Abstract:
A support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between a collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more arcuate compressible members which extends beyond the perimeter of the pleated or folding screen. Each of the arcuate compressible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, thereby supplying an expansive force to hold the shade in place in the open position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a CIP of application having Ser. No. 10/116,946, filed Apr. 8, 2002, which is a CIP application of Ser. No. 09/766,557, filed on Jan. 19, 2001 which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed on Oct. 13, 1999 which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed on Oct. 19, 1998; and  
         [0002]    This application claims benefit to the application having Ser. No. 10/118,549, filed on Apr. 8, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 60/284,976, filed on Apr. 20, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/766,557, filed on Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed on Oct. 13, 1999, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967 which claims benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/104,703, which was filed on Oct. 19, 1998. 
     
    
     
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
         [0003]    Not Applicable.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to collapsible shades designed to for fitment in a window, such as of an automobile, so as to protect the interior by preventing the entrance of damaging sun rays and the generation of damaging heat, and in particular, to a support structures biasing collapsible or folding windows shades in an automobile window and against adjacent fixtures.  
           [0005]    Numerous styles of window screens and shades adapted for use in automobiles have long been available in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,460 for an automobile window protector, and which is incorporated herein by reference, shows the fabrication of such a screen, made of flexible material, and which could be applied to either the interior or exterior of the window of an automobile. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,262, and which issued as Re-examination certificate No. B1 5,024,262, and which is incorporated herein by reference, shows a compactly foldable automobile sunshade, which provided for inherent resiliency, at least around its perimeter loop, to hold the shade in an opened configuration, and to provide sunlight protection at the vicinity of the automobile window, but which is capable of significant reduction in size through the folding of the frame into a more compact arrangement for suitable for storage.  
           [0006]    During use, an automobile windows shade is typically installed adjacent an automobile window, blocking incoming sunlight or providing interior privacy. However, if the automobile window and the shade do not have exactly the same dimensions, the shade may not function as desired. For example, if the window shade is smaller than the window in which it is installed, it may not stay in place without the aid of fasteners or ties to hold it to the window. Alternatively, if the shade is larger than the window in which it is installed, the shade may bow or wrinkle when fitted into the perimeter of the window, leaving gaps or causing damage to the shade.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for an automobile window shade support assembly which permits a collapsible or folding automobile window shade to securely fit within a wide variety of automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes which are larger than the shade without bowing, wrinkling, or experiencing damage, and without the need for fasteners or ties.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade material such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between a collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more flexible members which extends beyond the perimeter of the shade material. Each of the flexible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, supplying an expansive force to hold the shade material in place in the open position.  
           [0009]    In a second embodiment, each of the flexible members comprising the support assembly is adjustable to alter the extension of each of the flexible members beyond the perimeter of the shade material. A slid clasp is configured to permit each flexible member to slid adjust along the perimeter of the shade, between a fully extended position having maximum displacement from the perimeter of the shade material, and a retracted position adjacent the perimeter of the shade material. Each flexible member is configured to adjust as required to facilitate the installation of the shade in automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes.  
           [0010]    In a third embodiment, the support assembly includes one or more rigid mounting elements spaced about the perimeter of the collapsible automobile shade. Each rigid mounting element is configured to grip or seat on an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, supplying a holding force to secure the shade in place in the open position.  
           [0011]    In a fourth embodiment, the support assembly for a rectangular collapsible automobile shade includes one or more flexible members which extend beyond the perimeter of the shade material in combination with one or more rigid mounting elements. The rigid mounting elements are disposed at the, corners of the collapsible shade, and are interconnected by the flexible members, which provide an expansive force to seat the rigid mounting elements against the edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed in an open position.  
