Abstract: A method of producing mirrors comprising depositing onto a ribbon of hot glass during the production process a coating comprising at least one pyrolytic reflecting layer and at least one color modifying layer whereby the mirrors exhibit color in reflectance and have a visible light reflection of at least 35% and less than 70%. There is also a provided a mirror having such a coating.

Abstract: In a pocket part for a vehicle door constructed to be affixed to the interior structure of such door to form a vehicle door pocket having a U-shaped plastic frame, the frame having an elongate base and a pair of arms upstanding from the base and a pair of metal fasteners carried in the upper ends of the frame arms at the upper corners of the pocket part, the improvement comprising a single elongate metal strap slidable length-wise of the frame and having its opposite ends held by the heads, respectively, of the pair of fasteners, and a single elastic strap wrapped around opposite ends of the slidable strap and having its opposite ends held by the shanks, respectively of the pair of fasteners, the elastic strap being in constant tension so as to maintain the slidable strap in constant compression, whereby to maintain the upper edge of the pocket part biased against the interior door structure.

Abstract: A rain and sun cover for an automobile that is attached at one end to a roller, and at the other end to the car door. When the door is opened the cover will unroll and provide a sheltered area so a person may close an umbrella and enter the car without getting wet.

Abstract: A gutter and visor system positionable near a window of a vehicle comprising an elongated strip formed into an interior section, an exterior section, and an intermediate section therebetween; wherein the interior section is vertically positioned and includes an upper edge and a lower edge; wherein the exterior section is formed into a loop having an inboard portion and a free edge offset above and facing downward towards the inboard portion; wherein the intermediate section has an inboard portion coupled to the upper edge of the interior section and an outboard portion coupled to the inboard edge of the exterior section at a location offset from lower edge of the interior section; and coupling means for coupling the interior section near a window aperature on a vehicle.

Abstract: Improvements for increasing the cargo-carrying capacity of a van of a type having a body with right and left pivotally hinged doors comprising a door-bracing panel for supporting additional cargo operatively disposed to hold open the right and left doors in spaced apart relation extending rearwardly of the body and an additional tail light on a cooperating edge of each of the doors in facing relation to an oncoming motorist to permit safe operation of the van while allowing the transport of additional cargo on the platform between the open doors.

Abstract: A mirror mounting bracket for mounting mirror assemblies to truck or van type vehicles which have slanted front ends that extend at an angle from the windshield toward the ground. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member which is attached to the vehicle and a clamping member with a living hinge which receives and holds the mirror assembly. The mounting member accommodates the slanted front end of the vehicle while the clamping member positions the mirror assembly vertical to the ground.

Abstract: A wind deflector for the sunroof of a vehicle has an elongate body located transversely of the vehicle along the leading edge of the sunroof aperture and extending above the level of the vehicle roof, the elongate body having alternating sections of different height, vane formations being provided between the upper edges of the taller sections to bridge the lower sections and to deflect air passing between the taller sections down through the sunroof aperture.

Abstract: A sun visor for a vehicle window, particularly a side window thereof, includes a sun visor body fastened at its top to a top profiled strip and at its bottom to a bottom support in the form of a spring bar. The bottom support is movable so as to bring the sun visor body from a collapsed non-use position to a spread out use position and vice versa. The visor body is comprised of a series of strips which together define a fan like body. A swing lever is pivoted to one end of the profiled strip and includes a guide web extending along the length of the swing lever. One end region of the bottom support for the visor body is received in a displacable manner along the guide web so that swinging of the swing lever moves the guide web which moves the bottom support to move the visor body between its use and non-use positions. The end of the bottom support away from the swing lever is fixed to the top profiled strip.

Abstract: A window vent apparatus includes a window opening in a vehicle, the window opening having an opening edge, and an anchoring member adjacent the opening edge, a flexible window member having a perimeter edge and removably fastened with a fastener along the perimeter edge and around the opening edge, and at least two straps of different lengths, each having a window fastener at a first end for engaging the perimeter edge and an anchoring member fastener a second end for engaging the anchoring member. At least one of the straps is preferably elastic for creating tautness when installed on the window perimeter edge and the anchoring member, to hold the portion open.

Abstract: A sun visor is pivotally coupled to a pair of pivot control devices which are mounted above an automobile's side windows. The pivot control devices are located on either horizontal end of a component such as an assist handle assembly and the sun visor can be pivotally moved around this component. Each of the pivot control devices are comprised of a base, a leaf spring and an aesthetic cap such that the leaf spring can apply compressive force against each of a pair of pivot arms extending from the sun visor blade. This provides for detent actions coinciding with the stowed position of the sun visor against the headliner's inside surface and a functional position when the sun visor is rotated downward, parallel to the window.

Abstract: In a fitting assembly for securing an air spoiler to a vehicle body, the surface of the air spoiler facing the body includes a contact surface which corresponds to the surface of the vehicle body. A nut is embedded in the air spoiler in such a manner that a side of the nut is exposed facing the body from the contact surface. A positioning pin projects from the contact surface of the spoiler. A receiving recess receives the pin in order to determine the position of the air spoiler, and is formed within the body of the vehicle. A bolt engages the nut, and is tightened to secure the air spoiler to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A protective panel for a vehicle door includes a bullet resistant sheet having first and second portions. The first portion is adapted to be attached to the interior of a vehicle door. The second portion is interconnected to the first portion and is operable between a folded and an extended position. In the folded position, the second portion of the bullet resistant sheet is disposed adjacent to a door. In the extended position, the second portion extends below the bottom of a door when a door is in an open position with respect to a vehicle, thereby providing leg protection to a person standing behind a door.

Abstract: The mounting assembly readily enables longitudinal or transverse adjustment of the position of the mirror relative to the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mirror shaft, a base member and a cover member to secure the upper end of the mirror shaft to the back of the mirror; a pair of anchors and sleeves which anchor the medial portion of the mirror shaft to the vehicle, and a clamping member and a bracket member to mount the lower end of the mirror shaft to the vehicle. The mirror shaft is secured within the clamping member, the clamping member is mounted onto the bracket member, and the bracket member is mounted onto the vehicle. The base member is secured to the back of the mirror, and the upper end of the mirror shaft is securely retained between the cover member and the base member. Two elongated anchors are cooperatively engaged with two sleeves which are medially disposed abut the mirror shaft.

Abstract: A high risk vehicle windshield protective device is provided for a windshield of an automobile and consists of a bullet resistant panel pivotally mounted to the underside of the roof of the automobile adjacent the windshield. A bullet proof glass panel slides within a pair of tracks on the forward side edges of the bullet resistant panel, so that it can be pulled down and extended behind the windshield to protect an occupant most likely the driver from being shot through the windshield during dangerous situation and alternatively stored away when not in use.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror clamping bracket used for securing mirror assemblies to a vehicle. The clamping bracket is a base and a clamp unit hinged to open and close, thus, permitting a support for a mirror assembly to be inserted into a throughbore within the bracket. The clamp is closed over the mirror assembly support applying torque and thereby holding the support in place. When the clamp is closed, a latch hook on the clamp engages a latch edge in the base thereby locking the clamp closed.

Abstract: The window net (18) for racing and off-road vehicles (10) includes a woven mesh (50) with small apertures that provide good visibility through the mesh. Webbing members (68 and 74) are folded over the front and rear edges of woven mesh (50) and stitched together to retain the woven mesh sandwiched between the folded webbing material. Top and bottom webbing members (56 and 62) are folded over the upper edge and the lower edge of the woven mesh (50) and stitched together to retain the woven mesh sandwiched between the folded webbing material. The top webbing member (56) and the bottom webbing member (62) are also stitched to the front webbing member (68) and the rear webbing member (74) to completely encircle the woven mesh (50). The top and bottom webbing members (56 and 62) form sleeves which receive bars (20 and 22) to attach the window net to a vehicle (10).

