Having Foldable, Extensible, Or Rollable Body Patents (Class 296/97.8)
  • Patent number: 11919369
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a flow adjusting plate is placed along an upper edge part of a front windshield, so that the flow of wind flowing along an inner surface of the front windshield is adjustable by the flow adjusting plate. Further, the angle of the flow adjusting plate from the inner surface is adjustable, so that the flow adjusting plate allows the direction of the wind flowing along the inner surface to be directed toward a seat placed behind an instrument panel in the vehicle front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Madoka Doi
  • Patent number: 11724574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a cab comprising a glass wall and an occultation system, the occultation system comprising a darkening device and being configured to allow the darkening device to move along a trajectory between an open position in which the darkening device does not obscure the glass wall and a closed position in which the darkening device obscures the glass wall, and a camera monitoring system comprising at least one camera configured to capture images of a scene outside the vehicle, and a display device configured to display the images captured by the camera, the display device being positioned in the cab, along the glass wall, wherein when the darkening device is in the closed position, the darkening device is configured to fully obscure the glass wall and to cover the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Nicolas Berne
  • Patent number: 11577584
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a sun visor mounting apparatus, system or method having a mounting plate with a J hooked end configured to receive a sun visor, a securing plate opposing the J hooked end, configured in a U shape for receiving the sun visor. A joining plate configured in a V shape with a first side capable of coupling to the mounting plate, and a second side capable of coupling to an extension plate, and the extension plate can have a first side of a coupled to the joining plate, and a second side configured to engage against a fixed structure. One or more fasteners may be utilized with each plate to secure them together. To accommodate different sizes and configurations, the joining plate and extension plate may be extending to satisfactory positions, to engage with a fixed structure for the stability of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Trinity Innovative Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Dwight David Harms, Timothy Francis Hall
  • Patent number: 11498395
    Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle visor designed to provide improved protection against the sun's rays while driving or riding in a car. It includes a transparent tinted auxiliary component made from UV glass, which can be in a stored position or a downwardly extended position (for use). As designed, it allows the user to toggle between the stored position and the extended position with the push of a button or via mechanical means. The device expands the functionality of conventional sun visors to effectively block sunlight. The present invention reduces the vibrancy of the sunlight through the windshield to assist in preventing accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Claretha Drake
  • Patent number: 11446987
    Abstract: An arrangement for a darkening device for a vehicle roof having a tension bow and a coupling, said coupling including at least one coupling recess and being coupled to the tension bow at an elongate end thereof. The arrangement has a drive cable and a cable attachment which includes at least one coupling recess and which is coupled thereto at an elongate end of the drive cable. Moreover, the arrangement may have at least one coupling pin which extends in each case into the coupling recess of the coupling and into the coupling recess of the cable attachment and connects the coupling to the cable attachment and couples the tension bow to the drive cable, so that the tension bow can be moved in a predefined manner by the drive cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Marian Riegger, Bernhard Braun
  • Patent number: 11391088
    Abstract: Implementations of a roller blind assembly for angled architectural openings are provided. In some implementations, the roller blind assembly comprises a frame, a roller tube assembly, a roller blind sheet, a chain assembly, a track assembly, an extension assembly, a retraction assembly, and a motor assembly. In some implementations, a method of using the roller blind assembly comprises installing the roller blind assembly to fully fit the perimeter of an angled architectural opening and operating the roller blind assembly to fully cover the opening of the angled architectural opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph S. McKee
  • Patent number: 11331985
    Abstract: An automatic sun visor assembly is disclosed for use in automobiles or in other equipment with windows or windshields. The invention is designed to automatically adjust the position of a visor to provide maximum protection from sunlight and to enhance safety by preventing direct sunlight from interfering with the operator's or the passenger's vision. The invention utilizes motors that include interfaces that allow their control by electronic controllers for automatically adjusting visor's position and orientation based on sensing of environmental conditions such as position of the sun, vehicle orientation and the position of operator's eyes. Specifically, the invention utilizes three motors that enable controlling visor position in three spatial dimensions. The use of an extendable spring wire in the invention enables the visor to stretch out and block direct sunlight from entering at angles where the traditional visors are unable to reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Durfee
