Abstract:
A protective screen system of the present invention is disclosed herein which may be used in a variety of types and models of vehicles to keep children and pets safe during an accident, in hot weather provide a ventilation means, and to prevent bugs and debris from entering a vehicle. The protective screen system may be installed into the frame of a vehicle window and may be available in an adjustable or a non-adjustable version. The protective screen system may be manufactured using a durable material. The protective screen system may be customized to be installed into substantially any vehicle window.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/266,145, filed Dec. 2, 2009 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of screens and more specifically relates to protective screens for vehicles. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Vehicles are a common mode of transportation in our modern day society. Windows are provided on such vehicles to provide ventilation means for the passengers therein. When windows of a vehicle are rolled down, it is common for bugs or other debris to fly inside the vehicle. Another problem occurs when truck drivers pull off the road to rest and may want to leave the windows down for ventilation, but insects may enter causing a restless sleep. 
         [0006]    Many pet owners transport their animals and children in their vehicle between locations. Since often the animal is unrestrained, it is a danger that the animal may jump out of an open window or be ejected in the event of an accident. In a similar manner, parents may also worry that their child may be ejected through an open vehicle window in the event of an accident. Additionally, children have a tendency to throw or drop objects out of car windows when the driver is distracted, a need exists to prevent these events from occurring. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked during summer months extra ventilation for children and/or pets may be desirable to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. A more suitable solution is needed. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,285,383, 6,367,536, 5,524,694, 5,290,086, 5,443,110, 2,710,058, and 4,653,562. This prior art is representative of screens. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0008]    Ideally, a protective screen should operate safely and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable screen system to keep children and pets safe during transport, in an accident, in hot weather, while preventing bugs, debris, and other particles from entering a vehicle thereby avoiding the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known screen art, the present invention provides a novel protective screen system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a protective screen for vehicle windows. 
         [0010]    A protective screen system is described herein for use with a vehicle comprising: at least one protective screen; and at least one lockable screen frame unit having a periphery; wherein the protective screen and the lockable screen frame unit are removably couplable to a vehicle window such as those found in trucks, cars, SUVs, buses, recreational vehicles and other such modes of transport. 
         [0011]    An adjustable version of protective screen system is also provided herein which may comprise a first protective screen with a first outer perimeter and a second protective screen with a second outer perimeter wherein the first and second protective screens are movably adjustable in relation to each other via a sliding motion and in other embodiments may be non-adjustable. 
         [0012]    Further, a method of using the protective screen system is disclosed herein for use with a vehicle comprising the steps of installing the protective screen system with a first protective screen and a second protective screen into a groove-space of a vehicle window frame and adjusting first and second protective screens in relation to each other via a sliding motion to create a user preferred open space, the open space providing adequate ventilation. The present invention may be manufactured and sold as a kit. 
         [0013]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a protective screen system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Protective Screen Systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a protective screen system installed in a driver&#39;s side vehicle window of a tractor-trailer truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view which illustrates the protective screen system installed in windows of a vehicle or sedan according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a non-adjustable version of the protective screen system in-use in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating a first variation of the protective screen system that is non-adjustable according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view illustrating a second variation of the protective screen having adjustable first and second protective screens according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view illustrating brackets as used on the non-adjustable version of the protective screen according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view including brackets as used on the first and second protective screens of the adjustable version of the protective screen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5B . 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective screen system  100  and more particularly to a protective screen system  100  as used to improve the security and safety of motorists and/or passengers  210  inside vehicle  140  and to prevent unwanted bugs, debris, and particles from entering vehicle  140 . 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , illustrating protective screen system  100  in an ‘in-use’ condition  150  installed in a driver&#39;s side vehicle window  130  of truck  120 . Truck  120  in this particular figure comprises a tractor-trailer version; however it should be appreciated that the present invention may be used with trucks  120  of various sizes and models. Protective screen system  100  may comprise at least one protective screen  410  and at least one screen frame locking unit  430 . Protective screen system  100  is preferably installable in at least one vehicle window  104 , as shown. Vehicle window  104  on vehicle  140  includes side-window  130  and rear windows  134  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and may also include other vent windows such as those found in sleepers. 
         [0026]    Protective screen  410  and screen frame locking unit  430  may be removably couplable to vehicle window  104  via groove-space  310 . When in an in-use condition  150 , protective screen  410  serves to prevent debris, bugs or other unwanted objects or particles from entering vehicle  140 . Additionally, protective screen  410  permits ventilation when in an in-use condition  150 . For example, when a truck-driver pulls off the road for an extended period to rest, the truck-driver may prefer to have window  104  open for ventilation, yet be deterred because bugs or other unwanted objects or particles may enter vehicle  140  disrupting his rest. 
