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| United States Patent |
6,227,601 |
| LaFrance |
May 8, 2001 |
Motor driven sunshield
Abstract
A motor driven sunshield for permanent installation within the interior of an
automotive vehicle, securely attached to the roof of the vehicle between the
roof interior surface and the interior roof lining. Operable in either manual or
semi-automatic mode, the sunshield can be deployed while the vehicle
transmission is in PARK mode to cover the windshield of the vehicle for
preventing potentially damaging solar radiation from entering the interior of
the vehicle through the windshield. Conversely when the transmission is in RUN
mode, i.e. drive, reverse, or neutral, the sunshield is automatically retracted
to provide unobstructed views for the driver. When fabricated from a suitably
tough material and the electrical control circuitry configured to permit a
secure locked condition, the deployed sunshield can also offer a deterrent to
unauthorized operation of the vehicle.
| Inventors: |
LaFrance; Joseph E. (1450 Beach Blvd.,
Apt. 514, Biloxi, MS 39530-3506) |
| Appl. No.: |
528839 |
| Filed: |
March 20, 2000 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
296/97.4; 296/97.11;
296/97.8 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B60J 003/02 |
| Field of Search: |
296/97.4,97.8,97.9,97.11
|
References Cited [Referenced
By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary
Examiner: Dayoan; D. Glenn
Assistant Examiner: Engle; Patricia
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stanford, Jr.; George E.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A motor driven sunshield for installation
in an automotive vehicle having a roof, a transmission, a vehicle electrical
system, a dashboard, and a windshield, for shielding the interior of the vehicle
from solar radiation otherwise entering through the windshield, said sunshield
comprising:
a shield assembly, widthwise extensible, having an
lengthwise extensible drive slat, an lengthwise extensible dashboard skirt slat,
and a plurality of lengthwise extensible intermediate slats, each of said slats
having a first section, said first section featuring an upper section and a
lower section, and a second section, a portion thereof proximate said upper
section of said first section and slidable thereunder, for providing lengthwise
extensibility and compressibility of each said slat, each said first section
having a first wheel edge, each said second section having a second wheel edge,
each of said slats featuring at least one lengthwise crenelated edge having a
plurality of crenels and merlons, the width of said crenels generally more wide
than the width of said merlons, each said merlon having a merlon bore, axis of
each said bore parallel to longitudinal axis of each said slat, said drive slat
further having a first connection mount and a second connection mount, said
skirt slat featuring a first skirt section guide pin extending from associated
said first wheel edge and a second skirt section guide pin extending from
associated said second wheel edge, said guide pins facilitating lengthwise
extension and compression of said skirt slats, said skirt slat further having a
lengthwise pliant skirt, for readily conforming, upon full sunshield deployment,
to the widthwise contour of the vehicle dashboard, said shield assembly further
having a plurality of first wheels and second wheels, each said first wheel
connected to a first wheel extensible tubiform axle, each said second wheel
connected to a second wheel extensible tubiform axle, each said first tubiform
axle and said second tubiform axle axially connected with a connective axle
pintle, forming an extensible dual axle assembly, each said dual axle assembly,
extensibly, rotatably and slidably fitting in each said merlon bore, each said
slat interconnected to at least one other of said slats, each said dual axle
assembly passing through alternating said merlon bores of adjacent each of said
slats, said first wheel extending beyond said first wheel edge of each said
first section, said second wheel extending beyond said second wheel edge of each
said second section, said shield assembly aggregatively disposed for providing
essentially a wheeled, multi-hinged, widthwise extensible sun barrier, for
conforming widthwise to the general trapezoidal shape of the vehicle windshield
when lengthwise fully deployed, providing a sunshield thereto, said sunshield
assembly capable of being lengthwise fully retracted for providing an
unobstructed vision for the vehicle driver;
means for maintaining
cooperative operation, during widthwise extension and compression of said
sunshield assembly, of each said first section and said second section, a
portion thereof proximate to said first section and slidable thereunder, of each
of said slats;
means for urging-widthwise extension of said sunshield
assembly and lengthwise extension of each of said slats during deployment of
said motor driven sunshield, and urging widthwise compression of said sunshield
assembly and lengthwise compression of each of said slats during retraction of
said motor driven sunshield;
means for urging said sunshield assembly
forward from retracted position during deployment thereof and rearward from
deployed position during retraction thereof; and
means for automatically
and manually controlling both deployment of said sunshield assembly across the
windshield and retraction therefrom, said shield assembly and each of said means
cooperatively and aggregatively linked, forming said automatically and manually
operated motor driven sunshield for covering the interior surface of the
windshield of the vehicle, protecting the vehicle's interior from potentially
harmful solar radiation otherwise passing through the windshield.
2. A
motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 1, wherein said driver slat, said
dashboard skirt slat and said plurality of intermediate slats are formed from a
material selected from a group consisting of polycarbonates, plastics,
non-ferrous metal, and ferrous metal.
3. A motor driven sunshield as
recited in claim 2, wherein said lengthwise pliant skirt includes an upper first
section skirt, a lower first section skirt, and a second section skirt.
4. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 3, wherein means for
urging widthwise extension of said sunshield assembly and lengthwise extension
of each of said slats during deployment of said motor driven sunshield, and
urging widthwise compression of said sunshield assembly and lengthwise
compression of each of said slats during retraction of said motor driven
sunshield comprises:
a wheel track assembly having a first wheel track
and a second wheel track, each said track adapted to span the roof interior and
windshield frame on each side of the vehicle and conforming thereto, said first
wheel track receiving and confining each said first wheel therein, said second
wheel track receiving and confining each said second wheel therein, each said
first wheel track and said second wheel track featuring a channel cross-section
rectilinearly formed in the general shape of a "C", each said track having a
wheel track bottom edge, each said track having a wheel track exterior edge
connected thereto, each said track having a wheel track upper edge connected to
each said exterior edge, each said track having a wheel track interior upper
edge connected to said upper edge, each said wheel track interior upper edge
featuring a wheel track interior upper edge axle face, each said track having a
wheel track interior lower edge, each said interior lower edge featuring a wheel
track interior lower edge axle face, each said track having a wheel track
interior volume, each of said plurality of said first wheels and said second
wheels confined therein, said interior upper edge axle face and said interior
lower edge axle face of each said track positioned to permit one of each said
tubiform axles to project between, said wheel track assembly conformed both
vertically and horizontally for urging widthwise extension of said shield
assembly for covering the generally trapezoidal interior surface of the
windshield during deployment of said motor driven sunshield and for urging
widthwise compression of said shield assembly during retraction and storage of
said motor driven sunshield, said wheel track assembly securely affixed to a
shield mounting pedestal, said mounting pedestal featuring a plurality of
mounting pedestal transverse members, said mounting pedestal adapted to be
proximate to roof interior surface and adapted to be permanently and securely
affixed thereto.
5. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 4,
wherein means for urging said sunshield assembly forward during deployment
thereof and rearward during retraction thereof comprises:
a rack
assembly having a first rack, a first rack guide channel, a first rack drive
rod, a second rack, a second rack guide channel, a second rack drive rod, each
of said first and second racks having an toothed upper edge featuring cut gear
teeth, each of said first and second racks having both an interior edge and a
exterior edge, each of said first and second racks having a bottom edge, each
said bottom edge having a lengthwise groove, said grove filled with a plurality
of ball bearings, said plurality of ball bearings retained within said groove
with a bearing ball retainer, said first rack slidably confined within said
first rack guide, said second rack slidably confined within said second rack
guide, each of said first and second rack guides having both an interior and an
exterior edge, each said interior and exterior edge featuring a flange for
confining each said first rack and said second rack within said first rack guide
and said second rack guide, respectively, each said first rack guide and second
rack guide having a bottom interior surface featuring a raceway for receiving
said plurality of ball bearings maintained within each said first rack and said
second rack, for efficient slidability between said first and second racks and
associated said first and second rack guides, said first and second rack guides
securely and permanently affixed to said plurality of mounting pedestal
transverse members; and
a drive assembly having a twin shaft reversible
motor, a motor control limit switch, normally closed, attached therewith, said
motor featuring a first shaft and a second shaft, said first shaft having a
first pinion securely attached thereto, said second shaft having a second pinion
securely attached thereto, said first pinion having cut gear teeth for operable
association with said first rack, said second pinion having cut gear teeth for
operable association with said second rack, said motor operating exclusively in
the deploy mode when angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes
each said first rack and second rack to advance lengthwise toward the windshield
of the vehicle, said motor operating exclusively in the retract mode when
angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes each said first rack
and second rack to withdraw lengthwise away from the windshield of the vehicle,
for providing a lengthwise motive force to deploy and retract said motor driven
sunshield, said drive assembly securely affixed to said shield mounting pedestal
and plurality of mounting pedestal transverse members, said mounting pedestal
securely affixed to interior surface of roof of the vehicle.
