Abstract A horizontal panel structure is provided for disposition over and support from the roof portion of a vehicle, such as a passenger automobile. The panel structure serves not only as a sun shield but also as a rain shield and includes front, rear and opposite side marginal portions for disposition along the corresponding marginal portions of the associated vehicle roof portion. Each of the panel structure marginal portions defines an outwardly opening slot extending therealong and an extension panel member is shiftably disposed in each slot and extendible and retractable therein relative to the corresponding marginal portion of the panel structure. The opposite ends of one pair of opposite extension panel members include extension sections supported therefrom for extension and retraction relative to the opposite ends of the extension panel members and the panel structure consists of at least three layers or plies with the top ply being constructed of heat insulative material, the central ply comprising a plurality of side by side open ended tubular members and the lower ply comprising a thin sheet of material having poor heat transmitting properties. The tubes of the center ply extend longitudinally of the panel structure and the forward marginal edge of the upper ply includes an elongated radiant heat absorbing member extending therealong closely above the forward ends of the tubes, whereby the radiant heat absorbing member may, by convection currents, generate a forward flow of cooling air through each of the tubes when the associated vehicle is at least substantially at a standstill.
Inventors
👤 James I Lowery
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-28 12:46
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
A generally horizontal panel structure for disposition over and support from the roof portion of a vehicle as a sun and rain shield therefor, said panel structure including front, rear and opposite side marginal portions adapted to overlie the corresponding marginal portions of the associated vehicle roof, each of said panel structure marginal portions defining an outwardly opening slot extending therealong, each front and rear marginal portion slot being disposed in a horizontal plane vertically spaced relative to the opposite side marginal portion slots, and an extension panel member shiftably disposed in each of said slots and extendible and retractable relative to the corresponding marginal portion, the opposite ends of one pair of opposite extension panel members including exterior sections thereof pivotally secured thereto for horizontal swinging about upstanding axes between retracted positions disposed in substantially full overlapped relation with said opposite ends and extended positions projecting endwise outwardly of said opposite ends; said horizontal panel structure includes at least three stacked plies, the center ply of said three plies including a plurality of open ended side by side tubes sandwiched between the upper and lower plies; and wherein the front marginal edge of said upper ply includes an elongated radiant heat absorbing member extending therealong which causes cooling by creating convection air currents through said tubes from the opposite ends of said tubes towards the heat absorbing member, said tubes extending between the front and rear marginal edges of said panel structure and having their forward ends disposed closely below said heat absorbing member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
A generally horizontal panel structure for disposition over and support from the roof portion of a vehicle as a sun and rain shield therefor, said panel structure including front, rear and opposite side marginal portions adapted to overlie the corresponding marginal portions of the associated vehicle roof, each of said panel structure marginal portions defining an outwardly opening slot extending therealong, each front and rear marginal portion slot being disposed in a horizontal plane vertically spaced relative to the opposite side marginal portion slots, and an extension panel member shiftably disposed in each of said slots and extendible and retractable relative to the corresponding marginal portion, the opposite ends of one pair of opposite extension panel members including exterior sections thereof pivotally secured thereto for horizontal swinging about upstanding axes between retracted positions disposed in substantially full overlapped relation with said opposite ends and extended positions projecting endwise outwardly of said opposite ends; said horizontal panel structure includes at least three stacked plies, the center ply of said three plies including a plurality of open ended side by side tubes sandwiched between the upper and lower plies; and wherein the front marginal edge of said upper ply includes an elongated radiant heat absorbing member extending therealong which causes cooling by creating convection air currents through said tubes from the opposite ends of said tubes towards the heat absorbing member, said tubes extending between the front and rear marginal edges of said panel structure and having their forward ends disposed closely below said heat absorbing member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said upper ply comprises a layer of heat insulative material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said panel structure includes an additional ply disposed between said upper ply and said tubes and constructed of heat reflective material.