Technical Field

[0001 ] Embodiments generally relate to a removably attachable sun visor and more particularly to a sun visor for use on a side window of a vehicle, such as a car or a truck.

Background

[0002] Sunlight shining through the windows of a passenger or goods vehicle can have undesirable effects on the driver and passengers - these include distraction from safe driving, discomfort from the radiant heat and accelerated skin damage from too much exposure to the sun,

[0003] Traditionally in automotive vehicles, a pair of sun visors are respectively pivot mounted to the interior roof surface* above the front windscreen so that each respective visor can, depending on the orientation of the car to the sun, be used to block shade coming in through the front windscreen, and can be swung to block shade appearing through the side window. Such visor are permanently attached to the vehicle. Typically such sun visors were consti'ucted with a hardboard core covered with a plastic foam or other suitable padding material which i turn is covered with an upholstery layer. With this design, metal fixtures must be riveted or otherwise attached to the hardboard to form a socket, and a torque spring structure is mounted in the socket for maintaining the visor in its storage position when not in use.

[0004] More recently, removable sun visors have been developed. One such example is that disclosed in US 20020089208 which describes a visor made of a thin rectangular shaped piece of resin plastic which folds at the top. Heavy duty magnets are adhered with glue to the fold. At rite fold, the visor attaches to the top of the car door outside of the vehicie and resultantly will not interfere with the opening or closing of the windows. [0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were commo general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim, of this application.

[0006] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or step.

Summary

[0007] A removable sun visor for a side window of a vehicle is provided, the sun visor comprising:.

an irregular shaped body member having at least a. first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;

a. first flap member formed integrally with at least a portion of the first longitudinal side of the body member and a second flap member formed integrally with at least a portion of the second longitudinal side of the body member; and

at least a first fastening device attached to the first flap member and at least a second fastening device attached to the second flap member; where each of said fastening devices are releasabiy faste nable to a portion of a metal frame of a vehicle door.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sun visor comprises a third fastening device attached to the first flap member, said third fastening device being spaced apart from the first fastening device. In some embodiments, the su visor additionall comprises a fourth fastening device attached to the second flap member, said fourth fastening device being spaced apart from the second fastening device. [0009] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member and each of its associated flap members are demarcated by a line of weakness. Accordingly, the lines of weakness enable the sun visor to be manipulated, In some embodiments, the lines of weakness comprise fold lines. In some embodiments, the lines of weakness comprise grooves. In still other embodiments the lines of weakness comprises score Lines. In some embodiments the lines of weakness comprise a mixture of fold lines and score lines.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sun visor may comprise additional lines of weakness, the additional lines of weakness running spaced apart from and substantially parallel, to the first and second longitudinal sides.

[0011] In some embodiments, each, flap member is foidable, substantially at. right angles to the body member to enable said fastening members to attach to the metal frame of the vehicle door. This embodiment is only necessary with certain models of vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments,, each fastening device may be a magnet fastener comprising a magnet configured with a hole -there-through and a snap fit fastener. The snap-fit fastener may comprise at one end a flexible shaft portion and at an opposite end a radially outwardly projecting base portion . In such embodiments the base portion of the snap-fit fastener is adjacent one side of the flap member, the magnet adjacent the opposite side of the fla member, and the flexible shaft portion penetrates ^' through an aperture formed in the fla member and through the hole in the magnet to securely fasten the magnet fastener to the flap member. 0013] In optional embodiments, each fastening device may comprise a suction-cup pad or a secti n of suction cup tape. As will be appreciated, in an instance where each fastening device comprises a section of suction cup tape, the tape is covered on one side in an acrylic or an acrylic-like adhesive which adheres the section of tape to the respective flap member. On the reverse side, the tape has a plurality of microscopic craters that work b creating many partial vacuums between the tape and the door frame. Advantageously, the tape is not pressure sensitive and is able to rebond repeatedly, leaving no residue on the door frame.

[0014] In other embodiments, each .fastening device may comprise a section of double-sided adhesive tape. A first side of the section of tape may adhere substantially permanently t the respective flap member and a second side of the section of the tape may comprises a pressure sensitive acrylic to enable the visor to be attached to the door and also removed numerous times. An example of such tape is the 3M ^IM Pressure Sensitive .Acrylic Foam Tape.