6. A motor
driven sunshield as recited in claim 5, wherein means for automatically and
manually controlling deployment of said sunshield assembly across the windshield
and retraction therefrom comprises:
an electrical motor control system,
having, a first bimodal momentary contact switch, said first switch including an
automatic deploy circuit and deploy limit mechanism, a shield retract limit
switch for disrupting electrical power to said reversible motor when said motor
driven sunshield is fully retracted from the windshield, a transmission mode
sensor, said sensor including a second bimodal switch, said mode sensor adapted
to be operatively and cooperatively linked to the motor vehicle transmission for
detecting a vehicle transmission operating mode, wherein the operating mode is
selected from a group consisting of drive, reverse, neutral, and park, said
second bimodal switch adapted to be electrically connected to the vehicle
electrical system with a vehicle electrical system circuit, said vehicle
electrical system circuit cooperatively connected and operating in conjunction
with an ignition key system of the motor vehicle, said second bimodal switch
exclusively operably connected in series with a park circuit to said first
bimodal switch, and providing electrical power thereto when said transmission
mode sensor detects park mode, said second bimodal switch exclusively operably
connected in series with a run circuit and said motor control limit switch when
said transmission mode sensor detects other than park mode, said shield retract
limit switch, normally closed, operably connected in series with a first shield
retract circuit to retract mode circuitry of said reversible motor for providing
electrical power to retract said motor driven sunshield, said control limit
switch opening and disrupting flow of electrical power to said motor when said
sunshield is fully retracted, said first bimodal switch operably electrically
connected in series with a shield deploy circuit to deploy mode circuitry of
said reversible motor for providing electrical power to deploy said motor driven
sunshield when said first bimodal switch is in deploy mode and vehicle
transmission is in park mode, said first bimodal switch operably electrically
connected in series with a second shield retract circuit to retract mode
circuitry of said reversible motor for providing electrical power to retract
said motor driven sunshield when said first bimodal switch is in retract mode
and vehicle transmission is in park mode, said first switch automatically
deploying said motor driven sunshield until said deploy limit mechanism engaged
and operating in a momentary retract mode thereafter, for providing both manual
and automatic deployment and retraction of said motor driven sunshield installed
in an automotive vehicle having a transmission and a windshield, for protecting
the interior of the vehicle from solar radiation entering through the
windshield.
7. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 6, wherein
means for maintaining cooperative operation, during widthwise extension and
compression of said sunshield assembly, of each said first section and said
second section, a portion thereof proximate to said first section and slidable
thereunder, of each of said slats comprises:
a slot and pin
configuration wherein each said first section is configured as a slot section
and each said second section is configured as a pin section, a portion thereof
proximate said slot section and slidable thereunder, each said slot section
having an lengthwise elongated closed slot, each said pin section having a
capped slot retaining pin, said slot retaining pin engaging said slot for
maintaining slidable cooperative operation between said slot section and said
pin section for each of said slats of said shield assembly; and wherein, said
drive slat slot section features a lengthwise drive slat slot section first edge
and a lengthwise drive slat slot section crenelated edge and said drive slat pin
section features a lengthwise drive slat pin section first edge and a lengthwise
drive slat pin section crenelated edge, said intermediate slat slot section
features a lengthwise intermediate slat slot section first crenelated edge and a
lengthwise intermediate slat slot section second crenelated edge and said
intermediate slat pin section features a lengthwise intermediate slat pin
section first crenelated edge and a lengthwise intermediate slat pin section
second crenelated edge, said dashboard skirt slat slot section features a
lengthwise skirt slat slot section crenelated edge and a lengthwise skirt slat
slot section skirt edge and said dashboard skirt slat pin section features a
lengthwise skirt slat pin section crenelated edge and a lengthwise skirt slat
pin section skirt edge.
8. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim
7, wherein each said first skirt section guide pin and said second skirt section
guide pin have an interior disk flange and an exterior disk flange disposed
thereon, each said interior disk flange associated with one of each said wheel
tracks and captive within, each said exterior disk flange associated with one of
each said wheel tracks and maintained without, said flanges following the
contour of each said wheel track for urging lengthwise extension and compression
of said dashboard skirt slat and said plurality of each said intermediate slat
aggregatively connected thereto.
9. A motor driven sunshield as recited
in claim 7, wherein each said first wheel rotates freely about each said
associated first wheel tubiform axle and additionally firmly attached thereto,
each said first wheel tubiform axle firmly attached and non-rotating within said
merlon bores of each associated said slot section first crenelated edge, each
said second wheel rotates freely about each said associated second wheel
tubiform axle and additionally firmly attached thereto, each said second wheel
tubiform axle firmly attached and non-rotating within said merlon bores of each
associated said pin section first crenelated edge, each of said first wheels and
second wheels captive within each associated said wheel track for urging
lengthwise extension and compression of said plurality of each said intermediate
slat aggregatively connected thereto.
10. A motor driven sunshield for
installation in an automotive vehicle having a windshield, for protecting the
interior of the vehicle from solar radiation otherwise entering through the
windshield, said motor driven sunshield comprising:
a shield assembly,
widthwise extensible, having an lengthwise extensible drive slat, an lengthwise
extensible dashboard skirt slat, and a plurality of lengthwise extensible
intermediate slats, each said slat having a slot section and a pin section, a
portion thereof proximate said slot section and slidable thereunder, each said
slot section having an lengthwise elongated closed slot, each said pin section
having a capped slot retaining pin, said slot retaining pin engaging said slot
for maintaining slidable cooperative operation between said slot section and
said pin section for each of said slats of said shield assembly, each said slot
section having a first wheel edge, each said pin section having a second wheel
edge, each of said slats featuring at least one lengthwise crenelated edge
having a plurality of crenels and merlons, the width of said crenels generally
not equal to the width of said merlons, each said merlon having a merlon bore
parallel to length of each said slat therethrough, said drive slat further
having a first connection mount and a second connection mount, said dashboard
skirt slat featuring a first skirt section guide pin extending from associated
said first wheel edge and a second skirt section guide pin extending from
associated said second wheel edge, each said guide pin facilitating extension
and compression of said slats during deployment and retraction, said dashboard
skirt slat further having a lengthwise pliant skirt, readily conforming, upon
full sunshield deployment, to the widthwise contour of the vehicle dashboard,
said shield assembly further having a plurality of first wheels and second
wheels, each said first wheel connected to a first wheel extensible tubiform
axle, each said second wheel connected to a second extensible tubiform axle,
said first tubiform axle and said second tubiform axle axially connected with a
connective axle pintle, forming an extensible dual axle assembly, each said dual
axle assembly, extensibly, rotatably and slidably fitting in each said merlon
bore, each of said slats interconnected to at least one other of said slats,
each said dual axle assembly passing through alternating said merlon bores of
adjacent said crenelated edge of each of said slats, said first wheel extending
beyond said first wheel edge of each said slot section, said second wheel
extending beyond said second wheel edge of each said pin section, providing
essentially a multi hinged, widthwise extensible sun barrier, for conforming
widthwise to the general trapezoidal shape of the vehicle windshield when fully
deployed, providing a sun shielding thereto, said sunshield assembly capable of
being lengthwise fully retracted to provide unobstructed vision for the vehicle
driver;
a wheel track assembly having a first wheel track and a second
wheel track, each laterally disposed in the vehicle, spanning the roof interior
and windshield frame on each side of the vehicle and conforming thereto, said
first wheel track receiving and confining each said first wheel therein, said
second wheel track receiving and confining each said second wheel therein, each
said first wheel track and said second wheel track featuring a channel
cross-section rectilinearly formed in the general shape of a "C", each said
track having a wheel track bottom edge, each said track having a wheel track
exterior edge connected thereto, each said track having a wheel track upper edge
connected to each said exterior edge, each said track having a wheel track
interior upper edge connected to said upper edge, each said wheel track interior
upper edge featuring a wheel track interior upper edge axle face, each said
track having a wheel track interior lower edge, each said interior lower edge
featuring a wheel track interior lower edge axle face, each said track having a
wheel track interior volume, each of said plurality of said first wheels and
said second wheels confined therein, said interior upper edge axle face and said
interior lower edge axle face of each said track positioned to permit each said
tubiform axle to project between, said wheel track assembly conformed for urging
widthwise extension of said shield assembly for covering the generally
trapezoidal interior surface of the windshield during deployment of said motor
driven sunshield and for urging widthwise compression of said shield assembly
during retraction and storage of said motor driven sunshield, said wheel track
assembly securely affixed to a shield mounting pedestal, said mounting pedestal
featuring a plurality of mounting pedestal transverse members, said mounting
pedestal adapted to be proximate to a roof interior surface and adapted to be
permanently and securely affixed thereto;
means for urging said
sunshield assembly forward from retracted position during deployment thereof and
rearward from deployed position during retraction thereof; and
means for
automatically and manually controlling both deployment of said sunshield
assembly across the windshield and retraction therefrom, said shield assembly,
said wheel track assembly, and each of said means cooperatively and
aggregatively linked, forming said automatically and manually operated motor
driven sunshield for covering the interior surface of the windshield of the
vehicle, for protecting the vehicle's interior from potentially harmful solar
radiation otherwise passing through the windshield.
11. A motor driven
sunshield as recited in claim 10, wherein said driver slat, said dashboard skirt
slat and said plurality of intermediate slats are formed from a material
selected from a group consisting of polycarbonates, plastics, non-ferrous metal,
and ferrous metal.
12. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 11,
wherein means for urging said sunshield assembly forward during deployment
thereof and rearward during retraction thereof comprises:
a rack
assembly having a first rack, a first rack guide channel, a first rack drive
rod, a second rack, a second rack guide channel, a second rack drive rod, each
of said first and second racks having an toothed upper edge featuring cut gear
teeth, each of said first and second racks having both an interior edge and a
exterior edge, each of said first and second racks having a bottom edge, each
said bottom edge having a lengthwise groove, said grove filled with a plurality
of ball bearings, said plurality of ball bearings retained within said groove
with a bearing ball retainer, said first rack slidably confined within said
first rack guide, said second rack slidably confined within said second rack
guide, each of said first and second rack guides having both an interior and an
exterior edge, each said interior and exterior edge featuring a flange for
confining each said first rack and said second rack within said first rack guide
and said second rack guide, respectively, each said first rack guide and second
rack guide having a bottom interior surface featuring a raceway for receiving
said plurality of ball bearings maintained within each said first rack and said
second rack, for efficient slidability between said first and second racks and
associated said first and second rack guides, said first and second rack guides
securely and permanently affixed to said plurality of mounting pedestal
transverse members; and
a drive assembly having a twin shaft reversible
motor, a motor control limit switch, normally closed, attached therewith, said
motor featuring a first shaft and a second shaft, said first shaft having a
first pinion securely attached thereto, said second shaft having a second pinion
securely attached thereto, said first pinion having cut gear teeth for operable
association with said first rack, said second pinion having cut gear teeth for
operable association with said second rack, said motor operating exclusively in
the deploy mode when angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes
each said first rack and second rack to advance lengthwise toward the windshield
of the vehicle, said motor operating exclusively in the retract mode when
angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes each said first rack
and second rack to withdraw lengthwise away from the windshield of the vehicle,
for providing a lengthwise motive force to deploy and retract said motor driven
sunshield, said drive assembly securely affixed to said shield mounting pedestal
and plurality of mounting pedestal transverse members, said mounting pedestal
adapted to be securely affixed to the roof interior surface of the vehicle.
13. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 12, wherein means for
automatically and manually controlling deployment of said sunshield assembly
across the windshield and retraction therefrom comprises:
an electrical
motor control system, having, a first bimodal momentary contact switch, said
first switch including an automatic deploy circuit and deploy limit mechanism, a
shield retract limit switch for disrupting electrical power to said reversible
motor when said motor driven sunshield is fully retracted from the windshield, a
transmission mode sensor, said sensor including a second bimodal switch, said
mode sensor adapted to be operatively and cooperatively linked to the motor
vehicle transmission for detecting a vehicle transmission operating mode,
wherein the operating mode is selected from a group consisting of drive,
reverse, neutral, and park, said second bimodal switch adapted to be
electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system with a vehicle
electrical system circuit, said vehicle electrical system circuit cooperatively
connected and operating in conjunction with an ignition key system of the motor
vehicle, said second bimodal switch exclusively operably connected in series
with a park circuit to said first bimodal switch, and providing electrical power
thereto when said transmission mode sensor detects park mode, said second
bimodal switch exclusively operably connected in series with a run circuit and
said motor control limit switch when said transmission mode sensor detects other
than park mode, said shield retract limit switch, normally closed, operably
connected in series with a first shield retract circuit to retract mode
circuitry of said reversible motor for providing electrical power to retract
said motor driven sunshield, said control limit switch opening and disrupting
flow of electrical power to said motor when said sunshield is fully retracted,
said first bimodal switch operably electrically connected in series with a
shield deploy circuit to deploy mode circuitry of said reversible motor for
providing electrical power to deploy said motor driven sunshield when said first
bimodal switch is in deploy mode and vehicle transmission is in park mode, said
first bimodal switch operably electrically connected in series with a second
shield retract circuit to retract mode circuitry of said reversible motor for
providing electrical power to retract said motor driven sunshield when said
first bimodal switch is in retract mode and vehicle transmission is in park
mode, said first switch automatically deploying said motor driven sunshield
until said deploy limit mechanism engaged and operating in a momentary retract
mode thereafter, for providing both manual and automatic deployment and
retraction of said motor driven sunshield in an automotive vehicle having a
transmission and a windshield, for protecting the interior of the vehicle from
solar radiation entering through the windshield.
14. A motor driven
sunshield as recited in claim 13, wherein each said first skirt section guide
pin and said second skirt section guide pin have an interior disk flange and an
exterior disk flange disposed thereon, each said interior disk flange associated
with one of each said wheel tracks and captive within, each said exterior disk
flange associated with one of each said wheel tracks and maintained without,
said flanges following the channel contour of each said wheel track for urging
lengthwise extension and compression of said dashboard skirt slat and each said
intermediate slat aggregatively connected thereto.
15. A motor driven
sunshield as recited in claim 13, wherein each said first wheel rotates freely
about each said associated first wheel tubiform axle and additionally firmly
attached thereto, each said first wheel tubiform axle firmly attached and
non-rotating within said merlon bores of each associated said slot section first
crenelated edge, each said second wheel rotates freely about each said
associated second wheel tubiform axle and additionally firmly attached thereto,
each said second wheel tubiform axle firmly attached and non-rotating within
said merlon bores of each associated said pin section first crenelated edge,
each of said first wheels and second wheels captive within each associated said
wheel track for urging lengthwise extension and compression of each said
intermediate slat aggregatively connected thereto.
16. A motor driven
sunshield installed in an automotive vehicle having a windshield, for shielding
the interior of the vehicle from rays of the sun otherwise entering through the
windshield, said motor driven sunshield comprising:
a shield assembly,
widthwise extensible, having an lengthwise extensible drive slat, an lengthwise
extensible dashboard skirt slat, and a plurality of lengthwise extensible
intermediate slats, each said slat having a slot section and a pin section, a
portion thereof proximate said slot section and slidable thereunder, each said
slot section having an lengthwise elongated closed slot, each said pin section
having a capped slot retaining pin, said slot retaining pin engaging said slot
for maintaining slidable cooperative operation between said slot section and
said pin section for each of said slats of said shield assembly, each said slot
section having a first wheel edge, each said pin section having a second wheel
edge, each of said slats featuring at least one lengthwise crenelated edge
having a plurality of crenels and merlons, the width of said crenels generally
not equal to the width of said merlons, each said merlon having a merlon bore
parallel to lengthwise axis of each said slat, said drive slat further having a
first rack connection mount and a second rack connection mount, said dashboard
skirt slat featuring a first skirt section guide pin extending from associated
said first wheel edge and a second skirt section guide pin extending from
associated said second wheel edge, said dashboard skirt slat further having a
lengthwise pliant skirt, readily conforming, upon full sunshield deployment, to
the widthwise contour of the vehicle dashboard, said shield assembly further
having a plurality of first wheels and second wheels, each said first wheel
connected to a first wheel extensible tubiform axle, each said second wheel
connected to a second extensible tubiform axle, said first tubiform axle and
said second tubiform axle axially connected with a connective axle pintle,
forming an extensible dual axle assembly, each said dual axle assembly,
extensibly, rotatably and slidably fitting in each said merlon bore, each of
said slats interconnected to at least one other of said slats, each said dual
axle assembly passing through alternating said merlon bores of adjacent said at
least one crenelated edge of each of said slats, said first wheel extending
beyond said first wheel edge of each said slot section, said second wheel
extending beyond said second wheel edge of each said pin section, providing
essentially a multi hinged, widthwise extensible sun barrier, conforming
widthwise to the general trapezoidal shape of the vehicle windshield when fully
deployed, providing a sun shielding thereto, said sunshield assembly capable of
being lengthwise fully retracted to provide unobstructed vision for the vehicle
driver, said driver slat, said dashboard skirt slat and said plurality of
intermediate slats formed from a material selected from a group consisting of
polycarbonates, plastics, non-ferrous metal, and ferrous metal;
a wheel
track assembly having a first wheel track and a second wheel track, each
laterally spanning the roof interior and windshield frame on each side of the
vehicle and conforming thereto, said first wheel track receiving and confining
each said first wheel therein, said second wheel track receiving and confining
each said second wheel therein, each said first wheel track and said second
wheel track featuring a channel cross-section rectilinearly formed in the
general shape of a "C", each said track having a wheel track bottom edge, each
said track having a wheel track exterior edge connected thereto, each said track
having a wheel track upper edge connected to each said exterior edge, each said
track having a wheel track interior upper edge connected to said upper edge,
each said wheel track interior upper edge featuring a wheel track interior upper
edge axle face, each said track having a wheel track interior lower edge, each
said interior lower edge featuring a wheel track interior lower edge axle face,
each said track having a wheel track interior volume, each of said plurality of
said first wheels and said second wheels confined therein, said interior upper
edge axle face and said interior lower edge axle face of each said track
positioned to permit each said tubiform axle to project between, said wheel
track assembly conformed for urging widthwise extension of said shield assembly
for covering the generally trapezoidal interior surface of the windshield during
deployment of said motor driven sunshield and for urging widthwise compression
of said shield assembly during retraction and storage of said motor driven
sunshield, said wheel track assembly securely affixed to a shield mounting
pedestal, said mounting pedestal featuring a plurality of mounting pedestal
transverse members, said mounting pedestal proximate to roof interior surface
and permanently and securely affixed thereto;
a rack assembly having a