  • Patent number: 11027528
    Abstract: A laminated vehicle windshield containing internal luminous information, includes a first glazing, a lamination interlayer, a second glazing and peripheral exterior and interior masking layers. A first curved organic-light-emitting-diode (OLED) device is between the second and third main faces windshield, the first OLED device forming a first sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Laluet, Pascal Bauerle
  • Patent number: 10625579
    Abstract: A concealed sun visor includes a body having a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes two lateral grooves respectively extending transversely from two ends of a top edge and an open end opposite to the top edge. A holding and positioning mechanism includes a holding portion extending outward from an edge thereof. A light filter is mounted in the receiving portion and has an edge securely mounted in the holding portion. Two pressing members are disposed on two ends of the holding and positioning mechanism, respectively. The two ends of the holding and positioning mechanism are received in the two lateral grooves. Each pressing member is biased outward to press against a wall of a respective lateral groove to thereby provide a retaining force holding the light filter in the two lateral grooves. The light filter is movable between a storage position and an extended position for blocking light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Liao
  • Patent number: 10569622
    Abstract: A vehicle roof having a transparent roof section and a roller blind arrangement for selectively shading or at least partially not shading the transparent roof section, the roller blind arrangement having a roller blind web which is capable of being wound up to form a roller blind reel and which is provided with a guide tape on each of its edges arranged on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, each guide tape being guided in a respective guide rail, which is fixed to the roof. The roller blind arrangement comprises a roller blind module which has a cross member for the roller blind reel, the cross member extending in the transverse direction of the roof, and a guide leg on either side of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, the guide legs being connected to the roof-fixed guide rails from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Matthew Pike, Michael Schönberger, Jochen Haussmann
  • Patent number: 10332175
    Abstract: A compatibility guidance method for a universal automotive accessory for an online marketplace provides a combination of make, model and year of a vehicle for customer to confirm particular universal automotive accessory's compatibility with given combination of vehicle during online shopping. By this process of providing compatibility guidance from premeasured data of vehicles saves a customer hassle of measuring and checking compatibility themselves. For in store purchases a potential customer can be directed to a webpage where the potential customer can find compatibility guidance for a universal automotive accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Rohan Vishnubhai Patel
  • Patent number: 10252602
    Abstract: A vehicle visor includes a visor body having a recessed track assembly disposed therein. An extension blade is slideably mounted to the visor body between stowed and deployed positions. A connecting member includes first and second ends. The first end is received in the recessed track assembly for sliding movement along a continuous loop of the recessed track assembly. The second end is operably coupled to the extension blade for lateral movement therewith between stowed, deployed and clearance positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hector Alberto Mendoza Saldivar, Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas
  • Patent number: 10112462
    Abstract: A vehicle visor accessory device for selectively extending shading capabilities of a visor may comprise a sleeve structure configured to removably mount on the visor. The sleeve structure may be elongated with an upper end for positioning toward the upper edge section of the visor and a lower end for positioning toward the lower edge section of the visor, and have a first opening located at a first side edge of the sleeve structure through which a portion of the visor is slidable. A notch may be formed in the sleeve structure. An extension structure may be integrated with the sleeve structure. The sleeve structure may have a substantially hollow interior between first and second faces to slidably receive at least a portion of the visor and the extension structure may have a solid interior between the faces to extend light blocking coverage of the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Judith J. Zabdyr
  • Patent number: 9481229
    Abstract: A protection device for a vehicle interior having a flexible planar formation movable between stored rest and tensioned protection positions. The formation is provided at a front end region in a tensioning direction with a dimensionally stable draw-out profile member guided between the rest and protection positions by at least one guide arrangement. The draw-out profile member includes a longitudinal compensator to compensate for deviations between movement directions of the guide arrangement and the draw-out profile member. The guide arrangement has at least one linearly guided carrier element, and the draw-out profile member includes an undercut compensation groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the draw-out profile member and which is open towards the carrier. The carrier comprises a longitudinally displaceable sliding or rolling element which is retained in a positive-locking manner in the receiving groove in the opening direction of the compensation groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Fischer, Christoph Beutel, Danja Sperr, Nina Roeschinger, Darren Ketteringham
