Solar screens and processes for production thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to solar screens (1) for placement on the interior side next to the windscreen of a vehicle, and featuring a plurality of screen portions (10) configured in such a way that they can be unfolded and folded along fold regions (12) between neighbouring screen portions (10), the solar screens (1) being configured in such a way that they feature improved shape retention behaviour of individual screen portions (10) and improved handling ergonomics. The present invention also relates to processes for producing solar screens (1) for placement on the interior side next to the windscreen of a vehicle.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SOLAR SCREENS AND THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of solar screens for placement on the inside of vehicle windshields in order to provide shading and prevent temperature rise in the interior space thereof, as well as to production processes for solar screens of this type.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] The state of the art includes several solar screen solutions of the type of the present invention, presenting a planar format and a plurality of portions configured so as to provide unfolding and folding of the assembly from a closed condition to an open one in which the solar screen can be applied to the inside of the windshield of a vehicle, and vice versa, so that it can be stored in a smaller space.

[0007] US 4,202,396 discloses a solar screen of the type of the present invention configured so that it presents a plurality of foldable portions corresponding to rectangular planar elements manufactured from a substantially rigid sheet material and joined to each other along longitudinal ends thereof.

[0008] US 4,801,170 discloses a solar screen comprising a sheet of flexible, light-reflecting material, and two compression rods retained at different ends of said sheet of flexible material, as well as stiffening means comprising a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material, each of the strips of semi-rigid material extending from a base portion to a top portion of said sheet of flexible material.

[0009] US 4,958,880 also discloses a collapsible sunscreen of resilient material, in particular corrugated cardboard, including symmetrical top and bottom sections and a horizontal fold line therebetween.

[0010] 1

[0011] US 5,267,599 discloses a sunscreen comprising one or more layers of thin flexible material and having an internal structure sufficient to retain the sunscreen in a rigid position when placed on the inside of an automobile windshield. According to one aspect, the internal structure comprises a thin support strip having an arcuate cross-section. The thin support strip may be made of metal and is provided so that it extends only in a transverse direction, so as not to prevent the risk of bending of the sunscreen in a vertical direction. According to another aspect, a series of creases formed alternately on opposite sides of the sunscreen provide the necessary rigidity.

[0012] Document US 2013 / 0032299 A1 also discloses a solar screen supported by metal strips configured so as to provide resistance to deflection in one direction of the solar screen, and thus the possibility of rolling up and unrolling the solar screen. In particular, the metal strips are configured in the form of a half cannula, and arranged in a single direction.

[0013] US 2005000664 A1 discloses a sun shade provided with fold lines and comprising layers of front, back, and interlayer material. The interlayer is provided in an insulating material such as sponge. The fold lines are formed by sonic or ultrasonic welding.

[0014] US 6,192,966 B1 discloses a sun shade for an automobile produced by continuously feeding a resilient plastic foam panel or a composite material including a layer of such a resilient plastic foam panel to an oven and then to a molding press. The sun shade is provided with a surface having wider and narrower fold grooves arranged parallel and alternately.

[0015] Document TW 201632378(A) discloses a foldable automobile sun shade comprising continuous strips of a roll material, such as cardboard, and individual panels of reinforcing material, the strips and panels being laminated between top and bottom sheets of a preferably highly solar-reflective material.

[0016] WO 2019 / 148515 (Al ) discloses a sun shade for automobile windshields that is provided with one or more longitudinal hot-pressed cut creases and / or one or more transverse hot-pressed cut creases.

[0017] There is therefore a need to provide a sun screen that provides more ergonomic use with a simpler construction.

[0018] 2

[0019] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) General Description of the Invention

[0020] The objective of the present invention is to provide sun screens for application to the inside of a vehicle windshield, and configured so as to provide better shape retention, in particular retention of the extension in an upward or vertical direction, when placed upright in a shading position, thus reducing the risk of collapsing or folding, as well as better ergonomics of handling by a user, both when unfolding and folding the sun screen.