Abstract: The invention is a novel wind deflector for attachment, to auto windows. The wind deflector has an extended flange that borders the upper edge of the deflector and is sized to fit into the window groove that exists in the window structure of most automobiles. Additional securing bolt(s) is also used to secure the deflector to the window structure. An optional ash tray bridges the outside with the interior of the auto and provides an apparatus to vent cigarettes, etc. to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle pocket assembly for attachment to the inner panel of a vehicle door and generally comprises a rigid backing member and an integral frontal member. The rigid backing member is adhered against the inner panel of the vehicle door and is provided with a decorative covering. The front member includes a substantially U-shaped frame having first and second side portions, a linearly expandable member including first and second partially adjustable overlapping slats which extend between the first and second side portions and a covering material which houses both the frame and the linearly expandable member. The vehicle pocket assembly is expandable by drawing the first and second slats toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air flow control device for attachment to a window frame of a vehicle door. The device includes a flow deflector element mounting clips and fasteners securing the clips to the deflector element. The deflector element has an upper margin adapted to contact the outer surface of the window frame and the clip element lies between a part of the window frame and a dual channel insert, one channel of which receives a window frame-forming seam and the other of which receives the window glass. The clips lie between the insert and the window frame and bias the upper margin of the deflector into or toward contact with the window frame such that the clip itself does not contact the outer window frame surface.

Abstract: A sun shade for the windshields and windows of an automobile, including a front shield, a pair of first side shields, a pair of second side shields, and a back shield secured to the windshield frames and door frames so that each shield projects outwardly to shield the windshields and windows from rain, snow and direct sunlight without obstructing the driver's field of view.

Abstract: A combined automobile deflector and side view mirror unit is attached to a front edge of a window frame of an automobile door. The automobile deflector and side view mirror unit comprises a mirror housing secure to the window frame and supporting a side view mirror, and a shroud having a leading edge extending along the periphery of the front edge of the window frame and attached thereto. The shroud also has a curved portion for enclosing the side view mirror, the curved portion attached to the mirror housing.

Abstract: Waste disposal vehicles are provided with an openable door against which material received in the vehicle body is compacted by an internal ram, the load being discharged at the disposal site by the ram upon opening the door. The compression produced by the ram action expresses liquid from the waste material which pools in the body and leaks out between the butting door and body frames, the leakage increasing under the opening pressure applied by the ram and the pressurized contents, wear and damage to the frames, and relative twisting of the frames. The invention provides an economical, easily maintained and replaced sealing system comprising an expansible seal member, provided preferably on the door frame, and preferably only along the horizontal bottom edge of the door frame and the bottom portions of the two vertical sides, the sealing member thus being U-shaped and providing sufficient sealing to retain any separated liquid.

Abstract: A folding step apparatus (38) is provided for vehicles having either a hinged door (26) or a sliding door (26'). The apparatus includes two parallel step supporting members (44) pivotally attached to the underside of the vehicle for adjustably supporting a step (42) or plurality of steps. A spring member (46) is used to bias the supporting members (44) and attached steps to a retracted position beneath the vehicle. A cable (64) has a first end attached to the locking end of the door and a second end attached to a front one of the supporting members (44). The cable is at least partially disposed within a hollow cord (70) which extends through portions of the vehicle frame. Opening the vehicle door causes the folding step assembly (38) to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal horizontal axis (36) of the vehicle, thereby extending the step assembly (38) for facilitating easy boarding of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted in a vehicle and fixedly secured to the window channel and outer edge of the vehicular door, with a deflector plate mounted to a support boss. The support boss adjustably mounts a plurality of "J" shaped mounting plates to the boss to clamp the door frame. A modification of the invention includes plural columns of air openings through the plate directed at decreasing angles of orientation relative to the plate to direct air interiorly of the passenger compartment in limited quantities. Further, a support boss of the deflector plate is optionally provided with a through-extending conduit and feed conduit to direct a fluid fragrance through the deflector plate.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a door trim panel having a mounting surface to a vehicle body door. The door trim panel has a plurality of appendages which project downward from the door trim panel and a plurality of fingers depending downward in proximity to an upper edge of the door trim panel. The door has a plurality of openings for receiving the appendages of the door trim panel adapted for securing the door trim panel to the door. The clips secured to the vehicle body door have a ramp surface for engagement by the finger of the door trim panel and adapt to slide the trim panel vertically relative to the door trim panel as the door trim panel is moved towards the body door. An engagement surface of the clip depends downward from an upper edge of the ramp surface for engaging the finger securing the trim panel to the body door.