           [0012]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally rectangular screen;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally square screen;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade if the present invention, illustrating a flexible member support assembly disposed adjacent one edge of a rectangular screen;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible support member of FIG. 3 secured to the edge of the rectangular screen, defining a pair of compressible bulges;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly secured to a generally rectangular screen;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly consisting of a plurality of flexible members secured adjacent to the corners of a generally rectangular screen;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly consisting of a plurality of opposing flexible members secured to the perimeter of a circular screen;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an automobile with various embodiments of the collapsible automobile shades installed in the front and side windows;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an automobile with the embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of FIG. 6 installed in the rear window;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a three-piece folding automobile shade, with each piece including the flexible support member of FIG. 3;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-piece folding automobile shade, with a pair of pieces including the flexible support member of FIG. 3;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding clamp assembly utilized to secure a flexible support member of the present invention to an automobile shade perimeter;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sliding clamp assembly of FIG. 12;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 is a perspective of the alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly of FIG. 14;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rigid mounting element utilizes to secure an automobile shade to a vehicle window perimeter;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a plurality of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 3;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 4; and  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of a folding automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on either end of an expanding support shaft.  
     
    
       [0035]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.  
         [0037]    In referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the support structure  10  associated with a collapsible automobile shade  12  is disclosed. The collapsible automobile shade  12  includes a shaped screen  14  of fabric-like material which may be cloth, mesh, polymer, or even Mylar.  
         [0038]    Preferably, the material easily deforms into any shape without a memory. When the automobile shade  12  is expanded, as shown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen  14  is held in an open configuration, in this particular instance being generally rectangular, and which can be used as a sun shade or privacy screen, internally of an automobile windshield or window. The outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14  defines a perimeter boundary or border, which in this illustrative embodiment is made from simply rolling the outer edge back on itself and securing the edge by sewing.  
         [0039]    It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the particular shape for the shaped screen  14  may undertake various configurations, and such shapes may include the rectangular form as shown in FIG. 1, a square form as shown in FIG. 2, an oval, circular, or truncated configuration, depending upon the particular automobile make and model for which the screen is intended for use.  
         [0040]    As seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure  10  comprises a spring-like compressible member  18  extending beyond a portion of the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14 . The compressible member  18  is a single continuous length of spring-like or resiliently compressible material, such as a thin metal band having an inherent shape memory, forming a circular framework  19  for supporting the shaped screen  14  in an open configuration. The spring-like or resilient nature of the compressible member  18  permits the collapsible automobile shade  12  to be reversibly twisted in upon itself in a conventional manner, into a compact and overlapping collapsed configuration suitable for storage. Preferably, the compressible member  18  and the shaped screen  14  are coupled by incorporating the compressible member  18  into the outer edge  16  or border of the shaped screen  14 .  
         [0041]    In a third embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a single compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework  22  for supporting the shaped screen  14  in an open configuration. The arcuate framework  22  is secured to the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen  14  in a conventional manner at two fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B, such as by crimping or clamping. Alternatively, as shown by a variation of the third embodiment in FIG. 4, the arcuate framework  22  may include a centrally disposed third fixed attachment point  24 C, forming a pair of arcuate elements  22 A, and  22 B adjacent one edge of the shaped screen  14  from the single compressible member  18 .  
         [0042]    In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a single compressible member  18  is disposed in a circular configuration  26  about the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14 , in an open configuration. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen  14  in this embodiment is secured to the compressible member  18  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B,  24 C, and  24 D in spaced relationship about the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen  14 .  
         [0043]    In a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a single compressible member  18  is disposed about the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14  in an open configuration. The compressible member  18  is secured to the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A- 24 H, such that portions  30  of the compressible member  18  adjacent corner regions  29  of the shaped screen  14  are spaced apart there from, while portions  32  of the compressible member  18  adjacent the elongated sides of the shaped screen  14  are substantially parallel there to.  
         [0044]    In a sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of compressible members  18  are disposed in spaced relationship about the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14  in an open circular configuration. Each compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework  34  spaced apart from the outer edge  16  for supporting the shaped screen  14  in an open configuration. Each arcuate framework  34  is secured to the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen  14  at two fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B and  24 C,  24 D, respectively.  
         [0045]    In a seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the support structure  10  is adapted for use with a conventional folding automobile shade  40  consisting of a number of rigid shade panels  50 A,  50 B, and  50 . The shade  40  is configured to fold in a conventional manner along seams  52  disposed between each shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C, from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The adapted support structure  10  includes a compressible member  18  associated with each rigid shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C. Each compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework  54  for supporting the associated rigid shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C in an open configuration, and is secured to an outer edge of the associated rigid shade panel at two or more fixed attachment points  56 .  