[0021] Sunscreens of the type of this invention have a planar shape defining a front side and a back side of at least approximately equal area, and further have a plurality of screen portions configured and manually operable so that the sunscreens can be unfolded to an operative shading position and folded to a stowed position.

[0022] The solar screens are configured so that they can be collapsed between closed and open positions, and vice versa, and the solar screens feature a simple overall construction, with improved reliability and ergonomics of use and reduced production costs.

[0023] The object is solved according to the present invention by means of sun screens according to claim 1, the preferred embodiments being disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0024] In particular, the objective is solved by means of sun screens that present a portion structure in each screen portion, said portion structure being configured so as to provide greater resistance to deflection in at least two orthogonal directions, as well as ergonomic handling and use of the sun screen.

[0025] Solar screens have a plurality of screen portions, preferably at least four, more preferably at least six, particularly preferably at least eight, having a planar shape, each screen portion including a respective portion structure extending along the perimeter region.

[0026] The solar screens comprise an envelope portion that confines a plurality of portion structures and folding regions between the screen portions, thereby configuring the manipulable screen portions.

[0027] 3

[0028] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The envelope portion may be provided in one or more sheet or cloth type materials, which materials may be flexible or semi-rigid.

[0029] The interlayer regions between neighboring web portions have a folding region that includes a mechanical connection between mutually opposing front and back sides of the envelope portion, for example a stitched connection, along the interlayer alignment, so as to form collection pockets that can collect and confine the portion structures and provide folding and unfolding manipulation around the folding regions.

[0030] The solar screens comprise an envelope portion configured to form a plurality of screen portions by collecting respective portion structures, the portion structures being configured to extend in proximity to and laterally delimiting the folding regions between screen portions, thereby enhancing the ease of rotating the latter about the folding regions.

[0031] The portion structures may be provided as one or more framing elements configured to provide a semi-rigid or rigid extension along the outer perimeter region of each screen portion.

[0032] The present invention also relates to processes for producing solar screens.

[0033] The above object is solved by the present invention by a process according to claim 13, preferred embodiments being disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0034] In particular, the process according to the invention includes a step of producing an envelope portion having an opening extending a length of the sun screen, a step of producing dividing regions between screen portions thereby forming a plurality of collection spaces, a step of producing a plurality of portion structures, a step of arranging portion structures on respective screen portions, and a step of closing the openings of the envelope portion.

[0035] The production process can be advantageously applied to solar screens according to any of claims 1 to 12.

[0036] Description of Figures

[0037] 4

[0038] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The present invention will now be explained in greater detail on the basis of preferred embodiments and the attached Figures.

[0039] The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

[0040] Figure 1: Front side view (F) of a solar screen (1) presenting a plurality of screen portions (10) in an open position;

[0041] Figure 2: Views of a second envelope material (112) arranged on the inner side of an envelope portion (11) in the top drawing, of portion structures (13) in the middle drawing, and of a first envelope material (111) arranged at an outer position of the envelope portion (11) in the drawing below, of a solar screen (1) in an open position;

[0042] Figure 3: view of a solar screen (1) according to Figure 1, identifying the portion structures (13) arranged on the second envelope material (112) arranged in a position on the inner side of the envelope portion (11);

[0043] Figure 4: Top view of the embodiment according to

[0044] Figure 1 in which the solar screen (1) is in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions;

[0045] Figure 5: A top cross-sectional view of a web portion (10) of an embodiment in which the envelope portion (11) comprises different first and second envelope materials (111, 112) arranged juxtaposed so that a second envelope material (112) extends within a first envelope material (111) encapsulating the portion structure (13);

[0046] Figure 6: Top cross-sectional view of the solar screen (1) of the embodiment according to Figure 5 in an open position;

[0047] Figure 7: Front side view (F) of solar screen (1) in an open position;

[0048] 5

[0049] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 8: Front side view (F) of the solar screen (1) portion frame assembly (13);

[0050] Figure 9: view of a first production step of a portion structure (13) of a solar screen (1);

[0051] Figure 10: View of a second production step of a portion structure ( 13 ).

[0052] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0053] The present invention will now be described based on preferred embodiments, without any limitation of the scope of the invention since many other embodiments will be possible within this scope.

