Abstract
The present invention includes a foldable, impact resistant apparatus for protecting glass panels from projectile strikes. The object of this invention is to provide a unitary collapsible and foldable structure formed to provide impact protection to otherwise fragile glass of any window structure whether for a vehicle or a building. A further object is for the apparatus is to be easily deployed by a single person, easily folded away from the window structure or removed collapsed and folded for storage.
Claims
1. A protective cover apparatus 1 comprising; a unitary truss construct having a flexible top and a flexible bottom and rigid intermediate elements integral to said top and bottom elements; wherein when said top and bottom elements extend in tensile apposition when forcibly compressed by external impact; wherein intermediate elements forming angular apposition to said top and bottom elements and with each other; wherein said top and bottom elements constrain said rigid elements in the said triangular apposition further providing stiffening of said unitary truss; wherein said truss resists said external impact wherein said truss is collapsed by forcing said semi rigid intermediate elements into parallel apposition; and wherein said flexible top and flexible bottom flex permitting such said truss folding.
2. A protective cover construct of claim 1, wherein said flexible elements form hinge connections with said intermediate elements in the construct of a unitary truss.
3. A protective cover construct of claim 2, constructed for vehicle windshield protection deployed in a first direction along the width of said vehicle; and wherein said rigid elements are deployed in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.
4. A protective cover construct of claim 3, wherein said truss is formed in a unitary foldable structure having a plurality of sections, wherein each said of sections are connected with said flexible elements to adjacent sections forming hinged connections; and wherein said hinged connections are disposed in alternate order to said top and bottom of said flexible top elements.
5. A protective cover construct of claim of claim 3, wherein said truss is provided with a flexible attachment means fashioned to be attached to said vehicle.
6. A protective cover construct of claim 3 wherein said truss is formed in unitary foldable form having a plurality of fixation straps fashioned for secure attachment to building structures.
7. A protective cover construct of claim 5 wherein said top and bottom elements include fiber reinforcement in a direction perpendicular to said intermediate elements.
8. A protective cover apparatus forming an impact protective structure comprising; a truss formation in a first direction and extending in uniform cross section in a perpendicular second direction; wherein said truss is hereby formed by hinged top elements, hinged bottom elements having intermediate hinges and hinged angularly apposed intermediate elements; and wherein said element junctions are forming the junctions of said top and said bottom and said intermediate elements.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said truss is formed in a unitary cross section; further comprising said top and said bottom elements having a thin cross section are exemplary flexible, said intermediate elements having of thick cross section are exemplary rigid; and said truss elements having thin cross section forming flexible hinge junctions.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said truss is formed in a welded cross section further comprising; said top and said bottom elements are formed by a thin flexible material; said intermediate elements having of thick cross section are exemplary rigid; and welded to said flexible material forming flexible hinge junctions.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said truss is formed in multiple materials wherein; said top and said bottom elements are formed by thin flexible polymer; and said intermediate elements are formed by rigid polymer; and wherein said polymers are co-extruded.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said top and said bottom elements contain high tensile strength fiber reinforcement elements preferably directed along said first direction.
13. A protective cover construct of claim 12, wherein said truss is formed in unitary foldable form having a plurality of sections; wherein each said section are flexibly connected with said adjacent section forming hinged connections; and wherein said hinged connections are disposed in alternate order to said top and bottom of said flexible top elements.
14. A protective cover construct of claim of claim 13, wherein said truss is provided with flexible attachment means fashioned to be attached to a vehicle.
15. A protective cover construct of claim 13, wherein said truss is formed in unitary foldable form having a plurality of fixation straps fashioned for attachment to building structures.
16. A method of manufacturing of said first and second alternate method of construction wherein said rigid rib and said connecting structures are formed by an over molding operation to existing top and bottom flexible structures.
17. A method of manufacturing of a protective cover apparatus forming an impact protective structure; the steps of which comprise: wherein the connecting structures are formed by an over molding operation to existing top and bottom flexible structures and existing rigid rib structures; wherein said connecting structures are formed of flexible polymer; wherein said connecting structures forming an exterior soft rib advantageously providing cover cushioning contact with the protected surfaces.