first rack, a first rack guide channel, a first rack drive rod, a second rack, a
second rack guide channel, a second rack drive rod, each of said first and
second racks having an toothed upper edge featuring cut gear teeth, each of said
first and second racks having both an interior edge and a exterior edge, each of
said first and second racks having a bottom edge, each said bottom edge having a
lengthwise groove, said grove filled with a plurality of ball bearings, said
plurality of ball bearings retained within said groove with a bearing ball
retainer, said first rack slidably confined within said first rack guide, said
second rack slidably confined within said second rack guide, each of said first
and second rack guides having both an interior and an exterior edge, each said
interior and exterior edge featuring a flange for confining each said first rack
and said second rack within said first rack guide and said second rack guide,
respectively, each said first rack guide and second rack guide having a bottom
interior surface featuring a raceway for receiving said plurality of ball
bearings maintained within each said first rack and said second rack, for
efficient slidability between said first and second racks and associated said
first and second rack guides, said first and second rack guides securely and
permanently affixed to said plurality of mounting pedestal transverse members;
a drive assembly having a twin shaft reversible motor, a motor control
limit switch, normally closed, attached therewith, said motor featuring a first
shaft and a second shaft, said first shaft having a first pinion securely
attached thereto, said second shaft having a second pinion securely attached
thereto, said first pinion having cut gear teeth for operable association with
said first rack, said second pinion having cut gear teeth for operable
association with said second rack, said motor operating exclusively in the
deploy mode when angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes
each said first rack and second rack to advance lengthwise toward the windshield
of the vehicle, said motor operating exclusively in the retract mode when
angular rotation of each said first and second shaft causes each said first rack
and second rack to withdraw lengthwise away from the windshield of the vehicle,
for providing a lengthwise motive force to deploy and retract said motor driven
sunshield, said drive assembly securely affixed to said shield mounting pedestal
and plurality of mounting pedestal transverse members, said mounting pedestal
securely affixed to interior surface of roof of the vehicle; and
an
electrical motor control system, having, a first bimodal momentary contact
switch, said first switch including an automatic deploy circuit and deploy limit
mechanism, a shield retract limit switch for disrupting electrical power to said
reversible motor when said motor driven sunshield is fully retracted from the
windshield, a transmission mode sensor, said sensor including a second bimodal
switch, said mode sensor operatively and cooperatively linked to the motor
vehicle transmission for detecting a vehicle transmission operating mode,
wherein the operating mode is selected from a group consisting of drive,
reverse, neutral, and park, said second bimodal switch electrically connected to
the vehicle electrical system with a vehicle electrical system circuit, said
vehicle electrical system circuit cooperatively connected and operating in
conjunction with an ignition key system of the motor vehicle, said second
bimodal switch exclusively operably connected in series with a park circuit to
said first bimodal switch, and providing electrical power thereto when said
transmission mode sensor detects park mode, said second bimodal switch
exclusively operably connected in series with a run circuit and said motor
control limit switch when said transmission mode sensor detects other than park
mode, said shield retract limit switch, normally closed, operably connected in
series with a first shield retract circuit to retract mode circuitry of said
reversible motor for providing electrical power to retract said motor driven
sunshield, said control limit switch opening and disrupting flow of electrical
power to said motor when said sunshield is fully retracted, said first bimodal
switch operably electrically connected in series with a shield deploy circuit to
deploy mode circuitry of said reversible motor for providing electrical power to
deploy said motor driven sunshield when said first bimodal switch is in deploy
mode and vehicle transmission is in park mode, said first bimodal switch
operably electrically connected in series with a second shield retract circuit
to retract mode circuitry of said reversible motor for providing electrical
power to retract said motor driven sunshield when said first bimodal switch is
in retract mode and vehicle transmission is in park mode, said first switch
automatically deploying said motor driven sunshield until said deploy limit
mechanism engaged and operating in a momentary retract mode thereafter, for
providing both manual and automatic deployment and retraction of said motor
driven sunshield installed in an automotive vehicle having a transmission and a
windshield, said electrical motor control system further featuring a security
mechanism to prevent unauthorized deployment and retraction of said sunshield,
said shield assembly, said wheel track assembly, said rack assembly, said drive
assembly and said electrical motor control system cooperatively and
aggregatively linked, forming said automatically and manually operated motor
driven sunshield for covering the interior surface of the windshield of the
vehicle, for protecting the vehicle's interior from potentially harmful solar
radiation otherwise passing through the windshield.
17. A motor driven
sunshield as recited in claim 16, wherein said lengthwise pliant skirt includes
an upper slot section skirt, a lower slot section skirt, and a skirt pin section
skirt.
18. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 17, wherein each
said first skirt section guide pin and said second skirt section guide pin have
an interior disk flange and an exterior disk flange disposed thereon, each said
interior disk flange associated with one of each said wheel tracks and captive
within, each said exterior disk flange associated with one of each said wheel
tracks and maintained without, said flanges following the contour of each said
wheel track for urging lengthwise extension and compression of said dashboard
skirt slat and said plurality of each said intermediate slat aggregatively
connected thereto.
19. A motor driven sunshield as recited in claim 17,
wherein each said first wheel rotates freely about each said associated first
wheel tubiform axle and additionally firmly attached thereto, each said first
wheel tubiform axle firmly attached and non-rotating within said merlon bores of
each associated said slot section first crenelated edge, conversely, freely
rotating and slidable in associated said slot section second crenelated edge and
associated said skirt slot section crenelated edge, each said second wheel
rotates freely about each said associated second wheel tubiform axle and
additionally firmly attached thereto, each said second wheel tubiform axle
firmly attached and non-rotating within said merlon bores of each associated
said pin section first crenelated edge, conversely, freely rotating and slidable
in associated said pin section second crenelated edge and associated said skirt
pin section crenelated edge, each of said first wheels and second wheels captive
within each associated said wheel track for urging lengthwise extension and
compression of said plurality of each said intermediate slat aggregatively
connected thereto.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present
invention concerns generally a sunshield for installation in a vehicle. In
particular, the present invention is directed to a manually and automatically
controlled motor driven sunshield for automotive vehicles, wherein the present
invention is installed in a motor vehicle featuring a windshield and a roof
covering the driver and passenger seating area, and wherein such vehicle
features an electrical system, an ignition key control system, an automatic
transmission system, and a roof system covering the driver and passenger seating
area, all such systems in communication therewith. For example, the present
invention, powered by the vehicle's electrical system and attached to the
interior of the roof, provides a motor driven shield that automatically deploys
to cover the interior surface of the vehicle windshield when the transmission
lever is in PARK position and the ignition key is turned off. Conversely, when
the ignition key is turned on and the transmission lever is placed in NEUTRAL,
DRIVE or REVERSE position, the motor driven shield automatically retracts to
allow safe, unrestricted visibility through the windshield. Although the present
invention is automatically controlled by communication with the ignition key
system and the automatic transmission system, the shield additionally may be
retracted or deployed when the transmission is in PARK position, through manual
operation of a momentary contact switch. When extended to cover the windshield
and the ignition key removed, the present invention, in conjunction with a
security system, obscures driver visibility through the windshield, providing
some deterrence to unauthorized operation of the automobile.
2.
Description of Related Art
Manually placed and adjusted sunshields for
temporarily covering the windshield of an automotive vehicle are nearly
ubiquitous, available in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and colors, providing
ample testimony for the need to protect the dashboard of contemporary motor
vehicles. Unfortunately, forgetfulness on the part of the motor vehicle operator
often results in an overheated vehicle or, worse, a damaged dashboard, when the
simple, manually placed sunshield is absent from its intended position. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,038,844 "AUTO WINDOW SHADE" and U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,104 "WINDOW SHADE
APPARATUS" are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of indicating
the mature state of the art for providing a temporary sunshade for covering the
windshield and protecting the dashboard and interior of a motor vehicle.
In addition to providing protection from the sun's rays traveling
through the windshield, other inventions disclose sunshields for the side
windows and sunroof of motor vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,220 "SUNSHADE
ASSEMBLEY OF MOTOR VEHICLE" is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose
of indicating the mature state of the art for providing a sunshade for use with
a sun roof construction of a motor vehicle.
SUMMARY
An object of
the present invention is to provide a permanently installed, motor driven
sunshield to prevent potentially damaging solar radiation from passing through
the windshield and entering the interior of an automotive vehicle. A further
object of the present invention is to provide both manual and automatic
operation of the motor driven sunshield. For example, the sunshield
automatically fully deploys when transmission is placed in PARK and the ignition
key turned off; subsequently, the sunshield can be partially or fully retracted
with a manually operated momentary contact switch while in the PARK mode; and
the sunshield automatically fully retracts when the ignition key is turned on
and the transmission placed in NEUTRAL, DRIVE or REVERSE. Another object of the
present invention is to provide a securable sunshield mechanism that deters
unauthorized operation of the sunshield.
The present invention relieves
the motorist, particularly those motorists driving in sunny regions, from having
to place and subsequently remove from the interior of the windshield a simple
fabric or paper product sun shield. The popularity of these inexpensive sun
shields is demonstrated by their ubiquity in the South and Southwest regions.
However, these inexpensive devices do deteriorate and wear out. The present
invention is intended for permanent installation.