[0054] As depicted in Figures 1 to 2, a first embodiment of a sun screen (1) according to the present invention comprises a plurality of screen portions (10) arranged side-by-side and configured so as to be foldable around fold regions (12) extending between neighboring screen portions (10). As is known, a user can manipulate the sun screen (1) between open and closed positions, in a general accordion-bellows-like arrangement, by unfolding and folding, respectively, the plurality of screen portions (10) around the fold regions (12).

[0055] The solar screen (1) in this case presents a symmetrical distribution of different formats of screen portions (10) in relation to a central axis of solar screen (1).

[0056] The sun screen (1) is pre-dimensioned so that it can be placed in a shading position on the inside and near the windscreen of a vehicle, retained in a general form-fitting or magnetic arrangement, in particular including base and top regions arranged in dashboard and roof regions or windscreen regions near these, respectively, and side screen portions (10) that can be held angled relative to a transverse extension of the sun screen (1).

[0057] In particular, the solar screen (1) comprises a plurality of screen portions (10) having fold regions (12) extending between neighboring screen portions (10).

[0058] 6

[0059] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The sun screen (1) may only have operable screen portions (10) along fold regions (12) of a straight shape, for example narrow rectangular, and which preferably extend only in directions parallel to each other and between base and top regions of the sun screen (1).

[0060] The solar screen (1) may comprise a plurality of screen portions (10) arranged successively associated by respective lateral sides directly opposite the screen portions (10) so that they can be joined together by folding regions (12) that extend linearly along lateral sides of neighboring screen portions (10), the folding regions (12) preferably having a characteristic extension dimension greater than the characteristic transverse dimension of the portion structure (13).

[0061] The solar screen (1) may present a plurality of screen portions (10) having at least one of the following dimensions and dimensional relationships: an extension according to the height (H) between 20 and 100 cm, preferably between 30 and 90 cm; an extension according to the width (W) between 150 and 250 cm, preferably between 170 and 230 cm; different screen portions (10) with different respective heights (Hi); different screen portions (10) with different respective widths (W);

[0062] The sun screen (1) may have a planned width (W) greater than the length of the windshield in a generally horizontal direction.

[0063] The solar screen (1) may have a maximum height (H), considered as the extension between mutually opposite base and top regions, at least approximately equal to the extension of the windshield in a generally transverse direction thereof.

[0064] According to another aspect, the solar screen (1) presents a plurality of screen portions (10), including at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, sets of different screen portions (10), including different maximum width (i).

[0065] The solar screen (1) may include a first set of screen portions (10), preferably including at least two, particularly preferably at least four screen portions (10), having an equal shape including a first width (Wi) and

[0066] 7

[0067] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) arranged in the central region on both sides of a central axis of symmetry of the solar screen (1).

[0068] The solar screen (1) may include a second set of screen portions (10), preferably including at least two, particularly preferably at least four screen portions (10), having the same shape including a second width (W2) smaller than the first width (Wi).

[0069] The screen portions (10) of at least one of the first and second sets preferably have a shape that is at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0070] The solar screen (1) may include a third set of screen portions (10), preferably including at least two screen portions (10). The screen portions (10) of the third set preferably have a triangular or trapezoidal shape.

[0071] Furthermore, the sun screen (1) may have an engagement region (15) configured so as to provide shape retention around a vehicle rearview mirror and thus an additional retention support of the sun screen (1) when disposed in the shading position. The engagement region (15) is preferably configured between adjacent regions of central and symmetrical screen portions (10).

[0072] As will be recognized in Figure 2, the sun screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) that may include at least a first envelope material (111) or, preferably, a second envelope material (112) that is different from the first, configured so as to provide the outer envelope that confines a plurality of portion structures (13).

[0073] According to one aspect of the present invention, the portion structures (13) may be configured so that they provide resistance to deformation in at least at least two orthogonal directions, preferably in at least one generally vertical and one generally horizontal direction, with reference to the arrangement of the sun screen (1) in shading position.