18. A method of construction of a unitary collapsible truss structure cover which is foldable in a direction perpendicular to said truss structure and intended for protection of fragile structures, the steps of which comprise; a flexible top and flexible bottom structure, a rigid intermediate angularly apposed structures wherein rigid structures are lengthwise interrupted forming a first and second segment; a top flexible structure which is interrupted at the level of a rigid structure interruption; a top flexible interruption aligned and directed perpendicular to a rigid structure interruption; wherein said bottom flexible structure is continuous to said first and second segments; wherein said bottom flexible structure is extending further than said rigid structures at regular intervals forming straps fashioned for a secure attachment to cover said protected structures.
19. A method of forming collapsible truss having top and bottom flexible fabric structures and rigid intermediate ribs, the steps of which comprise; said ribs constructed by corrugated laminates; wherein corrugations are directed perpendicular to the length of said ribs wherewith rib width is formed by interruptions of said corrugations forming folding hinges; said folding hinges forming said corrugated laminate in accordion manner having top and bottom alternating hinges and permanently attaching top and bottom fabric to said accordion top and bottom hinges spaced, such that in the partially extended accordion and top and bottom structures being fully extended forming a truss.
20. A method of constructing an impact resisting cover, the steps of which comprise, a top and bottom flexible sheet extending in a first and perpendicular second direction; an intermediate accordion structure formed by continuous material ribs having hinges formed by a reduced material cross section of said rib material connecting said ribs and extending in said first direction; wherein said hinges are additionally integrally connected to said top and bottom sheets.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said material ribs have a laminated cross section; wherein said reduced cross section is constructed as a partial slit perpendicular to the laminate face further forming said hinges.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said ribs have a corrugated cross section with corrugations directed in said second direction having said reduced cross section constructed flat further forming said hinges.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein said ribs have a laminated corrugated cross section with corrugations directed in said second direction; wherein said reduced cross section having a partial slit perpendicular to said corrugated cross section forming said hinges.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the protective cover when attached to an automobile.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred construction of the protective cover, expanded to the fully deployed position.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the protective cover when attached to a bay window and exterior door of a building.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of the protective cover illustrating fiber reinforced flexible sheets and light weight laminate rigid elements.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the protective cover illustrating construction of multiple folding segment formations permitting folding to reduce the cover length.
[0031] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment in partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover formed by unitary extrusion expanded so as to illustrate alternate hinge structures for rigid top, bottom and intermediate oblique panels.
[0032] FIG. 7 is another alternate embodiment in partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover formed by unitary co extrusion of top bottom folding panels and intermediate oblique panels.
[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross-sectional view illustrations of an alternate construction method of the protective cover with the accordion rigid elements formed by two sided corrugated board with hinges formed by partial alternating slitting and fan folding forming the accordion structure with the stiffening corrugations perpendicular to the hinges for flexible connections for attachment to the top and bottom flexible sheets.
[0034] FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional view illustrations of an alternate construction method of the protective cover with the accordion rigid elements formed by thermoforming with flexible flat connections forming flexible hinges and intermediated connecting elements made rigid by corrugations perpendicular to the flexible hinges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The claimed present invention is now described with reference to the drawings. The following description of the construct details and the numerous specific details in operation and materials are set forth in order to provide a thorough disclosure and understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident however, that the claimed details and subject matter and preferred embodiments may be practiced in any independent combination, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the vehicle protective cover 1 when attached to a vehicle 5 windshield. The accordion structure 2 is deployed (expanded) from side to side of the vehicle. Straps 3 may be used as illustrated attaching cover 1 to the smooth sides of the vehicle by the use of suction cups 4. Alternate attachment methods are anticipated such as elastomeric and adjustable straps with hooks constructed for attachment to the interior of the vehicle prior to closing the front doors of the vehicle. Said alternate attachment method is further advantageous as it prevents theft of the cover by locking the vehicle doors. Cover 1 is preferably formed in sections 1a, 1b and 1c with alternate interruptions (cuts) in the cover 1 forming hinge structures 6a and 6b (detailed in FIG. 5) allow for the exemplary feature of foldability in a direction perpendicular to the accordion deployment direction. This feature additionally allows the cover to conform to the vehicle front form while maintaining shorter rigid segment spanning from top 7 to bottom 8 of the vehicle windshield that further increases the protective effectiveness of the glass protecting section of the cover.
