Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) for a vehicle, said sunroof (100) comprising:
a. a roof integrated flange (102) having an operative top portion (I) and an operative bottom portion (II), said flange (102) secured around a central opening (4) of the vehicle roof (2);
b. a transparent element (104) secured to said operative top portion (I), said transparent element (104) configured to allow light incident thereon to enter the vehicle; and
c. a blinder (106) operatively disposed below said transparent element (104), said blinder (106) allows light to pass through said transparent element (104).
2. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (4) is a cut-out made on the vehicle roof (2).
3. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transparent element (104) is adhered to the operative top portion (I) of said roof integrated flange (102).
4. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blinder (106) is fastened to said operative bottom portion (II) of said roof integrated flange (102), operatively below said transparent element (104).
5. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transparent element (104) is of a lightweight durable material selected from the group consisting of Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Nylon, and any combination thereof.
6. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blinder (106) is electrically actuated or is manually actuated.
7. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thickness of said transparent element (104) is in the range 4mm to 6mm.
8. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said roof integrated flange (102) includes a flange portion (102A) extending from inner edges thereof, said flange portion (102A) having said operative top portion (I) and said operative bottom portion (II), said top portion (I) having lobes (102C) with first through hole (102B) configured on each lobe (102C) to allow said transparent element (104) to be fastened thereon.
9. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said transparent element (104) includes:
a. a gasket (104A) provided on the edges thereof, said gasket (104A) configured to be adhered on said top surface (I) of said flange portion (102A); and
b. a first apertures (104B) configured adjacent to said gasket (104A), each of said first apertures (104B) and said first through holes (102B) configured to receive fasteners to allow fastening of said transparent element (104) with said top portion (I) of said flange portion (102A).
10. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said gasket (104A) along with said transparent element (104) is adhered to the operative top surface of said flange portion (102A) by using an adhesive selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive acrylic, pressure-activated acrylic, or thermoset polymeric adhesive.
11. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said operative bottom portion (II) includes:
a. a roof reinforcement (102D); and
b. a second through holes (102E) surrounding said roof reinforcement (102D), said second through holes (102E) configured to allow said blinder (106) to be fastened with said operative bottom portion (II) of said flange portion (102A).
12. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said blinder (106A) includes a second apertures (106A) at its edges, said apertures (106A) and said second through holes (102E) receive fasteners to fasten the blinder (106) to said operative bottom portion (II) of said flange portion (102A).
Dated this 18th day of February, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
Of R.K. DEWAN & CO.,
Authorized Agent of Applicant
TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI
 
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of fixed glass panoramic sunroofs.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following term is generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which it is used indicate otherwise.
Fixed Glass Panoramic Sunroof: - The term “Fixed Glass Panoramic Sunroof” refers to a sunroof that spans across the front and rear seats to provide natural lighting inside the vehicle cabin.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Usually, sunroofs are made of transparent element such as a glass is installed in the roof of a vehicle. The sunroofs allow external light & air to pass there through into the vehicles cabin to create a sense of open space inside the vehicle.
As there are benefits of having a sunroof there are disadvantages too. Typically, vehicles that come equipped with sunroof have notably more kerb weight than other vehicles without sunroofs. This factor plays a significant role in maintain the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and has a tendency to roll over due to higher center of gravity. Further, providing a sunroof adds to the cost of the vehicle. It can be extremely expensive to repair or replace if the sunroof is cracked or broken. Conventional sunroofs are made of tempered glass which is less rigid in nature which makes it likely to crack and chip during its usage in vehicles life, also it has less mechanical strength and is heavier.
There is, therefore felt a need of a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that is light in weight.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that is cost-effective in terms of manufacturing panoramic sunroofs.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that is durable.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that enhances fuel efficiency of vehicle due to light weight.
Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that prevents ingress of dust and water leakage inside the vehicle which is cumbersome to clean with desired satisfaction.
Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that requires less maintenance as there are no moving parts and allows entry of the sunlight with retrieving the blinder rearwards.
Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that is made of polycarbonate glazing that is unbreakable and proves beneficial in accident scenarios as compared to conventionally used tempered glasses.
Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that provides a new variant of vehicle roof as per the choice of customers.
Yet another object of present disclosure is to provide a fixed glass panoramic sunroof that enables the OEM’s to make the fixed glass sunroof in the same opening area of the current roof with a modular design.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a fixed glass panoramic sunroof for a vehicle. The sunroof comprises a roof integrated flanges, a transparent element, and a blinder. The roof integrated flanges is secured around a central opening of the vehicle roof. The transparent element is secured to an operative top portion of the roof integrated flanges. The transparent element is configured to allow light incident thereon to enter the vehicle. The blinder is operatively disposed below the transparent element. The blinder allows light to pass through the transparent element.
In an embodiment, the opening is a cut-out made on the vehicle roof.
In another embodiment, the transparent element is adhered to the operative top portion of the roof integrated flanges.
In yet another embodiment, the blinder is fastened to an operative bottom portion of the roof integrated flanges, operatively below the transparent element.
In an embodiment, the transparent element is of a lightweight durable material selected from the group consisting of Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Nylon, and any combination thereof.
In another embodiment, the transparent element is of Polycarbonate.
In an embodiment, the blinder is electrically actuated. In another embodiment, the blinder is manually actuated.
In an embodiment, the thickness of transparent element is in the range 4mm to 6mm.
In an embodiment, the flange portion extends from inner edges of the roof integrated flanges having an operative top portion and an operative bottom portion. The bottom portion of the roof has roof reinforcement configured thereon. The roof reinforcement has through holes to allow the blinder to be fastened to the operative bottom portion of the flange.
In another embodiment, the operative top portion of the flange has a gasket adhered thereto. The operative top portion of the flange includes lobes with a through hole configured on each lobe to allow the transparent element to be fastened to the flange.
In another embodiment, the transparent element includes a plurality of apertures configured at its edges. In another embodiment, the apertures are configured to receive screw therein to allow fastening of the transparent element at the operative top portion of the roof integrated flanges. In still another embodiment, the transparent element is glued by an adhesive to the operative top surface of the roof integrated flanges.
In an embodiment, the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive acrylic, pressure-activated acrylic, or thermoset polymeric adhesive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A fixed glass panoramic sunroof for a vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the fixed glass panoramic sunroof.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fixed glass panoramic sunroof of Figure 1 depicting a roof integrated flange, transparent element, and blinder assembly;
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the roof integrated flange of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the roof integrated flange of Figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the transparent element of Figure 2;
Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the transparent element of Figure 2;
Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of the transparent element of Figure 2;
Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the blinder of Figure 2; and
Figure 9 illustrates a bottom view of the blinder of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Fixed Glass Panoramic sunroof
2 – Roof
4 – Central roof opening
102 – Roof integrated flange
I – Operative top portion
II – Operative bottom portion
102A – Flange
102B – First through holes
102C – Lobes
102D – Roof reinforcement
102E – Second through holes
104 – Transparent element
104A – Gasket
104B – First apertures
106 – Blinder
106A – Second apertures
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, operations, elements and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The present disclosure envisages a fixed glass panoramic sunroof for a vehicle. The fixed glass panoramic sunroof (hereinafter referred to as “sunroof 100”) will now be described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 9.
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the sunroof 100 comprises a roof integrated flange 102, a transparent element 104, and a blinder 106.
Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the roof integrated flange 102 is fixed in the roof 2 i.e., around a central roof opening 4 configured in the roof 2. In an embodiment, the opening 4 is a cut-out. In an embodiment, the roof integrated flange 102 includes a flange portion 102A extending from inner edges of the roof integrated flange 102 and having an operative top portion I and an operative bottom portion II.
The top portion I of the flange 102A has lobes 102C with first through holes 102B configured on each lobe 102C to allow the transparent element 104 to be fastened therewith. More particularly, the transparent element 104 includes a plurality of first apertures 104B configured at its edge. The first apertures 104B and the first through holes 102B are matched to receive fasteners therein to fasten the transparent element 104 with the top portion I (refer Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7).
