Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-23
2001-09-25
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S210000, C296S077100, C296S079000, C296S201000, C296S096210, C280SDIG005
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293616
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a modular rail for a sun visor, windshield and sun shade or other accessories for a speciality vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Specialty vehicles such as golfcarts, small utility trucks, and courtesy vehicles generally are not provided with a roof or windshield. Some such vehicles are provided with a fixed rigid roof that is positioned generally over the vehicle. Such vehicles may also be provided with a fixed windshield or a removable windshield that may take the form of a rolled up plastic sheet.
There is a need for a flexible roof and windshield structure that will permit the vehicle to be converted between a roof covered vehicle and a open top vehicle. Further, there is a need to provide a windshield that may be positioned for use as a windshield or repositioned to permit air to flow through the front of the vehicle. The roof and windshield of a specialty vehicle are normally fastened to simple aluminum frame members in a static arrangement. Frames for securing the windshield and roof of a specialty vehicle require substantial assembly operations that are an added cost in vehicle construction.
It would also be advantageous to be able to provide a sun screen to protect occupants of a speciality vehicle from the sun if desired. Sun screens are not generally provided on specialty vehicles.
Another area for improvement for specialty vehicles is to provide an effective windshield wiper.
In the manufacture of speciality vehicles, it is important to minimize weight of all components included in the vehicle to maximize vehicle performance and range. The design of specialty vehicles may also be benefitted by the use of economical extrusions that eliminate manufacturing steps and minimize machining operations necessary to build the speciality vehicle.
These and other problems and disadvantages associated with prior art specialty vehicles are addressed by applicants' invention as summarized below.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to the present invention, a modular rail system for a roof and windshield of a vehicle is provided. The modular rail system comprises first and second rails extending on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle from the front portion of the vehicle to the rear portion of the vehicle above the passenger compartment. The first and second rails have at least two groves formed on inwardly facing sides of each rail. A retractable roof web has a pair of side edges that are received by the first grove in each rail. A windshield is received by the second grove in each rail.
The roof, or sun shade, is preferably formed of a fabric or flexible web and is moveable between an extended position wherein it functions as a roof and a retracted position wherein it is rolled on a roller and operates in a manner similar to a window shade. The roof has a plurality of ribs extending transversely across the roof from side to side. The ribs are received in the first grove of each rail. The ribs provide support for the roof when it is in its extended position. Alternatively, a roof panel formed from a rigid sheet of metal or plastic could be provided.
The windshield is preferably shiftable within the track from a position in front of the vehicle occupants to the position wherein space is provided between the dashboard of the vehicle and the bottom of the windshield to provide airflow through the vehicle.
The modular rail system may also include a third grove formed on the inwardly facing sides of each rail in which a sun screen maybe attached. The sun screen preferably has independently moveable right and left panels that permit adjustment of the sunshade within the track to the proper level for occupants of a vehicle who may be of different heights. The sunshade is preferably formed in two separate parts with each part extending from the side of the vehicle to the center of the vehicle. A track is preferably provided in the center of the sunshade so that each part of the sunshade may be independently adjusted.
According to another aspect of the invention, another groove may be formed on a downwardly facing side of each rail that is adapted to receive accessories that may be attached to the rails. Examples of accessories that may be attached to the downwardly facing side of each rail include a seatbelt retractor member, a grab handle and a side mirror.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the rails may be formed as extruded aluminum members to minimize machining and assembly operations.
Another aspect of the invention relates to providing a linearly movable windshield wiper that is driven by an endless belt.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood in view of the attached drawings and following detailed description of the invention.
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Scott Thomas
Williams Bruce Preston
Dayoan D. Glenn
Engle Patricia
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Porcari Damian
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