U.S. patent application number 10/230366 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for device and method for shading a window.
Invention is credited to Nagar, Haim.
Application Number | 20040040672 10/230366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31976463 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagar, Haim |
March 4, 2004 |
Device and method for shading a window
Abstract
A shade assembly for shading a window opening comprising a
double pane formed of two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween, a light blocking
member deployable within the space, a storage unit for stowing the
light blocking member when retracted, and a drive mechanism for
deploying and retracting light blocking member. Also claimed is a
method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle with the
described shade assembly.
Inventors: |
Nagar, Haim; (Yahud,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
G.E. EHRLICH (1995) LTD.
c/o ANTHONY CASTORINA
Suite 207
2001 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
31976463 |
Appl. No.: |
10/230366 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 1/2077 20130101;
B60J 1/2025 20130101; E06B 9/264 20130101; B60J 1/2063 20130101;
B60J 1/208 20130101; B60J 1/2086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/098 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shade assembly for shading a window opening, said shade
assembly comprising a. two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes
forming a double pane, said double pane having at least one open
edge in communication with said space; b. a light blocking member
deployable within said space and retractable from within said
space; and c. a drive mechanism for deploying and retracting said
light blocking member; said shade assembly being for deployment
within said window opening.
2. The shade assembly of claim 1, further comprising a storage unit
for stowing said light blocking member when said light blocking
member is retracted;
3. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said double pane is for
replacing a window unit within said window opening.
4. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said window opening is in
a building.
5. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said window opening is in
a motor vehicle.
6. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said light blocking
member is substantially opaque.
7. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said light blocking
member is partially translucent.
8. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said light blocking
member is a film.
9. The shade assembly of claim 8, wherein said film is
flexible.
10. The shade assembly of claim 8, wherein said film is a mesh.
11. The shade assembly of claim 8, wherein said film is formed of
at least one material of the group consisting of a plastic, a
rubber, a polymer, a polycarbonate and a metal.
12. The shade assembly of claim 2, wherein said storage unit
comprises two guide tracks extending in parallel from said at least
one open edge, said guide tracks being of sufficient length to
contain said light blocking member when said light blocking member
is in a retracted position, said guide tracks being oriented to
guide the deployment and retraction of said film.
13. The shade assembly of claim 12, wherein said guide tracks are
pivotable relative to said double pane.
14. The shade assembly of claim 2, wherein said storage unit
comprises a roller for containing said film when said film is in a
retracted position, said roller being oriented to guide the
deployment and retraction of said film.
15. The shade assembly of claim 1, wherein said light blocking
member is partially deployable to create a partially translucent
state.
16. A shade assembly for shading a window opening, said shade
assembly comprising a. two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes
forming a double pane sealed around its perimeter; b. a light
blocking fluid deployable within said space and retractable from
within said space, said double pane having at least one opening in
an edge thereof for the deployment and retraction of said fluid; c.
a reservoir for containing said fluid, said reservoir being in
fluid communication with said at least one opening; and d. a pump
for deploying and retracting said fluid; said shade assembly being
for deployment within said window opening.
17. The shade assembly of claim 16, further comprising an air pump
for aiding in deploying and retracting said fluid.
18. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said shade assembly is
in a building.
19. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said shade assembly is
in a motor vehicle.
20. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said fluid is
mercury.
21. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said fluid is
substantially opaque.
22. The window unit of claim 16, wherein said fluid is partially
translucent.
23. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said pump is powered by
a motor.
24. The shade assembly of claim 16, wherein said fluid is partially
deployable to create a partially translucent state.
25. A motor vehicle having installed therein a shade assembly for
shading at least one window of said motor vehicle, said shade
assembly comprising a. two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes
forming a double pane; and b. a light blocking member deployable
within said space and retractable from within said space.
26. A method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle, said
method comprising a. deploying within said window opening a shading
assembly comprising two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes
forming a double pane; a light blocking member deployable within
said space and retractable from within said space; and a mechanism
for deploying and retracting said light blocking member; and b.
deploying said light blocking member within said space.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of window shades
and, more particularly, to a window shading assembly that includes
a shading element within a double pane unit that is usable in a
building or motor vehicle.
[0002] It is common to shade windows from the entry of light and
there are many reasons for doing so. In buildings, shaded windows
provide privacy, glare control and protection from damage from UV
radiation. In vehicles, shaded windows are used for the same
purposes as well as to reduce the interior temperature of parked
vehicles and to secure the safety of dignitaries.
[0003] There is almost no end to the array of decorative and
functional devices and methods for shading windows, ranging from
technologically enhanced glazing to the application of decorative
window coverings.
[0004] Window shading known in the art includes the use of special
substrates having light absorptive or reflective properties. Such
glazing materials reduce the entry of heat and light producing
radiation. One such glazing is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,514
which teaches a solar control substrate comprising a
pyrolytically-formed coating layer containing oxides of tin and
antimony which is highly reflective. Many others are known.
[0005] Special glazings may vary the amount of light that passes,
as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,107 which shows an electrochromic
glazing which permits the user, by applying an electrical current,
to cause the glazing to pass from one degree of coloration to
another.
[0006] Another common method of window shading is the application
of a light absorptive or reflective film to an otherwise
transparent or translucent window. Such films typically adhere to
an existing pane and may contain many different optical properties,
depending upon the application.