Manual placement and
removal of the inexpensive sunshields is time consuming and sometimes
inconvenient; consequently, motorists, confronted with the dilemma of whether to
place the inexpensive sunshield, often opt not to place the device, particularly
on a cloudy or overcast day. Unfortunately, the motorist may often return to the
vehicle, chagrined to find the bright rays of a sunny day entering the
unprotected windshield, heating the interior of the vehicle and potentially
damaging the dashboard. The present invention automatically deploys when the
ignition key is turned off, removing this vexation to the motorist.
The
slats of the present invention may be fabricated from a strong material, such as
metal or polycarbonates. Use of a tough, resilient slat material, in conjunction
with a security locking system for the deployment and retraction control
mechanism, can deter unauthorized operation of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exemplary
perspective view of an embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the
present invention, wherein the sunshield is fully retracted while the ignition
key is turned on and the vehicle transmission is in the RUN mode of operation,
i.e. drive, neutral, or reverse. Phantom lines denote the vehicle, which is not
claimed in the present invention. Shown are the relative positions of the shield
assembly, the wheel track assembly, the rack assembly, and the drive assembly.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of an embodiment of a motor
driven sunshield according to the present invention, wherein the sunshield is
fully deployed to protect the dashboard and interior of the vehicle from
potentially harmful sun rays otherwise passing through the windshield. The
present invention may be deployed only when the vehicle transmission is in the
PARK mode of operation, i.e. the vehicle is stationary. Phantom lines denote the
vehicle, which is not claimed in the present invention. Shown are the relative
positions of the shield assembly, the wheel track assembly, the rack and rack
guide assembly, and the drive assembly.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary top view
of an embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the present invention,
wherein the sunshield is fully retracted to permit unobstructed vision while
operating the vehicle. Phantom lines denote the vehicle, which is not claimed in
the present invention. Shown are the relative positions of the shield assembly,
the wheel track assembly, the rack assembly, and the drive assembly.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a motor driven
sunshield according to the present invention, wherein the sunshield is fully
deployed to protect the dashboard and interior of vehicle from potentially
harmful sunrays otherwise passing through the windshield. Phantom lines denote
the vehicle, which is not claimed in the present invention. Shown are the
relative positions of the shield assembly, the wheel track assembly, the rack
and rack guide assembly, and the drive assembly.
FIG. 5 is a top view of
an embodiment of an intermediate slat assembly according to the present
invention, the slat assembly comprising a slot section and a pin section,
wherein the slot section comprises a slotted slat upper section and a slotted
slat lower section, formed as a unit. The slotted slat lower section and pin
section each feature a first crenelated edge and a second crenelated edge. The
merlons, defining the crenels, each feature a merlon bore, parallel to the
lengthwise axis of the slat assembly. The merlons and crenels are not of equal
width.
FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of FIG. 5. For clarity, the merlon
bores are not shown.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of an
intermediate slat assembly according to the present invention, previously shown
in FIG. 5 in a top view.
FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of FIG. 7. For
clarity, the merlon bores are not shown. The slot retaining pin, in conjunction
with the slot formed in the slotted slat upper section, assists maintaining the
pin section and the slotted slat upper section in a proximate relationship.
FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of an intermediate slat assembly
according to the present invention, wherein two of such slat assemblies are
joined together with a compressible dual axle and wheel assembly, illustrating
how a plurality of slat assemblies are combined to form a shield. The
compressible dual axle turns freely in the associated merlon bore.
FIG.
10 is an exemplary view of the compressible dual axle and wheel assembly
according to the present invention, illustrating the assembly in the extended
mode of use. Also shown is the connective axle pin.
FIG. 11 is an
exemplary view of the compressible dual axle and wheel assembly according to the
present invention, illustrating the assembly in the compressed mode of use. Here
the connective axle pin is fully enclosed within the dual axles.
FIG. 12
is an enlarged broken view of the first wheel edge (leftmost portion) of FIG. 5,
additionally including a first wheel and associated axle to illustrate how the
axle passes through and turns freely within each participating merlon bore of a
slat.
FIG. 13 is an end view of FIG. 12 illustrating a first wheel and a
merlon and merlon bore of the second crenelated edge of an intermediate slat.
FIG. 14 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a driver slat
assembly according to the present invention, the slat assembly comprising a slot
section and a pin section, wherein the slot section comprises a slotted slat
upper section and a slotted slat lower section, formed as a unit. The slotted
slat lower section and pin section each feature a driver slat crenelated edge.
The merlons, defining the crenels, each feature a merlon bore, parallel to the
lengthwise axis of the slat assembly. The merlons and crenels are not of equal
width. The driver slat assembly includes a first rack connective mount and
second rack connective mount used for connecting the driver slat to a mechanical
means for deploying and retracting the driver slat and all other slats connected
thereto.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of FIG. 14. In the interest of
clarity, the merlon bores are not shown.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged broken
view of the first wheel edge (leftmost portion) of FIG. 14, additionally
including a first wheel and associated axle to illustrate how the axle passes
through and turns freely within each participating merlon bore of a slat. Also
shown is a first rack connective mount used for connecting the driver slat to a
mechanical means for deploying and retracting the driver slat and all other
slats connected thereto.
FIG. 17 is an end view of FIG. 16.
FIG.
18 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a skirt slat assembly according
to the present invention, the slat assembly comprising a slot section and a pin
section, wherein the slot section comprises a slotted slat upper section and a
slotted slat lower section, formed as a unit. The slotted slat lower section and
pin section each feature a skirt slat crenelated edge. The merlons, defining the
crenels, each feature a merlon bore, parallel to the lengthwise axis of the slat
assembly. The merlons and crenels are not of equal width. The skirt slat
assembly includes a pliable skirt, which is molded to conform to the general
contour of the vehicle dashboard.
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of FIG.
18. For clarity, the merlon bores are not shown.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged
broken view of the first skirt section guide pin edge (leftmost portion) of FIG.
18, further illustrating the first dual disk flange guide pin and a portion of
the skirt.
FIG. 21 is an end view of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is an
exemplary top view of an embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the
present invention, illustrating, in retracted position, a sun shield assembly
comprising a driver slat assembly, a skirt slat assembly, and a plurality of
intermediate slat assemblies interconnected, by a plurality of dual axles,
between and to the driver slat assembly and skirt slat assembly. Also
illustrated are the associated first and second wheels, with their dual axles,
and the guide pins. The retaining pin of each slat assembly lies in a line
perpendicular to the principal axis of the slats, confirming the slats and dual
axles are in the compressed (retracted) mode. For clarity, the first and second
wheel tracks are not shown.
FIG. 23 is an exemplary top view of an
embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the present invention,
illustrating, in deployed position, a sun shield assembly comprising a driver
slat assembly, a skirt slat assembly, and a plurality of intermediate slat
assemblies interconnected, by a plurality of dual axles, between and to the
driver slat assembly and skirt slat assembly. Also illustrated are the first and
second wheel tracks associated with first and second wheels, with their dual
axles, and the guide pins. The retaining pin of each slat assembly lies in a
line not perpendicular to the principal axis of the slats, confirming the slats
and dual axles are in the extended (deployed) mode. For clarity, the first and
second wheels are not shown.
FIG. 24 is an exemplary top view of an
embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the present invention,
illustrating, in deployed mode, a rack assembly and drive assembly, including a
first and second pinion. A first rack drive rod extends from a first rack and a
second rack drive rod extends from a second rack, the drive rods normally
connected to an associated connection mount on a driver slat assembly.
FIG. 25 is an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a motor driven
sunshield according to the present invention, illustrating, in retracted mode, a
rack assembly and drive assembly, including a first and second pinion. A first
rack drive rod extends from a first rack and a second rack drive rod extends
from a second rack, the drive rods normally connected to an associated
connection mount on a driver slat assembly.
FIG. 26 is an exemplary top
view of an embodiment of a motor driven sunshield according to the present
invention, illustrating, in retracted mode, a shield assembly connected to a
rack assembly and drive assembly, including a first and second pinion. Here a
first rack drive rod extends from a first rack and a second rack drive rod
extends from a second rack, the drive rods connected to an associated connection
mount on a driver slat assembly.
FIG. 27 is a sectional view of FIG. 26,
illustrating the dispositional relationships among the drive assembly, rack
assembly, wheels, wheel tracks, and shield-mounting pedestal. For clarity, the
slat assemblies are not shown.
FIG. 28 is a sectional view of FIG. 23,
illustrating the dispositional relationship between the shield assembly, wheels,
and wheel track assembly. The section occurs behind the slot and retaining pin
of the drive slat.
FIG. 29 is a broken view of a second rack,
illustrating a second rack drive rod, second pinion, and rack bearing balls.
FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of FIG: 24, illustrating exclusively
a cross-section of a rack guide, including a rack guide raceway.
FIG. 31
is a partial sectional view of FIG. 24, illustrating exclusively a cross-section
of a rack, including a rack bearing ball.
FIG. 32 is a partial sectional
view of FIG. 24, illustrating exclusively a cross-section of a rack guide and
rack.
FIG. 33 is a broken view of the underside of a rack, illustrating
a plurality of rack bearing balls and rack bearing ball retainer.
FIG.
34 is a broken view of the drive assembly, illustrating the reversible drive
motor, motor limit switch, first and second pinions, and first and second motor
shafts.