Abstract: A door inner panel and a door outer panel attached together in spaced apart relation defining a cavity. The door inner panel has a plurality of openings therein and the door components are individually mounted on the inner panel within these openings by a plurality of energy absorbing devices which are preferably comprised of convoluted straps.

Abstract: The mounting assembly readily enables longitudinal or transverse adjustment of the position of the mirror relative to the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mirror shaft, a base member and a cover member to secure the upper end of the mirror shaft to the back of the mirror; a pair of anchors and sleeves which anchor the medial portion of the mirror shaft to the vehicle, and a clamping member and a bracket member to mount the lower end of the mirror shaft to the vehicle. The mirror shaft is secured within the clamping member, the clamping member is mounted onto the bracket member, and the bracket member is mounted onto the vehicle. The base member is secured to the back of the mirror, and the upper end of the mirror shaft is securely retained between the cover member and the base member. Two elongated anchors are cooperatively engaged with two sleeves which are medially disposed about the mirror shaft.

Abstract: A wire harness mounting structure for a motor vehicle door comprising a door frame and planar mounting means, detachably attached to said door frame at an internal side of its motor vehicle, having a wire harness mounted thereon and extending in a plane generally parallel to the door frame. The mounting means is either in the form of a covering board, or a combination of the covering board and an internal side board mounted between the vehicle door frame and the covering board, and, is either integrally formed with the covering board or independently, rigidly formed as in the case of an internal side board.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contoured window accessory for vehicles. The accessory is suited particularly for use in the rear view window space of a pickup truck or van. The accessory comprises a first panel integrally formed of a transparent material. The first panel preferably is wedge-shaped so that it protrudes from the vehicle. This gives the vehicle a sleek and stylish exterior appearance and at the same time creates additional usable space inside the vehicle. The window may further include a second panel also adapted for installation in the window space interior to the first panel. The second panel has apertures designed to support objects, such as the speaker components of a stereo system installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic spoiler mounts on and attaches to the tailgate area of a pick-up truck. A center piece has opposing flanges for mounting over and gripping the rim of the truck tailgate. Two end pieces advantageously attach independently to the rear corners of the truck adjacent the center piece. The spoiler of the present invention provides protection and enhanced aesthetic appeal to the pick-up truck and additionally imparts aerodynamic benefit thereto.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an insulated lunch box that is able to maintain different items such as food and drink at different temperatures. It is composed of two compartments or sections, each able to maintain its contents hot or cold. The lunch box is intended for use when traveling in a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or RV. It is able to use the vehicle's warm hood to heat food. This lunch box can also be used to protect the locks of a vehicle from freezing rain and ice storm by covering and insulating them.

Abstract: A light-blocking and wind deflector device, similar to a pair of sunshades, which is adapted for use in vehicles having transparent side members, such as side glass windows or windshields. The device includes a shield in the form of a relatively stiff and generally flat sheet having sufficient opacity to serve as a light filtering medium for rear view mirrors attached to each side of the vehicle and to serve as a wind deflector. A preferred material for the sheet is a sheet of polarized plastic having a thickness of approximately 1/8 of an inch and a minimum area of about 64 square inches. A pair of shields are affixed to the side windows of a vehicle by a rectangular flange portion forming a part of each shield which portion is adapted to be inserted into the aperture into which a side window retracts, the aperture being in between the side window and the inner edge of the door.

Abstract: A pouch is mounted on a vehicle door that comprises a frame, an inside panel, and screws securing the inside panel to the frame, using an elongate mounting bracket coupled to the pouch and having two opposite ends and a hole adjacent each end. Two of the screws are removed, from opposite respective edges of the door, and the bracket is placed against the inside panel with the holes aligned with the screw holes in the door frame. The screws are inserted into the door frame through the respective holes in the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy apparatus (10) for use with the window frame (101) of a vehicle (100) wherein the canopy apparatus (10) includes a cover member (30) having an extension flap (33) adapted to be formed into a closed loop around the upper window frame portion (101") and a collapsible framework member (14) having a plurality of telescoping leg members (15) that are operatively secured to one another by a pair of floating hinge elements (16); wherein, a first pair of leg members (15) are operatively connected to the lower window frame portion (101') and a second pair of leg members (15) are operatively attached to the cover member (30).

