Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to sunvisors in vehicles. More particularly, the embodiments herein relate to an extendable sunvisor for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, vehicles such as passenger cars are provided with sunvisors that are mounted on the ceiling of the vehicle just above the windshield of the vehicle. The sunvisors are provided to protect and shield a driver and a front seat passenger from sunrays and glare entering through the windshield and affecting vision of the driver and front seat passenger. The sunvisors are mounted on the ceiling of the vehicle in a stowed position in front of the driver seat and front passenger seat. The sunvisor can be pulled down from the stowed position parallel to the windshield, and rotated sideways towards the window of the driver and the front seat passenger, therefore effectively shielding the driver and the front seat passenger from direct glare of the sun by obstructing the sunlight entering at eye-level of the driver and the front seat passenger.
[003] The conventional sunvisor is effective in blocking sunlight and glare entering through the windshield and windows in the area covered by the span of the sunvisor. Therefore, the conventional sunvisor is ineffective in blocking the sunlight entering through the windshield area between the driver seat and the passenger seat and behind the inside rear-view mirror. Further, when the sunvisor is rotated to block the sunlight coming through the window, the sunvisor fails to block the sunlight entering through the window in an area near a backrest of the driver seat and passenger seat. This may cause discomfort to the driver and the front seat passenger while driving the vehicle, especially in areas with intense heat and sun glare such as deserts and arid lands.
[004] Further, the conventional sunvisors are designed for an adult of average/ medium built and physique. Therefore, the sunvisor fails to effectively shield the driver and passenger with a shorter height or larger built, or a child seated in the front passenger seat.
[005] Therefore, there is a need for a sunvisor for a vehicle which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an extendable sunvisor for a vehicle which is configured to be extended horizontally and vertically to shield a driver and passenger from sunlight entering through a windshield and window of the vehicle.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an extendable sunvisor which is configured to extend horizontally to cover area of the windshield of the vehicle between a driver seat and passenger seat in a front open position, and cover area of a passenger window and driver window towards a backrest of the passenger seat and driver seat respectively.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide the extendable sunvisor which is configured to be extended vertically to shield a person of shorter physique seated in the driver seat and the passenger seat.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[010] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[011] Fig. 1 is perspective view of an extendable sunvisor, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[012] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the extendable sunvisor, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[013] Fig. 3a is an isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in a front open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[014] Fig. 3b is another isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in the front open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[015] Fig. 3c is yet another isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in the front open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[016] Fig. 4a is an isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in a side open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[017] Fig. 4b is another isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in the side open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[018] Fig. 4c is yet another isometric view of the extendable sunvisor in the side open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[019] Fig. 5 is a front view of the extendable sunvisor showing an inner view of the extendable sunvisor in the front open position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[021] The embodiments herein achieve an extendable sunvisor for a vehicle which is configured to be extended horizontally and vertically to shield a driver and passenger from sunlight entering through a windshield and window of the vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein achieve extendable sunvisor which is configured to extend horizontally to cover area of the windshield of the vehicle between a driver seat and passenger seat in a front open position, and cover area of a passenger window and driver window towards a backrest of the passenger seat and driver seat respectively. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the extendable sunvisor which is configured to be extended vertically to shield a person of shorter physique seated in the driver seat and the passenger seat.
[022] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[023] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an extendable sunvisor (100) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The extendable sunvisor (100) is configured to be mounted on a ceiling panel of the vehicle, near a windshield of the vehicle, in a region front of a driver seat and a front passenger seat of the vehicle. In an initial position, the extendable sunvisor (100) is configured to be in a stowed position, wherein the extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented towards the ceiling panel of the vehicle. Further, the extendable sunvisor (100) is configured to be rotated from the initial position to a front open position and a side open position. In the front open position, as shown in Fig. 3a, the extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented parallel to the windshield of the vehicle and adapted to block light entering through the windshield towards the driver seat and the front passenger seat. In the side open position, as shown in Fig. 4a, the extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented parallel to a window near the driver seat and the front passenger seat and adapted to block light entering through the window towards the driver seat and the front passenger seat.
[024] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the extendable sunvisor (100), according to an embodiment. The extendable sunvisor (100) includes a casing body (103), a first extending panel (106), a second extending panel (108) pivotably mounted on the first extending panel (106), a top cover (102) and a bottom cover (114), and a rotating mechanism (117). The casing body (103) includes an upper casing part (104) and a lower casing part (112). The casing body (103) is adapted to house the first extending panel (106) and the second extending panel (108). Further, the casing body (103) is adapted to facilitate sliding of the first extending panel (106), allowing the first extending panel (106) to extend laterally out of the casing body (103) up to a predefined position. The first extending panel (106) is configured to be housed within the casing body (103) in a closed position and configured to be drawn out of the casing body (103) up to an extended position. As shown in Fig. 3b and Fig. 4b, in the extended position, a first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106) extends laterally outwards from the casing body (103) and a second portion (106S) (referring to Fig. 2) of the first extending panel (106) is housed within the casing body (103). The second extending panel (108) is pivotably mounted on the first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106), wherein the second extending panel (108) is configured to pivot along a bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106). In a first position, the second extending panel (108) is adapted to rest on the first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106). In a second position, as shown in Fig. 3c and Fig. 4c, the second extending panel (108) is adapted to pivot along the bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106), extending downwards from the bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106).
