Glare Screen Or Visor Patents (Class 296/97.1)
  • Patent number: 6578895
    Abstract: A sun visor is provided that includes a core having a periphery that defines an edge of the sun visor. The core comprises a plurality of layers with at least one layer being corrugated. The corrugated layer is characterized by a plurality of alternating ridges and troughs that strengthen the core without adding weight. An upholstery cover is disposed over the core and forms an exterior surface of the sun visor. In one embodiment, the core comprises a plurality of planar and corrugated layers. In another embodiment, the core comprises a rigid panel and a foundation disposed over the panel. The foundation includes a plurality of layers with at least one layer being corrugated to increase the thickness of the core without substantially adding weight to the sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Tom
  • Publication number: 20030090123
    Abstract: An automotive sun visor is provided. The sun visor includes features such as a vanity mirror and an extender blade or slide-out sun shade. The sun visor is constructed from an cover assembly that is folded over itself and encloses a mounting frame therein. The mounting frame is secured to a vanity mirror assembly and thereby secures the cover assembly therebetween. The mounting frame also includes an articulated track for sliding reception of an extender blade. The sun visor also includes a extender blade bezel disposed with the cover assembly and including a slot formed therein. The slot is adapted for reception of said extender blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 6557920
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly is provided that includes a foundation having first and second foundation halves and a periphery that defines at least a portion of an edge of the sun visor. A first ear portion attached to the first foundation half and a second ear portion attached to the second foundation half. The first and second ear portions are secured together during assembly to form an ear, wherein at least a portion of the ear is capable of movement relative to the foundation. In one embodiment, the foundation is folded unto itself to form the first and second foundation halves. In an alternate embodiment, the foundation includes two discrete foundation halves that are secured together during assembly of the sun visor. At least a portion of the periphery of the foundation includes a rounded edge having a substantially semi-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventors: James Jud Hobson, Jeffrey L. Beaver
  • Publication number: 20030080578
    Abstract: A sun visor, which generally includes a foundation which maybe folded unto itself to form two foundation halves, and an upholstery cover disposed over the foundation, the foundation halves include connecting elements which engage one another to secure the foundation halves together. Additionally, a frame member may be disposed between the folded foundation halves, the frame member including connecting elements which engage corresponding connecting elements of the foundation halves to secure the foundation halves to the frame member. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of clips may be integrally formed in a pair of connecting strips which are each associated with a foundation half, the clips of the connecting strips engaging one another when the foundation halves are pressed together to secure the foundation halves together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, Jeffrey L. Beaver, James Jud Hobson, Glenn E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6543832
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor comprises a plurality of attachable modular members with substantially equal heights. The plurality of members includes a base module and at least one extension module. The base module is pivotably attached to the roof of a vehicle interior, and is also attachable to the extension module. The at least one extension module may comprise a center module or an inner ear module, or an end or blank module. A single mounting pivot is provided, and is connected to the base module with a pivot member that is preferably a mounting rod. The visor body may be swiveled about the pivot to cover a portion of the vehicle windshield or, alternatively, a side window, and is further moveable between a downward position and an upward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Bogdanski, Leslie R. Hinds
  • Patent number: 6530620
    Abstract: A sun visor comprises a front and a back and is desirably configured and mounted in a way to generate positive lift in a direction approximately normal to the back surface of the sun visor. A sun visor in accordance with one embodiment comprises a back, which may be of a plural section construction, designed for mounting to a front sun visor member. The front member and back may define a wiring receiving passage to receive wiring for lamps mounted to the sun visor. The sun visor back may have an upper edge portion that terminates in general at a location which is above the location of any lamps mounted to the sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Freightliner LLC
    Inventors: James Clayton Turney, Michael Ian Dawson
  • Patent number: 6527328