[0037] The protective cover of FIG. 1 may be advantageously extended over and around the side view mirrors of the vehicle for extended protection. Advantageously the vehicle protective cover may also be used as an exterior sun shield maintaining the glass and car interior cool. Advantageously the vehicle protective cover may also be used as a snow or ice windshield cover. Additionally, top flexible structure 9 may adorned with team or brand logos to enhance the overall appeal of the cover.
[0038] The straps 3 of FIG. 1 may be fixed or adjustable, may be made of varies materials with paint-friendly characteristics in shapes and function well known to those of ordinary skills in the art. The straps 3 of FIG. 1 alternatively may be replaced by extending the flexible sheet 10 so as to be trapped between the vehicle door and frame weather stripping as an alternate method of securing the cover to a vehicle.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred construction of the vehicle protective cover 1 in the deployed form, where top flexible structure 9 and bottom flexible structure 10 are affixed by adhesive 11 to oblique rigid elements 12. Preferably the effective angular apposition of the oblique elements at the fully deployed form is 60 degrees. Folding of the illustrated construction is archived by the hinge formed utilizing the flexibility of the top and bottom structures. When deployed with flexible sheets 9 and 10 in their fully extended form cover will express an effective thickness 10 providing impact protection. Notably even were the protective cover is not fully deployed any impact will force the flexible structure at the site of impact into tension achieving the fully deployed configuration by forcing oblique rigid elements 12 into compression and apart to the effective angular apposition tension thus locking the construct into the fully deployed truss resisting the impact.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the protective cover 1 when attached to a bay window 13. The accordion structure 2 is deployed (expanded) from side to side of the window. Straps 14 may be used as illustrated attaching cover 1 to the frame of the window 13. Alternate attachment methods are anticipated such as preinstalled quick snap locking hooks. Said alternate attachment method is further advantageous as it prevents separation by wind driven separation forces it is anticipated that the deployment direction is dependent on the specific application. In the event as use as a protective cover for a doorway the cover is anticipated to be deployed from to bottom. This feature allows the cover to maintaining shorter rigid segment spanning from side to side over the vertical door posts that further increases the protective effectiveness. The top flexible structure of this embodiment may be advantageously constructed with ballistic fabric providing for both tensile strength necessary for cover stiffness and penetration resistance during impact of high velocity projectile debris.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternate construction of FIG. 2 where the rigid elements 12 utilize a laminated structure 15 wherein the stiffness is achieved by the use of a light low stiffness core 16 and thin fabric or sheet laminates 17. Additionally, the flexible structures are constructed of thin lightweight materials with fiber reinforcement 18. Fibers 18 are preferably directed perpendicular to the direction of the oblique elements to enhance the tensile strength of the flexible structures. The laminated structure is advantageously constructed in flat sheets and subsequently scored in alternating fashion and fan folded forming the accordion structure of the truss. The thin laminate forms a flexible hinge connecting the rigid elements.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the protective cover 1 illustrating segments 19, 20 and segment 21 formations permitting foldability at hinge structures 6a and 6b. As illustrated bottom sheet 22 is common to both segment 19 and 20 while top sheet 23 and elements 24 are only integral to segment 19 thus forming hinge 6a. Similarly, top sheet 25 is common to both segment 20 and 21 while bottom sheet 26 and elements 27 are only integral to segment 21 thus forming hinge 6b. The alternate apposition of hinge formations is exemplary in the lengthwise foldability of the protective cover 1 with folded thickness 28 as it creates hinges that are independent of thickness 28.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a partial cross section view illustration of the partially collapsed accordion structure of an alternate embodiment of a unitary protective cover fabricated in the formn of a single material extrusion. As illustrated the flexibility of structures 9 and 10 is achieved by providing thin solid hinge segments 29 and 30 at the mid points of their respective lengths foldably directed in an outward direction 31 and 32 respectively. Similarly, the flexibility of junctions 33 and 34 is achieved by providing thin solid material hinge florets. In the present embodiment the required stiffness is attained by managing the material properties and the thickness of the respective element. Segments 9 and 10 are subject to tensile forces thus can be constructed thin. Further reduction in thickness is achievable by providing fiber reinforcement directed perpendicular to hinge segments 29 and 30. Furthermore segments 35 are subject to compressive forces thus anticipated to be constructed thicker than segments 9 and 10.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view illustration of the accordion structure of an alternate embodiment of a unitary protective cover fabricated in the form of a co-extrusion or a fused assembly. As illustrated structures 9 and 10 and solid hinges 36 and 37 are constructed of flexible high tensile strength soft polymer and segments 38 are constructed of high compressive strength semi rigid polymer. Preferably structures 9 and 10 have a final curved form when the cover is deployed providing additional cushioning at impact.
