Vehicle Window Shutters

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus which can be mounted on the exterior of vehicle windows. The apparatus protects the vehicle windows from weather conditions, such as blocking out any harmful heat, frost, etc. This apparatus can be operated so as to protect each of the front, back and side windows of a vehicle. The apparatus is an automated device where shutters are released from the vehicle roof and doors when the vehicle is locked.

Background Art

[0002] Many countries suffer below freezing weather in the winter, whilst some can suffer below zero temperatures. In these conditions a motorist must endure the cold to scrape frost that has condensed on the windows. Most motorists do not wait until the thermostatic system of a vehicle is sufficiently hot to melt the frost off the windows, and thus find themselves scraping in the cold.

[0003] Scraping frost from the windows is a time-consuming and frustrating task that motorists would rather avoid. Additionally, in summer heat may cause discomfort and potential damage to a vehicle's interior.

[0004] The passenger compartment of a closed car in the summer can reach temperatures as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65°C) on a hot sunny day.

[0005] This drastic rise in heat inside an automobile, compared to the outside ambient air

temperature, is caused by the conversion of solar infrared radiation to heat. As the sun's rays impact on the car, radiant energy is converted to heat energy and the air inside the closed car becomes hot. The windshield, the largest window in the car, and the roof and rear window are particularly problematic in this regard.

[0006] The steering wheel, the top of the dashboard, seats and the rear window ledge are subject to especially high temperatures because they are exposed directly to the sun's rays through the windshield and back window. Not only does the interior air temperature reach high levels, but solid objects also absorb infrared rays to a greater degree than the air. This is why vinyl seat covers and plastic steering wheels reach temperatures hot enough to burn one's hands and legs.

[0007] The sun's rays also produce fading of the colours in the plastic of the steering wheel and dashboard top. Another effect of subjecting the steering wheel and dashboard top to high temperatures is cracking. Cracking occurs as the heated steering wheel is suddenly cooled by air conditioning or even by the sudden rush of ambient air, as the automobile car doors are opened.

[0008] The effects of such high temperatures make it problematic to use the steering wheel or sit on the seats until they have cooled down. In addition, high temperatures may damage sensitive electronic equipment on and under the dashboard. The usual method of mitigating at least some of the heat is to place a cardboard panel inside the windshield to reflect solar rays, but this is not a satisfactory solution. A general object of the present invention is to reduce or remove the above problems by providing effective shielding to the vehicle windows to reduce or eliminate the effect of temperature on the vehicle windows, or interior of the vehicle.

[0009] In view of the above, there is a need to provide an effective device for protecting interior of a vehicle. It is recognised that the effects of the sun will eventually damage a car's interior. Additionally, in winter, there is a need to prevent damage to the windscreen, or other vehicle glass, caused by ice, frost, etc on the glass surface. It would also be preferable to reduce the need for motorists to have to scrape the glass, which may scratch the vehicle body near the window trim. Furthermore, items left inside the vehicle may provide temptation for possible thieves. It is an object of the present invention to ensure that potential thieves are unable to see anything inside the vehicle, therefore reducing chances of a possible break-in and theft of property or other personal items.

[0010] CN20121 1836Y discloses a sun-shading frost protection cover for an automobile front windshield. Only the windscreen is protected in such an arrangement, meaning frost can still reach the other windows of the automobile, and thieves can still see into the vehicle.

[0011] US2004/0160082 Al discloses a sunshade system for a motor vehicle. That sunshade system may be either manually operated, or driven by an electric motor, to cover the front windscreen of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the side windows and rear windscreen are not covered. The interior of the motor vehicle remains on display, and is still exposed to the sun. [0012] The arrangement of CA 1070233 covers both the front and the rear windscreens of a vehicle using a shield system, which protects against freezing rain and snow. The flexible shield of the shield system comprises a plurality of slats laterally interconnected into a longitudinally flexible mat or panel. It will be understood that the flexible shield does not cover the side windows of such a vehicle, as they are likely to be covered in snow or freezing rain than the front and rear windscreens. It will also be understood that small gap between the slats will be sufficient to allow sunlight to enter the interior of the vehicle. Accordingly, the interior is not protected from view of potential thieves, and so potential thieve may still view the interior of the vehicle. It will also be noted that the sun's rays may still enter the automobile through the windows which are not covered, and through the gaps between the slats.