         [0046]    In a variation on the seventh embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, only a limited number of the individual rigid shade panels  60 A- 60 E comprising a conventional folding automobile shade  60  are provided with associated compressible members  18  of the support structure  10 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the use and operation of the support structure  10  of the present invention to secure a collapsible automobile shade  12  in an automobile window  100 . A collapsible automobile shade  12  is initially unfolded or expanded to a fully open configuration such as shown in FIGS.  1 - 9 . Preferably, the shade  12  is selected to include a shaped screen  14  having overall dimensions equal to or smaller than those of the frame  102  of the automobile window  100  in which it is to be installed, and to include a compressible member  18  such that the combined maximum dimensions of the support structure  10  and the shaped screen  14  are greater than at least one corresponding dimension of the automobile window  100 . For example, it is preferable that for an automobile window having a 20.0 inch height dimension, a collapsible automobile shade  12  be selected to have a height of the shaped screen  14 , combined with that of the compressible member  18 , which exceed 20.0 inches.  
         [0048]    When installed against the automobile window  100 , the components of the support structure  10  are reversibly deformed and compressed to fit within the frame  102 , providing tensioned support for the shaped screen  14  by transferring the compressive loads to the outer edge  16  of the shaped screen  14 . For example, turning to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is shown installed in the automobile window  100  of a rear door  104 . A pair of similar automobile shades  12  is seen installed in the windshield  100 A. The compressible member  18 , initially defining a circular framework  19  within which the shaped screen  14  is held, is deformed and compressed by the frame  102  into a substantially rectangular configuration, reducing the spacing between the shaped screen  14  and the compressible member  18  above and below the shaped screen  14 . The inherent shape memory of the spring-like compressible member  18  resists compression by the window frame  102 , exerting an outwardly directed holding force against the window frame  102 , maintaining the automobile shade  12  in position against the window  100 .  
         [0049]    Each embodiment of the support structure  10  shown in FIGS.  1 - 9  is utilized in a similar manner to that described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 is illustrated in use to secure an automobile shade  12  in an open configuration against a rear window  100 B of an automobile. Specifically, each of the portions  30  of the compressible member  18  adjacent corner regions  29  of the shaped screen  14  is compressed against the corresponding corners of the rear window frame  102 B, providing a tensioning support to maintain the automobile shade  12  in place against the rear window  100 B.  
         [0050]    For some applications of the support structure  10 , it is desirable to alter the spacing between the compressible members  18  and the shade material  14 , so as to permit an automobile shade  12  including the support structure  10  to be utilized in automobile windows  100  having a wide range of dimensions. Turning to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, an alternate embodiment of the support structure  10  is shown to include a slide coupler  200  utilized in place of a fixed attachment point  24  to secure the compressible member  18  to the outer edge  16  of the shade material  14 . The slide coupler  200  consists of a coupler body  202  which is secured to one end of the compressible member  18 , preferably by a locking dowel  204  or other conventional attachment means passing through the compressible member  18  seated in a recess  206 , and engaging the coupler body  202 . The coupler body  202  further includes a channel  208  into which the outer edge  16  of the automobile shade  12  is seated. A release button  210 , biased by a spring  212  is seated in a bore  214  intersecting the channel  208 . The release button  210  includes a second channel  211  aligned parallel with the channel  208 , and is biased by spring  212  to exert a locking pressure against the outer edge  16 , securing the slide coupler  200  against sliding movement relative to the outer edge  16 . When in the biased (locking) position, a portion of the release button  210  protrudes from the bore  214 , beyond the face of coupler body  202 . When depressed inward towards the coupler body  202 , the release button  210  compresses the spring  212 , and shifts the second channel  211  into longitudinal alignment with the channel  208 . When channel  208  and the second channel  211  are in longitudinal alignment, the slide coupler  200  is capable of sliding movement along the outer edge  16 . When released, the release button  210  is biased outward from the coupler body  202  by the spring  212 , moving the second channel  211  into parallel alignment with the channel  208 , and trapping a portion of the outer edge  16  there between. The trapped portion of the outer edge  16  resists sliding movement by the slide coupler  200 , securing the compressible member  18  in a fixed location relative thereto.  