  • Patent number: 9340095
    Abstract: A sun screen for a vehicle having a windshield, an A-pillar and a dashboard includes a spool rotatably coupled with the dashboard and a guide moveably coupled with the A-pillar. The sun screen further includes a unitary, flexible substrate spanning a width of the windshield and having a trailing end coupled with the spool and a leading end coupled with the guide such that the substrate is selectively extendable over the windshield and retractable on the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joel A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9254734
    Abstract: A multi-component open-air vehicle roof structured to have a retractable enclosure storage compartment along a length of a driver's and passenger's side of the roof, and retractable enclosures to be supported and protected by the retractable enclosure storage compartments, and a rear-side retractable enclosure with a choice of having either rear-side roof supports shaped to act as a storage compartment or having a rear-side compartment as part of the rear-side edge area of the roof, either to act as a roof support storage compartment for the rear-side retractable enclosure when it is retracted. On each roof side there is a wing valence support for supporting a decorative valence and an optional lighting system. The retractable enclosures may be powered or manually controlled. The roof's ribbed, single-ply construction provides for a stronger roof with a plurality of storage compartments for a plurality of accessories within the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Michael P. Held
  • Patent number: 9233598
    Abstract: A sun visor including a sun visor body having a front side, back side, top side, bottom side, right side and left side. A first cavity and a second cavity disposed within the sun visor body separated by a dividing wall. A sun vision visor and a night vision visor contained within the respective first cavity and second cavity. Each of the sun vision visor and the night vision visor are contained within each of the respective first cavity and second cavity when in a retracted position. Each of the sun vision visor and the night vision visor are extendable to an extended position for use when needed. A friction hinge is disposed on each of the sun vision visor and the night vision visor allowing multi-directionally pivotablility of each visor toward each of the front side and the back side for desired positioning when in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Kay Elwood
  • Patent number: 9150082
    Abstract: An adjustable automobile visor is provided with a cover section to reduce the brightness of or block sunlight or oncoming headlights when the visor is extended and an attachment section to attach and secure the visor to the automobile shade. The visor is made from a single piece of material. The cover section of the visor is in the form of a plate or sheet and the attachment section extends from the cover section. The visor attachment section includes a series of folds or hinges, which aid in securing the visor to the automobile shade and in the rotation of the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Raffie Raffiel Aryeh
  • Patent number: 9090397
    Abstract: This document describes fixable cup sleeves. One of these cup sleeves is selectively fixable to a cup using a temperature-dependent adhesive that is effective to fix the cup sleeve to a disposable beverage cup when the cup is holding a warm or hot beverage. Another of these cups sleeves includes a fixing element capable of holding the cup sleeve in a closed position and fixing the cup sleeve to a disposable beverage cup when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Michael K. Colby
  • Patent number: 9073409
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor extender, comprising: a first panel and a second panel, at least short sides or corners thereof being fixed one to the other; a first and a second strap threaded between the first and second panels, for embracing thereof to an existing vehicle sun visor, ends of each of the first and second straps comprising separable fastening means for applying the embracing; and a third panel disposed between the second panel and the existing vehicle sun visor, the third panel for limiting sliding of the third panel in relation to the second panel, the third panel comprising an additional width being at the corner thereof, thereby the third panel upon being extended, shades an area below a top of a side window, which would have been exposed due to a tilt of the existing vehicle sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Rami Damari
  • Patent number: 9038695
    Abstract: A window protection apparatus on a working machine features a reel rotatably supported at an exterior of the operator cabin in a position proximate a top end of the window for rotation about a horizontal axis and a flexible window covering wound on the reel such that rotation of the reel in a first direction deploys a free end of the window covering from the reel, and rotation of the reel in an opposite second direction retracts the free end of the window covering back toward said reel. A retaining member is mounted at the exterior of the operator cabin in a position proximate a bottom end of the window, and a retaining element is attached to the window covering proximate the free end thereof for engagement with the retaining member to secure the window covering in a closed position spanning downwardly from the reel over the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jed R. T. Hutson
