Automobile sun visor extension system

Abstract

An automobile sun visor system comprises a main body with a front member and a back member that define a base area along vertical, horizontal, and angled axes. It includes at least one vertical extension, guided by first and third tracks, that can extend in a vertical or angled direction, and at least one horizontal extension, guided by a second track, that extends in a horizontal direction. The tracks can be guided by a gear with engaging teeth, ensuring controlled movement. The vertical extension's motion along the first track triggers the deployment of the horizontal extension. The front and back members are coupled by fasteners or a connecting member, with open sides allowing for the extensions to deploy freely. The system includes attachment loops for securing to an existing visor or replacing it entirely.

Description

AUTOMOBILE SUN VISOR EXTENSION SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 620,231 titled “Automobile Sun Visor Extension” and having a filing date of January 12, 2024, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to an automobile sun visor system, and more specifically, to a sun visor system that incorporates a main body with multiple extensions that can be adjusted in various directions to provide optimal sun protection.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sun visors in vehicles serve a critical function by reducing glare and providing shade from sunlight, thereby enhancing the comfort and safety of drivers and passengers. While traditional sun visors are effective in certain conditions, they exhibit significant limitations that diminish their utility. These include restricted coverage, the need for frequent manual adjustments, and suboptimal performance during challenging conditions such as sunrise, sunset, or low-angle sunlight.

[0004] Conventional sun visors are typically fixed components installed to provide shade for the driver and front-seat passenger. These visors can only be adjusted in a limited number of directions and are often equipped with simple extensions designed to increase shading. However, such extensions generally offer a narrow range of motion and fail to address sunlight entering from diverse angles. As a result, these visors block sunlight only horizontally across a limited portion of the windshield in front of the driver and a few inches vertically. This design often leaves up to30-40% of the field of view exposed to sunlight, particularly around the edges and corners of the visor, where coverage is incomplete.

[0005] Current sun visors provided by automobile manufacturers typically consist of a main body with no extensions or a single extension that partially integrates with the main body and extends in one direction. This design inherently limits the areas that can be effectively shaded. When sunlight enters the vehicle at a low angle — such as during sunrise, sunset, or when the vehicle is angled toward the sun — the shading capability becomes inadequate. The restricted range of motion and incomplete coverage result in persistent glare, discomfort, and distraction for occupants. Additionally, the frequent manual adjustments required to reposition the visor not only inconvenience the driver and passengers but also introduce potential safety hazards due to momentary lapses in attention.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved sun visor system that provides a greater degree of freedom in the positioning and movement of the extensions, allowing for more comprehensive coverage against sunlight from various angles.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A multi-functional automobile sun visor system can be designed to provide enhanced sunblocking capabilities and adaptability, addressing the limitations of traditional sun visors. The automobile sun visor system can comprise of a main body having a front member and a back member, which together can define a base area with a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The automobile sun visor system can include a vertical extension, guided by a first track, that extends in a vertical direction, and at least one horizontal extension that can be guided by a second track, that can extend in a horizontal direction. The tracks and extensions can be guided by a gear, where the tracks can have teeth that can engage with the gear for controlled horizontal and verticalmovement. The movement of the vertical extension along its track triggers the deployment of the horizontal extension along its track, ensuring comprehensive sun-blocking coverage. The front and back members can be coupled together using fasteners, and the back member can include at least one attachment loop for securing the visor system.

[0008] In another embodiment, the automobile sun visor system can have a main body comprising a front member and a back member that together define a base area characterized by vertical axis, angled axis, and horizontal axis. The automobile sun visor system can have at least one vertical extension, guided by a first track and a third track, which can extend from the main body in a vertical or angled direction. The automobile sun visor system can have at least one horizontal extension, guided by a second track, that can extend horizontally from the main body. The front and back members can be coupled by a connecting member, which can allow for at least one open side to facilitate the deployment of the vertical and horizontal extensions. The tracks can be guided by at least one guide, which can be integrated into the front and back members for precise and controlled operation. The main body can have an open first, second, and third sides for ease of extension, with the connecting member forming a closed side. The back member can have at least one attachment loop, enabling the system to be securely mounted either as an addition to an existing visor or as a replacement visor that attaches directly to the vehicle.