[025] As shown in Fig. 5, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first extending panel (106) includes a plurality of snap members (106M) provided on the first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106). The plurality of snap members (106M) are adapted to secure the second extending panel (108) in the first position onto the first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106). Further, the first extending panel (106) includes at least one pivoting member (106P) provided near a bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106) on the first portion (106F) of the first extending panel (106). The pivoting member (106P) is adapted to facilitate pivoting of the second extending panel (108) along the bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106) when the second extending panel (108) is translated to the second position. In an embodiment, the first extending panel (106) includes a first pivoting member (106P) and a second pivoting member (106P), wherein each of the first pivoting member (106P) and the second pivoting member (106P) is adapted to respectively receive a first end and a second end of a lower edge (not shown) of the second extending panel (108).
[026] Furthermore, the first extending panel (106) includes a plurality of clasp members (106C) provided on the first extending panel (106) along the bottom edge (106B) and a top edge (106T) of the first extending panel (106). Each of the plurality of clasp members (106C) is adapted to be compressed against the casing body (103) when the first extending panel (106) is housed within the casing body (103). Further, each of the clasp members (106C) is configured to securely hold the first extending panel (106) within the casing body (103), therefore preventing movement of the first extending panel (106) within the casing body (103). As a non-limiting example, the first extending panel (106) includes four clasp members (106C) provided on the top edge (106T) of the first extending panel (106) and four clasp members (106C) provided on the bottom edge (106B) of the first extending panel (106). For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding the clasp members (106C) are considered to have a semi-circular shape. However, it is within the scope of this invention to have a clasp member (106C) with any other shape, without otherwise deterring from the intended function of the clasp member (106C). Furthermore, the first extending panel (106) includes at least two grooves (106G) defined along a length of the first extending panel (106). The at least two grooves (106G) are adapted to facilitate interface of the first extending panel (106) with the casing body (103).
[027] As shown in Fig. 2, the casing body (103) includes the upper casing part (104) and the lower casing part (112). The lower casing part (112) has a profile adapted to allow sliding of the first extending panel (106). For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, the lower casing part (112) is considered to have a C-section profile to allow sliding of the first extending panel (106). However, it is within the scope of this invention to have a lower casing part (112) with any other profile than a C-section profile without otherwise deterring from the intended function of the lower casing part (112). Further, the lower casing part (112) includes a plurality of ribs (112R) provided on a section of the lower casing part (112) to strengthen the casing body (103). In an embodiment, the at least two grooves (106G) are defined on a top surface of the first extending panel (106) facing the upper casing part (104), wherein a corresponding protrusion to each of the at least two grooves (106G) is defined on a bottom surface of the first extending panel (106) facing the lower casing part (112). Each of the protrusion facilitates in providing interface between the first extending panel (106) and the lower casing part (112).
[028] Further, the extendable sunvisor (100) includes a casing panel (110) adapted to be mounted on the second portion (106S) of the first extending panel (106). The casing panel (110) is adapted to fit between the second portion (106S) of the first extending panel (106) and the upper casing part (104), therefore providing an interface between the first extending panel (106) and the upper casing part (104).
[029] Furthermore, the extendable sunvisor (100) includes a top cover (102) adapted to cover the upper casing part (104) of the casing body (103), and a bottom cover (114) adapted to cover the lower casing part (112) of the casing body (103). The extendable sunvisor (100) also includes a bezel (116) adapted to cover an opening of the casing body (103) through which the first extending panel (106) extends out from the casing body (103). The bezel (116) is configured to allow a user to pull out the first extendable panel (106) from the casing body (103) of the extendable sunvisor (100).
[030] The rotating mechanism (117) of the extendable sunvisor (100) includes a mounting bracket (118) adapted to facilitate mounting of the extendable sunvisor (100) on the ceiling panel of the vehicle, a rod (120) connected to the mounting bracket (118) and configured to receive the casing body (103), and a spring (122) coupled with the rod (120). The rotating mechanism (117) is adapted to facilitate rotation of the extendable sunvisor (100) to the front open position and the side open position from the initial stowed position. A retainer member (124) is provided on the ceiling panel of the vehicle to receive an end portion of the extendable sunvisor (100) to facilitate mounting of the extendable sunvisor (100).
[031] The first extending panel (106) is configured to be drawn out from the casing body (103) to the extended position when the extendable sunvisor (100) is in any one of the front open position and the side open position. Further, the second extending panel (108) is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position when the first extending panel (106) is drawn out to the extended position. Therefore, the extendable sunvisor (100) is configured to provide enhanced shielding from sunlight and glare by covering a larger area when rotated to the front open position and the side open position.
[032] The technical advantages achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein include an extendable sunvisor that provides enhanced shielding from sunlight and glare by covering larger area, is effective in shielding user of shorter built and small physique, prevents creation of noise by eliminating loose parts, and easy to assembly.
[033] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim,
1. An extendable sunvisor (100) for a vehicle, said extendable sunvisor (100) adapted to be mounted on a ceiling panel of the vehicle, parallel to a front passenger seat and a driver seat of the vehicle, said extendable sunvisor (100) comprising:
a first extending panel (106) having a first portion (106F) and a second portion (106S);
a second extending panel (108) pivotably mounted on said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106), said second extending panel (108) adapted to pivot along a bottom edge (106B) of said first extending panel (106);
a casing body (103) adapted to house said first extending panel (106) and said second extending panel (108), said casing body (103) configured to facilitate sliding of said first extending panel (106), allowing said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106) to extend laterally outwards from said casing body (103) up to a predefined position; and
a rotating mechanism (117) coupled with said casing body (103), said rotating mechanism (117) configured to facilitate movement of said extendable sunvisor (100) from an initial position, wherein in said initial position said extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented along the ceiling panel of the vehicle, to a front open position, wherein in said front open position said extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented parallel to a windshield of the vehicle, and to a side open position, wherein in said side open position said extendable sunvisor (100) is oriented parallel to a window near any one of a front passenger seat and a driver seat.
2. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first extending panel (106) is configured to be housed within said casing body (103) in a closed position and configured to be drawn out of said casing body (103) up to an extended position, wherein in said extending position said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106) extends laterally outwards from said casing body (103) and said second portion (106S) of said first extending panel (106) is housed within said casing body (103).

3. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein in a first position said second extending panel (108) is configured to be secured with said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106), and in a second position said second extending panel (108) is configured to pivot along the bottom edge (106B) of said first extending panel (106), extending downwards from the bottom edge (106B) of said first extending panel (106).

4. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first extending panel (106) comprises:
a plurality of snap members (106M) provided on said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106), wherein each of said plurality of snap members (106M) is adapted to secure said second extending panel (108) in the first position onto said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106); and
at least one pivoting member (106P) provided near the bottom edge (106B) of said first extending panel (106) on said first portion (106F) of said first extending panel (106), said at least one pivoting member (106P) adapted to facilitate pivoting of said second extending panel (108) along the bottom edge (106B) of said first extending panel (106) when said second extending panel (108) is moved to the second position.

5. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first extending panel (106) comprises at least two grooves (106G) defined along a length of said first extending panel (106), said at least two grooves (106G) adapted to facilitate interfacing of said first extending panel (106) with said casing body (103).

6. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first extending panel (106) comprises a plurality of clasp members (106C) provided along the bottom edge (106B) and a top edge (106T) of said first extending panel (106), each of said plurality of clasp members (106C) integrated with said first extending panel (106) and adapted to be compressed against said casing body (103) in a portion of said first extending panel (106) housed within said casing body (103), and wherein each of said plurality of clasp member (106C) has a semi-circular profile.

7. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said casing body (103) comprises:
an upper casing part (104); and
a lower casing part (112) adapted to be connected to said upper casing part (104), said lower casing part (112) having a profile adapted to facilitate sliding of said first extending panel (106).
8. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lower casing part (112) comprises a plurality of ribs (112R) provided on a section of said lower casing part (112), said plurality of ribs (112R) configured to strengthen said casing body (103) of said extendable sunvisor (100).

9. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said extendable sunvisor (100) includes a casing panel (110) adapted to be mounted on said second portion (106S) of said first extending panel (106), and fit between second portion (106S) of the first extending panel (106) and said upper casing part (104), providing an interface between said first extending panel (106) and said upper casing part (104).

10. The extendable sunvisor (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said extendable sunvisor (100) comprises:
a top cover (102) adapted to cover said upper casing part (104) of said casing body (103);
a bottom cover (114) adapted to cover said casing part (112) of said casing body (103); and
a bezel (116) adapted to cover an opening of said casing body (103) through which said first extending panel (106) extends out from said casing body (103), said bezel (116) configured to allow a user to pull out said first extendable panel (106) from said casing body (103) of said extendable sunvisor (100).