FIG. 35 is an exemplary broken side view of the motor driven
sunshield according to the present invention, illustrating the dispositional
positioning of the wheels, wheel track assembly, rack assembly, shield assembly,
and drive assembly, and their location relative to the roof and interior lining
of the vehicle.
FIG. 36 is an enlarged broken end view of a first wheel
track and first wheel of a slat. The track cross section is in the general
rectilinear shape of a "C".
FIG. 37 is an enlarged broken end view of a
rectilinear cross section first wheel track and first dual disk flange guide
captive therein.
FIG. 38 is an exemplary electrical circuit schematic
connecting the motor driven sun shield to the electrical system of the vehicle,
according to the present invention. The electrical circuit, including sensors
and switches, allows deployment of the sunshield only when the vehicle
transmission is in PARK mode. In DRIVE mode, the sunshield is automatically
retracted to provide unobstructed vision for the driver.
DESCRIPTION OF
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In an exemplary perspective view, FIG. 1
depicts a motor driven sunshield according to the present invention. Shield
assembly 10 is shown fully retracted within roof 4 of automotive vehicle 2,
permitting unobstructed vision through windshield 6 for the driver when the
ignition key switch is turned on, and the transmission of vehicle 2 is in the
RUN mode, that is, Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. Shield assembly 10 is widthwise
extensible when deployed to conform to the generally trapezoidal shape of
windshield 6, which is encompassed by windshield frame 8. Vehicle 2, including
roof 4, roof interior liner 5 (FIG. 35), windshield 6, and windshield frame 8
are illustrated with phantom lines in the figures herewith and are not claimed
in the present invention. A typical windshield of a conventional automotive
vehicle is wider across the bottom than across the top, consequently, an
effective sun shield for a windshield must be capable of configuring to a
trapezoidal shape. Effective low-friction mobility for shield assembly 10 during
deployment forward and across the interior surface of windshield 6 and
subsequent retraction to a position for storage beneath roof 4 by a plurality of
wheels confined within first wheel track 133 and second wheel track 142, a first
portion of each being proximate to roof 4 and parallel to each other and to the
lengthwise axis of vehicle 2, and a second portion of each track splaying
outward and downward to conform to the vertical, side portions of frame 8.
Retraction and deployment of shield assembly 10 is provided by twin shaft
reversible drive motor 223, connected to first pinion 229 and second pinion 233,
each in turn connected to first rack 158 and second rack 182, respectively. Each
rack is connected to a portion of the shield assembly 10. When the present
invention is fully retracted and effectively in storage position, each track is
in its rearward most position.
FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective view,
an embodiment of the present invention fully deployed, conforming to the
generally trapezoidal shape of windshield frame 8 of vehicle 2. Shield assembly
10, has moved from its storage location beneath roof 4 to cover the inner
surface of windshield 6 (not shown). In addition to showing elements of the
present invention displayed previously in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 introduces first rack
guide channel 168 and second rack guide channel 192. These guide channels
confine the movement of first rack 158 and second rack 182, respectively, during
deployment and retraction of shield assembly 10. As in FIG. 1, motor vehicle 2
is shown in phantom lines. The present invention is intended for installation in
the vehicle between the roof 4 and the roof interior liner 5 (not shown, either
as original equipment during manufacture or post-manufacture add-on by an
automotive specialty shop.
Top views of the present invention,
illustrating full retraction and full deployment of shield assembly 10, are
shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively. These figures clearly depict how the
first wheel track 133 and second wheel track 142, initially parallel to each
other proximate to and beneath roof 4, splay outward to conform to the side
portions of windshield frame 8. During deployment, twin shaft reversible motor
223 urges both first rack 158 and second rack 182 forward, moving and
configuring shield assembly 10, connected thereto, covering the interior surface
of windshield 6. Movement of first rack 158 is confined to forward or rearward
motion by first rack guide channel 168; likewise, second rack 182 is confined by
second rack guide channel 192.
The widthwise-extensible shield assembly
10 is fabricated from a plurality of hinged, lengthwise extensible slidable
slats, including at least one drive slat 89 FIG. 14), at least one dashboard
skirt slat 65 (FIG. 18) and a plurality of intermediate slats 12 (FIG. 5)
connected therefrom. Depicted in top (plan) views, FIGS. 5, 6, each intermediate
slat 12 has two separable sections; a slot section 14 featuring a first wheel
edge 34, a slotted slat upper section 16, having a slot 18, and a slotted slat
lower section 20, and a pin section 40. Pin section 40 has a capped slot
retaining pin 42 and a second wheel edge 59 (FIG. 6). Details of an intermediate
slat 12, illustrated in FIG. 5, show two lengthwise crenelated edges, each edge
having a plurality of crenels 24 and a plurality of merlons 26. Typically, the
width of each crenel exceeds the width of each merlon. Each merlon has a merlon
bore 28, whose axis is parallel with the lengthwise axis of the slat. Each slat
additionally features a slot 18 and a cooperative capped slot retaining pin 42,
a first wheel edge 34 and a second wheel edge 59. To clarify some of the
details, an exploded top view, FIG. 6, depicts separately a slot section 14 and
pin section 40. A slot 18 is formed in slotted slat upper section 16. Slotted
slat lower section 20 features a slot section first crenelated edge 22 and a
slot section second crenelated edge 30. In addition to having a capped slot
retaining pin 42 (FIG. 5), pin section 40 similarly features a pin section first
crenelated edge 47 and a pin section second crenelated edge 55. Structure of the
intermediate slat 12, is further illustrated in side (elevation) view, FIG. 7
and exploded side (elevation) view FIG. 8. These views clearly demonstrate the
capability of a portion of pin section 40 to slide underneath slotted slat upper
section 16, constrained to close proximity to each other by capped slot
retaining pin 42. To clarify the structure of the intermediate slat 12, the
plurality of merlon bores is not shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8.
Connecting
together a plurality of intermediate slats 12 with alternating crenels and
merlons of adjacent slats effects fabrication of shield assembly 10. The top
(first) intermediate slat is further connected to a drive slat 89 and the bottom
(last) intermediate slat is further connected to a dashboard skirt slat 65. FIG.
9 depicts how adjacent slats are connected together with a wheel and dual axle
assembly 49, passing through alternating merlon bores of adjacent slats. Wheel
and dual axle assembly 49 rotates freely within all merlon bores.
Wheel
and dual axle assembly 49, illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 extension and
compression, respectively, comprises a first wheel 36 connected to a first wheel
tubiform axle 38 and a second wheel 61 connected to a second wheel tubiform axle
63. Axle 38 and axle 63 are slidably and rotatably connected with connective
axle pintle 64 permitting the two axles to rotate and slide lengthwise,
independent of each other. This construction allows lengthwise extension and
compression of the wheel and dual axle assembly 49.
When passed through
alternating merlon bores 28 of adjacent slats, forming a special hinge, the
wheel and axle assembly, in conjunction with the slot 18 and retaining pin 42,
and the proportional difference in the width of crenels and merlons, allow
simultaneously a lengthwise extensibility and widthwise curvature of the surface
of shield assembly 10 to configure and conform to the generally curved,
trapezoidal shape of a typical windshield.
Further detail of
intermediate slat 12 is illustrated in a broken, enlarged top (plan) view (FIG.
12) and end view (left side) (FIG. 13) of slotted slat lower section 20, showing
a typical crenel 24, merlon 26, merlon bore 28, first wheel edge 34, first wheel
36, and first wheel tubiform axle 38.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the
shield assembly 10 includes a drive slat 89, connected to the top (first)
intermediate slat 12, for linkage to a mechanism for deploying assembly 10
across or retracting from the windshield 6 of vehicle 2.
With three
important exceptions, drive slat 89, illustrated in assembled top view of FIG.
14 and exploded top view of FIG. 15, is virtually identical to intermediate slat
12. For example, drive slat slot section crenelated edge 99 and drive pin
section crenelated edge 121 (FIG. 15) are identical to slot section first
crenelated edge 22 (FIG. 6) and pin section first crenelated edge 47 (FIG. 6),
respectively. The drive slat 89 and the intermediate slat 12 both feature a
plurality of merlon bores 28, merlons 26, and crenels 24. Likewise, both types
of slats have a slot 18 and a capped slot retaining pin 42. Drive slot section
91 features drive slat first wheel edge 107 (FIG. 15) corresponding to first
wheel edge 34 of intermediate slat 12; likewise, drive slat pin section 113 has
a drive slat second wheel edge 123 corresponding to second wheel edge 59 of
intermediate slat 12.
The three exceptions are: first, drive slat
slotted section outer edge 97 and drive slat pin section outer edge 98 are
smooth, in marked contrast to the crenelated edges of slot section second
crenelated edge 30 (FIG. 6) and pin section second crenelated edge 55; second,
drive slat 89 features a first rack connection mount 109 and a second rack
connection mount 125 to facilitate connection to a drive mechanism; and third, a
motor control stop rod 111 is attached to drive slot section 91 to de-energize
the drive mechanism upon full retraction of shield assembly 10. Details are
further clarified in the broken, partial top view of drive slot section 91, FIG.
16, and the broken, partial end (side) view of drive slot section 91, FIG. 17.