Abstract: An automotive door trim mounting structure comprises a center pillar disposed between a front door and a rear door, and has the rear door hinged to be opened and closed. A rear door trim includes a main body portion mounted to an interior side of the rear door to cover the interior side, and an extension formed at the front end of the main body portion which extends toward the front door so as to cover the interior side of the center pillar. As the center pillar is covered with the rear door trim, the front and rear door trims appear as if they are continuous, thus obtaining a preferred interior design for the automobile.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that aids an operator in entering or leaving the cab of a large construction or farm vehicle. This apparatus consists of a series of steps leading from the ground up into the cab of the vehicle and two guide rails that guide the operator up into the cab. A first guide rail is fixed to the cab outer housing, and a second guide rail is fixed to the inner face of the cab door that provides access to the cab. The cab door guide rail is angled and positioned so as to aid in guiding the operator into or out of the cab and is also positioned so as not to interfere with the use of any accessories that may be mounted within the door. In addition, the cab door guide rail is useful as a door handle and allows the operator to guickly enter or exit the cab.

Abstract: A side door assembly in an automobile body structure for selectively opening and closing an access opening includes a generally rectangular double-walled door panel structure having a windowpane chamber and a windowpane slot both defined therein. A windowpane is supported for movement between elevated and lowered positions through the windowpane slot such that the windowpane in the lowered position can be substantially concealed within the windowpane chamber. The side door assembly also comprises a window sash mounted on the door panel structure so as to extend above the windowpane slot. This window sash has a front sash portion, a generally horizontally extending sash portion continued from the front sash portion and a generally upright rear sash portion continued from the horizontally extending sash portion. There is also provided a bezel mounted on the door panel structure at a location rearwardly of the upright sash portion and at a level above the waist level of an individual.

Abstract: An automobile head rest assembled from two elongated pillow sections flexibly attached to each other to provide a longitudinal head rest that can be bent ay any desired angle. A support cord extending longitudinally along the top edge of the two pillow sections culminating on each end in a slidable support ring and a suction cup. The suction cup easily attached to any smooth surface such as the automobile window.

Abstract: A shield for protecting the driver of a vehicle against reflected glare from an exterior mirror is disclosed. The shield takes the form of a planar sheet of material suitably treated to attenuate the intensity of visible light transmitted without distortion therethrough. In one embodiment, the shield is parallelogram-shaped and is equipped with diagonally opposed suction cups for positioning and detachably fastening the shield to the interior of the window. In another embodiment, the shield is trapezoid-shaped and has no integral fastening means, but its angular forward end is capturable by wedging action between a forward part of the window and an interior region of the vehicle adjacent thereto. In both embodiments, the shield is dimensioned and positionable to intercept, and thus to attenuate, only glare reflected from the exterior mirror along the line of sight between the mirror and the driver, leaving the driver's field of view unobstructed.

Abstract: A side body section for motor vehicles is disclosed in a whole surface flush side glazing unit where even the region of the center column is covered by a transparent shield. In the side body section according to the invention, a transparent shield is fastened to a door frame which is prolonged by the width of the center column. This produces only one separating line between the two side doors. The glass or synthetic glass shield is arranged in the plane of the side windows. In the region of the shield, the door frame has recesses which permit the fastening of receiver units for locking systems or the like to the inside of the shield.

Abstract: A window shade screen is disclosed in combination with the window of a motor vehicle. The screen includes horizontal slats and a tilt plate positioned thereabove. An assembly for associating the tilt plate with the slats is provided, so that tilting of the tilt plate tilts the slats concomitantly therewith. An assembly is also provided for removably securing the tilt plate to the window, so that the screen moves upwardly and downwardly with the window. An assembly is further provided for securing the slats to the tilt plate. Finally, a chamber is provided for receiving all the components of the screen when the screen is not in use.

Abstract: A wire harness mounting structure for a motor vehicle door comprising a door frame and planar mounting means, detachably attached to said door frame at an internal side of its motor vehicle, having a wire harness mounted thereon and extending in a plane generally parallel to the door frame. The mounting means is either in the form of a covering board, or a combination of the covering board and an internal side board mounted between the vehicle door frame and the covering board, and, is either integrally formed with the covering board or independently, rigidly formed as in the case of an internal side board.

