DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of automobile accessories. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved sun-visor for automotive vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an integrated automotive sun-visor extension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A sun visor is an automobile component located inside the vehicle just above the windshield/windscreen). These are configured with a hinged flap which can be adjusted to provide shade to the eyes of drivers and passengers from the glare of sunlight.

Sun-visors are mostly used to protect occupants from the glare of sunlight, particularly while driving the vehicle or in a moving vehicle for the purpose of safe driving. This is necessary because this glare is quite dangerous for the driver/occupants by preventing excellent view of the surroundings to occupants.

PRIOR ART

Patent publication US 2257612 A discloses an extension element for an automobile sun visor, which has hinged complementary members and mechanism inclusive of spring clips, a guide and a slide member for mounting said element on a visor for limited sliding extension movement relative thereto. This extension can be readily and quickly attached to such sun visor and extended longitudinally thereto in any of the ordinary working positions thereof, and can also be unfolded downwardly to extend the vertical area from which sun glare may be avoided.

Patent publication No. US 4792176 A discloses a visor extension unit is releasably attachable to the conventional sun visor of a motor vehicle and is characterized by including a lateral visor extension panel which is movable through a horizontal guide passage in the visor extension unit so as to effectively increase the windshield area blocked on either side of the sun visor as desired, and a glare shield is movable through a separate pocket formed in the extension unit in a downward direction beneath the sun visor to diminish the glare of light which otherwise would pass through the windshield area beneath the visor.

Patent No. US6176539 B1 discloses a sun visor extension adapted for connection with an existing sun visor of a vehicle. The sun visor extension comprises a body having a generally rectangular shape and two wings foldable to be connected to and extending along opposing long sides of the body. The width of the wings is less than that of the body and the wings are adapted to be folded towards each other in a juxtaposed position abutting the body, thereby creating an open-ended cavity having the length and width of the body. An extension is slidably received within the cavity. The extension is a rectangular shape with a length corresponding to the body and a width narrower than the body. The extension is frictionally retained within the cavity by the wings and the body. The sun visor extension is removably attached to a vehicle sun visor.

Patent publication No. US 2011/0057471 A1 discloses a line of two-piece, automobile sun visors to block sun from both the front and side windows of an automobile manufactured of solid reinforced panels, or tinted optical glass material, designed to filter the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Similar in appearance to a standard automobile sun visor, the Wiser Visor is essentially rectangular in shape in the folded position and is manufactured in a variety of sizes appropriate for the various makes and models cars, vans and trucks on the road. These attractive sun visors are tinted in a variety of eye-catching colors to match the vehicle interior, as well as in a host of neutral hues. The Wiser Visor is manufactured for both the driver and passenger side of the car, with each visor featuring a hinged, heavy duty metal extension arm designed to be snap fitted to the to the interior roof of the automobile.

However, none of the abovementioned prior-art references describe the characteristic features of the present invention.
DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

The main disadvantage with the existing sun-visors or the extensions thereof do not cover enough area to provide sufficient protection from sunlight. Therefore, there is a need to improve the coverage area of existing sun visors.

Another disadvantage with the presently available sun-visors or the extensions thereof is their inability to cover maximum area to provide sufficient protection to the occupants from the glare of sunlight in the vehicles equipped with insufficient eye coverage in the conventional sun visors and the extensions thereof.

Still another advantage with the sun visors having both horizontal and vertical extensions is that even with both the extensions at maximum opening positions thereof, there are still rectangular eye patches left unprotected, which hamper the occupants’ ergonomics.

Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to ensure maximum protection to the vehicle occupants from the glare of sunlight as well as to provide suitable measures to cover any unprotected rectangular patch still left open in the conventional sun visors or the extensions thereof.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved sun-visor extension for automotive improved vehicles, which offers more coverage area than existing ones to better protect vehicle occupants from the glare of sunlight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved sun-visor extension, which does not leave any portion of vehicle driver/passengers’ eye/s unprotected even at maximum opening positions to help in their ergonomics.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved sun-visor extension, which covers the unprotected and still open rectangular patch/es of the existing sun-visors or the extensions thereof.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an automotive sun visor assembly configured with integrated dual-extension for completely covering the vehicle occupants’ eyes from the sun glare, wherein the sun-visor assembly comprises a frame fitted with two linear guides for guiding an integrated dual extension to be extended/retracted according to the requirement of the vehicle occupants for protecting their eyes from excessive sun glare; the frame also fitted with a respective hook on either side thereof for easy actuation of the linear guides.

The linear guides comprise a side extension for lateral extension of the coverage area of sun-visor; a bottom extension integrated thereto for vertical extension of the coverage area of sun-visor, and respective stopper for restricting motion of the extension beyond the outer ends thereof.