[0074] In particular, the portion structure (13) is configured so that it provides resistance to deformation in at least one direction at least approximately vertical or parallel to the direction of gravity force, in the case where the sun screen (1) is in the shading position, and one direction at least approximately horizontal. It is thus provided that the screen portions (10) have

[0075] 8

[0076] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) resistance in both a crosswise and an uphill direction.

[0077] In the case of the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the solar screen (1) comprises a plurality of screen portions (10) each including a portion structure (13) configured in a frame format with two pairs of extensions along two mutually orthogonal directions, so as to provide resistance to deformation in at least two orthogonal directions.

[0078] The solar screen (1) may have portion structures (13) configured in a frame format.

[0079] The solar screen (1) may have a plurality of operable screen portions (10) such that they can be folded and unfolded around folding regions between neighboring screen portions (10).

[0080] The solar screen (1) may have a plurality of screen portions (10) with at least one of different shape and different lateral extension.

[0081] Furthermore, the solar screen (1) has a plurality of screen portions (10) and a plurality of respective portion structures (13), and it is preferred when screen portions (10) have at least one of at least approximately equal shape and at least approximately equal lateral extension.

[0082] A portion structure (13) may be configured so that it provides resistance to deflection at least along the direction orthogonal to the front and rear sides (B) of the sun screen (1) and at least under the action of the force of gravity, preferably under the action of a force of at least 1 N, preferably of at least 5 N.

[0083] The solar screen (1) may comprise a portion structure (13) configured with a planar shape and so as to provide at least approximately planar shape maintenance of a respective screen portion (10), and it is preferred when the portion structure (13) is configured so as to provide resistance to deflection of a respective screen portion (10) and provide bending of the bending regions (12) without deformation of portions of neighboring screen portions (10).

[0084] Figures 3 and 4 represent an embodiment of a solar screen (1) and respective configuration of a plurality of portion structures (13) arranged so as to delimit respective folding regions (12) interspersed between neighboring screen portions (10).

[0085] According to one aspect of the present invention, the solar screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) and a plurality of structures

[0086] 9

[0087] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) portion (13) within a respective envelope portion (11), preferably a portion structure (13) in each screen portion (10).

[0088] The envelope portion (11) may be configured so that it extends across the entire surface of each of the front (F) and rear (B) sides around each portion structure (13), preferably the entire sun screen (1).

[0089] The envelope portion (11) may comprise a first envelope material (111), preferably a thin, flexible, planar material that flexibly extends on a surface, for example, of a folio, sheet, fabric or similar type.

[0090] The envelope portion (11) may extend along a front side portion (F) and a back side portion (B), both provided as planar elements, and preferably so as to confine the portion structures (13) within respective closed pocket-type collection spaces of the envelope portion (11).

[0091] According to one aspect of the present invention, both the front and back side portions of the envelope portion (11) and the portion structures (13) are provided in a relatively light material.

[0092] According to another aspect, the sun screen (1) may be configured so that it presents at least one of: a total weight of the sun screen (1) comprised between 0.1 and 3 kg, preferably between 0.5 and 2 kg; a total weight of each of the portion structures (13) of up to 140 g, preferably up to 100 g, particularly preferably up to 80 g.

[0093] As shown in Figure 4, the envelope portion (11) may be provided so that it completely confines the portion structures (13), as explained in more detail based on Figures 5 and 6.

[0094] Figures 5 and 6 represent a preferred embodiment of the sun screen (1) according to the invention, wherein the envelope portion (11) comprises a first and a second coating material (111, 112) that are different.

[0095] In the present case, the envelope portion (11) comprises two different flexible materials, with a first covering material (111) being disposed outside a second covering material (112).

[0096] 10

[0097] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The envelope portion (11) is configured so that the first material (111) is disposed adjacent the outer side of the second material (112).

[0098] The envelope portion (11) is advantageously configured such that the first and second facing materials (111, 112) are arranged juxtaposed with the second facing material (112) within the first facing material (111), so as to form a double-layer envelope that confines the portion structures (13).