In another embodiment, the operative bottom portion of the transparent element 104 has a gasket 104A provided at its edges. In an embodiment, the gasket 104A is adhered to operative top portion I of the roof integrated flange 102 i.e., flange portion 102A by using an adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive acrylic, pressure-activated acrylic, or thermoset polymeric adhesive. The transparent element 104 is adhered and as well as fastened to the top portion I of the roof integrated flange 102.
Figure 4 depicts the bottom portion II of the flange 102A having a roof reinforcement 102D. The bottom portion II of the flange 102A further includes second through holes 102E surrounding the reinforcement 102D.
The transparent element 104 is configured to allow light incident thereon to enter the vehicle. In an embodiment, the transparent element 104 is laminated (refer Figures 5 and 6). In an embodiment, the transparent element 104 is of a lightweight durable material selected from the group consisting of Polycarbonate Glazing, Acrylic, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Nylon, and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent element 104 is of Polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the thickness of the transparent element 104 is in the range 4mm to 6mm. In an embodiment, the transparent element 104 facilitates overall reduction of weight of the vehicle roof in the range of 5 kg to 6 kg. Thus, use of transparent element 104 made of lightweight durable material like the poly carbonate (PC) glass (polycarbonate glazing) with anti-abrasion coatings that helps in reducing the overall weight of the sunroof 100 and enhance the life of the sunroof 100. Further, the use of light weight durable material helps in reducing overall manufacturing cost of sunroof 100 for each vehicle. Further, the weight reduction of the entire roof 100 enhances fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Referring to Figure 1, 8 and Figure 9, the blinder 106 is operatively disposed below the transparent element 104. In an embodiment, the blinder 106 includes second apertures 106A configured at its edges. The blinder 106 is fastened to the operative bottom portion II of the flange portion 102A at the roof reinforcement 102D. The blinder 106 allows light to pass through the transparent element 104 and come inside the vehicle. In an embodiment, the blinder 106 is electrically actuated. In another embodiment, the blinder 106 is manually actuated.
The transparent element 104 used in the sunroof 100 helps in reduction of the overall weight of the roof 100 as compared to the conventional bulky and fragile glass elements. The transparent element 104 enhances the life of the panoramic sunroof 100. Further, the transparent element 104 helps in reducing overall manufacturing cost of sunroof 100 for each vehicle. Further, the weight reduction of the entire roof 100 due to transparent element 104 enhances fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Further, the sunroof 100 prevents ingress of dust and water leakage inside the vehicle which is cumbersome to clean with desired satisfaction. The sunroof 100 requires less maintenance in as there are no moving parts and allows entry of the sunlight with retrieving the blinder rearwards. The transparent element 104 of the sunroof 100 is durable with anti-abrasion coatings on polycarbonate glazing. Also, the sunroof 100 proves beneficial in accident scenarios as the transparent element 104 is made of light weight durable material such as polycarbonate glazing that is unbreakable as compared to conventionally used tempered glasses. The sunroof 100 enables the OEM’s to make the fixed glass sunroof in the same opening area 4 (cut-out) of the current roof with a modular design. The transparent element 104 of the sunroof 100 provides a new variant of vehicle roof as per the choice of customers.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fixed glass panoramic sunroof, that:
• is light in weight;
• is durable;
• helps in reducing overall weight of the roof;
• enhances fuel efficiency of vehicle;
• is cost-effective in terms of manufacturing panoramic sunroofs;
• prevents ingress of dust and water leakage inside the vehicle which is cumbersome to clear with desired satisfaction;
• requires less maintenance;
• is durable with anti-abrasion coatings on polycarbonate glazing;
• is made of polycarbonate glazing that is unbreakable and proves beneficial in accident scenarios;
• provides a new variant of vehicle roof as per the choice of customers; and
• enables OEM’s to make the fixed glass sunroof in the same opening area of the current roof with a modular design.
The embodiments herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments 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.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments 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.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals 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.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.