Typically, the horizontal track is provided for sliding in/out the side extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s.

Typically, the dovetail guideways are provided in the bottom extension and the frame for moving the side extension to facilitate smooth and precise movement thereof while continuously keeping contact of the guideways with the bottom extension.

Typically, a vertical track is provided for sliding down/up the vertical extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s.

Typically, a roller assembly is provided for rolling down/up the vertical extension by means of the vertical track.

Typically, a profile is provided at the rear face of the bottom extension to function as a guide to move the side extension in a vertical direction; the profile also provides a snapping force whenever the side extension is stationary.

Typically, the horizontal track is attached on a slot provided on the upper guide bar of the frame, the roller assembly having a torsional spring for rolling up/ down the side extension for a vertical movement thereof.

Typically, a respective stopper is provided on the horizontal and vertical tracks for restricting the movements of the side extension and vertical extensions beyond the respective outer ends thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an automotive sun visor assembly configured with integrated dual-extension for completely covering the vehicle occupants’ eyes from the sun glare whenever required, wherein the sun-visor assembly comprises:

• a frame for the assembly; the frame fitted with a respective hook on either side thereof for easy actuation of the linear guides;

• a side extension for lateral extension of the coverage area of sun-visor; and configured with a stopper for restricting its motion beyond the outer end thereof;

• a horizontal track for sliding out/in the side extension; the horizontal track attached on a slot provided on the upper guide bar of the frame;

• dovetail guideways provided in the bottom extension and the frame for moving the side extension to facilitate smooth and precise movement thereof while continuously keeping contact of the guideways with the bottom extension;

• a bottom extension for vertical extension of the coverage area of the sun-visor; and configured with a stopper for restricting its motion beyond the outer end thereof;

• a guide profile provided at the rear face of the bottom extension to move the side extension in a vertical direction; the profile also providing a snapping force whenever the side extension is stationary;

• a vertical track for sliding down/up the vertical extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s; and

• a roller assembly for rolling down/up the vertical extension by means of the vertical track; and the roller assembly having a torsional spring for rolling up/ down the side extension for a vertical movement thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which include:

Figure 1 shows a front view of the improved sun visor assembly with integrated dual-extensions configured in accordance with the present invention for providing increased eye-coverage area.

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of the improved sun visor depicted in Fig.1 and the extension thereof.

Figure 3 shows another detailed front view of the improved sun visor assembly of the Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of the improved sun visor depicted in the Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, different embodiments of the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a front view of the improved sun visor assembly with integrated dual-extensions configured in accordance with the present invention for providing increased eye-coverage area. It includes an integrated dual-extension consisting of a side extension 12 and a bottom extension 14 for providing increased eye-coverage area, which can be unfolded and extended whenever desired by the vehicle occupants. Further, this improved sun visor includes a frame 16, a roller assembly 18 for rolling down the bottom extension 14 by means of a vertical track 20, a hook 22 and a horizontal track 24 (Fig. 2) to slide the side extension 14 for side extension of the sun visor as and when desired by the vehicle occupants.

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of the sun visor of Fig.1 to better depict the details of the assembly thereof. Here, frame 16 is seen fitted with a vertical track 20, a hook 22 and the horizontal track 24.

Figure 3 shows another detailed front view of the sun visor assembly of Fig.1 with the sun visor frame 16 fitted with a side extension 12, bottom extension 14, vertical track 20 and hook 22.

Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of the sun visor depicted in Fig.1 with the sun visor frame 16 fitted with a roller assembly 18 at the top thereof and the and the horizontal track 24 at the bottom thereof.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION

Since conventional or currently available sun-visors and their extensions (i.e. horizontal and vertical extensions) leave a patch of eye uncovered, when in the maximum opening position thereof, this badly affects the vehicle occupants’ ergonomics. This unprotected eye patch is harmful to the eyesight and thus to the surrounding vision of the vehicle occupants. The sun visor configured with improved extensions, i.e. integrating the mechanisms of the side and bottom extensions by means of a respective track thereof.

The integrated extension mechanism consists of interconnected side and bottom extensions 12, 14, which are configured such that by pulling the bottom extension 14 down, the side extension 12 also comes down and thereby on opening both the extensions 12, 14, no eye patch is left uncovered as both move together interdependently.

In this new configuration, two linear guides, i.e. a vertical track 20 moved by means of the roller mechanism 18 (both attached to sun-visor frame 16) and a horizontal track 24 (attached to the vertical extension 20). The horizontally moveable side extension 12 moves on the dovetail guideways provided in the bottom extension 14 and the frame 16 for facilitating a smooth and precise movement thereof, always keeping its contact with the bottom extension 14.

There is a slot on the upper linear guide bar, on which a roller mechanism is attached with a torsional spring used for rolling up and down the side extension 12 for a vertical movement thereof. A profile is provided at the rear face of the bottom extension 14 that functions as a guide to move it in a vertical direction. This profile is configured such that it is also provides the snapping force, whenever the extension is stationary. Further, stoppers are added in order to restrict the motion of the extensions 12, 14 beyond the outer ends thereof. Hooks 22 are also provided on both sides for easy actuation of extensions 12, 14.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The sun visor provided with integrated dual-extension configured in accordance with the present invention has the following advantages:

• No eye patch is left uncovered/unprotected from the glare of sunlight even in the maximum opening position thereof.

• Suitable for vehicle occupants’ ergonomics.

• Safe to the eyesight of the vehicle occupants.

• Eliminates blind spots due to any eye patch left unprotected from the glare of sunlight.

• Integrated side and bottom extensions ensure that no eye patch is left uncovered as both move together interdependently.

• Facilitate a smooth and precise movement of the extensions.

• Roller mechanism preloaded under torsional spring helps in rolling up and down side extension for its vertical movement.

• Rear face profile on the bottom extension guides it to move in a vertical direction and also provides a snapping force for a stationary extension.

• Stoppers restrict the extension movement beyond their outer ends.

• Hooks on both sides ease the actuation of both the extensions.

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 distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration. The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to this non-limiting embodiment in the above description in accordance with the present invention.

The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification.

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, the skilled person will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of embodiments described herein.

Therefore, the skilled person can easily make innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies, assemblies and in terms of the size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. An automotive sun visor assembly configured with integrated dual-extension for completely covering the vehicle occupants’ eyes from the sun glare, wherein said sun-visor assembly comprises a frame fitted with two linear guides for guiding an integrated dual extension to be extended/retracted according to the requirement of the vehicle occupants for protecting their eyes from excessive sun glare; said frame also fitted with a respective hook on either side thereof for easy actuation of said linear guides.

2. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said linear guides comprise:

• a side extension for lateral extension of the coverage area of sun-visor; and

• a bottom extension for vertical extension of the coverage area of sun-visor and configured integrated with said side extension.

3. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein a horizontal track is provided for sliding in/out said side extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s.

4. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the dovetail guideways are provided in said bottom extension and said frame for moving said side extension to facilitate smooth and precise movement thereof while continuously keeping contact of said guideways with said bottom extension.

5. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein a vertical track is provided for sliding down/up said vertical extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s.

6. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein a roller assembly is provided for rolling down/up said vertical extension by means of said vertical track.
7. Sun visor assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein a profile is provided at the rear face of said bottom extension to function as a guide to move said side extension in a vertical direction; said profile also provides a snapping force whenever said side extension is stationary.

8. Sun visor assembly as claimed in anyone of the claims 2 to 7, wherein said horizontal track is attached on a slot provided on the upper guide bar of said frame, said roller assembly having a torsional spring for rolling up/ down said side extension for a vertical movement thereof.

9. Sun visor assembly as claimed in anyone of the claims 2 to 8, wherein a respective stopper is provided on said horizontal and vertical tracks for restricting the movements of said side extension and vertical extensions beyond the respective outer ends thereof.

10. An automotive sun visor assembly configured with integrated dual-extension for completely covering the vehicle occupants’ eyes from the sun glare whenever required, wherein said sun-visor assembly comprises:

• a frame for said assembly; said frame fitted with a respective hook on either side thereof for easy actuation of said linear guides;

• a side extension for lateral extension of the coverage area of sun-visor; and configured with a stopper for restricting its motion beyond the outer end thereof;

• a horizontal track for sliding out/in said side extension; said horizontal track attached on a slot provided on the upper guide bar of said frame;

• dovetail guideways provided in said bottom extension and said frame for moving said side extension to facilitate smooth and precise movement thereof while continuously keeping contact of said guideways with said bottom extension;

• a bottom extension for vertical extension of the coverage area of said sun-visor; and configured with a stopper for restricting its motion beyond the outer end thereof;

• a guide profile provided at the rear face of said bottom extension to move said side extension in a vertical direction; said profile also providing a snapping force whenever said side extension is stationary;

• a vertical track for sliding down/up said vertical extension, as and when required by the vehicle occupant/s; and

• a roller assembly for rolling down/up said vertical extension by means of said vertical track; and said roller assembly having a torsional spring for rolling up/ down said side extension for a vertical movement thereof.

Digitally Signed.

Dated: this 30th day of August 2017. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT