Method of Polishing to Enhance the Reflective Potential of Automotive Sun Shades Coated with Reflective Metallic Paint

Abstract

The quality of an automotive sun shade is frequently determined by the reflective paint used in the manufacturing of the sun shade. This invention discloses a method of polishing reflective metallic paint after its application onto the material of automotive sun shades leading to an improvement in the reflective potential of the surface of the paint. The outcome is a measureable improvement in product performance.

Claims

1. A method of improving the reflective quality of reflective metallic paint, defined as paint containing ultra-fine reflective metallic particles of sizes up to 200 microns and a total metallic particle weight/volume concentration of 5 to 18%, by: a. spraying the paint onto the surface, and waiting until the paint is almost completely dry at between 95 and 99% dry, and; b. vigorously polishing the paint with a soft microfiber type material in a consistent pattern and direction and with pressure to enhance the reflective capacity of the paint surface via: (i) removal of paint dust that is loosely stuck to the top surface of the paint, and; (ii) improved alignment of the ultra-fine reflective metal particles positioned at the surface of the paint.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the polishing is done manually.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the polishing is done mechanically.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises fabric.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises plastic.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface is a combination of materials.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein it is applied to the manufacturing process of automotive windshield sun shades.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein it is applied to the manufacturing process of automotive side window sun shades.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein it is applied to the manufacturing process of automotive rear window sun shades.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein it is applied to the manufacturing process of automotive sun protection covers, such as car covers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of improving the reflective potential of reflective metallic paint via polishing the paint after it has been applied to the surface of sun shade material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The current invention relates to a new way of modifying a surface coated in reflective metallic paint via intensive polishing post application for improved reflective performance on automotive windshield sun shades.

[0021] Generally, and as shown in FIG. 1, the said invention describes a method of applying a reflective metallic paint to a surface. It further describes a method of polishing the paint post application, immediately once the paint has dried sufficiently that it can be handled without marring.

[0022] More specifically, the invention describes a type of reflective paint that is metallic based and the process of polishing the paint at a defined period and in a defined way after application onto the material of the automotive sun shades.

[0023] Reflective metallic paints relevant to this invention contain ultra-fine metallic particles (typically in the form of aluminum flakes) at sizes of up to 200 microns, and at total weight/volume concentrations of between 5 and 18% within the paint (specifications typical of reflective paint used in the manufacture of automotive sun shades). The paint is applied onto the surface of the material of the sun shades and is then allowed to dry until it can be handled without marring.

[0024] As summarized in FIG. 1 of the diagrams, the invention demonstrates a novel approach for polishing the paint once it has dried sufficiently that it can be handled without adversely impacting the visual quality of the surface. In the first step (10) the reflective paint is applied via spraying onto the surface of the sun shade material. Thereafter the paint is allowed to dry until it can be handled without marring (i.e. when the paint is approximately 95-99% of its fully set state) (11). At this point (12) the painted surface is vigorously polished, either manually with a soft microfiber type cloth, or with the aid of a mechanical polisher. The polishing is performed in a consistent pattern and direction and with pressure (without marring the painted surface or damaging the material). The polishing action removes visible and microscopic paint dust that is loosely stuck to the top surface of the paint and also flattens and aligns a significant proportion of the reflective metallic flakes positioned at the paint surface. The outcome, according to preliminary tests, is an enhancement of the reflective capacity of the painted surface of the sun shade material, as measured by temperature differential.

[0025] The current invention introduces improved sun shades for use in a windshield, side or rear window of an automobile. The invention creates a superior reflective surface capable of reflecting a higher percentage of sun light, thereby improving the functionality of the sun shades. No specific emphasis is made here of the material used to construct the sun shades. The material may be microfiber fabric, alternative fabrics, plastic etc., or a combination of different materials.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] 1. In prelude to the invention, a suitable reflective metallic paint is selected, comprising of ultra-fine reflective metallic particles of sizes up to 200 microns, and a total weight/volume concentration of between 5 and 18%. The paint is sprayed uniformly onto the material surface of the automotive sun shades. [0027] 2. After application of the paint, the invention describes a process whereby it is necessary to wait until the paint is almost completely dry (until it can be handled without marring), typically at between 95 and 99% of its fully set state. From this point the invention outlines a process of; [0028] a. vigorously polishing the paint with a soft microfiber type cloth or mechanical polisher in a consistent pattern and direction and with pressure (without marring the painted surface or damaging the material), in order to enhance the reflective capacity of the paint surface via: [0029] (i) removal of visible and microscopic paint dust that is loosely stuck to the top surface of the paint, and; [0030] (ii) improved alignment of the ultra-fine reflective metallic flakes positioned at the surface of the paint.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0031] The current invention is applicable in the automotive industry, specifically the manufacturing of reflective automotive sun shades. This new method of improving the reflective quality of automotive sun shades has demand in the market.