Abstract:
An electrically-deployable sun visor system for use on motor vehicles wherein the sun visor retracts upward and deploys downward upon a track system, are located on the front windshield and alternately on the side window. The sun visor is operated by a motor-operated gear system wired into the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The sun visor is operated by a dash-mounted switch. The amount of deployment is controlled by holding the switch in either an up or down position for the necessary period of time similar to an electrically operated window.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/292,999 filed Jan. 7, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to deployable automobile sun visors, and in particular, to a motorized deployable automobile sun visor with an electronic control. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bright sunlight is a prominent cause of poor visibility, distraction, and discomfort when driving an automobile. In a case where a driver is forced to drive towards the sun, particularly during sunny periods and periods where the sun is low in the sky, bright sunlight is directly incident upon the driver&#39;s field of vision. This causes discomfort due to the high intensity of the light and decreased visibility when attempting to look in a direction near the sun. 
     A common solution to decrease direct incident sunlight and increase visibility during such conditions is the use of automobile sun visors. These visors commonly pivot downwardly from a front roof position of the automobile and provide an opaque shield to a top portion of the windshield while leaving the direct-forward view unhindered. In most cases, the sun is high enough in the sky that such visors block a significant portion of the incident rays. 
     However, use of such visors contributes to what is possibly the most significant safety concern in the field of automobiles—attempting to operate or focus on non-driving manual tasks while driving a vehicle. Such distractions are a leading cause of accidents and injuries. The deployment of a sun visor is such a distraction in and of itself; however, in particular, the adjustment of the visor once it is deployed is particularly troublesome. This is due to the fact that the driver generally must look directly at the visor in order to dislodge it and position it in a desired spot, thereby taking their eyes off of the road ahead for a period of time. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide automatic vehicle shade or visor assemblies. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,226,151; U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,868; U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,035; U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,062; U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,732; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,621; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,788. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not adapted for use with both a windshield and a side window portion of a vehicle. Also, many such apparatuses are not readily retrofittable to existing vehicles and require installation by the original manufacturer. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not adjustable or movable once installed. In addition, many such apparatuses do not provide simple controls which can be selectively located by the driver for ease of access during driving. Accordingly, there exists a need for an automated sun visor for motor vehicles without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an automated sun visor for a motor vehicle which is utilizable with existing vehicles in a variety of adjustable configurations to allow a user to safely and automatically provide sun protection while driving, according to their preference. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automated electrically deploying sun visor for a motor vehicle in order to reduce sun radiation through a windshield or window. The system comprises a housing enclosure, a motor, and a switch. 
     Another object of the present invention is to allow a user to retrofit the system to an existing vehicle. The system can also be incorporated into the original equipment of a desired vehicle during manufacturing. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to replace a conventional sun visor on a driver side portion of a desired vehicle. The system is installed adjacent to the front windshield on an interior portion of the vehicle between a head liner and the roof of the vehicle. In this position, the system also provides shade to a steering wheel to prevent excessive heating of the steering wheel while driving. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide unobtrusive and customizable positioning of the housing enclosure within a motor vehicle. The housing enclosure comprises a flat generally rectangular structure which is attachable to an underside of the roof, preferably with a plurality of threaded studs and nuts. The studs can be installed in a desired position and orientation along the roof so as to retain the housing enclosure flush against the roof and minimize the amount of space disrupted by the system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a shading visor extendable from within the housing enclosure. The visor is constructed of a semi-rigid plastic which provides slight flexibility and allows the visor to conform to the profile of a windshield or window during deployment. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable the visor to move smoothly along the windshield or window during deployment by providing a slightly rounded front edge. This front edge also inhibits the visor from retracting entirely within the housing enclosure. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide even, secure, and controlled motorized motioning of the visor using the motor, a pair of gears, and a plurality of guiding pins within the enclosure. When the motor is actuated, it motions the gears which engage a corresponding toothed exterior track integrally molded within the visor. The visor is secured in a vertical position by the pins to prevent disruptive motion of the visor within the enclosure. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to deploy or retract the visor in an electronically controlled manner using a microprocessor control unit located adjacent to the housing enclosure. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to relay control signals to the control unit using a bi-directional switch. The switch can be installed in a desired location along a dashboard, a steering wheel, a door panel, or the like to facilitate safe use by a driver while operating a vehicle. The switch and control unit are interconnected to the vehicle&#39;s wiring harness with an appropriately gauged electrical wiring. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to position the housing enclosure in such a manner that deployment of the visor provides shade within a side window of the vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring the system; if retrofitting the system, removing the existing sun visors from the drivers-side portion in a desired vehicle, removing the head liner, installing the studs to the roof, fastening the housing enclosure to the studs with the nuts, and installing the switch to a desired location; routing electrical wiring from the control unit to the switch and to the vehicles wiring harness; depressing the switch to extend or retract the visor; repeating the abovementioned process to install the system on various locations in the vehicle; and, enjoying glare free driving in vehicles. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental fragmental view of an automated sun visor for a motor vehicle  10  depicting an active state within a vehicle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the automated sun visor for a motor vehicle  10  depicting a slightly deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the automated sun visor for a motor vehicle  10  depicting a removed upper panel and a slightly deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the automated sun visor for a motor vehicle  10  depicting a slightly deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an environmental view of a vehicle interior, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an environmental view of an alternate embodiment  80  positioned about a side window  71  and depicting an active state within a vehicle, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  automated sun visor for a motor vehicle 
               15  driver 
               17  sun radiation 
               20  visor 
               21   a  housing enclosure 
               21   b  upper panel 
               21   c  side panel 
               21   d  rear panel 
               21   e  front panel 
               21   f  opening 
               21   g  bottom panel 
               22  ear 
               23  aperture 
               24  stud 
               25  nut 
               30  track 
               35  visor front edge 
               50  motor 
               51  shaft 
               52  side groove 
               53  gear 
               54  intermediate pin 
               55  rear pin 
               60  switch 
               65  electrical wiring 
               67  control unit 
               70  driver-side portion 
               71  side window 
               72  front windshield 
               74  steering wheel 
               75  head liner 
               76  roof 
               78  dashboard 
               80  alternate embodiment 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5  and alternately within  FIG. 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an automated sun visor for a motor vehicle (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for electrically deploying at least one (1) sun visor  20  in a vehicle. The system  10  is preferably a part of the original equipment of a desired vehicle, yet may also be retrofitted without limiting the scope of said system  10 . The system  10  is preferably utilized on the driver-side portion  70  in the vehicle to reduce sun radiation  17  from the front windshield  72  in a simple but high-tech manner for the safety of not just the driver  15  of a motor vehicle but all surrounding motorists and pedestrians as well. The system  10  may also be installed in various other positions within the vehicle such as the side window  71  (see  FIG. 6 ) or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10  depicting an active state within a vehicle, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  replaces a conventional sun visor utilized on the driver side portion  70  of the desired vehicle. The system  10  is installed adjacent to the front windshield  72  on an interior portion of the vehicle particularly between the head liner  75  and the roof  76 . During the original equipment manufacturing process of the vehicle an opening should be left vacant between the head liner  75  and the roof  76  nearest