[001.5] n still further embodiments, each fastening device may comprise a. first portion and a second portion, whereby the first portion is adhered to the respective flap member and the second portion is permanently attached to the car door and operable to lock onto the respective first portion of the fastening device by way of a sna fit or other mechanical attachment method, but which can be released when needed. One example of such a fastening device is a strip of veicro/hook & loop tape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member has a third longitudinal side which shorter than the first longitudinal side and which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first longitudinal side.

[0017] In some embodiments, the irregular shaped body member has a fourth side which connects the first and third longitudinal sides, where the fourth side has an angled leading edge portion with respect to each of the first and third longitudinal sides and a rounded off tailing portion. The body member and the integrally formed first and second flap members may be formed of a semi-stiff flat sheet which itself is one of an opaque material, a reflecting material, a tinted transparent material or a photochtomic material to progressively darken when exposed, to progressively brighter light conditions. Optionally, the body member and the integrally formed first and second flap members may be formed of a flexible and foldahle material, such as a fabric, having stiffened edges. [0018] In some embodiments, the sun visor further comprises an extensible, retractable member disposed on the body member, when extended, elongating the area of said body member. The extensible, retractable member may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first longitudinal side. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member may extend in a direction substantially perpendiciilar to the first longitudinal side.

[0019] An advantage offered by at least one embodiment of the invention is a means of reducing the intensity of sunlight striking the face and neck of the driver, front seat passenger or rear seat passenger through the side window.

[0020] It should be noted that any of the various features of the above subject of the application can be combined as suitable and desired.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021 ] In orde that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, embodiments will now be described, by wa of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure la illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first sun visor for a vehicle in accordanc with the invention in an unfolded position;

Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the sun visor shown in Figure la;

Figure lc illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a second sun visor for a vehicle in accordance with the invention in an unfolded position;

Figure Id illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the sun visor shown in Figure lc;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a fastening device used in. the sun visor shown in Figures 1 a and lb; Figure 3 illustrates the sun visor of Figures .1 a and lb installed in a vehicle;

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a further embodiment of a sua visor for a vehicle in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5a illustrates a plan view of a still further embodiment of a sun visor for a vehicle in accordance with the invention with the extendable member shown in a retracted position: and

Figure 5b illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of a sun visor shown in figure 5a with the extendable member shown in an extended position.

Description of Embodiments

[0022] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements, throughout the several views, Figure l a illustrates ^' an interior facing face of a sun visor 10 in accordance with the invention and Figure lb illustrates, the exterior facing face of the sun visor 10. The sun visor 10 has an irregular shaped body member 12 having at least a first longitudinal side 14 and a second longitudinal side 16. Respective longitudinal sides form, fold lines. The body member 12 of the sun visor has a distinctive angled leading edge 32 and the forward lower corner of the body member 12 is rounded, off with a large radius 34.

[0023 J A first flap member .20 is formed integrally with at least a portion of the first longitudinal side 14 of the body member 12 and a second flap member 22 is formed integrally with at least a portion of the second longitudinal side 16 of the body member 12, Attached to the first flap member 20 rc first and second fastening devices 26 and 28. Attached to the second flap member 22 is a third fastening device 30.

[0024] With reference to Figure 2, fastening devices are each in the form of a magnet fastener which comprise a magnet 50 and a snap-fit fastener 52. The magnet 50 has a central recessed- hole mere-through 54. Each fastening device is attached to its respective flap member (a portion of which is show by numeral 56) by way of the snap fit fastener 52, For each fastener,, a comparable sized, aperture 58 is formed in the flap member 56 where the fastening device is to be attached and the magnet 50 aligned there over. Each sna fit fastener 52 has a flexible shaft portion 60 that pushes through aperture 58 in the flap member and locks into the central recessed hole 54 of the magnet 50 on the opposite side of the flap member. This secures the magnet 50, the snap fit fastener 52 and tire flap member 56 together. The snap fit fastener can he made of plastic, metal or other suitable material.

[0025] The function of the magnet fastener is to hold the sun visor 1.0 in place when the car door is open and to assist i securing the sun visor 10 when the door is closed. When the car door is closed, the sun visor 10 is held securely between, the car door and the car body. The position of the second flap member 22 is designed to secure tire bottom rear corner of the shade.,: enhancing its stability in strong wind when driving with the window open and stoppin it flapping excessively. Located on the cabin-side of the vehicle door, the visor is protected from the elements when the windows are wound up.

