurality of panels that are extendable horizontally to shield the sunrays coming from the windshield when the sun visor is fitted on a driver side. The single unit includes a plurality of panels that are extendable vertically to block sunrays coming from an upper comer of a windshield and a plurality of panels that are extendable horizontally to block sun rays coming through a side window when the sun visor is fitted on a passenger side.

Brief description of the drawings

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of sun visors, in a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a first part of the sun visor in accordance, with the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second part of the sun visor, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 4a and 4b show a rod mechanism and a manual sliding mechanism of the sun visor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 5a and 5b show a rod mechanism and a flip sliding mechanism of the sun visor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 6a and 6b show a hinge mechanism and a telescopic sliding mechanism of the sunvisor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 6c and 6d show an electrically actuated telescopic sliding mechanism of the sunvisor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 7a and 7b show a hinge mechanism and a manual sliding mechanism of the sunvisor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 8a and 8b show a hinge mechanism and a flip mechanism of the sunvisor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side respectively, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 9a and 9b show a sunvisor having a first part and a second part manufactured as a single unit, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 9c and 9d show an electrically actuated telescopic sliding mechanism of the sun visor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 10a and 10b show a manual sliding mechanism of the sun visor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 1 la and 1 lb show a flip sliding mechanism of the sun visor fitted on a passenger side and a driver side, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides a sun visor for vehicle that is fixed and hinged to a roof body of the vehicle. The sun visor allows being folded in up and down or left and right directions upon usage to block the light from the sun entering through the windshield and side window while driving.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.

Referring to figures from 1 to 3, a sun visor (100) for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is shown. The sun visor (100) comprises a first part (10), a second part (15), a foldable mechanism (20) and a sliding mechanism (not numbered). The first part (10) and the second part (15) are connected together by means of the foldable mechanism (20) and fixed to a third mounting position (25c) of the vehicle. The foldable mechanism (20) is mounted on a vehicle ceiling by means of a suitable fixing means like bolting. In the context of the present invention, the foldable mechanism (20) includes, but not limiting to, a rod, a hinge, a spring or any other suitable mechanism. Preferably, the foldable mechanism (20) is capable of rotating in at least 90 degrees. The sun visor (100) advantageously allows the fitting thereof to the vehicle using mounting positions (25a, 25b, 25c) that are available in the vehicle thereby allowing easy replacement of the existing/conventional sun visor without the need of any modification in the vehicle interior structure.

Figures 1 to 3 show the first part (10) and the second part (15) connected by the rod as the foldable mechanism (20). The first part (10) is fitted on a first mounting position (25a) of the vehicle and the second part (15) is fitted on a second mounting position (25b). As shown in figure 2, the first part (10) comprises a first frame structure (11) attached to one end of a first tube (12). The first tube (12) is attached to the foldable mechanism (20) at the other end thereof so as to move radially in a horizontal plane. The first frame structure (11) is integrated with a sleeve (not shown) at the one of the lateral end portion to hold a first hinge member (19a) that is coupled to the first tube (12).

The first frame structure (11) comprises a plurality of panels (13a) superimposed vertically in a closed position, and is capable of sliding by means of the sliding mechanism in a vertical direction to prevent sunrays coming from an upper comer of a windshield. The sliding mechanism is fixedly mounted on opposite edges of the plurality of panels (13a) on widthwise. Thereby the plurality of panels (13a) can be pulled to open position vertically so as to expand the size of the first frame structure (11). In an embodiment, each panel (13a) of the plurality of panels (13a) remains superimposed over approximately half of width thereof to ensure the stability of the first frame structure (11).

As shown in figure 3, the second part (15) comprises a second frame structure

(16) hingedly coupled to a second tube (17) at a top side thereof. The second tube

(17) is further attached to the foldable mechanism (20) at the other end thereof so as to move radially in the horizontal plane. The second frame structure (15) is coupled to the second tube (17) through a second hinge member (19b) supported by a second sleeve (not shown) thereon. The hinge members (19a, 19b) allow the frame structures (11,15) to swing about an axis between a first position, where a front surface is upwardly folded to face a vehicle roof body and a second position where the front face of the frame structures (11,15) facing the user. The first tube (12) and the second tube (17) are coupled to the foldable mechanism (20) coaxially by means of a circular metal pin thereby allowing a rotary movement around a single axis/ in horizontal plane. Thus, the position of the first frame structure (11) and the second frame structure (15) can be adjusted in a position convenient to the driver/passenger in the vehicle.