    Abstract: A sun visor, which generally includes a foundation which may be folded unto itself to form two foundation halves, and an upholstery cover disposed over the foundation, the foundation halves include connecting elements which engage one another to secure the foundation halves together. Additionally, a frame member may be disposed between the folded foundation halves, the frame member including connecting elements which engage corresponding connecting elements of the foundation halves to secure the foundation halves to the frame member. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of clips may be integrally formed in a pair of connecting strips which are each associated with a foundation half, the clips of the connecting strips engaging one another when the foundation halves are pressed together to secure the foundation halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, III, Jeffrey L. Beaver, James (Jud) Hobson, Glenn Snyder
  • Patent number: 6523880
    Abstract: A side car window and sunscreen assembly for selectively moving the sunscreen with the movement of the window includes a window located within a window track of a side door and selectively movable between an open and closed position, a sheet material or sunscreen positionable within the window track adjacent to the side car window wherein the sheet material has one edge selectively attachable to the car window. Selective attachment between the sunscreen and window may be accomplished through a magnetic strip attached to one of the window and sunscreen and may further include a portion of the sunscreen pivotable about a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Maher C. Yako
  • Patent number: 6513855
    Abstract: A universal sun glare shield which attaches to the rearview mirror mounting post of most automobiles to block the unwanted sun light above and around the rearview mirror when driving into low sun. The glare shield consists of two planer panels with bosses on their bottom edge held in place by a key-hole shaped keeper to provide a friction-fit to the mirror mounting post. To configure the shield to a specific vehicle, each panel has a plurality of alignment holes which lead to punch-out sections which when removed create a channel in the panels which allow the panels to be securely fastened to the mirror mounting post in a friction fit. The panels also have plurality of break-out sections on their left and right edges and their tops which allows a custom fit to the spacing between the vehicle's sun visors and its head-liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert F. Zenisek
  • Publication number: 20030015886
    Abstract: A pivot rod connection interface cover for covering the connection interface of a sun visor pivot rod which protects occupants from head impact injury in the event of a crash, yet allows the sun visor to both pivot and rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner. The pivot rod connection interface cover is composed of a base member and a cover member rotatively connected thereto. The base member is affixed to the roof of the vehicle and preferably serves as a pivot rod support which allows rotation of the pivot rod with respect to the roof. The cover member has a preferably hemispherical dome shape that snappingly engages the base member so as to be rotatable therewith and receives therewithin the pivot rod connection interface (ie., including the elbow). Preferably, but not necessarily, internal to the cover member are left and right guide walls which serve as crush features, as well as assistance to guiding the pivot rod therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Hennessey
  • Publication number: 20020185884
    Abstract: A family of visors for automotive vehicles is disclosed. Each member of the family includes at least some degree of commonality and preferably some degree of difference with one or more members of the family.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Llink Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bradley Herbst, Jon Theodore Riley, Alan Dean Picken, Karl Sommer
  • Publication number: 20020113454
    Abstract: A sun visor, which generally includes a foundation which may be folded unto itself to form two foundation halves, and an upholstery cover disposed over the foundation, the foundation halves include connecting elements which engage one another to secure the foundation halves together. Additionally, a frame member may be disposed between the folded foundation halves, the frame member including connecting elements which engage corresponding connecting elements of the foundation halves to secure the foundation halves to the frame member. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of clips may be integrally formed in a pair of connecting strips which are each associated with a foundation half, the clips of the connecting strips engaging one another when the foundation halves are pressed together to secure the foundation halves together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, Jeffrey L. Beaver, James (Jud) Hobson, Glenn Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020089208
    Abstract: A visor that is made of a thin piece of resin plastic, which folds at the top. This fold has magnets on it which faciliates the easy removability of the shade. At the fold this shade attaches to the top of the car door outside the vehicle. This shade faciliates protection from the sun on the side of the face and the shade is treated with UV stablizer which prevents ultraviolet rays from passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Debbie Mashborn
  • Patent number: 6409245