[0009] These embodiments collectively address the limitations of traditional sun visors by offering broader coverage, improved flexibility, and enhanced usability. The automobile sun visor system reduces glare, increases safety, and ensures comfort for drivers and passengers in various lighting conditions through its innovative design and integrated mechanisms.

[0010] Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended thatthe words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors’ intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0011] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0012] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, andwill also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of ...”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . ”or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S. C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S. C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a front view of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a back view of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the extension in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 7a shows a front view of the extension in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 7b shows cross-sectional view of the extension in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a back view of the extension in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 10 shows a front view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 11 shows a side view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 12 shows a back view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 13 shows a front isometric view of another embodiment in its closed state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 14 shows a front isometric view of another embodiment in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 15 shows a back view of another embodiment in its extended state of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 16 shows an exploded front isometric view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 17 shows an exploded back isometric view of another embodiment of an automobile sun visor extension system in accordance to one or more embodiments.

[0032] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 - 8, an automobile sun visor extension system is shown generally at 10. The automobile sun visor extension system can comprise a main body 12 having a front member 14 and a back member 16 that together define a base area having a vertical axis 13, a horizontal axis 15 and an angled axis 17. The system 10 can have at least one vertical extension 58 that sharesthe vertical axis 13 and can be coupled to the main body 12 and can extend from the main body in a vertical direction guided by at least one first track 72. The system 10 can further comprise at least one horizontal extension 50 that shares the horizontal axis 15 and can be coupled to the main body 12 to extend from the main body in a horizontal direction guided by at least one second track 60. The system 10 can have at least one angled extension 56 that shares the angled axis 17 and can be coupled to the main body 12 to extend from the main body in both the horizontal and the vertical direction along the angled axis 17 guided by at least first track 72, at least one second track 60 and at least one third track 68.

[0035] The front member 14 and the back member 16 can be substantially the same length extending from a connecting member 20 which can couple the back member and the front member together. The connecting member 20, front member 14 and back member 16 can be formed from one piece or multiple pieces. The main body 12 can be made from such as, for example, plastic, metal, composites, ceramics or the like. The front member 14, back member 16 and connecting member 20 can be the same thickness or vary in thickness. The main body 12 can have a first side 26, second side 28 and third side 30 that can be open and the connecting member 20 can be closed forming a slot 18 within the main body. The main body 12 can vary in size and shape but in the preferred embodiment the main body can be substantially the same size as sun visors within cars and trucks.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the front member 14 and / or the back member 16 can have at least one vertical guide 22 coupled to it allowing the at least one first track 72 to slide within the vertical guide allowing the at least one vertical extension 58 to move in and out of the main body 12. The first vertical guide 22 can be coupled to the front member 14 and / or the back member 16 and can be made from one piece or multiple pieces.

[0037] The main body 12 can have further comprise at least one horizontal guide 40 and at least one angular guide 44. The at least one horizontal guide 40, the at least one angular guide 44 can be coupled to the front member 14 and / or back member 16 by such as, for example, fasteners, press fit, welded, adhesive, snap fit, brazed or the like. The at least one horizontal guide 40 the at least one angular guide 44 can be one piece or multiple pieces and can be molded or inserted into the front member and / or back member or can be such as, for example, fasteners, plastic or metal guides, rivets, groove and channel, gears or the like. In certain embodiments, the at least one horizontal guide 40 and the at least one angular guide 44 can be roller bearings or miniature motors that can have a gear between the front member 14 and the back member 16 that can move the vertical extension 58, at least one horizontal extension 50 and at least one angled extension 56 in and out of the slot 18 of the main body 12. The vertical extension 58, the at least one horizontal extension 50 and at least one angled extension 56 can be made from such as, for example, plastic, metal, ceramic, composites or the like.