[0099] The first envelope material (111) preferably has an outer surface that provides reflection of light radiation, including at least one of infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

[0100] The first envelope material (111) may be selected from the list of materials that includes: textile material, composite material including synthetic or natural substances, such as sponge-like material, cork-like material.

[0101] The second envelope material (112) preferably has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first material (111), and a honeycomb or sponge-like structure.

[0102] The second envelope material (112) may be selected from the list of materials that includes: textile material, composite material including synthetic or natural substances, such as material with a honeycomb or sponge-like structure, a material including cork or a derivative thereof.

[0103] As the skilled artisan will readily appreciate, the thickness of the envelope portion (11) and the width of the folding regions (12) are configured to provide for folding of neighboring screen portions (10) into a position where they are folded and lying flat on top of each other.

[0104] According to one aspect of the present invention, the solar screen (1) has a total thickness of between 8 and 16 cm, preferably between 10 and 14 cm.

[0105] It is preferred when the solar screen (1) has a total thickness that does not exceed the thickness of the portion structure (13) by more than 100 mm, preferably by more than 60 mm.

[0106] Figure 7 represents an embodiment of a solar screen (1) according to the invention, including the representation of a panel (in black) and portion of the instrument panel (in dark gray) of a car.

[0107] 11

[0108] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) As shown, both the top portion and the bottom portion of the solar screen (1) have an at least approximately curved shape, preferably with at least approximately equal curvature.

[0109] Furthermore, the transition regions between the top and bottom regions of the solar screen (1) are also configured curved, preferably with a radius of curvature smaller than the radii of curvature of the top and bottom regions.

[0110] Furthermore, the sun screen (1) presents in this case a second embodiment of a gear portion (15). In this case, two central screen portions (10) are configured so that they delimit an opening close to the top region thereof, said opening being configured so that it can surround a rearview mirror associated with the vehicle windshield.

[0111] Figure 8 represents an embodiment of portion structures (13) comprised in a solar screen (1) according to the invention.

[0112] The solar screen (1) has a plurality of different screen portions (10) and each of them has a respective portion structure (13).

[0113] It is preferred when each portion structure (13) presents structural elements that extend according to at least two orthogonal alignments with each other.

[0114] It is preferred when each portion structure (13) presents at least two orthogonal alignments with each other in at least two different regions.

[0115] It is preferred when each portion structure (13) has structural elements that extend along at least two pairs of orthogonal alignments, with the pairs of mutually orthogonal structural alignments being at least approximately parallel to each other and retained in each other.

[0116] It is preferred when each portion structure (13) provides resistance to deformation at least along a direction at least approximately parallel to a closed alignment defined by the portion structure (13).

[0117] It is preferred when each portion structure (13) provides resistance to deformation over at least most, preferably all, of the perimeter region of the respective web portion (10).

[0118] It is thus advantageously provided that each screen portion (10) presents a resistance to deformation over two

[0119] 12

[0120] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) mutually orthogonal extensions, including in width, i.e., at least approximately transverse to the force of gravity, and in height, i.e., at least approximately parallel to the force of gravity, thereby mitigating the possibility of collapse of the sunscreen (1) under the action of the force of gravity when the sunscreen (1) is placed in a shading position

[0121] A portion structure (13) may have at least one structural element that extends along the confinement space perimeter of a respective screen portion (10).

[0122] A portion structure (13) may have a structure element (131) that extends along a closed convex alignment.

[0123] A portion structure (13) may have an at least approximately closed alignment form, including a frame, ring or similar type.

[0124] A portion structure (13) may have a frame shape.

[0125] A portion structure (13) may feature an elongated element that provides resistance to deformation, including resistance to bending with force components along at least two mutually orthogonal directions, preferably including transverse and vertical direction.

[0126] A portion structure (13) may be devoid of a planar-shaped structural element that extends along at least part of the area enclosed by a perimeter element.

[0127] A portion structure (13) may be devoid of a mesh or net type structure element (131).

[0128] A portion structure (13) may have a first elongated structure element provided in a semi-rigid or rigid material.

[0129] Figures 9 and 10 represent embodiments of configuration of portion structures (13).