[0007] Less technically oriented shading is achieved by the
application of window coverings such as drapery, curtains, window
shades, venetian or slat blinds, and similar extra-window
devices.
[0008] With respect to shading the windows of motor vehicles, the
prior art is copious, as overheated parked vehicles is a serious
problem to be solved. U.S. Pat. No. 3,046,048 discloses a
magnetically secured windshield cover, which overlies and remains
contiguous with the exterior of the automobile windshield. U.S.
Pat. No. 2,843,421 shows an automobile windshield awning extending
forward of the windshield to protect it against the elements. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,184,264 shows a related type of windshield protector.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,943 discloses an adjustable vehicle sunshade
for fitting externally over the windshield and over the driver and
passenger side windows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,215 discloses a thermal
insulating shade for application over a vehicle window or
windshield. U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,980 discloses another form of more
permanent type of windshield shade. U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,245
discloses a vehicular windshield curtain for inhibiting heat
transfer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,336,969 shows a vehicle windshield and
rear window cover. U.S. Pat. No. 1,732,447 discloses a sun shield
formed as a curtain for application inside an automobile window.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,007 discloses a vehicle screen/shade. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,790,591 shows a removable protective vehicle windshield
screen. U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,558 discloses a rollable sunshield.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,652,039 and 4,763,947 show other forms of
windshield shade made out of paperboard which are collapsible into
a smaller configuration for storage. U.S. Pat. No. 2,596,836 shows
a glare shield for use inside an automobile window. U.S. Pat. No.
2,598,770 shows a flexible window screen. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,614,630
and 2,979,129 show covers for application over the windshield. U.S.
Pat. No. 2,065,242, shows another form of exterior windshield
protector. U.S. Pat. No. 1,475,647, discloses an adjustable visor
for vehicle windshields.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,332,414; 4,606,572; 4,861,090; 5,598,883
and 5,660,220 all teach fan like devices which unfold to provide
shade and fold out of the way when not needed. U.S. Pat. No.
6,192,967 discloses a pivoting combination of fan sections. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,402,222 teaches a fan type shade usable only for the
side windows of automobiles.
[0010] Many of the listed shade devices are removable, and are
simply folded up and put in the trunk or glove compartment. There
are also many that are permanently installed and are stored out of
the way when not in use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,133 shows a roll-up
shade stowable in a horizontal surface such as the dashboard at the
base of the window. U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,762 shows a shade which is
stowed in its own base and extends by means of pivotal arms. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,227,601 discloses an expanding and contracting slat
shade stowed in the headliner of a vehicle.
[0011] As can be seen, there is almost no end to the devices that
may be used to shade the windows of a motor vehicle. However, the
recent innovations in shading devices and methods which include
disposing the shading element within the window itself, such as
between the two panes of a double glazed window, have not been
applied to motor vehicles. Examples of such innovations include
enclosing a pleated blind between the window panes, as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,213. Venetian blinds or slat blinds between
panes of glass are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,687,040, 4,664,169
and 5,379,825. U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,917 teaches a more variable
shade consisting of venetian blinds having an upper section which
is adapted to redirect light entering the window upwardly against
the ceiling of the room, and a lower section which is adapted to
inhibit light from entering the room. The slats of the lower
section can be pivoted independently of the slats of the upper
section. All such devices are well known in the art.
[0012] Also well known in the art are control mechanisms for
activating blinds within a double pane window. Such controls for
lifting, lowering and tilting the blinds are preferably actuatable
while maintaining the window seal and the insulating advantage of
the double glazing. The prior art shows many different manually
operated systems of cords, cables and gears as the control means,
such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,040. U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,638
teaches a window in which the blind can be raised, lowered and
tilted while maintaining a seal between the window frame and the
window panes.
[0013] Many of the double glazed windows containing venetian blinds
have motorized control assemblies, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,723,586 and 4,979,552. U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,491 discloses an
actuation assembly which relies for power upon permanent magnets
and electromagnets.
[0014] Containing a shading device within a double pane window
provides advantages, such as protecting the moving parts of the
shade, ease of cleaning and avoiding external attachments hanging
on the window.
[0015] However, none of the cited shading assemblies internal to
double pane windows have been applied to motor vehicles for a
number of reasons. First, a totally transparent window may not be
achieved because elements of the system often cannot be totally
removed from the field of view of the window without having an
unnecessarily wide frame or housing around the panes. Thus,
visibility is restricted. Second, the mounting of a venetian blind
between the panes requires a space wide enough to accommodate the
blind in the open position in which the slats lay horizontally,
resulting in a very thick window unit, unusable for many
applications including within motor vehicles. Third, because of the
complexity of the shading member, such systems cannot be curved,
such as to fit the contours of a motor vehicle. Fourth, because
motor vehicles have irregularly shaped window openings, no light
blocking member has been found that effectively shades the
window.
[0016] There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be
highly advantageous to have, a double pane window shading assembly
that may be used in a motor vehicle and that does not suffer from
the limitations and disabilities of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a double pane shading assembly for use in a motor
vehicle.
[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
double pane shading assembly that is this and adaptable to a wide
variety of applications.