  • Patent number: 9039064
    Abstract: A sun screen is taught that includes a left pillar assembly having a left pillar and a left screen panel and a right pillar assembly having a right pillar and a right screen panel. An outer windshield spans between the left pillar assembly and the right pillar assembly and an inner windshield spans between the left pillar assembly and the right pillar assembly and away from the outer windshield to form a gap. A left handle having a left magnet connects to the left screen panel and a right handle having a right magnet connects to the right screen panel. The right handle selectively deploys the right screen panel towards the center of the inner windshield and the left handle selectively deploy the left screen panel towards the center. When fully deployed the right magnet and the left magnet hold the right handle and the left handle together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jayne B. Baude
  • Patent number: 9038699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blind assembly comprising a blind web (11) which is provided with one respective flexible, flat guide strip (10) along both lateral edge areas. Said guide strip (10) is guided inside a guide along the direction of extension of the blind in order to stretch the blind web. The base of the guide strip (10) is guided parallel to adjacent areas of the blind web. The inventive blind assembly further comprises at least one blind coupling with which at least one of the guide strips engages in a removable, positive manner via an entraining element (12) and via which the guide strip can be extended along with the blind web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Martin Pollak, Sebastian Glasl, Robert WĂĽrl, Andreas Rockelmann, Frank Koslowski, Steven Henry Klotz, Anthony McCall
  • Patent number: 9033022
    Abstract: A sunshade device includes a pair of rails disposed so as to have a gradually decreasing spacing therebetween, a windup device disposed between proximal ends of the pair of rails, a shade configured to be drawn from and housed in the windup device, a stay attached to a short side edge of the shade, a pair of shafts respectively inserted into the stay so as to move along a longitudinal direction thereof at both ends of the stay, and a pair of runners respectively provided so as to move along the pair of rails and coupled to the pair of shafts. Provided at least on one end side of the stay is a rotation mechanism causing the stay to change its position upon reception of a force by which the shafts move along the longitudinal direction of the stay as the pair of runners move along the pair of rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naochika Katada
  • Patent number: 8997831
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes two rail seats, a shade member and a guide unit. The shade member has a main portion and two foldable portions connected respectively to left and right sides of the main portion. The guide unit includes two guide members mounted respectively to the rail seats. Each guide member has a guide groove for receiving a portion of a respective one of the foldable portions of the shade member, and a guide surface formed in the guide groove. When the shade member is unwound, the foldable portions pass through the guide grooves and are urged to be folded through guidance of the guide surfaces before entering and being confined in the rail seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8960763
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for controllable viewing angle for a vehicle. The system further provides configurable independent sunlight blocking or completely unobstructed options for the occupants in the vehicle having a panoramic view windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tata Technologies Pte Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Fisher, Jeff Beggs, Anthony Jones, Nigel Giddons, Adam Leece
  • Patent number: 8960261
    Abstract: A vehicle window shade system for providing shade to the interior of a vehicle. A first guide rail and a second guide rail are attached to a vehicle window frame. The shade is supported by a top support bar and a bottom support bar. At least a part of the top support bar and/or the bottom support bar is made from elastic materials or telescoping parts such that the support bars may be extended to reach the varying distances between the first side rail and the second side rail. The shade expands by pressing a switch that triggers a motor to uncoil a cable and move the top support bar up the first and second guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Terile Williams
  • Patent number: 8955575
    Abstract: A shade arrangement for a motor vehicle with at least one shade length and at least one roller tube for taking-up and unrolling the shade length, each side edge of the shade length having at least one flexible, flat guide strip which extends along the drawing direction of the shade and is guided in a guide. The guide contains a connecting link in which the guide strip is guided, and which has an exit gap through which the shade length emerges from the guide, the guide strip being guided such that its base surface is guided essentially parallel to the adjacent region of the shade length. The shaping and dimensioning of the exit gap and guide strip are such that the guide strip cannot emerge from the guide by itself. The shade length is connected to the roller tube via at least one constant force spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Glasl, Christian Adlhoch, Horst-Martin Schulz, Engelbert Hirschvogel, Alexander Bergmiller, Philip Oerke