[0130] As shown, the solar screen (1) may have portion structures (13) that have only a first structure element (131) formed in a general frame-like form and so that it extends along the perimeter region of a respective screen portion (10).

[0131] Furthermore, the sun screen (1) may have portion structures (13) which preferably only have a first and a second structure element (131, 132).

[0132] The portion structures (13) may be provided from elongated shaped structural elements, preferably of

[0133] 13

[0134] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) tubular shaped profile, being preferred when each portion structure (13) presents only a first structure element (131) configured as a frame that extends along the perimeter region of a respective screen portion (10), or presents also a second structure element (132).

[0135] The first and second structural elements (131, 132) may have at least one of at least approximately equal shape and cross-sectional dimension, and it is preferred when both the first and second structural elements (131, 132) are provided from an at least approximately equal profile, having at least one of equal shape and equal cross-sectional dimension.

[0136] The first structural elements (131) may be in the form of a frame, the free ends of which may be joined together by means of a mechanical connection, preferably at least semi-rigid, particularly preferably rigid connection, comprising at least one of: a mechanical connection, such as a press fit, or a material connection, such as welding.

[0137] Figure 9 represents a series of successive steps of production of a portion structure (13), images in sequence from left to right, in which the free ends of a first structure element (131) are joined by means of a first mechanical connection piece (133).

[0138] The first mechanical connecting piece (133) can be configured with a cross-section of the same shape as the first structural element (131), for example in a circular or preferably tubular shape, and a transverse dimension configured so that it can be press-fitted onto opposite end ends of the first structural element (131).

[0139] It is preferred when the engagement of the first connecting piece (133) with the first structural element (131) can be carried out manually, for example by means of a press fit. Alternatively, the first mechanical connecting piece (133) can be retained at both free ends of the first structural element (131) by means of a mechanical connection or a material connection. Optionally, the first connecting piece (133) can be additionally retained by means of an additional mechanical connection, thereby ensuring reliability of the connection.

[0140] The second structural elements (132) may be retained on diametrically opposite portions, preferably of the height extensions of a first structural element (131) shaped in the form of

[0141] 14

[0142] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) frame. It is preferred when the second structural members (132) can also be retained by means of second mechanical connecting pieces (134).

[0143] Figure 10 first represents a series of successive steps, in the leftmost images and from top to bottom, for the production of a second connecting piece (134).

[0144] As shown, the second connecting piece (134) may be obtained by forming an initial half-round shaped portion, and so as to obtain a generally T-shaped piece that provides mechanical retention, preferably at least by means of form fitting under pressure, in a side portion of a first structural element (131), on the one hand, and in a free end portion of a second structural element (132), on the other hand.

[0145] Fão, December 2, 2024

[0146] 15

[0147] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. A sun screen for application in a shading position on the interior side next to the windshield of a vehicle, the sun screen (1) having a front side (F) and a rear side (B) and a plurality of screen portions (10) that are configured with an at least approximately planar shape and operable about fold regions (12) that extend in fold alignments intercalarily between neighboring screen portions (10), so that the sun screen (1) can be manually unfolded from a closed position to an open position in which the sun screen (1) can be placed in a shading position, and vice versa, characterized in that the sun screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) configured so as to present resistance to deformation in at least two at least approximately orthogonal directions of respective screen portions (10).

2. Solar screen according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises a plurality of portion structures (13) each of which extends along at least four coplanar extensions with the planar shape of a respective screen portion (10), it being preferred when each of the portion structures (13) extends at least in the vicinity of the perimeter region of a respective screen portion (10) so as to provide resistance to deflection of the planar shape thereof.

3. Solar screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) configured so that each of these extends along at least the greater part, preferably the entirety, of a closed alignment within a respective screen portion (10), preferably a closed alignment with a general frame or rim-like shape, the closed alignment of each portion structure (13) preferably corresponding at least approximately to at least a greater part or the entirety of a closed alignment within a respective screen portion (10), preferably a closed alignment with a general frame or rim-like shape within a respective screen portion (10), preferably a closed alignment with a general frame or rim-like shape within a respective screen portion (10), wherein the closed alignment of each portion structure (13) preferably corresponds at least approximately to at least a greater part or the entirety of a closed alignment within a respective screen portion (10), preferably a closed alignment with a general frame or rim-like shape ... 16 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) of the extent of the perimeter region of a respective screen portion (10) so that the structure portions (13) provide bending of the bending regions (12) along intercalated regions between neighboring web portions (10).