[0026] The body member 12 and die integrally formed first and second flap members: 20 and 22, are formed of a semi-stiff flat plastic sheet which itself is a photochrome material to progressively darken when exposed to progressively brighter light conditions,

[0027] In this embodiment, in use, each flap member 20 and 2.2 is foldable, substantially at right angles to the body member to enable the respective fastening devices to attach to a metal frame of a vehicle door. It should be appreciated that not all embodiments require the flaps to fold down. The fold lines 12 and 14 increase the flexibility of the semi-stiff fiat plastic sheet along the lines enabling the first and second flap members to be easily folded over using one's fingers. Thus, the sun visor 10 is readily able to be removed and reattached. The fold lines: also allow the memory of the plastic to recover which enable the flap members 20 and 22 to become coplanar with the body member 12, thus reverting the sun visor 10 to its original, flat shape for storage, or to suit another vehicle. Additional fold lines (not illustrated) enable the shade to be adjusted into several, mounting configurations to suit .attachment to door frames of various designs,

[0028] As is illustrated in Figure 3, the size and shape of the sun visor 1.0 allows it to be fitted neatly in the top rear comer of the side window 42, on the cabin side of the door. In this position, the sun visor .10 shields the driver or passenger's head from, sunlight shining from the side but it does not obstruct the driver's view of road traffic through the side window and it also allows a good view of traffic signals and road signs through the forward portion of the side window when the ear is stopped at a traffic intersection. The angled leading edge 32 of the body member 12 optimises the shading effect and the dri ver' s field of view,

[0029] The forward lower corner of the body member 1.2. is rounded off with a large radius 34 to minimise flapping in strong wind when driving with the side window .open and also to prevent injury to the eyes or head of the driver or passenger if accidental contact is made.

[0030] Advantageously, and with reference to Figure lc and Id, the position, of the second flap member 22 and magnet 30, as well as the flexibility of the material per se, also enables the sun visor 10 to suit car door frames with the rearmost upright member inclined at different angles to the vertical,

[0031] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, sun visor 70 is provided with extra fold lines in the form of score lines 72, which enable the sun visor 70 to be trimmed to suit drivers of different heights.

[0032] In a still further embodiment illustrated in Figure 5a and 5b _s sun visor 80 is provided with an. extensible, retractable member 82. In the embodiment iHustrated, extensible, retractable member 82 is held in position with respect to the body member 12 b a series of cut-outs 84 formed directly in the body member 12, The cut-outs 84 enable the extensible, retractable member 82 to be manually pulled t slide out into the extended position, shown in Figure 5b, The retractable member is illustrated as being rectangular, however it should he appreciated that other shapes may be envisaged, such as, but not limited to oblong shapes. Similarly, the cut-outs are illustrated as being semi-circular in shape, and it should be appreciated that other shapes may be envisaged.

[0033] Although the sun visor 1.0 is designed for the driver or front seat passenger windows, it can easily be adapted for use on the rear passenger windows with minor changes in shape and dimensions.

[0034] Advantageously,, the fold-flat design enables convenient storage when not in use as it takes up very little space.

[0035] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may he made to the above-described embodiments, without departing .from, the broad general, scope of the present disclosure. For instance, whilst the above embodiment is shown having two fastening devices attached to the first flap member, it should be appreciated that in another embodiment the first flap member 20 may have a single fastening device, ideally centrally located.

[0036] Whilst the sun visor 10 is described as using magnets with snap-fit fasteners to permit quick attachment and removal, of the shade to the door frame, in an alternative embodiment the magnets could be adhered to the respective flap members using a strong adhesive.

[0037] Whilst the sun visor 10 is described as having fold lines, in other embodiments scored fold lines are utilised. Scored fold lines are typically formed by crushing or partially crushing, one or both sides o the body member akmg the desired fold, line. Thi weakens the blank material so that it can be folded alon such line. In addition, the crushed score line can include perforations at intervals along its length.

Whilst the embodiment as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b show- the extensible, retractable member 82 being held in place by cut-outs formed in the body member 12, m alternative embodiments, rather than forming cut-outs directly into the body member 12, guide components may be adhered to the face of the body member 12 t effect the same sliding function. The guide components may be in the form of. magnetic members. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member could be a continuation of the body member 12 with a fold line separating body member 12 from the extensible, retractable member, such that, the extendable member is unfolded to increase the area of the body member 12 and hence the visor area. Optionally, the extensible, retractable member could be attached by a joint permitting rotational movement (e.g. a ri vet), such that the extendable portion can be rotated out to the extended position or retracted. In still further embodiments, the body member 12 may be formed of a pair of sheets to form a sleeve and the extendable member may sit within the sleeve and be extended and retracted as needed. Hie present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.