  • Patent number: 8944485
    Abstract: A window shade system for covering at least a portion of a car window of a car is provided. The car window is mounted within a window frame with the window frame having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. The window shade system comprises a first shade mounted to the top edge or the side edge of the window frame and a second shade mounted to the bottom edge or the side edge of the window frame. The first shade and the second shade are independently movable to cover at least a portion of the car window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Maria H. Kodabakshian
  • Patent number: 8939189
    Abstract: A window shade device for vehicles covers a first window and a second window provided adjacent to each other to be shielded and opened. The window shade device for vehicles includes: a guide and support mechanism including a guide rail disposed along a drawing/housing direction of the second window shade and a movable member movable along the guide rail; a rack member connected with the movable member and configured to move along the guide rail; and an intermediate transmission mechanism including a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear and transmitting the rotation of a windup shaft member of the first windup device as a force for moving the rack member along the guide rail, the first bevel gear being connected to the windup shaft member so as to rotate in association therewith, the second bevel gear being disposed to mesh with the first bevel gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Ojima
  • Patent number: 8925995
    Abstract: A side window visor is mounted to a header to pivot downwardly away from the windshield. The visor is secured to the vehicle with a two axis angled mounting assembly which allows the side window visor to pivot downwardly away from the headliner and then upwardly and to the side for blocking sun entering from the side window without encroaching in the user's head space. A visor assembly including the side window visor also has a primary visor which is mounted to pivot downwardly away from the windshield and a rotatable glare shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Marcus Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Marcus, Brian R. Dexter
  • Patent number: 8910698
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a mounting seat, a reeling shaft rotatably mounted to the mounting seat, a foldable shade member connected to the reeling shaft and having an expandable end section that has two side portions and a center portion interconnecting the side portions, a sidebar formed with a first receiving groove that is engaged with the center portion of the expandable end section, and two end components connected respectively to opposite ends of the sidebar. Each of the end components is formed with a second receiving groove in spatial communication with the first receiving groove and engaged with a respective one of the side portions of the expandable end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8905116
    Abstract: A roller blind system for a vehicle for shading a rear window, having a fabric sheet movable between stowed and functioning conditions, with a pull-out profile provided at a distal end thereof and two guide rails located on sides of the sheet, whereby the pull-out profile incorporates two sliding pieces at its opposite ends each engaged with one guide rail. The pull-out profile covers an outlet slot for the sheet. The pull-out profile has a variable length and includes a main segment bonded to the sheet and two movable end segments movable relative to the main segment by a guide. The covering face includes a main section on the main segment and side sections on the end segments. The side sections enter into a receiving pocket enclosed by the main segment when the length of the pull-out profile is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harry Weinbrenner
  • Patent number: 8899651
    Abstract: An arm rest arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The arm rest arrangement includes an arm rest. The arm rest has a receptacle device displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position in a displacing direction. An arm rest carrier is arranged upon the arm rest. The arm rest is displaceable relative to the arm rest carrier between an initial position and a final position in an adjusting direction that is equidirectional to the displacing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Harald Schulz, Marcus Schoppe, Andreas Wille
  • Patent number: 8875775
    Abstract: A window shade of the present invention can include a retractable window shade housed in a door of a vehicle, the window shade operable to extend over a window of the vehicle to be secured with a plurality of hooks located above the window. These hooks are specially designed to allow an improperly attached retractable window shade to detach and retract upon the application of a longitudinal force applied to the improperly attached retractable window shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Devon Marie Ross, Michael Anthony Zielinski
  • Patent number: 8876185
    Abstract: A magnetically adjustable sun visor assembly for providing additional dimension to a vehicle sun visor includes a mounting panel that may be operationally coupled to a vehicle sun visor. A coupler is coupled to the mounting panel so the coupler may be operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor so the mounting panel is operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor. A primary panel is operationally coupled to the mounting panel so the primary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The primary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for a user. A secondary panel is operationally coupled to the primary panel so the secondary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The secondary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Roby Edwards, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8870259
