Patent Application
20240375491
The present invention relates to the field of automobile window protectors and more specifically, to protectors for both flexible and rigid rear windows used in convertible automobile tops and to apparatuses and methods for protecting such windows from damage and degradation.
Convertible vehicles have been a feature of automotive history since the advent of the horseless carriage. A convertible or cabriolet is a passenger vehicle that can be driven with or without a roof in place. For so-called “soft top” convertibles, a selectively foldable, collapsible rigid frame provides a structure over which single or multi-ply fabric materials such as cotton canvases, oil cloths as well as synthetic fabrics and combinations thereof are attached to provide a semi-permanent barrier to the elements when the top is in the fixed or closed position. As used herein, roof material is understood to encompass any flexible, foldable fabric and non-fabric materials, including combinations thereof suitable for fabricating a convertible top. A convertible top is understood to be one made of roof material that may be retracted, folded down and internally stored in the trunk or boot of the vehicle, to allow an open-air driving experience when desired, with the ability to provide a roof and protection from the elements when required.
When a roof is required, it will be appreciated that there is a need for the top to include a rear window to allow light to enter the vehicle and to permit the driver to use a rear-view mirror to observe traffic and other driving conditions in order to safely operate the vehicle. For soft top convertibles the choice of rear window materials are typically limited to shatterproof glass which can increase the weight of the top, or a flexible lightweight clear plastic material. Rear windows which are made of plastic, must have good visual characteristics to ensure a clear and undistorted view. Not only must they be sufficiently flexible so that they can go along in the folding operation of the top when the top is in the retracted or open position without suffering any buckling or permanent deformation, but they must also be lightweight but sufficiently rigid so that, when the top is closed, they assume a shape that has no waves which would distort the visual information received by a driver.
The flexible windows made of plastic (such as plasticized PVC) which have historically been used in convertibles generally meet the requirements with respect to desirable visual characteristics, weight, and elasticity. However, a disadvantage of these flexible windows is that they are extremely susceptible to scratching. Indeed, according to the operating instructions of certain vehicle manufacturers, convertibles with flexible windows must be not driven through automatic car wash installations because the brushes of the car wash installations will scratch the windows. Additionally, all vehicles, but especially convertibles when the roof is retracted, are subject to increased transmission of vibration energy caused by driving on bumpy roads and by vehicle acceleration and deceleration. Moreover, because convertible vehicles lack the same rigid type of structure found in non-convertible vehicles, when the top is retracted, the increased vibration energy transmission allows the collapsible rigid frame structure of the folded top to flex and bounce. It will be appreciated that when the top is down and internally stored in the vehicle trunk, this provides conditions that can allow the flexible window to repeatedly rub against the fabric of the roof material damaging the window via friction. Finally, the combined effects of rubbing friction between the window and the roof material when the top is down and repeated exposure to the elements, particularly sunlight, when the top is up causes increased wear and degradation of the flexible plastic window material. Over time, long before the top or the frame needs repair, a replacement or exchange of the flexible window will be necessary resulting in repair shop time and relatively high costs.
Previous attempts at addressing the reduction of friction on the window include unsatisfactory and unreliable makeshift solutions such as a fabric or folded bath towel that can be placed between the fabric top and the window during top retraction. However, in use, fabrics tend to shift and to not stay in place. Also, on occasion, the fabric will bunch-up which can actually cause significant permanent deformation of the window to a degree that interferes with the visual information received by the driver when the top is placed in the up or closed orientation.
Patent application publication US 2015/0047797 A1 to Weyer is yet another example of an attempt to address the reduction of friction on windows in convertible vehicles by a protective shield. Weyer comprises a rigid or semi-rigid transparent or translucent acrylic or polycarbonate protective sheet and magnetic attachment mechanisms, such as button magnets, which are secured within the sheet. The magnets are used to attach the protective sheet to the exterior of the convertible top at or near the rear window opening.
It will be appreciated that the magnets used with the Weyer sheet must be sufficiently sized to ensure satisfactory attraction to the metal frame of the vehicle soft-top. The location of the magnets may also interfere with the proper folding of the metal frame. When in the top-down or closed position, these magnets can also be attracted to adjacent frame parts which would allow the protective sheet to become dislodged. Additionally, Weyer contemplates protecting only one surface of the window to be covered, leaving the other surface of the window essentially unprotected. Lastly, the friction caused by vehicle operation and vibration, and after repeated use, the magnets could have the tendency to rub and wear against the protective sheet, eventually becoming loosened and separated from the protective sheet. Weyer is, at best, a temporary solution that provides minimal protection of only one window surface.
It will be appreciated that there remains a need for a convenient, low-cost and easily stored device that can protect both the window inner and outer surfaces from frictional wear and degradation.
The present invention comprises selectively placeable, lightweight, easily storable, protective shields that protect the inner and outer surfaces of a flexible rear vehicle window of a convertible vehicle yet do not impede the operation of the vehicle in which the window is incorporated and does not mar or physically alter the window or the vehicle in which the window is incorporated.
In one or more embodiments, the protective shields of the present invention comprise a pair of generally rectangular lightweight flexible panel-like members which may be covered in a soft compatible fabric material. The panels are dimensioned to approximate the size of the vehicle window for which protection is sought and are shaped to extend at least partially beyond the window's perimeter dimensions. The panel-like members are generally less than 2 inches in thickness and more preferably, are between ⅛ and ¾ inches thick. Thinner panels, depending on panel materials are also contemplated but it will be appreciated that increased panel thickness provides greater protection and other advantages, although any desired thickness can be used. Preferred panel materials include cotton batting, natural rubber mats and foams, such as open and closed cell foams, combinations of these materials as well as other similar lightweight and durable materials.
In one embodiment, a second protective panel is placed into position in the trunk portion of the convertible vehicle. The placement of the second panel will correspond to the location of the rear window of the convertible top when the top is in the open or top-down position and provides a protective cushion upon which the rear window outer surface rests. After the vehicle top has been retracted, a first protective panel is placed above the inner surface of the vehicle rear window. In some instances, placement of the first panel can also be accomplished during a pause in the roof retraction process; however, in either case it will be appreciated that the vehicle rear window is essentially gently sandwiched between the first and second protective panels which are held in place by compressional weight of a convertible top. It will be further understood that convertible tops are defined as those comprising a roof material of flexible, foldable fabric and non-fabric materials, including combinations thereof suitable for fabricating a temporary impermeable barrier to the elements.
In other embodiments, the specific folding mechanism of the convertible top differ from the above and may in essence, reverse the orientation of the inner and outer surfaces of the window such that the inner surface of the window rests on the first protective panel and the second protective panel is placed above the outer surface of the vehicle rear window. In such instances, it will be understood that the protective panels will likewise be situated on either side of a flexible rear window and held in pace by compressional forces.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and embodiments. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to exemplified embodiments and examples. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplified embodiments illustrating some possible but non-limiting combination of features that may be provided alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
In the embodiments of
In forming first protective panel 100, flexible member 110 is preferably covered in a lightweight soft fabric material 120. Fabric material 120 it fitted to completely cover flexible member 110 and can be detachably secured to flexible member 110 by any number of known conventional methods and devices including sewn-in seams, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers and other closure means. Preferred closure means will be those that do not present a risk of marring or scratching the flexible rear window surface that first protective panel 100 is intended to protect. Preferably still, fabric material 120 may be removable and washable so as to avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt and other road wear debris which would typically be encountered when the top is in the closed position. Suitable fabric materials include woven and non-woven fabrics, such as pile or napped fabrics, cotton fabrics, polyester fabrics and combinations of the foregoing. Most “synthetic” fibers like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester have hydrophobic properties and therefore absorb less moisture but can still provide a desired level of softness and durability. Preferred synthetic/synthetic combination fabric materials include members of the velour, terry, and other napped fabrics.
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Optional corner cut-outs 230 are provided to accommodate roof frame dimension variations for optimal placement and fitment of second protective panel 200 within the window opening space. However, it will also be appreciated that second protective panel 200 can have any shape, and any desired thickness which may be dependent on the dimensions of the rear window opening in the convertible roof as discussed in detail below. Thinner panels, depending on panel materials are also contemplated but it will be understood that increased panel thickness provides greater protection and other advantages, although any desired thickness can be used so long as it provides sufficient surface contact to enable protection. Preferred flexible member materials include cotton batting, natural rubber mats and foams, such as open and closed cell foams, and combinations of these materials as well as other similar lightweight and durable materials. Closed cell foams and natural rubber mats are preferred in many instances because they resist water absorption and resultant mildew formation which can occur in a vehicle trunk environment due to constantly changing temperature and levels of humidity.
In forming second protective panel 200, it will be understood that flexible member 210 is also preferably covered in a lightweight soft fabric material 220. Fabric material 220 is fitted to completely cover flexible member 210 and can be detachably secured to flexible member 210 by any number of known conventional methods and devices including sewn-in seams, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers and other closure means. Preferred closure means will be those that do not present a risk of marring or scratching the flexible rear window surface that second protective panel 200 is intended to protect. Preferably still, fabric material 220 may be removable and washable so as to avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt and other road wear debris which would typically be encountered when the top is in the closed position. Suitable fabric materials include woven and non-woven fabrics, such as pile or napped fabrics, cotton fabrics, polyester fabrics, and combinations of the foregoing. Most “synthetic” fibers like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester have hydrophobic properties and therefore absorb less moisture but can still provide a desired level of softness and durability. Preferred synthetic/synthetic combination fabric materials include members of the velour, terry, and other napped fabrics families.
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While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.