         [0051]    Using the slide coupler  200  it is possible to alter the spacing between the compressible members  18  and the shade material  14 , so as to permit an automobile shade  12  including the support structure  10  to be utilized in automobile windows  100  having a wide range of dimensions. Specifically, by sliding the slide coupler  200 , and accordingly, the compressible member  18  along the outer edge  16  of the automobile shade  12 , the displacement of portions of the compressible member  18  from the outer edge  16  will either increase or decrease, permitting use of the automobile shade and support structure  10  in either larger or smaller windows.  
         [0052]    Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first alternate embodiment  300  slide coupler suitable for use on an automobile shade  12  having a rigid outer edge  16  is shown. Slide coupler  300  includes an upper clamp plate  302 , a lower clamp plate  304 , and a face plate  306 . One end of a compressible member  18  is secured between the upper clamp plate  302  and the lower clamp plate  304  by a pair of locking dowels  308  passing through aligned bores in the clamp plates and the compressible member  18 . The face plate  306  is bonded to an edge of the upper clamp plate  302 , and provides a pivot  310  for a cam lever  312 . The cam lever  312  includes a cam surface  314  in alignment with an opening  316  in the face plate  306 .  
         [0053]    As best seen in FIG. 15, when installed as part of a support structure  10 , the slide coupler  300  is secured to a rigid outer edge  16  of an automobile shade by the lower retaining lip  318  on the upper clamp plate  302  and the face plate  306 . The rigid outer edge  16  is further aligned with the opening  316  in the face plate  306 , such that the cam surface  314  is engaged thereto. Depressing the cam lever  312  rotates the cam surface  314  about the pivot  310 , away from the outer edge  16 , permitting the slide coupler  300  and attached compressible member  18  to slide along the outer edge  16 . When a desired position is reached, the cam lever  312  is released, and the cam surface  314  again engages the outer edge  16  through the opening  316 , securing the slide coupler  300  in a fixed position relative to the outer edge  16 .  
         [0054]    Turning to FIG. 16, a variation of the slide coupler  300  is shown to include a second cam lever  320  in place of the locking dowels  308 . The second cam lever  320  operates identically to the cam lever  312 , but instead engages an edge of the compressible member  18  through a correspondingly positioned opening. Absent the engagement of the second cam lever  312 , the compressible member  18  is free to slide through the slide coupler  300 . When engaged by the second cam lever  312 , the compressible member  18  is fixed in place relative to the slide coupler  300 . By providing a pair of cam levers  312 ,  320 , the slide coupler location may be moved about the outer edge  16  of the automobile shade  12 , and the length of the compressible member  18  may be adjusted by controlled movement through the slide coupler  300 .  
         [0055]    To facilitate holding an automobile shade  12  in a vehicle window, one or more rigid mounting elements  400 , such as shown in FIG. 17 through FIG. 21 may be utilized. Preferably, a plurality of rigid mounting elements  400  are disposed in a spaced relationship about the perimeter of the automobile shade  12 , at each corner of the shade material  14  or support structure  10 . Each rigid mounting element  400  is secured to either a framework  402  incorporated into the outer edge  16  of the shade material  14 , or to elements of the support structure  10 , such as a compressible member  18 . Preferably, each rigid mounting element  400  includes an L-shaped body  404  defining a pair of extensions  405 A,  405 B, and having a friction surface  406  disposed at the apex. Each extension  405 A and  405 B is configured to receive either a portion of the framework  402  as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and  21 , or elements of the support structure  10  as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in a fixed relationship.  
         [0056]    During use, when the automobile shade  12  is in an open configuration such as shown in FIG. 21, and placed in a window  100  of an automobile, the friction surface  406  on each rigid mounting element  400  seats against the framework  102  surrounding the window  100 , to provide a positive contact against which the automobile shade  12  and/or support structure  10  can exert a holding force to maintain the automobile shade  12  in place adjacent the window  100 . In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.