Cover for vehicle window

A removable cover for mounting over the exterior of a vehicle window is provided. The cover is formed from a flexible sheet material having a central portion sized and shaped to substantially cover the window and at least two, integral clamping portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The clamping portions are disposed for capture between a door and door frame of the vehicle. The cover also includes a cut-out hand hold in each clamping portion. A handle grip body is mounted to each clamping portion. Each handle grip body includes a face of sufficiently large dimension to engage the door and door frame so as not to pull through between them when the door is closed. In the portions of the sheet material that transition between the central portion and the clamping portions there are provided windows, for visualizing the door frame, and rubber spacers. The windows aid in properly placing the cover on the vehicle windows while the rubber spacers prevent the sheet material from rubbing on the door frame as the clamping portions are positioned between the doors and door frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to vehicle accessories and more 
particularly, to a flexible cover or shield adapted for placement over the 
exterior surface of a vehicle window, such as the windshield. The cover 
protects the windshield from various environmental factors including the 
buildup of frost, snow, ice and dirt. The cover is also adapted to reflect 
sunlight thereby substantially preventing the penetration of ultraviolet 
light and the buildup of heat in the interior of the vehicle. 
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART 
It has long been known to utilize covers for vehicles to protect the 
vehicles from various environmental factors including rain, frost, snow, 
ice, dirt and sunlight. Examples of such devices particularly adapted for 
application to the windshield of a vehicle include, for example, U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 2,599,066 to Osborne; 2,646,118 to Berty; 4,635,993 to Hooper et al.; 
and 4,790,591 to Miller. 
Of these windshield covers or screens, the ones disclosed in the Osborne, 
Berty and Hooper et al. patents cover the exterior surface of the 
windshield. Accordingly, these covers are particularly effective in 
preventing frost, snow and ice from building up on the windshield in the 
winter. They are also effective in blocking sunlight and at least a 
portion of the ultraviolet radiation associated therewith from penetrating 
the interior of the vehicle. As such, in the summer months these covers 
function to lower heat buildup within the interior of the vehicle. They 
also reduce damage to interior vehicle components due to extended 
application of ultraviolet radiation over time. 
The covers are also equipped with various mechanisms to prevent theft. For 
example, the Hooper et al. device incorporates a beaded end flap. More 
particularly, with the vehicle door open, the end flap is folded around 
the door frame. The door of the vehicle is then closed so that the beaded 
end of the flap is held in the interior of the vehicle. Advantageously, 
since the beaded end is of sufficient dimension so as to engage the door 
and door frame rather than pull through between them, the cover cannot be 
stolen from a locked vehicle unless the end flap is cut or the vehicle 
door is opened such as by jimmying. 
While numerous windshield screens or covers of varying design are available 
in the marketplace, a need for improvements still exists. More 
specifically, many are inconvenient to utilize. For example, many are 
difficult to properly position on the window and are difficult to properly 
hold in position on the window while being secured to the vehicle to 
prevent theft. Additionally, many of the covers of the type disclosed in 
Hooper et al. including end flaps that are folded around the door frame 
and closed within the vehicle door tend to damage paint in the area of the 
door frame over time. This results from the rubbing action of the flexible 
material of the cover which can effectively buff the paint from the 
underlying metal. A need is therefore identified for a vehicle windshield 
screen or cover of improved design addressing these problems. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a 
vehicle window cover overcoming the above-described limitations and 
disadvantages of the prior art. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window 
cover made from lightweight, durable material for user convenience and 
long service life. Preferably, the face of the cover may be printed with 
an aesthetically pleasing pattern and/or promotional graphics. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window 
screen constructed of flexible material that substantially prevents 
ultraviolet radiation of the sun from entering through the covered 
windshield and degrading the components of the vehicle interior including, 
for example, the plastic dashboard. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle 
window cover including handles of molded plastic for ease in handling the 
vehicle cover when carrying and for ease in manipulation of the vehicle 
cover when positioning over the window. Advantageously, the handles are 
also formed with a cross section of sufficient dimension so as to prevent 
pulling through the space between the door and door frame when the door of 
the vehicle is closed. When the door is locked this serves to discourage 
theft of the window cover. 
As a further object of the present invention the vehicle window cover 
incorporates viewing windows to further aid an individual in positioning 
the cover in proper alignment over the window when in use. 
As an additional object, the apparatus also incorporates spacers in the 
form of rubber grommets that may be utilized to hold the cover in place 
while closing the vehicle doors over the ends that secure the cover in 
position. Advantageously, the grommets prevent the cover from pulling 
across the door frame and buffing or rubbing off the vehicle paint over 
time. 
