Optical: systems and elements – Glare or unwanted light reduction
Reexamination Certificate
1994-12-29
2001-10-30
Shafer, Ricky D. (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Glare or unwanted light reduction
C359S871000, C160S238000, C160S370220, C296S097800, C040S603000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309076
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sun barrier capable of being positioned in a flat planar condition or a coiled storage condition. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for use as a direct sun light barrier which may also act as a sign or as a collapsible sign and also as a movie screen or a photographer's reflector. In this description and in the claims, the word “barrier” is intended to cover a variety of products including a sunlight barrier, a sign or a combination barrier-sign, a screen, or a reflector. The barrier of the present invention may be used in automobiles or in any other environment where a barrier, sign, screen or reflector may be needed.
Present day automobiles are constructed from plastic and heat absorbing materials incorporated into the seat, side door panels, dashboard and steering wheel. Such plastic can be affected by heat or direct sunlight. To compound the problems associated with direct sunlight striking these plastic materials, the automobile manufacturers have increased the size of window area accessible to direct sunlight. A sun screen or barrier positioned between the interior side of the windshield and the sunlight affected materials has been found to be effective in reducing the heat and damage to the interior of the automobile.
One known method of providing such a barrier is an inexpensive corrugated cardboard barrier preformed into an accordion shape which can be extended and positioned between the windshield and the rear view mirror. This type of barrier can then be collapsed flat to store when not in use. One drawback to this cardboard device is that the barrier does not collapse small enough to be stored in the glove compartment. Also, if someone were to sit on or bend the cardboard device, it could be permanently damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, therefore, is a barrier comprising a compliant panel of material capable of being deformed and collapsed into a generally compact form and then stretched or extended out from such compact form into a generally planar form to serve as a sun barrier, sign, screen or reflector or a combination thereof. The illustrative and preferred panel has lower, upper and side edges. A collapsible control means is attached to and extending along one edge of the panel to control the one edge. The term “attached” herein is used in a broad sense to include any arrangement where the control means floats in or is carried by the one edge to control the one edge. This control means has a collapsed or rolled-up condition which collapses or rolls up the one edge and an extended condition which extends the one edge into a rectilinear form. In accordance with the present invention, the control means may be a coiled, strip spring which, when collapsed, forms a cylinder, and, when extended, forms a rectilinear strip. This one edge of the panel may be provided with an elongated pocket extending therealong, and the spring may be disposed in the pocket to extend therealong when the spring is extended to hold the pocket and the one edge straight. The spring is captured in the pocket such that the one edge will follow the form of the spring and, consequently, coil up when the spring itself coils up. While the illustrative and preferred panel is rectangular or generally rectangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the panel may take a variety of shapes and that the control means may be disposed at a position other than along one edge.
The barrier of the present invention may also have an edge opposite to the one edge with the opposite edge formed with a second elongated pocket extending therealong. A second strip spring may be disposed in the second pocket to control the opposite edge in the same manner. In another embodiment, the panel may have an edge opposite to the said one edge, and the opposite edge may be formed with a second elongated pocket extending therealong. This second pocket may be filled with weight means such as sand to position the opposite edge away from the one edge including the control spring.
The barrier of the present invention may be constructed such that the one edge is the lower edge of the panel, the upper edge of which has opposite ends including means for attaching each of the opposite ends to a support, such as the internal surface of a windshield, thereby to suspend the panel in a generally planar form when the control means is extended.
The barrier of the present invention, therefore, comprises a cloth-like panel of material having upper, lower and side edges, the panel being collapsible into a compact form and extendible into a generally planar form. A collapsible, coiled strip spring is attached in some manner to one edge of the panel to extend therealong. This attachment between the spring and the said one edge of the panel is such that, as the spring is coiled, the panel will follow the spring to be coiled about the one edge. The one edge may be the lower edge of the panel, and the barrier may include means for attaching each of the opposite ends of the upper edge to a support such as the inside surface of a windshield.
One object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible, cloth-like sun barrier which can also provide a display for advertisements or personal statements to be displayed to the outside of the automobile when the barrier is positioned in a barrier position inside the automobile.
Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is for the sun barrier to be collapsible to a size and shape small enough to be placed in the glove compartment or into a small bag which can be tucked under the seat or left on top of the front seat of the automobile.
Another object is for the sun barrier of the present invention to be made of a pliant, cloth-like or plastic-like material such that, if the material is deformed or compressed, it will not be damaged to the point of no longer working.
Yet another aspect of the barrier of the present invention is that it be made of a soft and compressible material that will permit it to conform to any shape container it might be stored in.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a control associated with the barrier to produce a self-collapsing force from stored energy, provided by a coiled memory formed in the control, for accomplishing the compact storage condition of the barrier. The barrier, therefore, is a panel attached to a coiled strip spring to follow the spring. When the spring is coiled, the barrier is coiled. When the spring is straight, the panel adjacent the spring is straight.
Another object is to provide a means for anchoring the top of the sun barrier to the automobile and for allowing the bottom of the barrier to rest on the dashboard to provide a three point support means when the barrier is in the sun barrier position.
Accordingly another object is that the barrier be easily converted from a storage condition to a barrier condition by extending the barrier along its bottom edge to a straight condition by a smooth and simple movement by the operator.
Yet another object is for the barrier to be adaptable and convertible in its attached condition to the automobile such that it fits various makes and models of automobiles.
Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments exemplifying modes of carrying out the invention.
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