PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL USAGE IN WINDOW TREATMENTS

• US 20100244495A1
• Filed: 03/27/2009
• Published: 09/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: McQueen, Diane K., Lawall, Jennifer P., Hathaway, Carol C., Lawall, Hans P.
• Application Number:
  US12/412,887
• Publication Number:
  US 20100244495A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/201
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/20 Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds antiglare provisions B60J3/00; wind deflectors associated with roof openings B60J7/22; removable external protective coverings for windows or windscreens B60J11/08 ; aerodynamical spoiler for vehicles B62D35/00; heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas H05B3/84
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/2011 Blinds; curtains or screens reducing heat or light intensity means against intense light blinding the driver or passengers B60J3/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49622 Vehicular structural member making

Abstract

The window assembly for a vehicle includes a first portion supported by the vehicle and a second portion located proximate to the first portion. The second portion includes a phase change material (PCM) barrier.

Claims

1. A window assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a first portion configured to be supported by the vehicle; and

a second portion located proximate to the first portion, wherein the second portion includes a phase change material (PCM) barrier.

2. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion further comprises:

a first film located on a first side of the PCM barrier; and

a second film located on a second opposing side of the PCM barrier.

3. The window assembly of claim 2, wherein the second portion is transparent.

4. The window assembly of claim 3, wherein the second portion is adhered to the first portion.

5. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein the first portion is supported by a body for the vehicle and further comprising:

a vehicle panel spaced apart from the vehicle body to define a cavity; and

wherein the second portion is at least partially located within the cavity.

6. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein a housing is mounted to the vehicle proximate to the first portion, and wherein the second portion extends from the housing to at least partially cover the first portion.

7. The window assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a securing mechanism mounted to the vehicle proximate to the first portion and spaced apart from the housing to assist in retaining the second portion proximate to the first portion.

8. The window assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion is encapsulated beads containing the PCM barrier embedded within the first portion.

9. The window assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion is glass.

10. The window assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion is a plastic window shade.

11. The window assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion is a flexible material.

12. A window treatment comprising:

a barrier to be located proximate to a window such that the barrier substantially covers the window, and wherein the barrier includes a phase change material.

13. The window treatment of claim 12, wherein the barrier is transparent.

14. The window assembly of claim 13, wherein the barrier is adherable to the window.

15. The window treatment of claim 12, further comprising a housing mountable proximate to the window, and wherein the barrier extends from the housing to substantially cover the window.

16. The window treatment of claim 15, further comprising a securing mechanism mountable proximate to the window and spaced apart from the housing to assist in retaining the barrier proximate to the window.

17. The window treatment of claim 12, wherein the barrier includes encapsulated beads containing the PCM barrier embedded within.

18. The window treatment of claim 12, wherein the barrier is a plastic window shade.

19. The window treatment of claim 12, wherein the barrier is a flexible material.

20. A method of producing a window assembly for a vehicle comprising:

securing a first portion of a window assembly to a vehicle; and

adhering a second portion to the first portion, wherein the second portion has a phase change material (PCM) barrier.