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention 
will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will 
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the 
following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The 
objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by 
means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out 
in the appended claims. 
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the 
purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved 
apparatus is provided for covering or screening the window of a vehicle 
from various environmental factors. More particularly, the removable 
vehicle window cover of the present invention is adapted for mounting on 
the exterior of a vehicle window. The removable cover comprises a flexible 
sheet material having a central portion that is sized and shaped to 
substantially cover the window and at least two clamping portions at 
opposite ends of the central portion. Each of the clamping portions is 
disposed for capture between a door and door frame of the vehicle. When so 
captured, the removable cover is held in position over the window. 
To aid in manipulation of the vehicle cover, handles are provided on each 
clamping portion. Each handle includes an integral stop for engaging the 
door and door frame when the associated clamping portion is disposed 
therebetween. This serves to prevent unauthorized removal of the cover 
from the window of the vehicle. 
More particularly, each handle is provided in the form of a grip body. Each 
grip body includes a pair of interconnected body halves. The handles are 
mounted at each end of the removable cover. More particularly, the body 
halves include cooperating pins and mounting sockets that are 
interconnected with a portion of the flexible sheet material of the 
clamping portion disposed and held therebetween. 
Preferably, each handle is mounted adjacent a handhold cut in the flexible 
sheet material. A first pair of pins and sockets are provided at one side 
of the handle and extended through the handhold. A second pair of pins and 
cooperating sockets are mounted at the other side of the handle and are 
interconnected just beyond the outer periphery of the end edge of the 
flexible material. 
Advantageously, at least one face of each handle has a dimension 
sufficiently large so as to engage the door and door frame and not pull 
through between them when the door is closed and the clamping portion 
extends therebetween. Thus, by locking the vehicle door it is possible to 
secure the window cover to the vehicle and thereby prevent theft absent 
the thief breaking into the vehicle. While it should also be realized that 
the thief could cut the cover adjacent the point where it is received and 
extends through the space between the door and door frame, this 
essentially renders the device useless. Accordingly, theft is effectively 
prevented. 
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the 
removable cover also includes viewing windows provided in the two portions 
of the sheet material that transition between the central body and each of 
the clamping portions. In positioning the cover on the window of the 
vehicle, the viewing windows are positioned over the upright or door frame 
pillar at the end of the windshield. Since the cover is customized to the 
vehicle and windshield on which it is being placed, this convenient means 
of positioning insures that the cover is properly positioned on the window 
before either of the clamping portions is captured between the door and 
door frame. 
The removable cover also includes a spacer element, in the form of at least 
one and preferably two rubber grommets that are also provided in the 
portions of the sheet material that transition between the central body 
and each of the clamping portions. Accordingly, it should be appreciated 
that the rubber grommets are positioned in engagement with the door frame 
pillar when the cover is properly positioned and seated on the window. 
Advantageously, the rubber grommets serve to space the sheet material from 
the door frame pillar and prevent it from rubbing on the pillar as the 
clamping portions are positioned between the doors and door frames. 
Additionally, the rubber grommets provide a convenient means of 
identifying the position to hold the cover down against the vehicle as the 
individual doors are closed to clamp the clamping portions in position. 
Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent 
to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there 
is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by 
way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the 
invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other 
different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification 
in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. 
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as 
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Reference is now made to the drawing figures showing the improved removable 
cover 10 of the present invention for covering the exterior surface of a 
vehicle window such as a windshield W. The cover 10 is formed from a 
flexible sheet material such as a metalized film laminated to polyethylene 
or plastic film (e.g. Mylar). More particularly, the cover 10 is cut so as 
to be sized and shaped to cover a particular window of a vehicle upon 
which the cover is to be utilized. Advantageously, the Mylar sheet 
material is strong and durable so as to provide a long service life. It 
also is adapted to reflect ultraviolet light thereby reducing the amount 
of ultraviolet light that reaches the dashboard and other interior 
components through the covered window. Accordingly, degradation of these 
components over time as a result of ultraviolet light exposure is 
significantly reduced. 
As best shown in FIG. 3, this sheet material has a central portion 12 and 
two integral clamping portions 14. One clamping portion 14 is provided at 
each end of the central portion 12. A pair of viewing windows 16, such as 
cut outs, are provided in the sheet material in the area of the 
transitions between the central portion 12 and each clamping portion 14. 
As described in greater detail below, and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the 
viewing windows 16 aid in properly positioning the screen 10 on the 
vehicle window to be covered. 
One or more spacers 18, such as the rubber or vinyl grommets shown in the 
drawing figures, are also positioned in each portion of the sheet material 
that transitions between the central portion 12 and clamping portions 14. 