4. Sun screen according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sun screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) including a first structural element (131) configured according to at least one of: having a narrow and elongated general shape and configured in a general, at least approximately closed, frame-like form, preferably so that mutually opposite and neighboring provided free ends of the first structural element (131) can be retained together thereby configuring a closed alignment; provided so that the free ends can be retained together by means of a mechanical connecting piece (133), preferably by a connecting piece configured so that it can be press-fitted into the cross-sections of the free ends of a first structural element (131);and / or in that the sun screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) including a first and a second structural element (131, 132) configured in accordance with at least one of: a first structural element (131) configured in a general frame- or arch-like shape and a second structural element (132) disposed across at least one transverse dimension of the first structural element (131) and retained between opposing portions thereof, so that they can be retained together in at least one of: regions on mutually opposing sides and corner regions of a first structural element (131).; 5. Solar screen according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) that include at least a first structural element (131) provided in a structural material that presents at least one of the following physical characteristics: 17 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) - having a tubular shape, preferably including a circular or rectangular cross-section; - having a characteristic cross-sectional dimension between 0.5 and 10 mm, preferably between 1 and 8 mm; - a tensile strength greater than 100 MPa, preferably greater than 120 MPa; - a density of less than 3,000 kg / m 3 , preferably less than 2,800 kg / m 3 ; - a coefficient of thermal expansion, between 20 and 100°C, less than 500 lO^.Kl 1 , preferably less than 300 lO^.Kl 1 .

6. Solar screen according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises portion structures (13) including at least a first structural element (131) provided in a structural material selected from the list of materials including: a metallic material, an alloy of metallic materials, preferably including aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a polymer composite material, preferably a material including a polymer of natural origin, a fiber-reinforced composite material, preferably including reinforcement by at least one of: fiberglass and carbon fiber, a synthetic material configured for three-dimensional printing.

7. The solar screen of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) and a plurality of screen portions (10) with respective portion structures (13) disposed within respective collection spaces of the envelope portion (11), the portion structures (13) preferably being configured so that they extend in proximity to and laterally delimiting the folding regions (12) between screen portions (10), thereby providing extensions of greater resistance to deflection than the folding regions (12) and thereby enhancing the ease of rotating the screen portions (10) about the folding regions (12).

8. Solar screen according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized 18 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) wherein the sun screen (1) comprises folding regions (12) extending along linear alignment in the intervening regions between neighboring screen portions (10), the folding regions (12) including a mechanical connection between front (F) and back (B) side portions of the envelope portion (11), preferably a mechanical connection by stitching opposite sides of an envelope material, thereby forming collection spaces that confine the portion structures (13) within the envelope portion (11) and provide folding and unfolding manipulation of screen portions (10) around associated folding regions (12).

9. Solar screen according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the solar screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) configured so that it confines the portion structure (13) and that it presents at least one envelope material that is planar and flexible, it being preferred when the envelope portion (11) presents front (F) and rear (B) side portions that include at least a first envelope material (111), preferably a first and second envelope materials (111, 112) that differ in at least one of thickness, resistance to deflection and surface reflection of solar radiation.