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 provide more detail for first rack connection mount 109,
showing the mount to be tubiform for receiving a mechanical connection from the
drive mechanism and also showing a first wheel 36 and associated first wheel
tubiform axle 38 inserted in the merlon bores 28 of merlons 26.
FIG. 18,
assembled top view, and FIG. 19, exploded top view, depict the dashboard skirt
slat 65, which is attached via a wheel and dual axle assembly 49 (FIG. 10, FIG.
11), to the bottom-most intermediate slat 12 of shield assembly 10. Again,
similar to drive slat 89, dashboard skirt slat 65 is virtually identical to
intermediate slat 12, with two notable exceptions: first, there is a first skirt
section guide pin 78 attached to first skirt section wheel edge 77 and a second
skirt section guide pin 88 attached to second skirt section wheel edge 87;
second, a pliant dashboard skirt configuring and conforming to the general
contour of the dashboard of vehicle 2 is attached to dashboard skirt slat 65.
Lower slot section skirt 75 is attached to skirt slotted slat lower section 70;
upper slot section skirt 74 is attached to skirt slotted slat upper section 68;
and skirt pin section skirt 85 is attached to skirt pin section 79. This
configuration allows skirt pin section skirt 85 to slip beneath upper slot
section skirt 74 while widthwise extension or compression of shield assembly 10
is occurring. A top (plan) exploded view of dashboard skirt slat 65 is shown in
FIG. 19, clearly depicting skirt slot section 67 and skirt pin section 79. First
skirt slot lower section skirt edge 73, first skirt slot upper section skirt
edge 76, and skirt pin section skirt edge 83 are pliant and contour to fit the
general contour of the dashboard when the present invention is fully deployed.
Additional detail is provided in the broken, enlarged top of a portion of skirt
slotted slat lower section 70, FIG. 20, and the broken, enlarged left-side view,
FIG. 21, showing the first skirt section wheel edge 77.
A top (plan)
broken view, FIG. 22, of composite shield assembly 10 shows a plurality of
interconnected intermediate slats 12, the top intermediate slat connected to a
drive slat 89 and the bottom intermediate slat connected to a dashboard skirt
slat 65, each such connection effected with a wheel and dual axle assembly 49.
In this view the length of each extensible slat is constant, the width of the
shield assembly 10 is constant, and the plurality of first wheels, second
wheels, and capped slot retaining pins are each in a distinct straight line,
parallel to each other, signifying that the shield assembly 10 is in a fully
compressed, retracted state.
Conversely, FIG. 23 depicts the shield
assembly 10 in a fully extended, deployed state. Here the plurality of first
wheels and first skirt section guide pin are confined and hidden within first
wheel track 133 and the plurality of second wheels and second skirt section
guide pin are confined and hidden within second wheel track 142. These confining
wheel tracks, conforming to the two vertical sides of windshield frame 8 (FIG.
3, FIG. 4) urge first dual disk flange guide pin 78, and second dual disk flange
guide pin 88 and also the plurality of first and second wheels outward,
proportionally extending the width of shield assembly 10 to conform to the
general trapezoidal shape of windshield 6. The proportional difference in width
between the crenels and merlons, allow each slat to extend lengthwise more than
the successive, adjacent, connected slat, immediately following. The line formed
by the plurality of capped slot retainer pins 42 is no longer parallel to both
the first wheel track 133 and the second wheel track 142.
FIG. 24 (top
view) and FIG. 25 (top view) illustrate a rack assembly 156 as an exemplary
means for providing a mechanism to move the shield assembly 10 forward during
deployment and rearward during retraction, respectively. A plurality of shield
mounting pedestal transverse members 153 supports a first rack guide channel 168
and a second rack guide channel 192. First rack guide channel 168 contains and
controls the movement of first rack 158; similarly, second rack guide channel
192 contains and controls the movement of second rack 182. Bearing raceway 178
facilitates movement and control of first rack 158; bearing raceway 202
facilitates movement and control of second rack 182. The cut teeth of first rack
158 are operationally engaged with the cut teeth of first pinion 229, this
pinion, in turn, is connected to first shaft 227 (FIG. 27) of twin shaft
reversible motor 223. Like-wise, the cut teeth of second rack 182 are
operationally engaged with the cut teeth of second pinion 233, this pinion, in
turn, is connected to second shaft 231 of twin shaft reversible motor 223.
Attached to the forward end of first rack 158 and protruding therefrom is first
rack drive rod 206. Second rack drive rod 208 is, in like manner, attached to
the forward end of second rack 182 and protruding therefrom. Attached to twin
shaft reversible drive motor 223 is shield automatic retract limit switch 251
(normally closed) for interrupting electrical power supply to motor 223 when
electrical motor control system 243 (FIG. 38) of the present invention is in the
automatic retract mode and the shield assembly 10 is fully retracted.
FIG. 26 (top, broken view) shows shield assembly 10 operatively
connected to rack assembly 156, wherein first rack drive rod 206 (FIG. 24) is
connected to first rack connection mount 109 (FIG. 22, FIG. 14) and second rack
drive rod 208 (FIG. 24) is connected to second rack connection mount 125 (FIG.
22, FIG. 14). In this view, shield assembly 10 is fully retracted and motor
control stop rod 111 (FIG. 14, FIG. 15) has engaged shield retract limit switch
251 deenergizing drive motor 223, preventing further rearward travel of shield
assembly 10 while electrical motor control system 243 is in the automatic
retract mode. The plurality of first wheels 36 and first skirt section guide pin
78 are confined and concealed within first wheel track 133; likewise, the
plurality of second wheels 61 and second skirt section guide pin 88 are confined
and concealed within first wheel track 142.
A sectional view of FIG. 26
is shown in FIG. 27, illustrating how the present invention is disposed beneath
the roof 4 (shown in phantom lines) of vehicle 2. This sectional view is toward
the rear of the vehicle 2. All components of the composite present invention are
securely attached to or mounted upon shield mounting pedestal 151 or its
plurality of integral components, shield mounting pedestal transverse member
153. The mounting pedestal 151 is securely and permanently affixed to the
interior side of roof 4.
FIG. 28 is a simplified sectional view of FIG.
23, showing a front (elevation) section of drive slat 89 (FIG. 14). Also shown
are first rack connection mount 109, second rack connection mount 125, first
wheel track 133 and second wheel track 142.
Details of the relation
between rack and pinion are displayed in FIG. 29, a broken, enlarged, elevation
view. Second pinion 233 is securely affixed to second shaft 231 of twin shaft
reversible drive motor 223. The cut teeth of pinion 233 operatively engage the
cut teeth of second rack 182. The bottom of rack 182 features a lengthwise
raceway groove for receiving a plurality of rack bearing balls 204, such balls
retained in the groove by rack bearing ball retainer 205. Rack 182 additionally
possesses a second rack drive rod 208 for connection to second rack connection
mount 125 (FIG. 28 and FIG. 23).
FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32 are
partial sectional views of FIG. 24, showing exclusively detail of first rack
guide channel 168 (FIG. 30), and first rack 158 (FIG. 31), and composite channel
and rack (FIG. 32). Channel 168 features a first rack guide channel exterior
edge 170, a first rack guide channel exterior flange 171, a first rack guide
channel bottom edge 172, a first rack guide channel interior edge 174, a first
rack guide channel interior flange 175, a first rack guide channel bottom
internal surface 176, and a lengthwise guide channel raceway 178.
In
like manner, second rack guide channel 192 (not shown) features a second rack
guide channel exterior edge; a second rack guide channel exterior flange, a
second rack guide channel bottom edge, a second rack guide channel interior
edge, a second rack guide channel interior flange, a second rack guide channel
bottom internal surface, and a lengthwise second guide channel raceway 202.
FIG. 31 illustrates a sectional view of first rack 158, featuring a
first rack toothed upper edge 160, a first rack exterior edge 162, exhibiting a
lengthwise groove, slidably cooperative with exterior flange 171, a first rack
interior edge 164, such edge featuring a lengthwise groove slidably cooperative
with interior flange 175, and a first rack bottom edge 166. Also shown is rack
bearing ball 204 and rack bearing ball retainer 205. In the interest of clarity,
the bearing ball is not shown in section.
The sectional view of FIG. 32
shows first rack 158 disposed within the channel of first rack guide channel
168, sliding forward for deployment and rearward for retraction on the plurality
of rack bearing balls 204 positioned in guide channel raceway 178.
Depicted in the bottom view of FIG. 33, first rack bottom edge 166
possesses a lengthwise rack raceway to receive a plurality of bearing balls 204
retained in place by rack bearing ball retainer 205.
Drive assembly 221,
shown in the broken view of FIG. 34, includes a twin shaft reversible drive
motor 223, a first shaft 227 (broken to improve efficacy of FIG. 34) connected
to a first pinion 229, a second shaft 231 (also broken in FIG. 34) connected to
a second pinion 233, and a shield retract limit switch 251 (normally closed).
Motor 223 is powered by electrical motor control system 243, which receives
power from the vehicle's electrical system.