[0045] The impact resistance capabilities of the protective cover are quantified by the material characteristics, the width and cross-sectional area of the rigid elements. These elements during impact are subjected to high compressive forces and since they form a hinged truss are only subject to buckling. Laminated materials such as illustrated in FIG. 4 are typical where a soft core such as Styrofoam is laminated with thin stiffer materials forming a lightweight construction. An alternate method of increasing the stiffness of these elements without increasing the amount of material needed to construct them is by truss constructs along the length of the rigid elements. Alternate structures are compressively stiff structures wherein a thin material is fashioned such as to have a high radius of gyration. Introduction of a wave form in the thin material forming corrugations increases the stiffness. Supporting this waveform with flat sheets on one or both sides further increases the compressive stiffness of these elements. These alternate embodiments and methods of manufacture of the present apparatus are further illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
[0046] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b is a perspective exploded, partial cross section detail illustrating an optional method of construction wherein the rigid elements 39 are formed by stiffening corrugations 40 and flattened connecting structures 41 constructed as such by thermoforming methods from a single elastomeric sheet. Thermoforming methods are adopted such as to form thick sheet sections in the corrugated areas of the thermoformed material with thinner sheet sections in the flattened areas advantageously forming compressively rigid ribs and flexible hinge structures. Adhesive 42 further used to attach the flattened connecting structures to the flexible sheet structures 43 and 44.
[0047] In an alternate method of construction utilizing the corrugated rib method, utilizes prefabricated corrugated board wherein the existing corrugations are compressively flattened at regular intervals, perpendicular to the corrugations and creased in an alternating fan direction forming the rigid ribs and the accordion pattern. Advantageously the prefabricated corrugated board may be constructed as single face or double faced wherein it is scored and fanfold in the perpendicular direction to the board corrugations, forming a very flexible hinge with the corrugations exposed at the score line further advantageously allowing for a stronger adhesive connection to the respective top and bottom flexible sheets.
[0048] FIGS. 9a and 9b is a perspective exploded, partial cross section detail illustrating an optional method of construction utilizing two-sided corrugated board 45. A partial slit 46 perpendicular to the board corrugations is formed along the length of the rigid elements wherein the slit extends through one of the board sides and through the corrugations wherein the opposing side remaining 47 is forming a hinge. This partial slit is repeated at regular intervals in an alternating manner and the board is further fan formed resulting in the formation of the rib truss structures. These partial slits form hinges between the rigid elements folded in an alternating pattern forming an accordion pattern. An adhesive 48 or alternate methods such as fusion methods are used to connect these hinges to the top 49 and bottom 50 flexible sheets forming the foldable truss structure.
[0049] The above detailed description includes examples of the claimed subject matter as preferred and in alternate embodiments. As it is not possible to describe all and every conceivable combination of each component size, material combinations or methods of unitary constructions for purposes of describing the claimed embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible
