Patent Application
20190126715
Various types of car HVAC units are known in the prior art. Most existing units are large, roof mounted units designed primarily for vans and campers. They are unsightly, and would look even more so on a normal passenger car. Air conditioning is often the primary function, and the units are intended for use while the vehicle is occupied, not unattended. What is needed, and what the present car roof automatic HVAC apparatus provides, is a more streamlined device that can be integrated into the roof of a normal vehicle to maintain the temperature inside the vehicle at a comfortable and safe level when left unattended, especially when a pet or child is left inside.
The present invention relates to vehicle HVAC units, and more particularly, to a car roof automatic HVAC apparatus.
The general purpose of the present car roof automatic HVAC apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a car roof automatic HVAC apparatus that has many novel features that result in a car roof automatic HVAC apparatus that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof.
To accomplish this, the present car roof automatic HVAC apparatus includes a rectangular unit body having a driver side and a passenger side disposed within a roof of an automobile. The unit body is configured to occupy the entirety of the roof, with the exception of a sunroof if present. The unit body has a thickness equal to a second thickness of the roof, and thus does not interfere with the aesthetic of an exterior of the automobile. A plurality of vents is disposed within the unit body. In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of vents has a first open position and a second closed position. When the plurality of vents is in the second closed position, it matches an interior of the roof. A light is centrally disposed on the plurality of vents. A plurality of fans is disposed within the vents, wherein each of the plurality of fans has a perimeter. A heater disposed within the unit body has a heater coil disposed on the perimeter of each of the plurality of fans, allowing the fans to blow hot air into the automobile to keep it warm. When the external temperature is hot, the heater remains off and the fans circulate air into the vehicle. A first CPU is disposed within the unit body. A rechargeable battery disposed within the driver side of the unit body is in operational communication with the first CPU, the heater, the light, the plurality of vents, and the plurality of fans. An alternate power source is disposed within the unit body, wherein the alternate power source is in operational communication with each of the rechargeable battery, the first CPU, the heater, the light, the plurality of vents, and the plurality of fans. The alternate power source is configured to provide power to the first CPU, the heater, the light, the plurality of vents, and the plurality of fans when the rechargeable battery is depleted. The alternate power source can be, but is not limited to, a solar powered generator. A receiver chip is also disposed within the unit body, wherein the receiver chip is in operational communication with the first CPU. A remote control having a battery, a second CPU, a first transmitter, and a plurality of control buttons can be used to operate the car roof automatic HVAC apparatus. An automobile interface unit disposed within the automobile has a timer, a third CPU, and a second transmitter, wherein each of the timer and the second transmitter is in operational communication with the third CPU. The third CPU is in operational communication with an ignition switch of the automobile. The automobile interface unit can detect when the vehicle has been turned off for a programmed amount of time to automatically begin ventilation or heating. Beyond maintaining a more comfortable temperature inside of the automobile for a driver to return to, the car roof automatic HVAC apparatus acts as a safety mechanism to prevent a child or pet left inside the automobile from dying of excessive heat or cold.
Thus have been broadly outlined the more important features of the present car roof automatic HVAC apparatus so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular
Referring to