[0013] US5551744 relates to a windshield assembly attached to a motor vehicle. The

windshield assembly includes a windshield curtain, a furling casing, a power casing, a driving spring assembly and a revolving axle. The revolving axle extends outside the power casing. Thus, when the power casing is controlled to drive the revolving axle, the spring drives a link block to move upwards and downwards such that the windshield curtain is driven to move upwards or downwards. The windshield assembly of

US5551744 fails to cover the side windows, or rear windscreen of the motor vehicle, thus resulting in problems as laid out above.

[0014] GB2217762A presents an arrangement wherein the side windows of a vehicle have an interior window blind. However, as that window blind is attached to the inside of the window and would offer no protection against, for example, rain or snow.

[0015] In each of the above-mentioned patent publications, the deployment, or storage, of any shutter device requires a manual input from a user. In other words, the user must deploy the shutter themselves.

[0016] WO2004/033240A1 discloses a vehicle cover which is placed on the vehicle roof and is remotely operated by remote control at the time when the vehicle is being parked. The vehicle cover does not extend to cover the side windows of the vehicle, resulting in the above-mentioned problems regarding the sun and potential thieves. Additionally, having the vehicle cover on the roof reduces the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle.

[0017] One problem in the prior art is that some windows may be left uncovered when other windows are covered by a shutter. For example, in GB2217762A, each of the shutters must be raised and lowered manually by a user, and so the user may neglect to raise one of the shutters. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a vehicle window shutter system which reduces the possibility of a single shutter being left in a deployed or stowed state when the remaining windows are in the other state.

[0018] A further problem in the prior art is reduced aerodynamics for a vehicle having a vehicle window shutter system installed there upon. Such negative aerodynamic properties may result in reduced fuel economy and engine performance. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a vehicle window shutter system which does not have an overly negative effect on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle.

[0019] Yet another problem to be solved in the art is the intrusion of unwanted matter into the mechanism. For example, grit, stones, leaves and sticks may be detrimental to the operation of the mechanism, and water in the mechanism may cause rusting of components. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a system in which the mechanism for operating the vehicle window shutter system is protected from unnecessary damage.

[0020] Under certain conditions, a vehicle user may be disadvantaged by the deployment of shutters over the vehicle windows. For example, when starting a vehicle, it would be dangerous to have a shutter deployed over any of the windows, particularly the front or rear windscreen. Accordingly, there is a need for an automated window shutter system, which deploys when a vehicle is not in use, and is stored when a vehicle is in use.

Additionally, when the user leaves the vehicle unattended, it would be advantageous for the shutters to be deployed. There is a need for the shutters to deploy without additional thought or input from the vehicle user.

Summary of Invention

[0021] To overcome the problems detailed above, the inventors have devised novel and

inventive vehicle window shutter apparatus. A broad description will be given of specific aspects of the invention. Preferred features of the specific aspects are set out in the dependent claims.

[0022] More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention contains a sheet; a

mechanism to vary the state of the sheet between a deployed state, in which the external face of a window is covered by the sheet, and a stowed state, in which the window is not covered by the sheet; wherein the mechanism varies the sheet to the deployed state when the vehicle is locked, and varies the sheet to the stowed state when the vehicle is unlocked.

[0023] Advantageously, the above arrangement allows ease and efficiency of use for the vehicle user. A single user operation may open the vehicle and stow the sheets 13 covering the windows of the vehicle. If a vehicle contains more than one apparatus of the present invention, each of the sheets 13 may be retracted into a stowed state by the same operation as unlocking the vehicle. Additionally, having the sheets 13 deploy on locking the vehicle means that the interior of the vehicle and the windows are protected as soon as possible after the vehicle operator has finished using the vehicle. Additionally, the sheets will automatically deploy when the vehicle is not in use. In other words, when the user is not present to monitor the vehicle, the shutters are deployed which can reduce the chances of potential thieves breaking in to the vehicle. Accordingly, the vehicle interior and windows are protected for a longer time than if multiple operations were required to deploy the sheets 13.