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a shade assembly for shading a window opening comprising
(a) two panes of transparent material disposed substantially
parallel with a space therebetween forming a double pane having at
least one open edge in communication with the space; (b) a light
blocking member deployable within the space and retractable from
within the space; and (c) a drive mechanism for deploying and
retracting the light blocking member; the shade assembly being for
deployment within the window opening.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a shade assembly for shading a window opening
comprising (a) two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween forming a double
pane sealed around its perimeter; (b) a light blocking fluid
deployable within the space and retractable from within the space,
the double pane having at least one opening in an edge thereof for
the deployment and retraction of the fluid; (c) a reservoir for
containing the fluid in fluid communication with the opening; and
(d) a pump for deploying and retracting fluid; the shade assembly
being for deployment within the window opening.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a motor vehicle having installed therein a shade
assembly for shading at least one window comprising (a) two panes
of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a
space therebetween forming a double pane; and (b) a light blocking
member deployable within the space and retractable from within
space.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle
comprising (a) deploying within the window opening a shading
assembly comprising two panes of transparent material disposed
substantially parallel with a space therebetween forming a double
pane; a light blocking member deployable within the space and
retractable from within the space; and a mechanism for deploying
and retracting the light blocking member; and (b) deploying the
light blocking member within the space.
[0023] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the shade assembly further comprises a storage unit for stowing the
light blocking member when the light blocking member is
retracted.
[0024] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the double pane is for replacing a window unit within the window
opening.
[0025] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the window opening is in a building.
[0026] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the window opening is in a motor vehicle.
[0027] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the light blocking member is substantially opaque.
[0028] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the light blocking member is partially translucent.
[0029] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the light blocking member is a film.
[0030] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the film is flexible.
[0031] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the film is a mesh.
[0032] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the film is formed of at least one material of the group consisting
of a plastic, a rubber, a polymer, a polycarbonate and a metal.
[0033] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the storage unit comprises two guide tracks extending in parallel
from said at least one open edge, said guide tracks being of
sufficient length to contain said light blocking member when said
light blocking member is in a retracted position, said guide tracks
being oriented to guide the deployment and retraction of said
film.
[0034] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the guide tracks are pivotable relative to the double pane.
[0035] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the storage unit comprises a roller for containing the film when
the film is in a retracted position, the roller being oriented to
guide the deployment and retraction of the film.
[0036] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the light blocking member is partially deployable to create a
partially translucent state. According to features in the described
preferred embodiments the shade assembly further comprises an air
pump for aiding in deploying and retracting the fluid.
[0037] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the shade assembly is in a building.
[0038] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the shade assembly is in a motor vehicle.
[0039] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the fluid is mercury.
[0040] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the fluid is substantially opaque.
[0041] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the fluid is partially translucent.
[0042] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the pump is powered by a motor.
[0043] According to features in the described preferred embodiments
the fluid is partially deployable to create a partially translucent
state.
[0044] The present invention successfully addresses the
shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a
versatile double pane shading assembly that may be effectively used
within a motor vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
the purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of
providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily
understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of
the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show
structural details of the invention in more detail that is
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be
embodied in practice.
[0046] In the drawings:
[0047] FIG. 1a is a diagrammatic illustration of a shade assembly
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 1b is a diagrammatic illustration of the shade assembly
of FIG. 1a in a different orientation;
[0049] FIGS. 2a and 2b are diagrammatic illustrations of the drive
mechanism of the shade assembly of FIG. 1a;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the shade assembly
of FIG. 1a installed in a building;
[0051] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are diagrammatic illustrations of the
shade assembly of FIG. 1a installed in a motor vehicle in different
states of deployment;
[0052] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are diagrammatic illustrations of
different installation alternatives of the shade assembly of FIG.
1a;
[0053] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a shade assembly
constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of the shade assembly
of FIG. 10 installed in a motor vehicle;
[0055] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a shade assembly
constructed in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of the shade assembly
of FIG. 12 installed in a motor vehicle;
[0057] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of a shade assembly
constructed in accordance with a yet further alternative embodiment
of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of the shade assembly
of FIG. 14 installed in a motor vehicle; and
[0059] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] The present invention is of a window shade assembly
comprising a light blocking member deployable within the space
between the two panes of a double pane window.
[0061] The principles and operation of a window shade assembly
according to the present invention may be better understood with
reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
[0062] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in this application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried
out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a shade assembly
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which is
referred to hereinbelow as shade assembly 10.
[0064] Shade assembly 10 is for shading a window opening in a
building, such as a residence, office or other inhabited space, or
in a motor vehicle. The window opening in which shade assembly 10
is deployed is hereinafter referred to as window opening 11,
irrespective of its nature or location. Accordingly, shade assembly
10 is installable in window opening 11 in place of an existing
window unit or on the inside of an existing window unit or on the
outside of an existing window unit.
[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, shade assembly 10
replaces an existing static window unit that does not open, such as
is found in climate controlled buildings or motor vehicle
windshields and rear windows. According to an alternative
embodiment, shade assembly 10 also replaces a translating window
unit that raises and lowers to allow air entry, in which case shade
assembly 10 will also be capable of raising and lowering to allow
the entry of air. Such an embodiment is described hereinafter.
[0066] Shade assembly 10 includes two panes of transparent material
disposed substantially parallel with a uniform distance
therebetween, forming a double pane, hereinafter referred to as
pane 12. Such double glazing is well known and commonly in use,
particularly where thermal insulation is needed. The transparent
material of pane 12 may be any glazing material desired according
to the application. Although glass is a common and preferred
glazing material, pane 12 may incorporate any glazing materials of
any thickness desired, provided that it is appropriate to the
specific application.
[0067] Pane 12 is formed with a space, hereinafter referred to as
space 14, between the two panes. The two panes of pane 12 are
preferably joined around their perimeter. According to the
preferred embodiment, it is not essential that the joint be sealed,
rather it is necessary that the two panes simply be held in a
stable manner in parallel at their edges, with space 14
substantially unobstructed. Such joining may be accomplished in
many ways, including by fusing a spacer between the panes around
the perimeter or by enclosing pane 12 within a perimeter frame
which serves to retain the panes the desired distance apart.
[0068] Further according to the preferred embodiment, pane 12 has
at least one edge open in communication with space 14. This open
edge is hereinafter referred to as opening 16. Accordingly, the
edges of the two panes at opening 16 will not be joined in any
fashion nor contained within a frame. In the majority of
applications, pane 12 will be shaped as a four sided polygon
oriented substantially vertically with opening 16 as its lower
edge.
[0069] Shade assembly 10 includes a light blocking member, which,
according to the preferred embodiment, is a film, hereinafter
referred to as film 18. Film 18 is deployable within space 14 to
prevent or impede the passage of light through pane 12 and is
retractable to end the shading effect and restore full translucency
to pane 12.
[0070] Film 18 is preferably fabricated of plastic, rubber,
polymer, polycarbonate or metal. The specific composition of film
18 is not a material element of the invention, provided that film
18 has the required degree of flexibility to deploy and retract as
needed. It is understood that the various applications to which
shade assembly 10 will be applied may require different degrees of
flexibility. Therefore, the material of film 18 may vary according
to the flexibility required by the specific embodiment.
[0071] Film 18 may have varying degrees of opacity and
translucency, according to desire. In some applications, such as in
a motor vehicle windshield, a totally opaque, ultra-violet blocking
effect will be desired, whereas within an inhabited building, a
certain degree of shading may be desirable. Accordingly, film 18
may be a mesh or a screen or any other appropriately translucent
material.
[0072] Moreover, film 18 may have additional uses such as to
provide one way visibility such that a person within the building
or motor vehicle may see out while those outside may not see in; to
add a decorative effect to the window by being colored or bearing a
design; or to include a commercial element such as advertising. It
is appreciated that film 18 is a versatile element subject to many
forms and uses.
[0073] Shade assembly 10 also includes a storage unit for stowing
film 18 when it is retracted, hereinafter referred to as storage
unit 20. According to the preferred embodiment, storage unit 20
comprises two guide tracks oriented in parallel and a connecting
member, hereinafter referred to collectively as guide 21,
constituting a left guide 21a, a right guide 21b and a connecting
member 21c. Left guide 21a and right guide 21b are positioned such
that they extend from the sides of pane 12 perpendicularly from
opening 16. Connecting member 21c is attached therebetween at the
distal ends of guides 21a and 21b in order to retain guides 21a and
21b in parallel orientation. Guide 21 is preferably formed of a
rigid and durable material.
[0074] Left guide 21a and right guide 21b preferably have "U"
shaped profiles oriented such that the interior of each "U" is
facing one another, thus forming a continuous guide channel for the
movement of film 18 such that film 18 may move unimpeded from space
14 into and out of guide 21.
[0075] In some applications, storage unit 20 will form a continuous
plane with pane 12, such as when shade assembly 10 is installed in
window opening 11 in a building with a straight vertical wall and
guide 21 is positioned within the wall structure adjacent to window
opening 11. In other applications, such as in the windshield or
rear window of a motor vehicle, storage unit 20 may be positioned
along the hood, trunk lid or ceiling and therefore not in the same
plane as pane 12. For example, if storage unit 20 is positioned
along the ceiling of a motor vehicle and pane 12 is for shading the
windshield, pane 12 and shade assembly 10 will be fixed in an
angular position relative to one another. In other applications,
such as if storage unit 20 is positioned under the hood of a motor
vehicle and pane 12 is for shading the windshield, pane 12 and
storage unit 20 will require a variable angle therebetween in order
to accommodate the raising and lowering of the hood so that guide
21 doesn't impede access to the engine when the hood is open.
Accordingly, storage unit 20 will be pivotally attached to pane 12
at pivot point 19, allowing storage unit 20 to pivot relative to
pane 12 according to the requirements of its deployment.
[0076] Guide tracks 21a and 21b will preferably be of sufficient
length to contain film 18 such that film 18 is completely out of
space 14 or is not visible in pane 12 when film 18 is in a
retracted position.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2a and 2b which are
diagrammatic illustrations of the drive mechanism of shade assembly
10, hereinafter referred to as mechanism 22. Shade assembly 10
comprises mechanism 22 for deploying and retracting film 18 from
within space 14. According to the preferred embodiment, the
elements of mechanism 22 are located within the confines of guide
21. FIG. 2a shows mechanism 22 removed from guide 21 in order to
provide visibility to all of its elements. FIG. 2b shows mechanism
22 within guide 21, with portions in phantom lines in order to show
their position and orientation.
[0078] Mechanism 22 includes a motor, hereinafter referred to as
motor 24, which is preferably a DC electric motor suitable for
motor vehicle current or may be an AC electric motor for
installation within buildings. The voltage may vary depending upon
location. Motor 24 will preferably include an integral speed
reducing means such that the speed of rotation is appropriately
slow. Many small motors for many different purposes are
commercially available and the precise nature and size of motor 24
is not a material feature of the invention.
[0079] Motor 24 is preferably wired and switched such that its
rotating shaft, hereinafter referred to as drive shaft 28, rotates
clockwise and counter clockwise. Motor 24 is preferably disposed
within or adjacent to connecting member 21c, oriented such that
drive shaft 28 extends in both directions from motor 24 parallel to
connecting member 21c. Drive shaft 28 extends substantially to the
ends of connecting member 21c and inserts within the "U" shaped
channels of guides 21a and 21b. Positioned on each end of drive
shaft 28 are drive pulleys 30 which drive belts 32. Positioned
toward the upper ends of guides 21a and 21b and rotationally
affixed thereto are corresponding pulleys 34, which are
respectively positioned coplanularly with drive pulleys 30 such
that they may be driven by belts 32. Accordingly, pulleys 30, belts
32 and pulleys 34 move within the same plane and are preferably
disposed within the "U" shaped channels of guides 21a and 21b. It
is appreciated that the function of pulleys 30 and 34 and belts 32
may be carried out by corresponding sprockets and chains, cables
and other rotational elements, or other similar mechanisms.
[0080] In both FIGS. 2a and 2b, film 18 is shown extending from
opening 16 into guide 21 and terminating a short distance from
connecting member 21c. The lower terminal end of film 18 is
preferably fitted with a rigid rod, hereinafter referred to as rod
36, extending from within the channel of guide 21a to within the
channel of guide 21b beyond the plane formed by pulleys 30 and 34
and belts 32. Affixed to each of belts 32 is a holding device such
as a ring, hereinafter referred to as rings 40, for securing each
end of rod 36 to a fixed position relative to belts 32 such that
when belts 32 move, force is exerted against rod 36. The nature of
the holding device is not a material element and any holding device
will suffice provided that it secures rod 36 to the designated
location on belts 32. Accordingly, the movement of belts 32 causes
the movement of rod 36 and with it film 18.
[0081] Motor 24 will preferably have a reversible switch such that
it may be controlled by a user to rotate in either direction.
Rotating in one direction will cause rings 40 on belt 32 to move
toward opening 16, thereby pulling rod 36 toward opening 16, thus
pushing film 18 into space 14. Rotating in the opposite direction
will cause rings 40 on belt 32 to move away from opening 16,
thereby pulling rod 36 away from opening 16, thus pulling film 18
out of space 14.
[0082] Mechanism 22 will further comprise a pair of micro switches
42 affixed to guide 21 in order to stop the movement of motor 24
when tripped. One micro switch 42 is positioned where it will be
tripped by rod 36 when rod 36 is at its most extended position,
thus stopping the retraction movement of film 18 when it
substantially reaches the distal end of guide 21. The other micro
switch 42 is positioned where it will be tripped by rod 36 when rod
36 is at its most proximal location relative to opening 16, thus
stopping the deployment movement of film 18 when it substantially
reaches the distal end of space 14.
[0083] In addition, mechanism 22 may preferably be connected to any
alarm system that may be installed within a building or motor
vehicle, such that tampering with shade assembly 10 will actuate
the alarm, or tampering with the window, building or motor vehicle
itself will activate shade assembly 10 causing it to shade or
unshade the window as may be desired. When shade assembly 10 is
installed in a motor vehicle, mechanism 22 may preferably be
actuatable in conjunction with the operable elements of the motor
vehicle in order to provide safety or security, for example, by
shading the windows only when the transmission is in "neutral" or
"park". All such actuation methods or uses are contemplated as
being within the scope of the present invention.
[0084] According to the above described configuration, mechanism 22
will preferably push film 18 into space 14 in order to deploy it
and pull film 18 out of space 14 in order to retract it. It is
understood that other deployment mechanisms may be employed which
pull film 18 into space 14 for deployment and push film 18 out of
space 14 for retraction, or deploy and retract it in different
manners. Many different deployment mechanisms are known in the art
for deploying different shading elements between the panes of
double glazed windows. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,133 shows a
mechanism that includes parallel threaded rods that rotate causing
holders fixed on nuts threaded on the rods to move with respect to
the rods according to the direction of rotation. Any of such
mechanisms that may be effective in deploying and retracting film
18 may be applied to shade assembly 10 without detracting from the
novelty of the present invention. The described mechanism 22 is a
simple and effective drive mechanism and it is appreciated that it
is not the only drive mechanism that may be applied.
[0085] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a diagrammatic
illustration of shade assembly 10 installed in a wall of a building
44. Shown is pane 12 with film 18 approximately 80% deployed
therein. Storage unit 20 is shown in phantom lines hidden within
the wall structure beneath window 11.
[0086] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c which are
diagrammatic illustrations of shade assembly 10 installed in the
windshield 45 of a motor vehicle 46 in different states of
deployment. Shown in all three figures is pane 12 in identity with
windshield 45, film 18 in various stages of deployment, and storage
unit 20 in phantom lines under the hood of motor vehicle 46. FIG.
4a shows film 18 fully retracted. FIG. 4b shows film 18 partially
deployed. FIG. 4c shows film 18 fully deployed. It is observed that
storage unit 20 is stowed adjacent to the underside of the hood of
motor vehicle 46 and is therefore not in the same plane as pane 12.
As described hereinbefore, it is necessary that storage unit 20 be
capable of pivoting relative to pane 12 as the hood of motor
vehicle 46 is opened and closed so that storage unit 20 does not
impede access to the engine of motor vehicle 46. It is understood
that in such embodiments in which pane 12 replaces an exterior
window of a motor vehicle, pane 12 must meet all applicable safety
and optical standards.
[0087] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 which are
diagrammatic illustrations of different installation alternatives
of shade assembly 10. Shown in all three figures is pane 12
installed to shade rear window 47, with film 18 in partial
deployment, and with storage unit 20 in phantom lines stored under
the trunk lid of motor vehicle 46. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 respectively
show shade assembly 10 installed with pane 12 on the inside of an
existing window unit, on the outside of an existing window unit and
in place of an existing window unit. It is understood that the
three different dispositions shown are applicable to any window
opening 11 in which shade assembly 10 is installed.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows pane 12 disposed outside of and adjacent to
rear window 47. In such a disposition, pane 12 will be strongly
attached to either rear window 47 or to the body of motor vehicle
46 surrounding rear window 47 so that it does not detach therefrom
as a result of driving agitation or wind forces. In such a
configuration, the body of motor vehicle 46 must be modified to
provide for an opening sufficiently large to allow pane 12 to pass
therethrough in order to lie adjacent to the outside of rear window
47.
[0089] FIG. 6 shows pane 12 in identity with rear window 47. In
such a disposition, pane 12 serves as rear window 47.
[0090] FIG. 7 shows pane 12 disposed inside of and adjacent to rear
window 47.
[0091] In all three dispositions shown, it is necessary that
storage unit 20 be capable of pivoting relative to pane 12 as the
trunk lid of motor vehicle 46 is opened and closed so that storage
unit 20 does not impede access to the trunk of motor vehicle
46.
[0092] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 and 9 which show further
installation alternatives of shade assembly 10 in a motor vehicle.
Both figures show shade assembly 10 disposed on the ceiling 48 of
motor vehicle 46, with phantom lines showing the location of
storage unit 20 and with film 18 partially deployed. FIG. 8 shows
pane 12 in identity with windshield 45 and FIG. 9 shows pane 12 in
identity with rear window 47. In both figures it is noted that
storage unit 20 is in an angular orientation with respect to pane
12.
[0093] Reference is now made to FIG. 10 which shows an alternative
embodiment of shade assembly 10 which is particularly applicable
for installations in which pane 12 replaces a window unit that
opens and closes by raising and lowering into a window opening,
such as the side windows of motor vehicles. The illustrated
alternative embodiment is similar to the preferred embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and employs the majority of the
elements of storage unit 20 and drive mechanism 22. Therefore,
where the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes the same
parts as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same numbers are used in FIG.
10.
[0094] According to the alternative embodiment, shade assembly 10
may preferably include an identical pane 12 and mechanism 22 as is
included in the preferred embodiment. One difference will be that
pane 12 is not attached to storage unit 20, as provided in the
preferred embodiment. Rather, pane 12 will not be pivotally or
otherwise connected to guide 21, but will fit within guide 21.
Guide 21 will be configured sufficiently wide between the legs of
its "U" profile such that pane 12 may move up and down the channel
formed by the opposite guides 21a and 21b. The presence of pane 12
within guide 21 need not interrupt nor disturb the operation of
mechanism 22.
[0095] Accordingly, both film 18 and pane 12 will move up and down
within guide 21, with film 18 oriented such that it slides into and
out of space 14 as needed by the relative positions of pane 12 and
film 18. For example, when pane 12 is in the up or closed position,
film 18 may be in its deployed state within space 14 or in its
retracted state stowed within guide 21. When pane 12 is in its down
or open state, film 18 must be in its retracted state within guide
21, but pane 12 will have descended also within guide 21 and will
fit over film 18 such that film 18 is within space 14 even while
retracted.
[0096] Both pane 12 and film 18 require drive mechanisms for their
respective movements. Pane 12, which replaces the window unit, will
preferably be operable by the existing window drive mechanism which
normally operates the window unit. Film 18 may be operable by
mechanism 22, as shown in the preferred embodiment. It is
appreciated that the respective drive mechanisms may be combined in
various aspects or one or the other of the two drive mechanisms may
be modified to operate both pane 12 and film 18. Such drive
mechanisms that operate a plurality of parallel moving members are
known in the art.
[0097] The electrical system of mechanism 22 must be modified in
order to provide for this difference in operation from the
preferred embodiment. For example, film 18 must be prevented from
deploying when pane 12 is in the down or open position. In
addition, when pane 12 is in the up or closed position and film 18
is deployed therein, moving pane 12 down must also cause film 18 to
retract. Both of such requirements may be met by simple switching
arrangements that are well known in the art and commonly in
use.
[0098] Reference is made to FIG. 11 which shows the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 10 installed in a side window of motor vehicle
46. Shown is pane 12 partially raised with film 18 deployed
therein. Storage unit 20 is shown in phantom lines within the door
of motor vehicle 46.
[0099] Reference is now made to FIG. 12 which shows an alternative
embodiment of shade assembly 10 which is particularly applicable
for installations in which there is not sufficient space to
accommodate storage unit 20 in the form of guide 21, which extends
from pane 12, effectively doubling its size. Such an embodiment may
be installed below windshields or rear windows or within doors of
motor vehicles to shade the side windows.
[0100] According to the alternative embodiment, storage unit 20
comprises a roller, hereinafter referred to as roller 50, for
containing film 18 in its retracted state rather than the extending
guide 21 of the preferred embodiment. However, the illustrated
alternative embodiment remains similar to the preferred embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in many respects and employs the
majority of the elements of drive mechanism 22. Therefore, where
the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12 includes the same parts
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same numbers are used in FIG.
12.
[0101] As shown, roller 50 will preferably be disposed below motor
24 and drive shaft 28, oriented with its axis parallel to drive
shaft 28 and to opening 16 of pane 12. Roller 50 will be so
positioned that film 18 will be deployed from roller 50 into space
14 and retracted from space 14 on to roller 50 without impediment.
Accordingly, roller 50 will preferably be located close to and
aligned with opening 16.
[0102] Roller 50 will rotate about an axial shaft 51 which will
preferably be supported on both ends by guide 21 (not shown) which
are positioned adjacent to the sides of pane 12, rather than
extending from the sides of pane 12 as is shown in Figure.
Accordingly, the same mechanism 22 of the preferred embodiment may
be employed in the alternative embodiment with only slight
modification. According to this alternative embodiment, motor 24
and drive shaft 28 with pulleys 30 thereon are the same and remain
supported by guide 21 (not shown). The remainder of mechanism 22,
specifically pulleys 34 and belts 32, will similarly be disposed
within guide 21 which is positioned adjacent to the sides of pane
12. Therefore, in order to accommodate this new position of
mechanism 22, rod 36 is attached at the top end of film 18 rather
than at the bottom end of film 18. In order for this configuration
to be effective, another modification of the preferred embodiment
is needed. Rod 36 must pass into space 14 and extend beyond the
sides of pane 12 in order to engage rings 40 of mechanism 22, which
is now positioned adjacent to the sides of pane 12. Therefore,
according to the alternative embodiment, the sides of pane 12 are
provided with longitudinal slots 52 such that rod 36 may extend
therethrough order to move with respect to pane 12 as propelled by
rings 40. It is appreciated that according to the alternative
embodiment, rod 36 pulls film 18 into space 14 upon deployment and
pushes film 18 out of space 14 upon retraction.
[0103] In a variation of the alternative embodiment, an
electromagnet may preferably be disposed in the distal end of space
14 and rod 36 may be formed of a ferrous metal in order to create a
magnetic force that will assist in the deployment of film 18. In a
further variation of the alternative embodiment, roller 50 may
preferably be provided with a coiled spring which is tensioned by
the rotation of roller 50 in the direction of the deployment of
film 18, thus storing energy which assists in the retraction of
film 18. Such springs are commonly in use in window shades and
other applications.
[0104] Reference is now made to FIG. 13 which shows the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 12 installed in a rear window of motor vehicle
46. Shown is pane 12 with film 18 partially deployed therein.
Roller 50 is shown in phantom lines below pane 12.
[0105] Reference is now made to FIG. 14 which shows yet a further
alternative embodiment of shade assembly 10 which is particularly
applicable for installations in which the window unit is
irregularly shaped or curved. According to the alternative
embodiment, shade assembly 10 comprises pane 12, similar in
configuration and materials to pane 12 of the preferred embodiment,
but sealed around its perimeter such that it retains fluid within
space 14 without leakage.
[0106] According to the alternative embodiment, shade assembly 10
comprises a light blocking fluid, hereinafter referred to as fluid
60, that is deployable within space 14 in order to block the
passage of light through pane 12. Fluid 60 has certain required
properties that enable it to function effectively in the described
application. First, it must have a certain degree of
opacity/translucency according to desire. In some applications,
such as in a motor vehicle windshield, a totally opaque,
ultra-violet blocking effect will be desired, whereas within an
inhabited building, a certain degree of shading may be desirable.
Accordingly, fluid 60 may be totally impervious to light passage or
it may be slightly "smoky", "milky" or colored in order to provide
the desired degree of translucency and/or visibility.
[0107] Second, to be effective as fluid 60, a fluid must not adhere
to the inside surfaces of pane 12 after retraction. Therefore,
fluid 60 must have low adhesion characteristics. Adhesion is herein
defined to mean the propensity of a fluid to adhere to a body with
which it comes into contact. Fluids are often differentiated by
their ratio of adhesive force/cohesive force. For example, highly
volatile fluids like alcohols typically have high adhesive force
and low cohesive force. Thus, a quantity of such a fluid coming
into contact with an object will not stick together but will adhere
and spread widely on the surface of the object Conversely, a fluid
like mercury has extremely high cohesive force and low adhesive
force. Therefore, a quantity of mercury that comes into contact
with an object will tend to stick together rather than disperse or
adhere to the object. Further measures that may be taken to avoid
residual deposits of fluid 60 within space 14 include coating the
inside surface of space 14 with a substance that is inherently non
adhesive, such as TEFLON.TM., or coating the surface of space 14
with a charged substance and selecting an ionized fluid 60 that
will be repelled by the coating, or fabricating pane 12 of water
repellant glass and selecting a water-based fluid 60.
[0108] Third, fluid 60 must be capable of withstanding the high
temperatures produced by sunlight without evaporating.
[0109] Finally, fluid 60 must have an appropriate viscosity such
that it may be deployed by pumping into space 14 and retracted by
vacuum or by air pressure from space 14.
[0110] Accordingly, an effective fluid 60 to serve as a light
blocking fluid is mercury. Additional fluids that may be used
include oil based, water based or antifreeze based fluids in
conjunction with appropriate repellent coatings on the interior
surfaces of space 14. It is appreciated that the specific fluid
serving as fluid 60 is not a material element of the invention and
any fluid that exhibits the required properties and that may be
deployed into space 14 and retracted therefrom without a residue
may be used.
[0111] According to the alternative embodiment, shade assembly 10
further comprises a reservoir, hereinafter referred to as reservoir
62, for containing fluid 60. Reservoir 62 may be of any shape
required in order to fit into the space provided for it and may be
made of any durable material impervious to disintegration or
dissolution as a result of contact with fluid 60. Reservoir 62 will
be in fluid communication with space 14 via fluid tube 66 which is
in fluid communication with space 14 via at least one opening in
pane 12, hereinafter referred to as opening 64. Opening 64 is
preferably located on a bottom edge of pane 12 in order to allow
gravity to aid in the retraction of fluid 60 from space 14.
[0112] According to the alternative embodiment, shade assembly 10
further comprises a fluid pump, hereinafter referred to as pump 68,
which is interposed within fluid tube 66 for deploying fluid 60 by
pumping fluid 60 from reservoir 62 into space 14 and for retracting
fluid 60 by pumping fluid 60 from space 14 into reservoir 62. Many
suitable manual and powered fluid pumps are commercially available
for two-way transfer of fluids from one container to another. The
specific pump selected as pump 68 is not a material element of the
present invention.
[0113] Pump 68 is preferably powered by an electric motor (not
shown) which is preferably a DC electric motor suitable for motor
vehicle current or may be an AC electric motor for installation
within buildings. The precise nature and size of the electric motor
is not a material feature of the invention provided that it is
suitable for activating pump 68.
[0114] According to the alternative embodiment, shade assembly 10
further comprises an air pump, hereinafter referred to as pump 70,
which is in fluid communication with space 14 via an opening 72 in
pane 12. Pump 70 is useful in the retraction of fluid 60 by causing
positive pressure within space 14 to exert force on fluid 60 and
assist the pumping action of pump 68. Pump 70 is also preferably
reversible such that it is operable to remove air from within space
14 to aid in the deployment of fluid 60. No specific air pump is
designated as pump 70 as many small capacity pumps are commercially
available that will serve the function of pump 70.
[0115] Opening 72 is preferably located on a top edge of pane 12 so
that it will not be blocked as fluid 60 enters space 14. Moreover,
in instances in which pump 68 retracts fluid 60 from space 14
without the aid of pump 70, opening 72 so located will serve as a
pressure equalizer so that air may enter to replace the retracted
fluid 60.
[0116] It is appreciated that a motor vehicle may have multiple
window units of shade assembly 10 to be shaded according to the
above described alternative embodiment. Accordingly, it is within
the scope of the present invention to equip motor vehicle 46 with a
system which includes a common reservoir 62, a common fluid pump 68
and a common air pump 70 for deploying and retracting fluid 60
within each window unit to be shaded. According to such a system,
fluid tube 66 will necessarily comprise a network of fluid tubes 66
leading from the common pump 68 to each window, and air pump 70
will similarly have a network of air tubes 74 leading to each
separate window unit. It is understood that each network of fluid
tubes 66 and air tubes 74 will necessarily require careful and
intricate valving to assure the passage of fluid and air to the
desired window unit.
[0117] Reference is now made to FIG. 15 which shows the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 14 installed in a rear window of motor vehicle
46. Shown is pane 12 with fluid 60 partially deployed therein.
Reservoir 62, pump 68, fluid tube 66, air pump 70 and air tube 74
are shown in phantom lines below pane 12.
[0118] Reference is now made to FIG. 16 which shows a flow chart
illustrating a method of shading a window opening in a motor
vehicle, hereinafter referred to as method 80. Method 80 comprises
the following steps:
[0119] Step 1. Deploying within a window opening in a motor vehicle
a shading assembly comprising a double pane formed of two panes of
transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space
therebetween, and a light blocking member deployable within the
space and retractable from within the space.
[0120] Step 2. Deploying the light blocking member within the space
of the double pane.
[0121] It is understood that the various embodiments of shade
assembly 10 hereinbefore described are appropriate for use in
method 80. It is also understood that any variations of any of the
embodiments of shade assembly 10 will similarly be appropriate for
use in method 80 and are contemplated as being within the scope of
the present invention so long as they include the elements set
forth in the above two steps constituting method 80
[0122] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable
subcombination.
[0123] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both
combinations and subcombinations of the various features described
hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which
would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the
foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all
such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within
the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *