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Vehicle window with shade

  • US 8,827,347 B2
  • Filed: 04/22/2011
  • Issued: 09/09/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A window assembly for a vehicle, said window assembly comprising:

  • an outer window panel;

    an inner window panel;

    a spacer element disposed between said inner and outer window panels to establish an interpane cavity between said inner and outer window panels;

    wherein at least one of (a) said outer window panel has larger cross dimensions relative to said inner window panel to provide overhang regions of said outer window panel, and (b) said inner window panel has a different contour or curvature than that of said outer window panel so that said interpane cavity varies in gap distance across said window assembly;

    a roller shade disposed in said interpane cavity, wherein said roller shade is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition, where said roller shade functions to substantially allow light transmission through said window assembly, and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition, where said roller shade functions to at least partially attenuate light transmission through said window assembly;

    wherein, when in said coiled light transmitting condition, said roller shade is in a coiled or retracted position, where said roller shade is coiled along a perimeter region of said window assembly, and, when in said at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition, said roller shade is in an uncoiled or extended position, where said roller shade is uncoiled to at least partially cover a surface of said inner window panel;

    wherein said roller shade comprises a conductive film that uncoils in response to a voltage applied thereto, said film limiting or reducing light transmission through said window panels and said window assembly when said film is at least partially uncoiled;

    a stop element disposed at said inner window panel, wherein an end of said film at least partially contacts said stop element when said film is uncoiled to its light limiting state; and

    wherein said stop element comprises a ramped portion and wherein said end of said film at least partially overlaps said ramped portion of said stop element when said film is uncoiled to its light limiting state.

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