[0038] The at least one angled extension 56 can have the at least one third track 68 which can slide on the at least one first angular guide 44. The vertical extension 58 can comprise at least one second horizontal guide 70 which can slide within the at least one second track 60 allowing the angled extension 56 to move horizontally. The at least one horizontal extension can comprise at least one second vertical guide 62 which can slide within the at least one first track 72 allowing the angled extension 56 to move vertically wherein the angled extension can move in tandem or separately with the vertical extension 58 and the at least one horizontal extension 50. The vertical extension 58, the at least one horizontal extension 50 and at least one angled extension 56 can be fully or partially encapsulated by the main body 12 depending on the user’s desired position to block the sun.

[0039] The back member 16 can further comprise at least one attachment loop 76 wherein the attachment loop can be such as, for example, clips, fasteners, elastic bands, or the like and can allow the automobile sun visor extension 10 to be connected to the cars existing sun visor and act as an extension to the existing sun visor or in other embodiments the automobile sun visor extension 10 can fully replace the existing vehicle’s existing sun visor. In other embodiments, any one of the vertical extensions 58, the at least one horizontal extension 50 and at least one angled extension 56 can be omitted as shown in FIG. 9 - 12 wherein as shown the vertical extension and angled extensions are omitted. In certain embodiments, the vertical extension 58, the at least one horizontal extension 50 and the at least one angled extension 56 can have at least one tab 78 that can allow the user to grip the extension and pull or push the extensions in and out of the main body 12.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 13 - 17, another embodiment of an automobile sun visor system is shown generally at 100. The automobile sun visor system 100 can comprise a main body 102 having a front member 104 and a back member 106 that together define a base area having a vertical axis 13 and a horizontal axis 15, as shown FIG. 2. The front member 104 and the back member 106 can be coupled together by at least one fastener 120. The automobile sun visor system 100 can have a vertical extension 108 that can share the vertical axis 13 and can be coupled to the main body 102 to extend from the main body in a vertical direction guided by a first track 112. The automobile sun visor system 100 can further comprise at least one horizontal extension 110 that can share the horizontal axis wherein the horizontal extension extends in a horizontal direction guided by at least one second track 114. The main body 102 can have same properties as above with a fully or partially open first side 26, second side 28 and third side 30 and the connectingmember 132 can be closed forming a slot 18 within the main body allowing the vertical extension and at least one horizontal extension to move in and out of the main body.

[0041] The vertical extension 108 can have a front section 122 and a back section 124 which can be coupled together forming a vertical extension housing for the at least one horizontal extension 110 to be partially or fully housed depending on the user’ s needs. The first track 112 can be coupled to back section 124 and the at least one second track 114 can be coupled to the horizontal extension 110 wherein the at least one second track can be coupled by such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, rivet, or the like or it can be formed as one piece with the horizontal extension. The first track 112 can be coupled to the back section by such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, rivet, or the like or it can be formed as one piece with the back section 124. The back section 124 can have a horizontal support 126 which can support the horizontal extension 110 as it moves along the horizontal axis which can be formed into the back section or the front section 122.

[0042] The first track 112 and the at least one second track 114 can be guided by a rotatable gear 116 coupled to the front section 122 of the vertical extension 108. The first track 112 and the at least one second track 114 can each include at least one tooth 118 designed to engage with the gear 116 wherein as the vertical extension is pulled down by the user the gear engages the first track and the at least one second track moving the at least one horizontal extension 110 out of the main body 102 to a set user’s position. The automobile sun visor system 10 operates through a synchronized telescoping mechanism wherein the vertical extension 108 travels along the first track 112, activating a rotatably gear 116 during its movement. As the user pushes or pulls the vertical extension 108, the gear 116 engages with the at least one second track 114, causing at least one horizontal extension 110 to extend or retract accordingly. This dual-axis system converts single-direction user input into coordinated vertical and horizontal movements, with the gear 116determining the movement ratio between extensions. Both the first track 112 and at least one second track 114 provide guided pathways, ensuring smooth and controlled motion in both directions. The gear 116 can be such as, for example gear bearing, spur gear, helical gear, bevel gear, or the like.