    Abstract: A hybrid visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The visor includes an expanded polypropylene body and a partial clamshell engaging the body along a single longitudinal length of the body and along a single transverse length of the body. The visor also comprises a pivot rod arranged within the clamshell and a cover material arranged over the body and the clamshell. The hybrid visor provides a light weight, low cost recyclable visor that is capable of being designed into any number of configurations all while providing the same robustness and stiffness of heavier and more costly visors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wieczorek, Leslie R. Hinds
  • Patent number: 8845002
    Abstract: A foldable visor assembly shields sunlight from a driver and/or passenger's eyes by providing a folding line to adjust a height of the assembly. The assembly includes a flexible panel having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge. The panel is semitransparent wherein the panel is configured to shield sunlight from passing through the panel. A folding line extends into the panel between the first and second lateral edges. The folding line is pivotable between an extended position and a folded position wherein a height of the panel is selectively adjustable. The folding line is spaced from the top and bottom edges. A plurality of couplers is coupled to the back side of the panel. The couplers are configured for coupling the panel to a windshield of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Samir Desphande
  • Patent number: 8833835
    Abstract: A shading assembly for shading an opening with at least two opposite opening sides in a structure comprises a flexible shading member which is movable between a position completely covering said opening and a position at least partially freeing said opening. Said flexible shading member is defined by two shading member parts which each have a first edge connected to one of said opposite opening sides and an opposite second edge, wherein said second edges of both shading member parts together define an elongate releasable connection device of the type further comprising a movable operating member which upon movement along said second edges connects or disconnects said second edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort
  • Patent number: 8827347
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes outer and inner window panels and a spacer element disposed therebetween to establish an interpane cavity between the inner and outer window panels. At least one of (a) the outer window panel has a larger cross dimension relative to the inner window panel to provide overhang regions, and (b) the inner window panel has a different contour or curvature than that of the outer window panel so that the interpane cavity varies in gap distance across the window assembly. A roller shade is disposed in the cavity and is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition, where the roller shade functions to substantially allow light transmission through the window assembly, and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition, where the roller shade functions to at least partially attenuate light transmission through the window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8800635
    Abstract: A lateral guide for a shading roller blind incorporating at least one guide rail with a first plug-in element and a connection piece with a second plug-in element which is complementary to the first plug-in element and is couplable thereto. The intercoupled plug-in elements are displaceable relative to each other to compensate for tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harry Weinbrenner
  • Patent number: 8789870
    Abstract: A vehicle visor extension that provides glare protection at sunset and sunrise by providing an auxiliary sun visor that has an upper portion which slidingly engages a cavity within an extant vehicle visor and that has a lower portion that selectively pivotally engages a bottom side of the upper portion, and that also is formed of glare reduction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Dorothy M. Tolbert
  • Patent number: 8757241
    Abstract: A protective screen for a vehicle, in particular a sun screen for a vehicle roof is configured as a flexible planar structure for fastening in the region of the vehicle roof or of a trunk compartment. The flexible planar structure has a first layer, which, at least in some sections, is of elastically stretchable configuration, and an overlying second layer, which is configured as a UV protective layer. Alternatively, the flexible planar structure has a main region having lower elasticity and/or air permeability, and secondary regions of a first type, having higher elasticity and/or air permeability than the main region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stark
  • Publication number: 20140132025
