Abstract:
A safety device for a motor vehicle having a door window defined by a retractable transparent panel which is guided into a receiving frame, the safety apparatus comprising a window insert formed of a sheet of material; a window frame including a transparent panel, the window frame having inside and outside surfaces; a lower mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, with an edge defined to be releasably inserted in the frame; an upper mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, the upper mounting bracket attached to the inside surface of the window frame.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09,499,550 filed Feb. 7, 2000, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/119,096 filed Feb. 8, 1999. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a safety device for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing a safety device comprising a window insert formed of an optically transmissive sheet of material mountable to the window door using lower and upper mounting brackets.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     There has been increasing concern about violence, car jacking, and generally, the threat of firearms against people in motor vehicles. Vehicular occupants are particularly vulnerable to bodily injury or attack as a result of the relative ease of access to the occupant of a vehicle via the window of the door. Windows may easily be broken and provide little, if any, resistance to assault with a gun. This device provides a solution for the long felt need of an easy-to-use, low cost form of protection against these assaults.  
         [0004]     Currently, an alternative for increasing the safety of a vehicle occupant is to have the motor vehicle bulletproofed by a professional service. This is reportedly an extremely expensive method requiring extensive modifications to the vehicle and costing tens of thousands of dollars. There are currently many materials and ways of achieving a bulletproof vehicle in the non-glass areas. However, the glass areas have few options for bulletproofing, principally, thick glass and glass/plastic laminates. Generally, these options are currently installed in two methods. One method is by splitting the vehicle&#39;s door and adding space to accommodate the thicker glass plus increasing the capacity of the electric motors required to raise and lower the heavier glass. This method is extremely expensive. The other method is laminating the extra thickness to the vehicle&#39;s window and not modifying the door. This leaves the vehicle&#39;s window in a permanently closed position. These options may be out of the financial range of the common person. Even law enforcement, which desperately needs protection, cannot reportedly afford the modifications.  
         [0005]     In an aspect of the present invention, there are few, if any, devices available to restrain a child or family pet, such as a dog or cat, from exiting through an open window, other than a cage or container. For the safety and comfort of the child or pet, it is clearly beneficial to allow a constant flow of fresh air into the vehicle. Currently, the only choice for parents, or pet owners, who wish to bring safety and comfort to their children and/or pets; not confining them physically, or have concern about the amount of air flow, is to limit how far down the window is retracted; thus preventing the child or pet from exiting the window.  
         [0006]     Automobile manufacturers are increasingly incorporating safety features into the design of automobiles, however, with respect to the windows on the automobile, the industry standard remains to simply use a window retracting into the door frame, sometimes limiting the distance of retraction. One safety feature that has been incorporated has been the use of a locking device activated by the driver that can be used to prevent passenger windows from being opened.  
         [0007]     Cameron (U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,542) discloses a window insert that replaces, and is retained by, the vehicle&#39;s window. The window insert is fitted into the upper channel of the window frame and is retained in its place by the original window fitting into a groove running along the bottom of the insert. The window insert, because it is retained by the vehicle&#39;s window, is of limited use. The window cannot be rolled up when the insert is in place. Therefore, the driver is compelled to stop and remove the insert during inclement weather, or when it is desirable to reduce the flow of air through the insert. The bulletproof aspect of the window is more difficult to use as the insert needs extensive and complicated weather proofing to be used in any inclement weather.  
         [0008]     Another system is discussed by Carson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207). Carson discusses a vandal protective plastic sheet that requires four mounting brackets to be fastened with screws to the vehicle&#39;s window frame. This approach reportedly makes quick installation or removal impossible. However, these disclosures are unable to address the very difficult problem of year-round use in all types of weather and ease-of-use and installation. Accordingly, it would be essential for year round use to have an alternative window insert that allows the car&#39;s windows to be rolled up and down while the insert remains in place.  
         [0009]     It is an object of the present invention to allow the car&#39;s windows to be rolled up and down while the insert remains in place.  