[0024] Preferably, when the window can slide into, or out of, a window frame along an axis, the mechanism comprises runners arranged to travel along said axis, wherein the window frame guides the runners along said axis, and a driving device to drive runners along the axis, wherein the runners are fixedly attached to the sheet.

[0025] Advantageously, the above arrangement does not require additional guide rails to vary the sheet of the present invention from either of a deployed state or a stowed state to the other. This allows for ease of manufacture, and a lower increase in weight, which results in increased vehicle economy (i.e. lower running costs, lower fuel consumption, etc.). Moreover, using the window frames as guides for the runners means that there are no exposed guide rails. Accordingly, there is a reduced chance of stones, leaves, sticks, and/or water entering the apparatus.

[0026] Additionally, the present invention may contain a biasing member to urge an edge of the sheet across the width of the window. Furthermore, the edge of the sheet may be held between two runners.

[0027] Advantageously, this forces the edge of the sheet to be more taut, which helps

precipitation to run off the sheet. It may also aid in preventing the sheet form making contact with the window. [0028] Preferably, when the mechanism is located within the car body, and when the sheet is in the stowed state, the sheet is located within a recess in the car body. Still more preferably, a flap is provided to cover an entrance to a recess within the roof of the car in which the sheet is stowed.

[0029] Advantageously, this reduces the negative impact of the apparatus on the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Further, reducing the negative impact on the aerodynamics of the car also reduces the negative impact on the fuel economy and performance of the vehicle.

[0030] A further embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle window shutter apparatus containing a sheet; a mechanism to vary the state of the sheet between a deployed state, in which the window is covered by the sheet, and a stowed state, in which the window is not covered by the sheet; wherein the vehicle is activated, the mechanism moves the sheet into a stowed state.

[0031] Advantageously, the above arrangement allows the vehicle user to sit inside the vehicle, whilst the sheets are in a deployed state. If a vehicle contains more than one apparatus of the present invention, the sheets will move to a stowed state when the vehicle is activates (i.e. the engine is turned on). Accordingly, the vehicle may not be operated whilst the sheets are in a deployed state. Additionally, the user of the vehicle can both activate the vehicle and vary the sheets to a stowed position in a single operation, thereby increasing efficiency of operation.

[0032] A yet further embodiment is to a vehicle window shutter system to be attached to a

vehicle, the vehicle window shutter including two or more sheets, wherein each sheet has an associated a mechanism to vary the state of the sheet between a deployed state, in which the external face of a window is covered by the sheet, and a stowed state, in which the window is not covered by the sheet, comprising an activation device, which sends a signal when activated; and a controller connect to each mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to receive the signal from the activation device; wherein upon receiving a single signal, a controller causes every mechanism to vary the state its respective sheet.

[0033] Advantageously, the above embodiment is to a vehicle containing multiple sheets and mechanisms for driving those sheets. Each mechanism is connected to a central controller, which can cause each mechanism to operate. This reduces the possibility of one sheet being left in a stowed state when the majority are deployed, or one sheet being left deployed when the majority are stowed.

[0034] Further embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the appended claims.

[0035] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described without

limitation below, with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a top-down view of an example of the present invention being attached to a car, wherein the present device is stowed.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a front view of a car in which the present device is deployed over the front window.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a rear view of a car in which the present device is deployed over the rear window.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a car in which the present device is deployed over the front window.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a view of the mechanism of the present device when it is applied to a car door.

[0041] Fig. 6a shows a top-down view of a guide rail according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 6b shows an end-on view of a guide rail according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 7a shows a runner according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 7b shows a runner according to a further aspect of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows a shaft rod of one aspect of the present invention, including a helical raised portion around a central rod section.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a front windscreen of a vehicle including one

embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 10 shows a view through line A-A of Fig. 9.