The second frame structure (15) comprises a plurality of rectangular panels (13b) superimposed horizontally in a closed position. The sliding mechanism fixedly mounted on opposite edges/sides of the plurality of panels (13b). The plurality of panels (13b) is capable of sliding to expand the size in lengthwise in an open position. Each panel (13b) of the plurality of panels (13b) remains superimposed with an adjacent panel over approximately half length thereof in the open position such that the stability of the second frame structure (15) is maintained. The second frame structure (15) also includes a mirror with or without flip cover.

The sliding mechanism comprises a first pair of telescopic rods (14a), a second pair of telescopic rods (14b), a first pair of guide ways (21a) and a second pair of guide ways (21b) to allow a smooth sliding of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) there through. The first pair of guide ways (21a) allows the plurality of panels (13a) to slide over and being extended upon use or being stacked in the first frame structure (11) when not in use. Similarly, the second pair of guide ways (21b) allows the plurality of panels (13b) to slide over and being extended upon use or being stacked in the second frame structure (15) when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) is thin plates in rectangular shape. Each of the first and second pair of telescopic rods (14a, 14b) is having a plurality of rods secured telescopically inside a respective slot provided therein. The open end of the outermost rod of each of the first and second pair of telescopic rods (14a, 14b) is permanently configured on a rigid frame (22) at a closed side of the frame structure (11, 15) and an innermost rod is attached to the inner most panel of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) such that the movement of the telescopic rod may reciprocate a sliding motion of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b). In an embodiment, the guide ways (21a, 21b) has a T slot (not shown). The plurality of panels (13a, 13b) moves inside the T slot in a predetermined path with the help of the respective pair of telescopic rods (14a, 14b). The T slots of guide ways (21a, 21b) are closed at a top and bottom sides so that the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) movement is restricted and is not moved beyond the designed limit. Alternatively, the sun visor (100) includes a manual sliding mechanism as shown in figures 4a-4b or a flip sliding mechanism as shown in figures 5a-5b instead of the telescopic rods (14a, 14b) to extend the plurality of panels (13a, 13b).

In accordance with the present invention, the first part (10) is applicable as a windshield sun visor wherein a user pulls the plurality of panels (13a) to expand the size vertically and shield the sun. The second part (15) is useful as a window sun visor that is enlarged in size by sliding the plurality of panels (13b) horizontally to shield the sun. In the context of the present invention, when the sun visor (100) is fitted on a driver’s side, the first part (10) does not include the plurality of panels (13a) that are extendable vertically thereby avoiding blocking the view of the driver and only the second part (15) includes the plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally to shield the sun. The sun visor (100) allows the user to adjust the sliding of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) as per specific required length.

Alternatively, the first part (10) and the second part (15) are connected by hinges as the foldable mechanism (20) as shown in figures 6a-8b. In this one embodiment, the sliding mechanism is selected from anyone of a telescope sliding mechanism as shown in figures 6a-6b, a manual sliding mechanism as shown in figures 7a- 7b and a flip mechanism as shown in figures 8a-8b. In the telescope sliding mechanism, telescopic rods (14a, 14b) are actuated by an electrical actuator and are operated by using anyone of a switch and a remote as shown in figures 6c-6d. In the manual sliding mechanism and the flip mechanism, the sun visor (100) does not include telescopic rods (14a, 14b). The sun visor (100) includes all other components as explained in detail in the description of figures 1-3 above and are not described herein again for the sake of the brevity of the invention. In the context of the present invention, when the sun visor (100) is fitted on a driver side, the first part (10) does not include a plurality of panels (13a) that are extendable vertically thereby avoiding blocking the view of the driver and only the second part (15) includes the plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally to shield the sun as shown in figures 6b, 7b and 8b. The sun visor (100) fitted on a passenger side includes the first part (10) having a plurality of panels (13a) that are extendable vertically and the second part (15) having the plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally as shown in figures 6a, 7a and 8a to shield the sun and to provide an additional protection/ safety and more comfort to the passenger.