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a rounded member partially defining the outer edge of the sun visor which forms a more user-friendly edge than existing sun visor designs. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself thereby forming two foundation halves. The halves have corresponding shapes that define the edge of the sun visor. An upholstery cover covers the foundation and forms an exterior surface of the sun visor. A bead member is attached to the foundation and includes a stem portion that attaches to the foundation. The bead member also includes the rounded member whose surface forms a substantially semicircular cross section which faces away from the sun visor. In one embodiment, the rounded member is integrally formed with the foundation, itself, and this embodiment therefore does not include an additional bead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, III, Mark A. Tom
  • Patent number: 6406086
    Abstract: A sun visor (10.1) for a vehicle, having a holding unit (12.1) which can be fastened to the interior, and an antidazzle unit (14.1) which is arranged on the holding unit (12.1), has a visor body (16.1) of essentially planar design and can be moved, for antidazzle purposes, from a retracted position into a functional position, the sun visor being arranged in particular between a driver's sun visor and a front-passenger's sun visor, is distinguished in that the visor body (16.1) has at least one moveable surface unit (18.1) which increases the surface of the visor body (16.1), when the visor body (16.1) is moved from the retracted position to the functional position, and conversely reduces the surface of the visor body (16.1) when it is moved from the functional position into the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Utescheny AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Dirk Soldinger, Thorsten Rauschenberger
  • Patent number: 6402222
    Abstract: A side window vehicle shade including: (a) a sectorially deployable element having an axis of deployment and being spreadable from a folded configuration into a spread configuration and foldable from a spread configuration into a folded configuration; (b) a securing mechanism for securely yet detachably attaching the sectorially deployable element onto a portion of a vehicle, such that by spreading the element from a folded configuration into a spread configuration a sector of the window is shaded and further such that by folding the spread configuration into a folded configuration, the sector is unshaded; and (c) a mechanism having a rotatable disk for spreading and folding the sectorially deployable element, and designed to self retain a partial spread configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Yair Avitsur
  • Patent number: 6402225
    Abstract: A canopy windshield of a stroller, which includes a front shelter having a first edge attached to a front edge of a canopy shield supported by a canopy frame of the stroller and a second edge extended away from the first edge to define a shelter portion therebetween for sheltering a front portion of a seat frame of the stroller. A resilient element is mounted on the second edge of the front shelter for applying a tension force on the front shelter so as to retain the front shelter between a folded position and an unfolded position. In the folded position, the resilient element is bent inwardly to force the front shelter overlapped on an interior side of the canopy shield. In the unfolded position, the resilient element is bent outwardly to tensely extend the front shelter frontwardly and downwardly from the front edge of the canopy shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Ben M. Hsia
  • Patent number: 6390528
    Abstract: Method and device for avoiding reflections and contrasts in vehicle dashboards, wherein the dashboard 1 has one or more ventilation openings 3,4 along and at a distance from the lower edge of the vehicle windshield 2. Each ventilation opening 3,4 is covered by an air permeable cover 8, having a surface structure giving a low or insignificant contrast relative to the upper surface of the dashboard 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventor: Natalie Bergholtz
  • Patent number: 6378926
    Abstract: A truck bed extender apparatus for increasing the load capacity of a pickup truck comprising four hinged basic elements including a pair of side panels, a tailgate and a platform that is secured to the tailgate of the truck. The side panels are removably secured to the inside surfaces of the truck bed walls by a key latch mechanism. The assembly can be folded by folding the side panels inward and rotating the assembly 270° down for loading or unloading the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Rick Renze, Ed Stinson
  • Patent number: 6367861
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a rounded member partially defining the outer edge of the sun visor which forms a more user-friendly edge than existing sun visor designs. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself thereby forming two foundation halves. The halves have corresponding shapes that define the edge of the sun visor. An upholstery cover covers the foundation and forms an exterior surface of the sun visor. A bead member is attached to the foundation and includes a stem portion that attaches to the foundation. The bead member also includes the rounded member whose surface forms a substantially semicircular cross section which faces away from the sun visor. In one embodiment, the rounded member is integrally formed with the foundation, itself, and this embodiment therefore does not include an additional bead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, III, Mark A. Tom