[0043] The back member 106 can comprise a mounting system designed for both supplementary attachment and direct replacement capabilities in automotive applications. The mounting system can be at least one attachment loop 130 and can be coupled to the back member 106. The at least one attachment loop 130 can facilitate multiple mounting configurations, enabling the device to either augment or wholly replace a vehicle's existing sun visor system. The at least one attachment loops 130 can be high-tensile strength materials capable of withstanding repeated mechanical stress, dimensioned to accommodate standard automotive sun visor mounting hardware, and positioned to ensure optimal weight distribution and stability during operation such as, elastic bands or the like. The at least one attachment loops 130 can prevent rotation or unwanted movement during vehicle operation and feature wear-resistant surfaces at all points of mechanical contact.

[0044] The automobile sun visor system according to the preferred embodiment provides a versatile and adjustable sun visor system that can be adjusted in multiple directions to provide optimal sun protection for the driver and passengers. The multiple extensions and guides allow for a wide range of movement and positioning, providing a high degree of customization to suit individual needs and preferences. The various horizontal, vertical, and angular guides, gear and tracks allow for smooth and easy adjustment of the extensions, providing a user-friendly interface for the driver and passengers. The automobile sun visor system according to the preferredembodiment provides an innovative solution to the problem of sun glare while driving, enhancing safety and comfort for all vehicle occupants.

[0045] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and / or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0046] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. An automobile sun visor system comprising: a main body having a front member and a back member that together define a base area having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis; a vertical extension that shares the vertical axis and is coupled to the main body to extend from the main body in a vertical direction guided by a first track; and at least one horizontal extension that shares the horizontal axis wherein the horizontal extension extends in a horizontal direction guided by at least one second track.

2. The automobile sun visor system of claim 1, wherein the first track and the at least one second track are guided by a gear coupled to the vertical extension.

3. The automobile sun visor system of claim 2, wherein the first track and the at least one second track each including at least one tooth designed to engage with the gear.

4. The automobile sun visor system of claim 1, wherein the front member and the back member are coupled together by at least one fastener.

5. The automobile sun visor system of claim 2, wherein the vertical extension further comprises a front section and a back section which houses the at least one horizontal extension.

6. The automobile sun visor system of claim 2, wherein the movement of the vertical extension along the first track causes the at least one horizontal extension to extend along the at least one second track.

7. The automobile sun visor system of claim 1, wherein the back member has at least one attachment loop coupled to it.

8. The automobile sun visor system of claim 1, wherein the main body is attached to either an existing visor by the attachment loop or replaces the automobile’s existing visor and attaches to the automobile.

9. An automobile sun visor system comprising: a main body having a front member and a back member that together define a base area having a vertical axis, an angled axis and a horizontal axis; at least one vertical extension that shares the vertical axis and angled axis and is coupled to the main body to extend from the main body in a vertical and / or an angled direction guided by at least one first track and at least one third track; and at least one horizontal extension that shares the horizontal axis and is coupled to the main body to extend from the main body in a horizontal direction guided by at least one second track.

10. The automobile sun visor system of claim 9, wherein the front member and the back member are coupled together by a connecting member wherein the front member and the back member have at least one open side for the at least one vertical extension and the at least one horizontal extension to extend from.

11. The automobile sun visor system of claim 10, wherein the at least one first track, at least one second track, and at least one third track are guided by at least one guide.

12. The automobile sun visor system of claim 11, wherein the at least one guide is coupled to the front member and the back member.

13. The automobile sun visor system of claim 10, wherein the front member and back member have a first side, second side and third side that are open and the connecting member that is a closed side.

14. The automobile sun visor system of claim 9, wherein the back member has at least one attachment loop coupled to it.

15. The automobile sun visor system of claim 9, wherein the main body is attached to either an existing visor or replaces the existing visor and attaches to the automobile.

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