Abstract: A barrier having vertically spaced tubular members each having telescopic extensions and locking screws to lock the extensions in abutment with vehicle structure defining a window opening. Posts include spring biased post segments which bias the top and bottom of the barrier into window and window channel engagement. The post ends are bifurcated and tapered to assure retentive engagement with the window and window channel.

Abstract: A door trim panel assembly is comprised of a rigid trim panel having a decorative trim material attached on the inner face thereof. A sheet of flexible plastic or other electrically non-conductive material is imprinted with foil conductor strips to comprise a printed electrical circuit and is attached to the outer face of the rigid trim panel. The flexible plastic sheet is coextensive in size with the rigid trim panel so that the plastic sheet will provide a vapor barrier. The rigid door trim panel is comprised of plastic or hardboard or some other dielectric material so that the foil conductor strips are electrically insulated from one another by the rigid trim panel. The flexible plastic sheet insulates the foil conductor strips from the metal of the door inner panel.

Abstract: An improved vertical service door for a tractor engine housing of the vertically-hinged horizontally swingable type. The vertical service door has a lower panel hinged to the lower edge of an upper panel, and means to support the lower panel in a horizontal position when the door is open so that it may serve as a tool tray during engine service. Some preferred embodiments include an inwardly-turned edge forming a vertical retaining edge for the tray and a rod/J-slot linkage between the upper and lower panels to support the lower panel in its horizontal position.

Abstract: A window screen or shade, in particular for motor vehicles, includes a wind-up roller biassed in the wind-up direction that is rotatably journalled in a base and on which shade or screen web is secured with one end. The other edge of the web is mounted in an end rail, which is engaged by at least one extension element of an extension structure located in the vicinity of the wind-up roller, in order to unwind the web counter to the biassing of the spring mechanism for the wind-up roller. To enable dispensing with additional guide elements for the end rail, which support the window shade in the direction at right angles to the spread-open web, the extension element is substantially rigid, at least in a direction at right angles to the plane of the web defined by the extended web, and when the web is extended can move in a plane parallel to this plane of the web.

Abstract: An automobile doormat is provided for protecting and preserving the floormat and carpet provided with the car. The doormat includes a stationary bracket extending vertically along the front portion of the interior of a door and a cleaning element removably supported on the bracket. The cleaning element may be installed and removed without tools and may be cleaned and replaced when desired. The cleaning element may be made from carpet which complements the appearance of the carpet in the automobile.

Abstract: The combination of a motor vehicle having a door that is hinged to open outwardly from a closely-fitting door opening and a finger guard comprising a first flexible strip attached to the distal edge of the door and overlapped over the adjacent edge of the door opening. A second flexible strip may be attached to the overlapped edge of the door opening under the first strip. The invention includes the finger guard itself which is adapted to be combined with a motor vehicle as described above.

Abstract: A sun visor for a vehicle side window, in which the sun visor (1) is pivotally affixed to a courtesy handle (6) in the vehicle. The courtesy handle (6) has hinge sleeves (7, 8) to support complementary pivot axles (54, 55) in the sun visor (1). The free ends (54, 55) of a C-shaped clamp (5) are pivotally fitted in the hinge sleeves (7, 8) of the courtesy handle (6). The base (51) of the clamp (5), which is parallel with the free ends (54, 55), pivotally supports the sun visor (1) by hinge sleeves (3, 4), provided in the sun visor.

Abstract: A removable, flexible, easily stored, combination privacy/sunscreen for use on the windshield and adjacent side windows of a recreational vehicle to limit light and outside viewing into the vehicle while permitting outside viewing from inside the vehicle. A sheet of flexible cloth material is shaped to fit over the outside of the windshield and adjacent side windows of the vehicle and includes means for releasably attaching the sheet to the vehicle in the above-described position. The sheet is of a non-woven material and comprises a plurality of closely spaced rows disposed on and bonded to a plurality of columns with the rows and columns disposed at right angles to one another and offset from one another. The material forming the rows is thicker and closer spaced than the material forming the columns and, further, forms a tortuous path for the passage of light therethrough which limits the maximum light passage area of the sheet to less than 30%.