  • Patent number: 6347824
    Abstract: A visor assembly having a lower wall member, an upper wall member, a lid member, a living hinge and a partition member. The living hinge pivotably couples the lid member to the upper wall member. The partition member cooperates with the lower and upper wall members to form a storage compartment. The living hinge permits the lid member to be pivotably moved between a first position in which the lid member substantially clears the storage compartment parallel and a second position in which the lid member substantially covers the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J Akouri, Robert J Winters
  • Patent number: 6345857
    Abstract: A sun shield for attachment to an automobile windshield includes an elongate housing having a rear surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the housing defines a plurality of channels that extend longitudinally between side walls thereof. A primary sheet of flexible, vinyl plastic film extends downwardly from the rear surface of the housing for electrostatically adhering to the windshield. The sun shield includes a plurality of auxiliary sheets of vinyl plastic film, each auxiliary sheet having a slide bar complementary to a corresponding channel and slidably movable therealong. The primary sheet and auxiliary sheets are flexible and tinted. Therefore, the housing may be removably coupled to the windshield and the auxiliary sheets may be slidably laterally moved to shield a driver from sunlight not directly blocked by the primary sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Leila R. Leary
  • Patent number: 6334626
    Abstract: An interior equipment mounting structure for a vehicle incorporating a head-protecting air bag body, a roof head lining, which is deformed at the time of expansion of the air bag body, includes a sun visor and an arm. The sun visor is connected to a vehicle body and is movable from an accommodated state to at least one predetermined position for use. The sun visor is connected to the vehicle body by the arm. The sun visor is formed by a main body portion and by an overhang portion. When a load of a predetermined value or more acts on the overhang portion by the expansion of the air bag body, the overhang portion is easily deformable with respect to the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakajima, Toshimitu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010050493
    Abstract: This publication describes a visor for vehicles whose visor body can be folded around an associated axle and can be shifted along said axle. The following is provided here: The visor body is equipped with at least one switching device for the purpose of turning on and turning off an electrical illumination device, a remote-control unit for the purpose of controlling an automatic device for opening and closing garage doors or the like as well as a line comprising several conductor wires where, via line that can be connected with the general electrical system of the vehicle, there is provided a power supply that is permanent and that is independent of the particular position of the visor for at least one switching device that is electrically connected to line as well as with remote-control unit that is likewise electrically connected to line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick Welter
  • Patent number: 6325442
    Abstract: A supplemental sun shield for use on a motor vehicle's windshield visor effectively blocks out sun rays which the visor itself is not capable of blocking. The supplemental sun shield comprises a clip member and a glare reducing polymeric sheet element rotatably mounted on the clip member. The clip member has two elongated legs joined at lower terminuses. A front elongated leg has a hook-like arm extending from a front face. The glare reducing polymeric sheet element is generally rectangular-shaped with a slot in an upper area. The slot is shaped to fit over the hook-like arm of the clip member. The sheet element can be moved laterally as needed. The supplemental sun shield can also be moved laterally on the windshield visor as needed by moving the clip member with its attendant glare reducing polymeric sheet element. Further, the sheet element can be radially rotated on the clip member to an angle as needed depending on the driver's seat height and sun's position in the sky.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Richard E. Hunker
  • Publication number: 20010040384
    Abstract: Several variations of a new and improved sun visor for use within a motor vehicle are disclosed, with the visors coming in different sizes to fit all types of vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, trucks, boats, trains, and planes. The variations would comprise three different types of visors. The first variation of visor would replace the standard sun visor that is located at the top of a standard windshield immediately above an operator's line of sight while operating a particular vehicle. The second variation of visor would serve as a “clamp on” visor which would be removably attached to a standard car visor that would be present in a vehicle. The third type of visor would be used to cover a side window of a particular vehicle. The third variation of visor would use either clamps to serve as a “clamp on” visor or alternatively would have a pair of suction cups to removably attach the third type of visor to a particular side window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Barbara Graham, Denits Graham, David Waters
  • Patent number: 6302467