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component to which a shade assembly, which includes a shade and a shaft, is mounted includes an interior component body including a top wall, and a protruding member. The top wall is arranged such that a longitudinal direction thereof corresponds to an axial direction of the shaft. The top wall has an opening through which the shade is drawn. The top wall has exterior and interior opening edges at the opening. The interior opening edge includes a straight section and a raised section having a different shape from the straight section. The protruding member is arranged below the raised section and having a protruded edge extending straight in the longitudinal direction and on which the shade leans from an exterior side of the vehicle such that the shade bends toward an interior of the vehicle at the protruded edge when the shade is unrolled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuhiko USAMI
  • Patent number: 8708028
    Abstract: There is a need for a window blind assembly for a vehicle, in which vibration and noise are reduced when a shade curtain moves and which is convenient to be transported. The window blind assembly for a vehicle includes: a main frame; a pair of connection units arranged in the main frame; a rotary shaft rotationally arranged in the connection units; a pair of guide rails rotationally arranged in the connection units and formed with guide grooves; a shade curtain supporter movably coupled to the guide grooves of the pair of guide rails; a shade curtain including one side end portion connected to the rotary shaft and rolled into the rotary shaft, and the other side end portion connected to the shade curtain supporter and unrolled as the shade curtain supporter becomes apart from the rotary shaft; and a driving unit providing driving force to move the shade curtain supporter along the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Fuel-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Won Suk Oh, Ki Kyung Bae, Ki Hong Kim, Jeong Soon Park, Bong Jung Kim, Kyoo Kang Shim
  • Publication number: 20140097636
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes inner and outer window panels and a spacer element disposed between the window panels to establish an interpane cavity, with a roller shade disposed therein having an end fixedly attached at an anchor stop. A dielectric layer is disposed between the roller shade and a conductive layer at the inner window panel. The shade is operable via applying a voltage at the conductive layer and at the anchor stop to uncoil the shade from a coiled light transmitting condition to an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition. The window assembly may include conductive elements established at the dielectric layer for dissipating charge at the dielectric layer when the voltage is not applied and/or may mechanically retain the shade in its uncoiled state to allow for reduction in the voltage applied when the shade is uncoiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, Norman B. Warren
  • Patent number: 8646828
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly wherein the sunshade is secured in a deployed position at a single location, and wherein when the sunshade is retracted, the field of view through the window is unobstructed by securing members or the like. More particularly, the sunshade assembly utilizes a recessed hook or hook retainer within a trim panel adjacent the window as an anchor point, while a handgrip secured to the window shade is configured to pivot into a position to permit a hook or hook retainer associated therewith to be inserted into the recessed anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Stephen Haase, Shinichi Yamase, Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Ruben E. Guanzon, Ryuichi Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 8616610
    Abstract: Moto-Auto Visor is an automobile windshield visor that is placed on the dashboard and stuck by 2 suction cups. Moto-Auto Visor helps protect the interior of the vehicle from the Sun's Ultraviolet rays and also keeps it cooler. Moto-Auto Visor is also beneficial to Handicapped Individuals that can't easily remove and install a Sunshade. Moto-Auto Visor opens and closes its shade with Rods connected to the center console, which move in a circular up and down motion. Moto-Auto Visor in its Center Console has a compartment that can store a monetary expressway device and other belongings. Moto-Auto Visor has 3 Variations called Super Deluxe, Deluxe, and Basic. The Super Deluxe can be made to operate by either of 3 ways. First, by on off switch powered by direct or alternating current, secondly by an auxiliary remote control device and third manual. the Deluxe can be made to operate by either of 2 ways, on off switch and manually. While the Basic on manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Abel Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130320701
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a mounting seat, a reeling shaft rotatably mounted to the mounting seat, a foldable shade member connected to the reeling shaft and having an expandable end section that has two side portions and a center portion interconnecting the side portions, a sidebar formed with a first receiving groove that is engaged with the center portion of the expandable end section, and two end components connected respectively to opposite ends of the sidebar. Each of the end components is formed with a second receiving groove in spatial communication with the first receiving groove and engaged with a respective one of the side portions of the expandable end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8590959
    Abstract: A window blind has upper and lower outer edges that follow contours of the window and may be arched slightly to the outside. Upper and lower force-transmitting, low-expansion reinforcing elements made from a cord, a thread or a fiber network are joined fixedly to the outer edges of the knitted fabric of the blind. The reinforcing elements extend between a winding shaft and a pull-out profile that lies opposite the winding shaft on the end side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Durm, Sascha Ruckwied