         [0010]     It is another object of the present invention to allow installation or removal of the device in a short period of time.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an affordable alternative as it can be instantly used on different vehicles of the same model.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of the present invention to utilize the relationship of the motor vehicle window to its weather stripping to provide insert support and retain the vehicle&#39;s original window weatherproofing.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0013]     A safety device for a motor vehicle having a door window defined by a retractable transparent panel which is guided into a receiving frame, the safety apparatus comprising a window insert formed of a sheet of material; a window frame including a transparent panel, the window frame having inside and outside surfaces; a lower mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, with an edge defined to be releasably inserted in the frame; an upper mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, the upper mounting bracket attached to the inside surface of the window frame. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth herein by description of embodiments consistent with the present invention, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the window insert according to an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the window insert according to an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of the window insert;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is an alternative design for the orifices of the window insert;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the window insert according to an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the window insert according to an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a section view illustrating the installation of the window insert;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the window insert according to an aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]     The present invention relates to a safety device for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing a safety device comprising a window insert formed of an optically transmissive sheet of material mountable to the window door using lower and upper mounting brackets.  
         [0024]     In an embodiment of the present invention the window insert is formed from a high impact resistant transparent material. More preferably, the window insert can be easily installed into the window frame. Most preferably, the high impact material forming the window insert is a “bullet proof” material, such as a glass composite, glass-plastic composite or all plastic. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the material can vary according to the level of protection desired.  
         [0025]     In another embodiment of the present invention the window insert includes a plurality of openings allowing venting of air for the benefit vehicle occupants, yet having the openings proportioned to prevent a child or pet from exiting the vehicle via the window. More preferably, the material forming the window insert is preferably a plastic, such as a polycarbonate, or acrylic material.  
         [0026]     In another embodiment of the present invention the window insert includes a first mounting bracket which slips between and resides between the window and it&#39;s lower inside weather-stripping. More preferably, the window insert is disposed on the first mounting bracket. Most preferably, the window insert is affixed to the mounting bracket using fasteners.  
         [0027]     In another embodiment of the present invention the window insert includes a second mounting bracket. More preferably the second mounting bracket is located opposite the first mounting bracket. Most preferably, the second mounting bracket is affixed to the door window frame with fasteners. It can also be appreciated that more than one second mounting bracket may be utilized.  
         [0028]     In another embodiment of the present invention the window insert has a notched edge conforming to the mounting brackets so that the brackets fit into the notch; increasing ease of installation and preventing the insert from shifting in the mounting brackets.  
         [0029]     In another embodiment the upper and lower mounting brackets can have different size offsets to allow for different thicknesses of the bulletproof window inserts, allowing various levels of protection. More preferably, the offset also allows for airflow between the window insert and the window, and prevents fogging.  
         [0030]     It should also be appreciated that when the window insert is fully installed, the window can be raised or lowered and the automobile can be driven with the insert in place, whether the window is rolled up or down.  
         [0031]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a window insert  20  according to an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The mounting bracket  21  has a bottom blade  22  sized to be insertable between a standard window  23  of an automobile and the lower inside weatherstripping  24  of the window  23 . The mounting bracket  21  has a plane  25  upon which the window insert  20  rests. The mounting bracket  21  also has two fastening devices  26  which retain the window insert  20  having two fastening device receivers  27 .  
         [0032]     The window insert  20  has an upper protruding edge  28  sized to be insertable, along with the window  20 , into the upper receiving channel  29  of the window frame of the automobile door. The insert has a notched bottom  30  to rest upon the mounting bracket plane  25  and two fastening device receivers  27  to retain the window insert  20  in the window frame of the automobile door.  
         [0033]     Accordingly, it may be appreciated that to install the window insert  20  of the present invention, the window  23  is retracted, the bottom blade  22  of the mounting bracket  21  is inserted between the window  23  and the lower inside weatherstripping  24 . The upper protruding edge  28  of the window insert  20  is inserted into the upper receiving channel  29  of the window frame, and the window insert&#39;s notched bottom  30  is rested on the mounting bracket plane  25 . The window insert  20  is then retained in place by engaging the mounting bracket fastening device  26  with the window insert fastening device receiver  27 . At this point, the window  23  may be raised or lowered as desired. It also may be appreciated that at no place has the window, window frame, or automobile door been modified or attached to.  
         [0034]     Similarly,  FIG. 2  depicts another embodiment of the window insert  20  according to an aspect of the invention. The window insert  20  has a bottom blade  31  which is sized to be insertable between a standard window  23  of an automobile and the lower inside weatherstripping  24  of the window  23 . The top of the window insert  20  has a receiving edge  32  and fastening devices  33 . The top mounting bracket  34  has a protruding edge  35  sized to be insertable along with the window  23  into the upper receiving channel  29  of the window frame. The top mounting bracket  34  also has fastening device receivers  36 .  