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a rounded member partially defining the outer edge of the sun visor which forms a more user-friendly edge than existing sun visor designs. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself thereby forming two foundation halves. The halves have corresponding shapes that define the edge of the sun visor. An upholstery cover covers the foundation and forms an exterior surface of the sun visor. A bead member is attached to the foundation and includes a stem portion that attaches to the foundation. The bead member also includes the rounded member whose surface forms a substantially semicircular cross section which faces away from the sun visor. In one embodiment, the rounded member is integrally formed with the foundation, itself, and this embodiment therefore does not include an additional bead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Willard E. Crotty, III, Mark A. Tom
  • Patent number: 6296293
    Abstract: The present invention involves a auxiliary sun visor assembly for a vehicle which is laterally adjustable and sufficiently compact to fit between a headliner and a main visor of the vehicle. The assembly provides greater blockage than conventionally provided by a single sun visor. The assembly is sufficiently compact to fit between the headliner and the main visor without substantially biasing the main visor away from the headliner. The assembly includes a visor body, a support arm having first and second ends and a ridge extending longitudinally between the ends, a detent clip for supporting the visor body and movable pivotably and slidably longitudinally with respect to the support arm, and a u-shaped bushing having terminal portions wrapped around the support arm between the detent clip and the support arm wherein the terminal portions terminate substantially at opposite sides of the ridge preventing the bushing from pivotal movement about the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Don M. Peterson, Douglas J. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20010024048
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a non-expanding adhesive. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself, thereby forming two foundation halves. The non-expanding adhesive, is applied to the foundation of the sun visor, and when the two portions are pressed together, the adhesive also comes into contact with the upholstery cover which is adhered to the peripheral edges of the foundation. The non-expanding adhesive adheres the two portions of the sun visor together, allowing for a sun visor assembly which is flexible enough to bend to accommodate the exertion of pressure thereon, yet rigid enough to function as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: James (Jud) Hobson, Glenn Snyder
  • Patent number: 6279984
    Abstract: A deployable windshield sun visor made of tinted plastic, or tinted safety glass is retracted and stored in the roof of the vehicle. The shield is deployed upon the activation of a switch and will then move down upon the windshield to thereby lessen glare and otherwise operate to decrease the brightness of the sun's effects. The panel or visor may be either on the outside or inside surface of the windshield and is in close connection to it. Optionally the panel may be constructed as a pair of panels so that the driver and passenger may choose whether the panel should be deployed on their side or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence Reina, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6267431
    Abstract: A vehicle security shade assembly for providing a security system for vehicles for safeguarding against theft of the vehicles. The vehicle security shade assembly includes elongate support members each being adapted to be securely mounted to an inner side of a windshield along a respective side end thereof; and also includes upper and lower track members being securely attached to the elongate support members and extending therebetween; and further includes upper and lower shade support members each being movably mounted to and movable along a respective track member; and also includes shade members each being retractably carried about a respective elongate support member and also being securely attached to a respective upper shade support member and a respective lower shade support member for movement therewith; and further includes a shade member moving assembly for moving the shade members along the track members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Jason Watkins
  • Patent number: 6264265
    Abstract: A cardboard blank configured for creation of a sun visor extension and sun visor produced from the blank in which a front panel and a back panel have a height approximately one-third to one-quarter larger than conventional vehicle sun visors with which the sun visor extension is to be used. A narrow bottom edge panel is connected at each of opposite sides thereof to a respective one of the front and rear panels via a folding line, a narrow outer top edge panel is connected via a folding line to an edge of the front panel that is opposite the bottom edge panel, and a narrow inner top edge panel is connected via a folding line to an edge of the back panel that is opposite the bottom edge panel. The outer top edge panel is provided with a locking tab which is connected thereto by a folding line and a receiving slot is provided at the folding line at which the inner top edge panel connects with the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Bomatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Borge T. Hestehave, Kjeld Hestehave