FIG. 35 is a broken side
view of an embodiment of the present invention, the invention disposed between
roof 4 and roof interior liner 5 of vehicle 2 (FIG. 1) (the vehicle 2, including
windshield 6, windshield frame 8, roof 4, and roof liner 5 shown in phantom
lines and not claimed). All components of the composite present invention are
securely affixed to shield mounting pedestal 151 and its associated plurality of
shield mounting pedestal transverse members 153 (FIG. 27), which in turn, is
securely and permanently attached to the underside of roof 4. First wheel track
133 extends underneath roof 4, windshield 6, and windshield frame 8, providing
confinement and guidance of the plurality of first wheels 36 (shown in more
detail in FIG. 36), which in turn with companion plurality of second wheels 61
(FIG. 22) similarly confined in second wheel track 142 (FIG. 23), provide
efficient mobility to shield assembly 10 during deployment and retraction. The
uppermost (most rearward) slat of shield assembly 10 is drive slat 89, having
first rack connection mount 109 attached thereto. Mount 109 is connected to
first rack drive rod 206, a component of and protruding form first rack 158,
whose first rack toothed upper edge 160 engages the cut teeth of first pinion
229. First pinion 229 is powered from twin shaft reversible motor 223, via first
shaft 227.
As mentioned hereinbefore, efficient mobility of shield
assembly 10 is effected by riding forward during deployment and rearward during
retraction on a plurality of first wheels 36 confined within first wheel track
133 and a plurality of second wheels 61 confined within second wheel track 142.
Detail of this feature of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in
sectional view FIG. 36. Thin-walled and rectilinear, the cross-section of track
133 is formed in the general shape of a "C ", the opening of the "C" facing
inward toward the longitudinal axis of vehicle 2. First wheel track 133 features
an internal volume 136 bounded by first wheel track interior upper edge axle
face 138, first wheel track interior upper edge 139, first wheel track upper
edge 137, first wheel track exterior edge 135, first wheel track bottom edge
134, first wheel track interior lower edge 141, and first wheel track interior
lower edge axle face 140. As demonstrated in FIG. 36, internal volume 136 is
sufficient to accommodate a plurality of first wheels 36; and, the spacing
between upper edge axle face 138 and lower edge axle face 140 is sufficient to
accommodate first wheel tubiform axle 38.
A similar situation exists for
second wheel track 142 and second wheel 61. Although not shown in detail,
thin-walled and rectilinear, the cross-section of second wheel track 142 is
formed in the general shape of a "C", the opening of the "C" facing inward.
Second wheel track 142 features a second wheel track interior volume bounded by
second wheel track interior upper edge axle face, second wheel track interior
upper edge, second wheel track upper edge, second wheel track exterior edge,
second wheel track bottom edge, second wheel track interior lower edge, and
second wheel track interior lower edge axle face. Similarly, as demonstrated in
first wheel track internal volume 136 shown in FIG. 36, second wheel track
internal volume is sufficient to accommodate a plurality of second wheels 61;
and, the spacing between upper edge axle face and lower edge axle face is
sufficient to accommodate second wheel tubiform axle 63.
As mentioned
hereinbefore, urging widthwise extension and compression of shield assembly 10
during deployment and retraction, respectively, is accomplished by first dual
disk flange guide pin 78 attached to first skirt section wheel edge 77 of skirt
slot section 67 and second dual disk flange guide pin 88 attached to second
skirt section wheel edge 87 of skirt pin section 79. As first wheel track 133
and second wheel track 142 each curve outward and downward during deployment of
shield assembly 10 across the inner surface of windshield 6, captive guide pins
78 and 88 follow the curvature and consequently extend the length of dashboard
skirt slat 65 by pulling skirt slot section 67 and skirt pin section 79 away
from each other. However skirt slat 65 is slidably connected to one of a
plurality of intermediate slats 12 with a wheel and dual axle assembly 49,
connecting skirt slot section crenelated edge 71 and skirt pin section
crenelated edge 81to slot section first crenelated edge 22 and pin section first
crenelated edge 47. As skirt slat 65 lengthwise extends and slides along the
axles of dual axle assembly 49, its merlons 26 engage similar merlons of the
attached intermediate slat and urge lengthwise extension of the intermediate
slat. Since all slats forming shield assembly 10 are similarly connected, each
connected slat progressively responds to the urging of the preceding slat and
transmits this urging to the next successive slat.
FIG. 37 illustrates
how first dual disk flange guide pin 78 is captive of first wheel track 133. The
spacing between upper edge axle face 138 and lower edge axle face 140 is
sufficient to accommodate the diameter of guide pin 78, but small enough to
maintain first interior disk flange 72 within volume 136 and likewise maintain
first exterior disk flange 82 exterior to interior upper edge 139 and interior
lower edge 141.
An important feature of the present invention is the
ability to function automatically, as well as manually, relieving the vehicle's
occupants of the responsibility and task of placing a sunshield across the inner
face of the windshield and subsequently removing the manually placed shield.
Manual operation is also provided to accommodate situations where it is desired
to deploy or retract the sunshield. FIG. 38 is an exemplary embodiment of an
electrical circuit, electrical motor control system 243, for automatically and
manually controlling deployment and retraction of the present invention. All
electrical power is supplied by vehicle electrical system 245 and all mechanical
movement of the present invention is provided by twin shaft reversible motor
223. Transmission mode sensor and second bimodal switch 247 is connected to
electrical system 245 by means of vehicle electrical system circuit 246 and
additionally linked to sense the bimodal operating mode of the transmission,
that is, PARK or RUN, where RUN includes drive, neutral, and reverse. Typically
the vehicle ignition key switch is off when the transmission is in PARK mode and
the ignition key switch is on when the transmission is in RUN mode. When the
transmission is in PARK mode, second bimodal switch 247 provides electrical
power to first bimodal switch and automatic deploy circuit 253 via PARK circuit
249. Initially after turning the ignition key off, the first bimodal momentary
contact switch is armed, set and maintained in the DEPLOY mode by the deploy
circuit and electrical power is supplied directly to motor 223 via shield deploy
circuit 254. Upon full deployment, the automatic deploy circuit interrupts the
supply of electrical power to motor 223 and disarms the first bimodal momentary
contact switch. Manually pressing the RETRACT portion of the first bimodal
switch arms that switch and supplies electrical via second shield retract
circuit 255 to motor 223 to retract shield assembly 10. The first bimodal switch
remains armed and can be manually utilized to alternately deploy and retract the
shield assembly 10 until transmission mode sensor and second bimodal switch 247
detects a change in operating state from PARK mode to RUN mode. When the
ignition key is turned on and the transmission is placed in RUN mode, second
bimodal switch 247 interrupts power to circuit 249 and instead provides
electrical to shield automatic retract limit switch 251 (normally closed) via
RUN circuit 248. In turn, limit switch 251 provides electrical power, via first
shield retract circuit 252, to motor 223 to retract shield assembly 10. When
shield assembly 10 is fully retracted, providing unobstructed vision for the
driver of the vehicle, limit switch 251 interrupts the supply of electrical
power to motor 223. When the transmission is placed in PARK and the ignition key
switched off, second bimodal switch 247 reverts to providing electrical power to
PARK circuit 249, initiating automatic deployment of the present invention.
Electrical motor control system 243 can include a security means to
prevent unauthorized operation of the present invention. This additional feature
could discourage unauthorized use of the motor vehicle by obscuring the vision
of an unauthorized driver.
Another embodiment of the present invention
concerns a different method for urging lengthwise extension and compression,
during deployment and retraction, respectively, of drive slat 89, dashboard
skirt slat 65, and the plurality of intermediate slats 12, forming the composite
shield assembly 10. In this alternative embodiment, each first wheel 36 is
attached to and rotates freely about the outside end its associated first wheel
tubiform axle 38. Likewise, each second wheel 61 is attached to and rotates
freely about the outside end its associated second wheel tubiform axle 63.
Each first wheel tubiform axle 38 is firmly affixed to and neither
rotates nor slides within each merlon bore 28 associated with each merlon 26
associated with slot section first crenelated edge 22 of each intermediate slat
12. In addition, each first wheel tubiform axle 38 also is firmly affixed to and
neither rotates nor slides within each merlon bore 28 associated with each
merlon 26 associated with drive slat slot section crenelated edge 99 of drive
slat 89.
Each second wheel tubiform axle 63 is firmly affixed to and
neither rotates nor slides within each merlon bore 28 associated with each
merlon 26 associated with pin section first crenelated edge 47 of each
intermediate slat 12. In addition, each second wheel tubiform axle 63 also is
firmly affixed to and neither rotates nor slides within each merlon bore 28
associated with each merlon 26 associated with drive pin section crenelated edge
121 of drive slat 89.
Conversely, each first wheel tubiform axle 38 and
each second wheel tubiform axle 63 freely rotates and slides within each merlon
bore 28 associated with each merlon 26 associated with each slot section second
crenelated edge 30 and each pin section second crenelated edge 55 of each
intermediate slat 12 and also skirt slot section crenelated edge 71 and skirt
pin section crenelated edge 81 of dashboard skirt slat 65.
In this
alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first wheels
36 captive within first wheel track 133 and the plurality of second wheels 61
captive within second wheel track 142 will urge lengthwise extension or
compression of each associated slat section attached thereto as the wheels move
within the confines of the wheel tracks during deployment and retraction of
shield assembly 10.
Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the
present invention have been described in the exposition hereinbefore, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible
in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined
in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-functions clauses are
intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited
functions and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
* * * * *
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