10. A sun screen according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sun screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) provided as a single piece configured so that it has a plurality of collection confinements configured so that they collect portion structures (13) within the collection confinements, thereby corresponding to individual screen portions (10), and which are separated by folding regions (12), it being preferred when the envelope portion (11) has a symmetrical shape with respect to a central folding region, and / or in that the sun screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) including front and rear side portions (F, B) retained together by means of joints along a respective outer perimeter, it being preferred when the front and rear side portions (F, B) of the envelope portion (11) include the folding regions (12). 19 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)11.A sun screen according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sun screen (1) comprises an envelope portion (11) configured according to at least one of: such that it is provided in a planar and flexible material, including at least one of the list of materials which includes: textile material, polymeric composite material; such that it is provided in a single piece of a single first envelope material (111) or in two pieces of a first and a second envelope materials (111, 112); such that it extends from both the front (F) and rear (B) sides of the screen portions (10) and outwards in relation to the portion structures (13), such that it extends continuously in the screen portions (10) and in the fold regions (12) between neighboring screen portions (10); so that it configures openings in base and / or top regions in the respective perimeter regions between the front and rear side portions (F, B) of envelope portion (11) of the solar screen (1).

12. Solar screen according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar screen (1) is configured according to at least one of: - so that it has a symmetrical shape relative to a central axis of the sun screen (1), preferably at least relative to an axis central to the transverse extension of the sun screen (1); - so that it presents screen portions (10) that extend successively along a single direction and that preferably present at least one of: at least two different shapes, at least two different plan areas, - so that it presents at least two, preferably at least four, more preferably at least eight screen portions ( 10 ); - so that it presents at least two, preferably at least four portion structures (13) that present at least one of: a different number of structural elements (131), different shape of structural elements (131); - so that it presents a first group of screen portions (10) which presents a first width at least approximately 20 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) equal at least in a central region of the solar screen (1); a second group of screen portions (10) which have a second width at least approximately equal and which are preferably arranged laterally on each side of the first group and at least a third group of screen portions (10) in lateral end regions of the solar screen (1), it being preferred when the first width is greater than the second width so as to increase the structural strength with the increase in the distance of the screen portions (10) relative to a central portion of the solar screen (1).

13. A process for producing a sun screen (1) configured for interior shading of vehicle windshields, characterized in that the process includes the steps: providing an envelope portion (11) from at least a first, preferably flexible, envelope material (111), preferably from at least a first and a second envelope material (111, 112), providing a plurality of screen portions (10) in the envelope portion (11) by joining mutually opposite sides of the envelope portion (11) together, preferably along linear alignments, thereby simultaneously defining a confining space in each screen portion (10) and folding regions (12) between confining spaces of screen portions (10), providing a plurality of portion structures (13),preferably each having dimensions and shape corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the interior perimeter of the confinement space of a respective screen portion (10); arranging each of the portion structures (13) within a respective confinement space of a respective screen portion (10) of the envelope portion (11); closing the envelope portion (11) so that a plurality of confinement spaces thereof confine respective portion structures (13) separated by fold regions (12).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of providing a plurality of portion structures (13) includes the following steps: 21 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) providing a plurality of first frame elements (131) of elongated linear shape, preferably tubular; shaping each of the first frame elements (131) into a closed perimeter frame shape such that their free ends result in direct opposition and at least proximity to each other; joining the free ends of each first frame element (131) by means of mechanical connection, preferably by means of press-fitting by means of a first connecting piece (133); optionally further retaining a second structural element (132) having an elongated linear shape between mutually opposite portions of first structure elements (131) formed in the form of a closed perimeter frame, preferably by means of a press fit by means of a second connecting piece (134).

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the step of providing an envelope portion (11) having a plurality of screen portions (10) includes the steps: providing a first flexible envelope material (111) and cutting the first flexible envelope material (111) so that it can be joined together in an envelope shape, wherein the first envelope material (111) provides at least a portion, preferably the full extent, of the front and back side (F, B) of the envelope portion (11); or providing first and second envelope materials (111, 112), preferably both flexible, and cutting the first and second flexible envelope materials (111, 112) into at least approximately equal shapes so that they can be joined together in an envelope shape thereby configuring front and back side wall layers of the sun screen (1);arranging first and second envelope materials (111, 112) in juxtaposition such that a first envelope material (111) extends outside a second envelope material (112); and further including the steps: providing the fold regions (12) by sewing wires between the front and back portions of the envelope portion (11); 22 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) along linear alignments in the dividing regions between neighboring screen portions (10). Fão, December 2, 2024 23 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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