         [0035]     Accordingly, it may be appreciated that to install this embodiment of the window insert  20  of the present invention, the window  23  is retracted. The bottom blade  31  of the window insert  20  is inserted between the window  23  and the lower inside weatherstripping  24 . The top mounting bracket  34  is inserted into the upper receiving channel  29  of the window frame and is rested on the receiving edge  32  of the window insert  20 . The window insert  20  is retained in the window frame by engaging the window insert fastening device  33  and the tip mounting bracket fastening device receivers  36 . At this point the window  23  may be raised or lowered as desired and no modification has been made to the car window, window frame, or automobile.  
         [0036]     In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred to include at least one and potentially a plurality of holes or orifices  37 , within the window insert  20  so that airflow can be facilitated. In the most basic embodiment of the invention, the orifices  37  may be simply circular openings cut perpendicular to the plane faces of the window insert, as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment for a window insert  38 , and  FIG. 4  shows an enlarged perspective view identified by circle  4 — 4  in  FIG. 3 . In the design according to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the window insert  38  is formed to define a stepped pocket  39  to accept the top mounting bracket, and a blade  40  at the lower edge to be insertable between the window and the lower inside weatherstripping. In addition the window insert  38  may include orifices  41  having a circumferential ridge  42 , which defines and further strengthens the window insert  38 . The design of  FIGS. 3 and 4  is particularly well suited to manufacture using a vacuum molding technique.  
         [0038]     Moreover, where the window insert is to be used primarily as a high impact resistant bullet proof shield, the window insert would be devoid of orifices as they are illustrated in  FIG. 5 . For these applications, the window insert may be manufactured of laminated layers  43  from plastics such as polycarbonate or acrylic or plastic laminates, or glass, or glass-plastic composites.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates the mounting bracket variation for the bullet proof window insert application. The mounting bracket  44  has an offset mounting plane  45  to accept varying thicknesses of the bullet proof window inserts  46 , which provide different levels of protection. The offset mounting plane  45  also enhances air flow around the window insert  46 , thereby preventing fogging in certain inclement weather conditions. Although not illustrated, it should also be understood that a second mounting bracket may be used to retain the portion of the window opposite the first mounting bracket.  
         [0040]     Ergonomically and aesthetically, it is desirable to have a curved window insert  46  which accommodates the natural contour of the curved glass window of most standard vehicles as  FIG. 5  illustrates. However, it maybe less expensive to fabricate window inserts from a flat sheet of glass composite or glass-plastic composite.  
         [0041]      FIG. 5  also illustrates one method of forming or manufacturing the window inserts of the present invention. As it may be appreciated, window shapes and sizes vary so greatly from automobile to automobile that the window inserts will be manufactured or formed to provide a custom fit in most applications.  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates another alternative window insert embodiment where as the protruding edge  48  of the window insert  47  is fabricated from a separate material, such as a plastic or a metal, such as aluminum, or steel, is attached to the window insert in some manner, such as a fastener or adhesive. This may provide added strength to the window insert, provide solutions for an unusual application, or aid in manufacturing.  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates the installation process of one embodiment of the window insert. The mounting bracket blade  49  is inserted between the window  50  and the lower inside weatherstripping  51  of the window  50 . The upper protruding edge  52  of the window insert  54  is inserted into the upper window channel  53 . The window insert  54  is rested on the mounting bracket plane  55  and then retained in place by the fastening system  56 . At this point, the window  50  may be raised and occupy the upper window channel  53  with the upper protruding edge  52  of the window insert  54 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the invention. The window insert  20  is affixed to the door window frame using second mounting brackets  56  at the upper portion of the door window frame  29 . Accordingly, it may be appreciated that to install this embodiment of the window insert  20  of the present invention, the window  23  is retracted and the window insert  20  is inserted into the mounting bracket  56 . The mounting bracket  22  is inserted between the window  23  and the lower inside weatherstripping  24 . The window insert&#39;s notched bottom  30  is rested on the mounting bracket plane  25 . Fasteners  26  may be used to affix the mounting bracket  22  to the window insert  20  using fastener receivers  27 . The opposite portion of the window  57  is retained in the recess of mounting bracket  56  affixed to the window frame. It should be appreciated that more than one second bracket may be used. It should also be appreciated that the second mounting bracket  56  may be attached to the door window frame using fasteners. Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that the window insert  20  may have fastener receivers and be affixed to the second mounting bracket using fasteners.  
         [0045]     The foregoing description is provided to illustrate and explain the present invention. However, the description hereinabove should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention set forth in the claims appended here to.