[0048] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a slidable window of a vehicle including an

embodiment of the present invention. [0049] Fig. 12a shows a simplified diagram of the control system for an embodiment where the sheets are deployed or stowed based on the operation of the vehicle door locks.

[0050] Fig. 12b shows a simplified diagram of the control system for an embodiment where the sheets are deployed or stowed based on the activation of the vehicle engine.

[0051] Fig. 12c shows a simplified diagram of the control system for an embodiment where the sheets are deployed or stowed based on the operation of a remote control.

Description of Embodiments

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, when a vehicle, which includes the shutter apparatus of the present invention, is unlocked, the sheet 13 of the first shutter apparatus is in a stowed state. When the car is locked, the shutter apparatus deploys the sheet 13 over the window. When the car is again unlocked, the shutter apparatus stows the sheet 13, so as not to obstruct the window.

[0053] When the sheet 13 stowed, it is located within a roof, or located within a panel (such as a door), of the vehicle. In other words, the sheet 13 is within the body of the vehicle when in a stowed state. The sheet 13 is rolled out from the roof or panels of a vehicle when being deployed. The sheet 13 is guided by rails 14 mounted around the edges of a window on the vehicle. Guide rails 14 are also present in the roof or panels where the sheet 13 is stored. For example, in Fig. 1, the guide rails 14a', 14a", 14b', 14b" are located on the sides of the window frame. It will be appreciated that guide rails 14 are also present in the roof but are not shown in Fig. 1.

[0054] Fixed Windows

[0055] Guide rails 14 being located on the sides of the window frame are also shown in Fig. 2, which shows a front-view of the car when the sheet 13a is deployed over the front windscreen, and Fig. 3, which shows a front-view of the car when the sheet 13a is deployed over the rear windscreen.

[0056] Fig. 1 shows an example of a car having a roof, where a first shutter apparatus of the present invention is positioned to deploy a sheet 13a over the front windscreen, and a second shutter apparatus of the present invention is positioned to deploy a sheet 13b over the rear windscreen. In Fig. 1 , both the first and the second shutter apparatus are in the stowed state, i.e. the respective sheets do not cover the front or rear windscreen. When in the deployed state, the sheets 13a, 13b are located within recesses within the roof. The vehicle includes flaps 10a, 10b which cover the entrance to the recesses when the sheets 13a, 13b are in a stowed state. In one embodiment, a sheets 13a, 13b are a fabric material.

[0057] The sheets 13a, 13b consists of two layers of material, one which will protect from the sun heat (i.e. it is a sun protective material) and the other will be weatherproof. In one embodiment, the weatherproof layer is waterproof. The layer which will protect from sun heat may be substantially opaque to infrared radiation. In an aspect of the present invention, the layer which will protect from sun heat is substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation. During deployment, the flaps 10a, 10b open, and the sheets 13a, 13b are released from recesses within the roof of the vehicle.

[0058] The explanation below focuses on a single vehicle window shutter apparatus that covers a window which is fixed in a window frame. It will be understood that the explanation can apply equally to an apparatus to cover, for example, a front-windscreen of a vehicle, or an apparatus to cover a rear-windscreen of a vehicle.

[0059] In Fig. 1, it can be seen that, when stowed, the sheet 13 sits inside the roof of the vehicle.

The sheet 13 is supported by guide rails 14 located within the roof. It can also be seen that the sheet 13 is fixedly attached to runners 15. Those runners 15 are at least partially located within the guiding rails 14. In some embodiments, the runners 15 are completely located within the guiding rails 14.

[0060] It will be appreciated that a guide rail 14 located within the roof, and a guide rail 14

located along an outer edge of a window frame can be so arranged as to allow a runner 15 to transfer from one guide rail to the other.

[0061] When the sheet 13 is stowed in a recess (cavity) within the roof, the flap 10 is positioned to cover the entrance to the recess, and thereby improve the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle on which an apparatus or system of the present invention attached.

[0062] When the sheet 13 deploys, or when it is stowed away, the runners 15 move along the guiding rails 14, whilst remaining fixed to the sheet 13. As the runners 15 move along the guiding rails 14, the sheet 13 is varied between a deployed state (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3) and a stowed state (as shown in Fig. 1) depending on the direction of movement of the runners 15.