  • Patent number: 6254168
    Abstract: A sun visor with a plate member disposed within the visor's shell. A vanity mirror is disposed within an opening in the shell and attaches to the plate member via heat stake technology. The plate member doubles as a conventional “core member,” thereby obviating the latter. The plate member is slanted relative to the shell and creates a cavity into which the vanity mirror fits. The vanity mirror is thereby attractively recessed within the opening. No adhesives or fasteners are used to secure the upholstery cover to the visor shell around the opening. Instead, the upholstery cover partially covers the opening and is stretched and securely held in place between the back of the vanity mirror and the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventor: Willard E. Crotty, III
  • Publication number: 20010005088
    Abstract: A pivot rod connection interface cover for covering the connection interface of a sun visor pivot rod which protects occupants from head impact injury in the event of a crash, yet allows the sun visor to both pivot and rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner. The pivot rod connection interface cover is composed of a base member and a cover member rotatively connected thereto. The base member is affixed to the roof of the vehicle and preferably serves as a pivot rod support which allows rotation of the pivot rod with respect to the roof. The cover member has a preferably hemispherical dome shape that snappingly engages the base member so as to be rotatable therewith and receives therewithin the pivot rod connection interface (ie., including the elbow). Preferably, but not necessarily, internal to the cover member are left and right guide walls which serve as crush features, as well as assistance to guiding the pivot rod therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: William J. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6203161
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly is pivotally mounted within a recess in a visor body and pivots downwardly and rotates from side to side, thereby pivoting on generally mutually orthogonal axes to provide a high degree of adjustability for use of the vanity mirror without requiring movement of the visor. In a preferred embodiment, illumination means are provided to facilitate use of the vanity mirror in low ambient light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Busch, Robert C. Fitzpatrick, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6199934
    Abstract: A sun visor core for use with a vehicle includes a cardboard body having a formed recess for receiving a mirror. Advantageously, the recess may be configured so as to enable flush-mounting of the mirror. Preferably the body includes a plurality of inwardly extending side walls and at least one base portion that cooperate to define the recess. A method for manufacturing the sun visor core is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 6189949
    Abstract: A sun visor is disclosed having a body with an aperture through which an extender blade selectively slides between fully retracted and fully extended positions. The visor body is a clamshell type having first and second shell halves. A guide rib is located on one shell half to align and guide the extender blade as it moves into and out of the visor body. The aperture is formed by a recessed portion in at least one of the shell halves. Fabric covers the visor body and also extends into the aperture and covers at least part of the guide rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems L.L.C.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Miller, Brian J. Rogalske, Michael S. Serbay, Robert W. Donaldson, Douglas A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6176539
    Abstract: A sun visor extension is adapted for in connection with an existing sun visor of a vehicle. The sun visor extension comprises a body having a generally rectangular shape and two wings foldably connected to and extending along opposing long sides of the body. The width of the wings is less than that of the body. In addition, the wings are adapted to be folded towards each other to a juxtaposed position abutting the body thereby creating an open ended cavity having the length and width of body. An extension is slidably received within the cavity. The extension is a rectangular shape whose length corresponds to that of the body and whose width is narrower than that of the body. The extension is frictionally retained within the cavity by the wings and the body. The sun visor extension is removably attached to a sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Joann M. Westerman
  • Patent number: RE37068
    Abstract: A shade assembly for a vehicle windshield includes an axle secured at its ends to two side brackets attachable at the windshield top at two opposite sides of the windshield. The axle is also supported at its middle portion by an intermediate bracket secured to the top of the windshield. Two hollow cylindrical shafts are arranged between the intermediate bracket and the two side brackets, respectively, for rotation about respective sections of the axle. Two flexible shade members made of a tinted and polarized flexible plastic material are secured to the two hollow shafts, respectively, at one of their opposite longitudinal edges so as to be unwound and rewound upon respective rotation of the hollow shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Annetta Beatty