In another embodiment, a sun visor (100) includes a first part (10) and a second part (15) manufactured as a single unit having a sliding mechanism (not numbered). The sliding mechanism is selected from anyone of a telescope sliding mechanism as shown in figures 9a-9b, a manual sliding mechanism as shown in figures lOa-lOb, a flip mechanism as shown in figures 1 la-1 lb. In the telescopic mechanism, telescopic rods (14a, 14b) are actuated by an electrical actuator and are operated by using anyone of a switch and a remote as shown in figures 9c-9d. In the manual sliding mechanism and the flip mechanism, the sun visor (100) does not include telescopic rods (14a, 14b). The sun visor (100) includes all other components as explained in detail in the description of figures 1-3 above and are not described herein again for the sake of the brevity of the invention. In the context of the present invention, when the sun visor (100) is fitted on a driver side, the single unit includes a plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally to shield the sunrays coming from the windshield as shown in figures 9b, 10b and 11b and does not include the plurality of panels that are extendable vertically thereby avoiding blocking the view of the driver. When the sun visor (100) is fitted on a passenger side, the single unit includes a plurality of panels (13a) that are extendable vertically and a plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally as shown in figures 9a, 10a and I la to shield/block the sunrays coming through a side window and to provide an additional protection/ safety and more comfort to the passenger.

Advantages of the invention:

1. Sunlight from side window and windshield are blocked simultaneously with the sun visor (100) during the day driving without disturbing the driver’s vision.

2. An improved design of releasable/extendable frame structures (11, 15) reduces glare and provide better shading means for a driver and a front seat passenger in a vehicle.

3. The sun visor (100) blocks sun rays coming through a side window or the upper comer of the windshield which was the major drawbacks of a conventional sunvisor.

4. The sun visor (100) does not interfere with normal operation, when in raised position, as the extension unit is hidden.

5. The sun visor (100) is easy to manufacture, thin and light in weight, and accommodated in minimum envelope size. 6. The sun visor (100) improves safety of the driver as well as the passenger as the sun visor (100) does not create blind spot.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A sun visor (100) for a vehicle, the sun visor (100) comprising: a first part (10) being fitted on a first mounting position (25 a) of the vehicle, the first part (10) having a first frame structure (11) attached to one end of a first tube (12) through a first hinge member (19a), the first frame structure (11) having a plurality of panels (13a) superimposed vertically in a closed position, the plurality of panels (13a) slides in a vertical direction to block sunrays coming from an upper comer of a windshield; a second part (15) fitted on a second mounting position (25b) of the vehicle, the second part (15) having a second frame structure (16) coupled to a second tube (17) at a top side thereof through a second hinge member (19b), the second frame structure (16) having a plurality of panels (13b) superimposed horizontally in a closed position, the plurality of panels (13b) slides in a horizontal direction to block sun rays coming through a side window; and a sliding mechanism fixedly mounted on opposite edges of the plurality of panels (13a), and on opposite edges of the plurality of panels (13b), the sliding mechanism having a first pair of guide ways (21a) for allowing sliding of the plurality of panels (13a) there through, and a second pair of guide ways (21b) for allowing sliding of the plurality of panels (13a) there through, wherein, the hinge members (19a, 19b) allow the frame structures (11,15) to swing about an axis between a first position where a front surface thereof is upwardly folded to face a vehicle roof body and a second position where the front face of the frame structures (11,15) face a user.

2. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (10) and the second part (15) are connected together by a foldable mechanism (20) and fixed to a third mounting position (25c) of the vehicle.

3. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable mechanism (20) is selected form any one of a rod, a hinge and a spring.

4. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (10) and the second part (15) are manufactured as a single unit having a sliding mechanism.

5. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the single unit includes a plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally to shield the sunrays coming from the windshield when the sun visor (100) is fitted on a driver side.

6. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the single unit includes a plurality of panels (13a) that are extendable vertically to block sunrays coming from an upper comer of a windshield and a plurality of panels (13b) that are extendable horizontally to block sun rays coming through a side window when the sun visor (100) is fitted on a passenger side.

7. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism is selected form any one of a telescope sliding mechanism, a manual sliding mechanism and a flip sliding mechanism.

8. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sliding mechanism includes a first pair of telescopic rods (14a), a second pair of telescopic rods (14b), open end of an outermost rod of each of the first and second pair of telescopic rods (14a, 14b) is permanently configured on a rigid frame (22) at a closed side of the frame structures (11, 15) and an innermost rod is attached to an inner most panel of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b) such that the movement of the telescopic rod (14a, 14b) reciprocate a sliding motion of the plurality of panels (13a, 13b).

9. The sun visor (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second pair of telescopic rods (14a, 14b) are actuated by an electrical actuator and are operated by using anyone of a switch and a remote.