[0063] The motion of the runners 15 along the guide rails 14 is driven by an electro-mechanical driving device 11, which, when turned, rotates a shaft rod 12. A section of the shaft is shown in Fig. 8. The rotation of the shaft rod 12 causes the runners 15 to move along the guiding rails 14.

[0064] The sheet 13 has an edge (the lower edge) which moves further away from the roof of the car during deployment than the other edges. In one example, a biasing member 16 is attached to the edge of the sheet 13 which moves away from the roof of the car during deployment. That biasing member 16 urges the corners of the sheet along the lower edge toward the guide rails 14. The biasing member 16 is configured to stretch the lower edge of the sheet 16 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the lower edge (i.e. across the width of the window).

[0065] The following description will focus on the apparatus which can deploy sheet 13a over the front windscreen. However, it will be recognised that the explanation will equally apply to the apparatus which can deploy sheet 13b over the rear windscreen.

[0066] When the vehicle operator (or user) locks a door of the vehicle, using a key or remote locking system, in addition to locking the door a signal is sent from a locking

mechanism, along an actuation line to a controller (see Fig. 12a). The controller signals the flap 10 to open, and allows the sheet 13 to exit the recess in the roof. Additionally, the controller causes a motor 11 to move a runner 15 along a guide rail 14 to deploy the sheet 13. The runner 15 will only begin to move once a signal to open a flap 10 has been sent.

[0067] Upon receipt of a signal from the controller, the motor 11 rotates a shaft rod 12.

Referring to Fig. 8, the shaft rod 12 is constructed with a raised helical section around a cylindrical core. The raised helical section is placed in operable engagement with a hole through a runner 15, wherein the hole includes a recessed helical section. The rotation of the shaft rod 12 causes the runner 15 to move along the shaft rod 12.

[0068] It will be understood that means other than shaft rod 12, to move the runners 15 along the guide rails 14, will be within the scope of the invention. For example, the runners 15 may be pulled along the guide rails by a wire.

[0069] As shown in Figs. 7a and 7b, the runners 15 include a wheel 17, which will be located within a guide rail 14 (see Figs. 6a and 6b). As the shaft rod 12 rotates, the runner 15 will be caused to move along the guide rail 14 in which the wheel is located. These guide rails 14 support the runners 15 both in the roof and on the outside of both of the front and rear window. [0070] Where the vehicle includes a roof, and the sheet 13 is within the roof when in a stowed state, it will be appreciated that a guide rail system comprises a guide rail 14 located on the roof and a guide rail 14 arranged along the outer edge of a window frame. One of said guide rails 14 directs a runner 15 to the other of said guide rails, and that the runner 15 can transfer from one of said guide rails 14 to the other, without leaving the guide rail

14 system.

[0071] The direction in which the runners 15 move along the guide rails 14 is dependent on the direction of rotation of the motor 11. Reversing the direction of rotation of the motor 11 will also reverse the direction of movement of the runners 15 along the guide rail 14.

[0072] Figs. 12a-c show a simplified version of a control system for a vehicle window shutter apparatus, wherein each figure indicates a different activation device (door lock, engine ignition, remote control). A sensor is positioned at the end of the guide rail 14 toward which the runners 15 are moving. The sensor and is configured to detect when a runner

15 reaches that end. When the sensor makes such a detection, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller then causes the motor 11 to stop. It will be understood that for simplicity, only one sensor is depicted in each of Figs. 12a-c. However, a guide rail, guide rail system, or window frame edge may have at least a sensor at both ends. One of said sensors will detect when a sheet 13 is deployed, and another of said sensors will detect when the sheet 13 is stowed.