When the cover 10 is properly positioned over the windshield, the rubber 
grommets 18 engage the door frame pillar P that extends between the 
windshield and the door D. Advantageously, the grommets 18 serve to space 
the Mylar sheet material of the cover 10 from the metal door frame pillars 
P thereby preventing the sheet material from rubbing over/across and 
buffing paint from the pillar during placement or as a result of buffeting 
by high winds. 
A handle 20 is mounted to each clamping portion 14. Each handle 20 is 
formed from a pair of handle grip bodies molded, for example of ABS 
plastic. As shown in FIG. 4, the two handle grip body halves are connected 
together by pins 22 on one body half that are received in cooperating 
sockets 24 on the other body half. As shown, the pins 22 and sockets 24 
adjacent the front face 26 of the handle 20 are received through a cut-out 
hand hold 28. This hand hold 28 is cut in the sheet material forming each 
clamping portion 14. The pins 22 and sockets 24 adjacent the rear face 29 
of the handle 20 are interconnected just beyond the outer end edge of the 
sheet material. Thus, an integral strip 30 of sheet material is captured 
in the handle 20, disposed between the handle halves. The handles 20 are 
thereby secured in position. 
An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment the 
clamping portion 14 has a significantly reduced transverse dimension T 
relative to the central portion 12. Overcut notches 32 are also provided 
at each side of the clamping portion 14 where the clamping portion joins 
the central portion 12. This embodiment is particularly adapted for use on 
vehicles with high pillars P or rain gutters. More particularly, the 
overcut notches 32 allow the end edge 34 of the central portion 12 to lie 
under the edge of the pillar P for a closer fit to the window W while the 
clamping portion 14 is still able to wrap over and around the pillar for 
clamping in the door as described below in detail. 
Advantageously, the cover 10 of the present invention is very easy to 
utilize. First, the cover 10 is removed from its convenient storage 
location such as the trunk, glovebox or under a seat of the vehicle. The 
cover 10 is then unfolded or unrolled and spread across the windshield W. 
With one of the vehicle's front doors open, the individual then positions 
the viewing windows 16 and grommets 18 at one side of the cover 10 
directly over the door frame pillar P between the windshield W and the 
door D. The clamping portion 14 on that same side is then folded around 
the door frame pillar P. Next, the individual presses his or her thumbs 
down on the grommets 18 so as to hold the cover 10 in position while 
maintaining the other fingers clear of the door as the door is closed with 
a push from the torso or legs. 
The same procedure is then followed on the other side of the vehicle to 
secure the other clamping portion 14. Once completed, both clamping 
portions 14 are held between the front doors D and door frames of the 
vehicle. Additionally, the central portion 12 is held over the exterior of 
the windshield W. As the central portion 12 is custom cut to the size and 
shape of the vehicle windshield, the windshield W is fully covered. As 
such, frost, snow, ice, dust and other environmental factors are prevented 
from contacting and building up on the windshield W. Additionally, heat 
and ultraviolet light are reflected away from the interior of the vehicle. 
Advantageously, the resulting lower interior temperatures and lower 
ultraviolet light levels significantly reduce the fatigue of interior 
components over time. For example, cracking and blistering of dashboard 
materials and any fading of the color of interior components from "sun 
bleaching" are significantly reduced or even eliminated. 
By locking all the vehicle doors, it should also be appreciated that theft 
of the cover 10 is essentially prohibited. More particularly, the front 
face 26 of the handles 20 are of significantly large dimension to engage 
the door D and door frame of the vehicle thereby preventing the clamping 
portion 14 at either end from pulling through between the door and door 
frame and out of the vehicle interior. 
When the vehicle operator returns to the vehicle, the screen may be easily 
removed by simply opening both doors D and folding or rolling the cover 10 
up for convenient storage. At all times, the handles 20 allow the cover 10 
to be quickly and conveniently manipulated. Additionally, the durable 
Mylar material is light in weight so that the cover 10 may be utilized 
with little physical effort. 
In summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of the 
present invention. Advantageously, the cover 10 is provided with handles 
20 for ease in handling when carrying as well as for ease in manipulation 
when positioning over the vehicle windshield. The handles 20 are also 
advantageously formed with a cross section of sufficient dimension so as 
to prevent them pulling through the space between the door and door frame 
when the door of the vehicle is closed. Hence, when the doors are locked 
this serves to discourage theft of the window cover 10. Additionally, the 
cover 10 includes viewing windows 16 and spacers 18 in the form of rubber 
grommets that serve to aid in the positioning of the cover in proper 
alignment over the window when in use. 
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has 
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not 
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form 
disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of 
the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide 
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical 
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize 
the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is 
suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and 
variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the 
appended claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they 
are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.