         [0027]    Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other vehicles such as, for example, cars, buses, SUVs  145 , boats, planes, recreational vehicles, trailers, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , showing a perspective view illustrating protective screen system  100  installed in window(s)  104  of vehicle  140  or sedan  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    As shown, protective screen system  100  is preferably installed in window  104 , and optionally rear window  134  to protect passenger(s)  210 , such as child  214 , and/or pet  220 . Protective screen system  100  preferably protects passenger  210  and/or pet  220  by decreasing the likelihood of ejection of passenger  210  and/or pet(s)  220  if vehicle  140  is involved in an accident. Using protective screen system  100  in rear window  134 , as shown creates a barrier between the outer environment and the interior of vehicle  140  yet allowing sufficient ventilation to occur. Further, when protective screen system  100  is in an in-use condition  150 , debris, bugs or other unwanted objects or particles are thereby prevented from entering vehicle  140  from outside. Further, protective screen system  100  substantially prevents children from throwing objects out window(s)  104  and/or sticking their limbs outside of vehicle  140 , possibly preventing bodily harm. In this way the present invention serves to protect passengers from harm and increase their relative comfort levels while vehicle  140  is stationary or in transport. The present figure illustrates how the present invention may be used with side window(s)  130 , rear window(s)  134  and other window  104  locations within vehicle  140 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , showing non-adjustable version  445  of protective screen system  100  in an ‘in-use’ condition  150  in vehicle  140  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows protective screen  410  and screen frame  420  whereby protective screen system  100  is installable and preferably occupies the entire space of vehicle window opening  340 . In this particular embodiment, protective screen  410  is non-size adjustable  445  and comprises screen frame locking unit  430  having periphery  320 . Protective screen frame  420  may be inserted into vehicle window opening  340 . When in ‘in-use’ condition  150 , protective screen  410  and screen frame locking unit  430  are removably couplable to groove-space  310  of vehicle window frame  330 . Groove-space  310  may comprise the gap located adjacent the edge of vehicle window frame  330  nearest the exterior of vehicle  140 . In other embodiments not shown, groove-space  310  may be inserted adjacent the edge of vehicle window frame  330  nearest the interior. In this way the present invention may be installed on the inside or outside relative to vehicle window  104 . Vehicle window  104  is not inhibited from up and down movement while adjustable version  440  of protective screen system  100  is in use or non-use. In certain embodiments of non-adjustable version  445  movement may be inhibited. Protective screen  410  and screen frame locking unit  430  may be installed or removed from vehicle window  104  at user discretion. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , showing perspective views of the first and second embodiments of protective screen system  100 .  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating a first variation of protective screen system  100  that is non-adjustable (non-adjustable version  445 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Referring now to non-adjustable version  445  as shown in  FIG. 4A , wherein protective screen  410  is shaped to fit an entire area of vehicle window opening  340  and is non-adjustable  445  as also previously mentioned in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the instant embodiment, protective screen system  100  may be retrofitted to fit the window of a truck  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , SUV  145 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , or other vehicle  140  window  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The protective screen system  100  may be sold in two or more variations as described herein. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , showing a perspective view illustrating a second variation (herein embodying adjustable version  440 ) of protective screen  410  having adjustable first and second protective screens  412 ,  416 , respectively, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Adjustable version  440  comprises a plurality of protective screen(s)  410  as shown. It should be appreciated that more protective screen(s)  410  may be used within other embodiments (not shown) as needed. For example it may be desirable to use three or four or more protective screen(s)  410  to achieve the desired purpose. In this particular embodiment, first protective screen  412  of protective screen system  100  comprises first outer perimeter  414 . Second protective screen  416  of protective screen system  100  comprises second outer perimeter  418 . First protective screen  412  and second protective screen  416  are preferably movably adjustable in relation to each other via a sliding motion and form protective screen system assembly  402 . First protective screen  412  may be lowered in relation to second protective screen  416  thereby creating a user-preferred open space  480  within vehicle window opening  340 . It should be appreciated that the dimensions of open space  480  are adjustably limited due to second outer perimeter  418  of second protective screen  416 . The amount of relative movement is limited because second protective screen  416  is stationary-mounted to vehicle window opening  340 . 
         [0036]    The present invention may be manufactured and sold as a kit comprising the components mentioned herein. The kit may comprise adjustable version  440  and/or non-adjustable version  445 . The kit may include components to fit into vehicle window  104  of various locations (for example in side, rear, front, back-seat, vent, and others). 
         [0037]    Screen frame locking unit  430  may be positioned along periphery  320  of protective screen(s)  410  in place, as also alluded to in  FIG. 5 . Protective screen system assembly  402  may be customized to the specifications of different types of vehicles  140 , some of those described herein. Protective screen system assembly  402  herein comprising a movably couplable grooved locking unit  450  and bracket(s)  460  that may be inserted and suitably secured onto/into vehicle window opening  340 . Using protective screen systems assembly  402  of the present invention does not block the travel of vehicle window  104  from manual or automatic height-adjustment by users. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view illustrating bracket(s)  460  as used on non-adjustable version  445  of protective screen  410  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view including bracket(s)  460  as used on the first and second protective screens  412 ,  416 , respectively, of adjustable version  440  of protective screen system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , showing a perspective view of the protective screen frame  420  and screen frame locking unit  430 , and more specifically to bracket(s)  460 . In certain embodiments at least two bracket(s)  460  may be located on periphery  320  of screen frame locking unit  430 . 
         [0041]    Protective screen frame  420  may be inserted into vehicle window opening  340  whereby bottom  424  of screen frame  420  may comprise grooved locking unit  450  that may be securely latched onto the glass of the retracted vehicle window  130 . 
         [0042]    Protective screen system  100  may be manufactured to fit vehicle window  104  of a truck  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Non-adjustable version  445  and adjustable versions  440  of the present invention may be used in sedan  200  or other vehicle(s)  140  as described above and shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , showing a flowchart  650  illustrating a method of use  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5B . 
         [0044]    In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use  600  is disclosed herein comprising: step one  601  installing protective screen system  100  with first protective screen  412  and second protective screen  416  into groove-space  310  of vehicle window frame  330 ; and step two  602  adjusting first and second protective screens  412  and  416 , respectively, in relation to each other via a sliding motion to create a user-preferred open space  480 . The method of use  600  may also include use with non-adjustable version  445 . Further, protective screen system  100  may be installed and/or uninstalled from various vehicle windows  104 , as described above in optional step  603 . 
         [0045]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0046]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.