[0073] The process of storing the sheet 13 will now be described, with the sheet 13 in a

deployed state as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The motion of the runners 15, as caused by the motor, has already been described, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] Upon unlocking the door of a vehicle, a signal is sent along an actuation line to the

controller, which causes the motor 11 to move the runners 15 toward the storage recess within the roof. A sensor is provided proximate to the entrance to the storage recess. When that sensor detects that the sheet 13 has been fully stowed, it sends a signal to the controller, which stops the motor 11. Additionally, the controller causes the flap 10 to cover the entrance to the recess.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows the front view of the vehicle with the sheet 13 deployed over the

windscreen. The car shutters are released via flap 10 at the top of the windscreen, which runs through the guiding rails 14. The edge of the sheet 13 furthest from the roof expands according to the width of the windscreen due to the biasing means 16. Preferably, the biasing means 16 is an elastic wire.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows the rear view of the vehicle with the sheet 13 deployed over the rear

window. The car shutters are released via a flap 10 at the top of the rear windscreen, which runs through the guiding rails 14. The sheet 13 expands according to the width of the windscreen due to the biasing means 16. Preferably, the biasing means 16 is an elastic wire.

[0077] In one embodiment, the guide rails 14 may be housed within the body of the vehicle. In the example of Fig. 9, the guide rails 14 are within the edges of the window frame 20.

[0078] In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the sheet 13 is rolled up when in a stowed state.

The movement of the runners 15 along the guide rails 14 unrolls the sheet 13 during deployment.

[0079] Slidable Windows

[0080] The following explanation relates to slidable windows of a vehicle. The slidable

windows can slide in to, and out of, a window frame 20 when a mechanism within a panel is activated. The sheet 13 deploys to fill the window frame 20 using the edges of the window frame 20 in place of the guide rails 14 required in relation to fixed windows. In the example shown in Fig. 1 1, the side panel is the door of a car.

[0081] Figs. 4 and 5 show a situation where one or more sheets 13 are deployed over one or more slidable windows of a vehicle. For example, the slidable window may be a side window of a vehicle. In the example shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the window is supported by the window frame 20 in a side panel of the vehicle.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 4, one sheet 13 is deployed over a first window, and a second sheet is deployed over a second window. Rather than using separate guide rails 14, each sheet 13 is supported by the respective window frame 20. Runners 15 move within the window frames to vary the sheet 13 between a deployed state and a stowed state. The sides of the window frame 20 operate in the same manner as the guide rails 14 for the purposes of runners 15 attached to a sheet 13 which covers a slidable window.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 5, a shaft rod 12 is located within a vehicle panel. This protects the mechanism from dirt, grit, stones, water, etc. The vehicle panel may be a vehicle door. A motor 11 is also provided, which may cause the shaft rod 12 to rotate, and move runners 15, as described above. It will be understood that a controller will also be provided, along with sensors to detect when the sheet 13 is a stowed state, and when the sheet 13 is in a deployed state.

[0084] The operation of the controller, motor 11, shaft rod 12, and runners 15 have been

described above in relation to the fixed window, and will not be repeated here. It will be appreciated that when a vehicle operator unlocks a door of the vehicle, the motor 11 will activate the shaft rod 12, which will cause the runners 15 to move the sheet 13 out of the window frame 20, and into a recess provided in the vehicle panel. A flap (not shown) may also be provided to cover the entrance to that recess. The motor 11 will turn off, and the flap (not shown) will close when it has been determined, by a sensor, that the sheet 13 is in a stowed state.

[0085] It will be further appreciated that upon a vehicle operator locking a door of the vehicle, the flap (not shown) will open, if provided, and the motor 11 will activate the shaft rod 12. The shaft rod 12 causes the runners 15 to move the sheet 13 out of the recess within the vehicle panel, and into the window frame 20. When it is determined, by a sensor, that the sheet 13 is in a deployed position, the motor 11 will turn off.

[0086] Vehicle window shutter system

[0087] If a vehicle includes a vehicle window shutter system, which includes more than one vehicle window shutter apparatus, each apparatus is linked to a main controller. Each vehicle window shutter apparatus will be provided with sensors which will send a signal when the respective shutter has reached a deployed or stowed state. The signals from the sensors may be sent to the main controller, which directs the relevant motor to turn off. Alternatively, each vehicle window shutter apparatus may have an individual sub- controller, which can receive the signal from the sensor, and cause the motor of that vehicle window shutter apparatus to switch off.

[0088] One embodiment relates to a system of vehicle window shutters which includes enough vehicle window shutters 13 to cover every window of a vehcile, whether the windows are fixed or slidable. Additionally, the sheets are provided with mechanisms to vary them between a deployed state and a stowed state. The mechanisms are each connected to a contoller, so that a single control may cause all the mechanisms to vary the state of their respective sheets 13. [0089] Figs. 7a and 7b show two different runners 15. Both runners 15 comprise a wheel 17 and a gripping section 18. The wheel 17 is located within a guide rail 14, and allows the runner 15 to move smoothly along the guide rail 14. The gripping section 18 grips the sheet 13, so as to fixedly attach a runner 15 to the sheet 13.

[0090] Fig. 7a shows a runner 15 which contains a hole 19 which has threads on it and is

mounted on the same side of the window frame as the shaft rod 12, where the shaft rod 12 is in operable engagement with the hole 18. The shaft 12 can rotate, which causes the runners to move along the shaft and the guide rails 14. As the runners 15 move along the shaft rod 12, the sheet 13 slides along a window frame smoothly. As the shaft rod 12 may be mounted to only one side of the window frame 20, the runners 15 on the side of the window frame which has no shaft rod 12 do not require the threaded hole, as shown in Fig. 7b.

[0091] Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of the shaft rod 12. As seen the shaft rod 12 is threaded. The shaft rod device 12 goes through the runner 15 shown in Fig. 7a pushing or pulling the runner 15 along the guiding rails 14. As the runner 15 is attached to the sheet 13, the sheet 13 is deployed or stowed as the runners 15 are pushed or pulled.

[0092] Where the sheet 13 can be deployed over the front windscreen, the shaft rods 12 may be positioned along the vertical edges of the window frame, as shown in Fig. 2. The shaft rods may be positioned within the roof, along the side edges of the roof, as shown in Fig. 1. Additionally, shaft rods 12 may be positioned along the vertical edges of the window frame 20, and within the roof along the side edges of the roof.

[0093] One embodiment relates to a system containing enough sheets 13 to deploy over every window of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the sheets 13 deploy and store as described above. It will be understood that the each sheet 13 has associated runners 15, at least one associated shaft rod 12 and at least one associate motor 11. When a user of the vehicle locks or unlocks a door of the vehicle, the controller operates all of the motors to deploy or store the sheets 13. Each sheet 13 will have a related arrangement of sensors to detect when that sheet 13 is stored or deployed, and each sensor can cause the related motor 11 to stop. An added advantage of this system is shielding any valuables that may be inside the car from view, so that they are not a temptation for potential thieves.

[0094] In the preferred embodiment, a door lock is used as an activation device, which signals the controller to activate a motor 11. In an alternative embodiment, in the case where the vehicle is a car, lorry, or van, the activation device may be the vehicle ignition. This would mean a sheet 13 would return to a stowed state upon activation of the vehicle engine. It will be understood that other features of this embodiment are the same as features of the preferred embodiment.

[0095] In some embodiments, the sheet 13 is fabricated with either a one-piece canvas or another material which is synthetic. It will be understood that a one-piece sheet 13 may comprise multiple layers.

Other Variants and Embodiments

[0096] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be clear that many other modifications and variations could be employed without departing from the invention.

[0097] The skilled person would understand that certain embodiments described above may be combined, and certain features may be omitted without departing from the invention.

[0098] Whilst the sheet 13 has been described as a one piece canvas or other material which is synthetic, more than one piece of canvas or other material which is synthetic may be used if those pieces are so connected as to provide the effects of one piece in relation to weather resistance, and reducing visability into a vehicle. For example, two pieces of canvas could overlap to cover a large windscreen.

[0099] Whilst possible activation devices have been provided as a vehicle door lock, an engine ignition, and a remote control, it will be understood by the skilled person that other vehicle devices may indicate that a user of the vehicle intends the vehilce to be left alone, or used. Certain of these other vehicle devices may be used as the activation device of the present invention.