to the windshield  72  to enable the visor  20  to freely deploy and retract. The system  10  comprises a housing enclosure  21   a , a motor  50 , and a switch  60 , and other mechanical and electrical components as mentioned herein below. The system  10  is preferably installed above the front windshield  72  to eliminate sun radiation  17  which is directed to the driver  15  in multiple directions during driving. The visor  20  reduces the sun radiation  17  from the driver  15  by blocking a portion of the windshield  72  similar to conventional vehicle sun visors, yet in an electrically deployable manner. The visor  20  also reduces the steering wheel  74  from becoming overly heated by reducing sun radiation  17  from coming in contact with said steering wheel  74 . The visor  20  is fabricated from a semi-rigid plastic and made available in a variety of colors and designs to complement the existing vehicle interior. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the system  10  depicting a slightly deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The housing enclosure  21   a  comprises a six-sided rectangular shape further including an upper panel  21   b , a pair of side panels  21   c , a rear panel  21   d , a front panel  21   e , and a bottom panel  21   g . The housing enclosure  21   a  is fabricated from materials such as metal or plastic. The housing enclosure  21  is preferably manufactured in various dimensions to accommodate various vehicles. Each opposing longitudinal perimeter edge of the side panels  21   c  comprises a pair of ears  22  which are utilized to secure said housing enclosure  21  to an underside surface of the roof  76 , above the head liner  75 . Threaded studs  24  are attached to the underside surface of the roof  76  by common welding techniques and align with an aperture  23  located on each ear  22 . Each stud  24  is inserted into each aperture  23  and a common nut  25  secures to said stud  24  to further secure the housing enclosure  21  to a fixed position. Other attachment means may also be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another perspective view of the system  10  depicting a removed upper panel and a slightly deployed state and  FIG. 4 , a bottom perspective view of the system  10  depicting a slightly deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Internally, the housing enclosure  21   a  comprises the visor  20 , a motor  50 , a shaft  51 , and a pair of gears  53 . A portion of the visor  20  is depicted as being cut-away for illustration purposes only. The visor  20  is fabricated from a semi-rigid plastic material with shading or shielding characteristics as abovementioned which provides a flexibility to conform to the shape of the windshield  72  when deployed. The visor  20  is preferably a length similar to the housing enclosure  21   a  and a width slightly smaller than said housing enclosure  21   a . The visor  20  is deployed from an opening  21   f  on the front panel  21   e  of the housing enclosure  21   a  which comprises dimensions slightly larger than the dimensions of the visor  20 . A proximal perimeter edge of the visor  20  comprises a visor front edge  35  which enables said visor  20  to move smoothly with the curvature of the front windshield  72 . The visor front edge  35  is integral to the visor  20  and comprises a slightly rounded shape which also prohibits the visor  20  from being retracted completely within the housing enclosure  21   a  due to the fact that the visor front edge  35  is slightly larger than the opening  21   f.    
     Each opposing intermediate perimeter edges and the distal perimeter edge of the visor  20  comprises an intermediate pin  54  and a rear pin  55 , respectively which are integral to said visor  20 . The rear pin  55  spans an entire rear edge of the visor  20 . The pins  54 ,  55  engage a side groove  52  which is located on an inner surface of each side panel  21   c  to enable the visor  20  to be retracted and deployed in an even and secured manner. The intermediate pins  54  also prohibit the visor  20  from coming completely deployed from the housing enclosure  21   a  because said intermediate pins  54  come in contact with a rear portion of the opening  21   f  upon the front panel  21   e.    
     The motor  50  and the pair of gears  53  are oriented below a proximal portion of the visor  20  and are secured about a shaft  51  mounted to interior surfaces of said pair of side panels  21   c . The motor  50  is comprised of a conventional direct current (DC) motor, yet other similar devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The gears  53  comprise a toothed exterior surface which engages a corresponding toothed track  30 . The track  30  is located on an underside surface of the visor  20  and is integrally molded into said visor  20 . The motor  50  rotates the shaft  54  which concurrently rotates each gear  53  to retract or deploy the visor  20  wherein the intermediate pins  54  and rear pin  55  slide laterally within the side grooves  52 . The visor  20 , motor  50 , and gears  53  are interconnected via electrical wiring  65  to a switch  60  and a control unit  67  which enables the driver  15  to deploy or retract said visor  20  as necessary. The control unit  67  is depicted within  FIG. 1  as being located between the head liner  75  and the roof  76 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The control unit  67  is comprised of a microprocessor or the like and other similar electronics that will relay the state