Device for attachment to motor vehicle windows to prevent fogging or icing

• US 4,399,347 A
• Filed: 04/29/1981
• Issued: 08/16/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1980
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
• Original Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
• Inventors: Schmitt, Wilhelm
• Primary Examiner(s): Bartis, A.
• Application Number:
  US06/258,764
• Time in Patent Office: 839 Days
• Field of Search: 219/345, 219/202, 219/203, 219/528, 219/526, 219/548, 219/549, 219/536, 98/90, 52/171, 296/95 C, 296/95 Q, 296/95 R, 296/97 E, 296/97 H, 296/97 R, 296/84 R, 296/84 E, 160/DIG. 2, 160/DIG. 3
• US Class Current: 219/203
• 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 11/08 for windows or windscreens antiglare equipment B60J3/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 160/02 Auto screens and miscellaneous
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 160/03 Auto visors and glare shields
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 52/13 Hook and loop type fastener

Abstract

A flexible device which can be detachably mounted on a window, such as a vehicle window, in order to prevent icing or fogging. The device is a semi-flexible sheet of layered materials having a length and width substantially coterminus with the window and having arranged at intervals along its two dimensions, holders which are used to detachably mount the device on the window. The sheet materials include a rather stiff supporting layer which acts as a backing surface of the sheet and a heat reflecting layer on the sheet side which faces the window when mounted. Optional layers include an insulating layer, a decorative layer, a silicone rubber electrically conductive layer and braided copper electrode strips for connecting the conductive layer to an electric source and causing the generation of heat from the conductive layer. The holders are of a length which will position the sheet a distance of about 5 to 15 mm away from the window. The air in the gap thus created is warmed by heat and light through the window. This process generates a connective warm air flow in the gap which prevents icing of fogging.

Claims

1. In combination with a transparent body having an outer surface exposed to ambient atmosphere and an inner surface exposed to a confined atmosphere;

a device for preventing icing or fogging, comprising;

a planar structure having front and back sides, a layer of reflecting material on said front side, and a length and width coterminus with said body, said front side facing said inner surface; and

holders affixed to said structure, extending outward from said front side at a distance of from about 5 to 15 mm, and detachably mounted upon said inner surface of said body so as to position said structure and said inner surface essentially parallel, overlapping and at a distance of from about 5 to 15 mm apart to create a convective flow space therebetween;

thereby preventing moisture or ice deposit on said body.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said holders are selected from the group consisting of suction cups, adhesive bumps, snap button connectors, burrs and adhesive tape.

4. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said planar structure comprises a flexible support sheet coated with a reflecting layer comprising a mixture of a binder and a finely distributed metallic powder to form said reflecting layer.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said support sheet is selected from the group consisting of woven and nonwoven material.

6. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said planar structure comprises a flexible support sheet to which is bonded as said reflecting layer, an integral sheet of reflecting foil.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said planar structure comprises in layered arrangement from the back to front sides, a flexible support sheet, a layer of reflecting material and a heating element sheet.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said heating element sheet comprises a foil of an electrically conductive material with high internal resistance, the overall surface of which is subdivided into strips by electrodes of alternating polarity.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the material comprises an electrically conductive silicone rubber.

10. A device according to claim 7 wherein said planar structure further comprises a layer of covering material as a front side layer on said heating element sheet.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein said planar structure further comprises a layer of insulating material between said heating element sheet and said reflecting layer.

2. A device for preventing the formation of fog or ice on a transparent body having an outside surface exposed to ambient atmosphere and an inside surface exposed to a confined atmosphere, which comprises:

a planar structure having a front side, a back side, and a layer of reflecting material on said front side;

and holders affixed to said structure, extending outward a distance of from about 5 to 15 mm from said front side;

said holders being adapted to position said structure adjacent transparent body with said front side facing the inside surface of the transparent body and with said structure and the inside surface of the body being essentially parallel, overlapping and at a distance of from about 5 to 15 mm apart to create a convective air flow space therebetween.