of the switch  60  (see  FIG. 5 ) to the motor  50  to correspondingly retract or deploy the visor  20  from the housing enclosure  21   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an environmental view of a vehicle interior, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The switch  60  is preferably located on the dashboard  78  of the vehicle, yet other positions may be utilized such as, but not limited to: the steering wheel  74 , the door panel, or the like. The switch  60  is interconnected to the motor  50  and control unit  67  as abovementioned, yet is also routed to the vehicles wiring harness via appropriately gauged electrical wiring  65  to supply the system  10  with power. The switch  60  is comprised of a conventional single pole double throw switch, yet other switching devices may be utilized such as, but not limited to: a toggle switch, a pushbutton, or the like. The switch  60 , in use, is depressed in one (1) direction to deploy the visor  20  to a desired length and may depressed in an opposing direction to retract said visor  20 . In a retrofit embodiment the switch  60  would be attached to a desired area upon the dashboard  78  with attachment means such as, but not limited to: mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an environmental view of an alternate embodiment  80  positioned about a side window  71  and depicting an active state within a vehicle, according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As abovementioned the system  10  may alternately be utilized for a side window  71  particularly on the driver-side portion  70 . The alternate embodiment  80  would block sun radiation  17  from the driver  15  upon a side orientation. The alternate embodiment  80  is preferably original equipment to the vehicle, yet may also be retrofitted to a desired vehicle without limiting the scope of the system  10 . To be arranged for utilization on the side window  71 , the system  10  is turned ninety degrees (90°) with the front panel  21   e  toward said side window  71 . Internally, the system  10  would remain as abovementioned and the switch  60  may also remain upon the dashboard  78 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  as an original equipment embodiment may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; depressing the switch  60  to send a signal to the control unit  67  to activate the motor  50 , rotating the shaft  51  and gears  53  which engage the tracks  30  to extend the visor  20  to a desired length to block sun radiation  17  from the driver  15  on the front windshield  72 ; depressing the switch  60  in an opposite direction to retract the visor  20  to an original state; and, enjoying glare free driving in vehicles. 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  as a retrofit may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; removing the existing sun visors from the drivers-side portion  70  in a desired vehicle; removing the head liner  75 ; installing the studs  24  to the roof  76 ; fastening the housing enclosure  21   a  to the studs  24  with the nuts  25  with the front panel  21   e  toward the front windshield  72 ; altering the head liner  75  to enable the visor  20  to retract and deploy in an expected manner; reinstalling the head liner  75 ; installing the switch  60  to a desired location; routing electrical wiring  65  from the control unit  67  to the switch  60  and to the vehicles wiring harness; repeating the abovementioned process to install the system  10  on various locations in the vehicle; depressing the switch  60  to extend the visor  20  to a desired length; depressing the switch  60  in an opposite direction to retract the visor  20  to an original state; and, enjoying glare free driving in vehicles. 
     The alternate embodiment  80  of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate embodiment  80  as original equipment may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the alternate embodiment  80 ; depressing the switch  60  to send a signal to the control unit  67  to activate the motor  50 , rotating the shaft  51  and gears  53  which engage the tracks  30  to extend the visor  20  to a desired length to block sun radiation  17  from the driver  15  on the side window  71 ; depressing the switch  60  in an opposite direction to retract the visor  20  to an original state; and, enjoying glare free driving in vehicles. 
     The method of utilizing the alternate embodiment  80  as a retrofit may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the alternate embodiment  80 ; removing the existing sun visors from the drivers-side portion  70  in a desired vehicle; removing the head liner  75 ; installing the studs  24  to the roof  76 ; fastening the housing enclosure  21   a  to the studs  24  with the nuts  25  with the front panel  21   e  toward the front windshield  72 ; altering the head liner  75  to enable the visor  20  to retract and deploy in an expected manner; reinstalling the head liner  75 ; installing the switch  60  to a desired location; routing electrical wiring  65  from the control unit  67  to the switch  60  and to the vehicles wiring harness; repeating the abovementioned process to install the alternate embodiment  80  on various locations in the vehicle; depressing the switch  60  to extend the visor  20  to a desired length; depressing the switch  60  in an opposite direction to retract the visor  20  to an original state; and, enjoying glare free driving in vehicles. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.