WO2003039897A1

WO2003039897A1 - Streamlined windshields

Info

Publication number: WO2003039897A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/001506
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norman Leslie Matthews
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-06
Filing date: 2002-11-06
Publication date: 2003-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2004-05-06
Also published as: AUPR881301A0

Abstract

Streamlined windshield (20) of vehicle (10) extends from frame (17) at cabin front (12) to overlie bonnet (13) and seal therewith. Windshield (20) hinges (15) to roof (11) or bonnet (13)-allowing access to the engine of the vehicle. It may replace or supplement a conventional windshield and its front edge (84) may be curved or straight. On aircraft it improves aerodynamics at high speed but retracts above a conventional windshield for landing and take off.

Description

STREAMLINED WINDSHIELDS

This invention relates to improved windshields to motor vehicles and more particularly to improving the aerodynamic design of front windshields on motor vehicles by having the windshield of three dimensions of the top and two sides (curved together) and extending outwards from the cabin and over and onto the bonnet. A vehicle as referred to herein can be a motor car, truck, bus, motorcycle, van, race car, aircraft, train, boat, ship or any other type of vehicle used moving at speed .and needing a windshield.

Windshields today are primarily one dimenaon and are provided to the front of the cabin of the vehicle characterised by extending across the vehicle as distinct from forward on the vehicle.

Windshields across a vehicle predominantly incur high air drag and increased injury risk from front on accidents cannot be moved to allow an open front and cause other problems such as easy to break from the outside by persons or stones. This present invention aims to overcome at least in part the above referred to and other problems, and does so in the following descriptions and aspects.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle, such has a conventional front position engine and bonnet, a cabin placed generally controlled lengthwise in the vehicle and the cabin having a front end and frame to which a windshield can be mounted. The vehicle has a windshield to the front of the vehicle that has a first end that consists of a top edge and two side edges and that locates in the windshield frame of the vehicle and that extends out from the cabin having a top side and two sides joined in a gentle curve and that slopes down onto the vehicle bormet or front.

The windshield is mounted flexibly to the frame at the cabin able to be moved to access the engine and has a frame also with flexible mountings under the edges of the windshield on the bonnet.

The windshield features gentle (large radius) curves 90 and a suitable low angle of .slope down from the cabin front roof line and onto the bonnet to facilitate clear driver and passenger vision as needed. The .sun and Ught .glare may be reduced by the use of special glass or ptøstic composition in the windshield. In one embodiment similar type windshield changes to the back window of a motorcar may-be carried out. The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 is a perspective view of a typical front bonnet type motor vehicle, with a first aspect of the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a second type vehicle, and a second aspect of the present invention.

Figures 4 and 5 show the same vehicle as figure 2 and 3 as a third aspect of the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 show the .same vehicle as figures 2,3,4,5, in a fourth aspect of the invention- Referring to figure I: In this example the windshield 20 is shown on the vehicle 10 front end 50 and over and onto the bonnet 13 of the front end 50. The windshield 20 extends from a firtf end 23 at the cabin front 12 and a frame 17 is provided to connect wind-shield 20 to the vehicle 10 and bonnet 13. The frame 17 includes sealing and flexible mounting means for windshield 20 to the vehicle 10 and is adapted (not shown) to be able to absorb substantial frontal and above side impact forces from accidents or flying objects stuch as stones, by including construction, having a distance of horizontal and vertical movement. This facility provided by one part fitted to a second able to slide relevant to each other or by the use of a rubber like mounting material and its resilience. The wind.shield 20 includes a hinge 15 at the roof 11, front edge area 65 and to the top of the first side edge 3 of the windshield 20 and means such as arms (not shown) are provided to open and support the windshield 20, The windshield 20 is formed with a first end 68, consisting of sides, side 21 and 22, and top side 23. With edges 5,3,4. The windscreen 20 has a bottom side 71 that can be of any material .or than can be an- extra surface onto the bonnet 13 or that .can provide a portion of the bonnei over the engine. Optionally the underside of the windshield base is heat and noise insulated. Figure 1 shows a portion of bonnet 13 around and outside of the windshield's 20 bottom side 71 edge 84, that is independent to the windshield 20 and that can be adapted to be removable thereby and consequently providing easier engine access. Figure 1 number 30, .shows one position of a lock provided to .secure the windshield 20 to the vehicle in its position on the vehicle's bonnet 13. Locks may also be provided to the cabin front 12, frame 40 jsuch as to corners of frame 17 of windshield 20.

Figure 1 shows one example of the windshield 20 extending outwards from the cabin front 12 in a forward direction towards the front end 30 of vehicle 10, curving or extending downwards of the top plane close to or onto the bonnet 13 in one curve. In this illustration the windshield 20 is provided with a low radius curve and angle, and a similar shape and curve to the radius of the tops joining to the sides, and side bottom edges 6 and 7, also on the bonnet 13. This preferred .shape to windshield 20 developed to ensure maximum clear vision, reduced air drag. The improvement to the air flow achieved by hs division to flow around the sides of the windshield 20 and the .sides of vehicle 10. The forward end centre position on the bonnet 13 and of the vehicle 10, of the windshield 20 from the cabin front 12 and its af re^ curved .shape in one embodiment ends at a point. The point being a curved line with the sides 6 and 7 meet provided thereby to further enhance the air flow around the sides, and the aesthetic appeal and to increase the area of bonnet 13 available independent to the windshield 20 at the front end. An area that can be us. ed to access the engine. This curved and rounded shape is instrumental to help reduce the injury to a pedestrian or animal struck in an accident and to reduce the tendency of a windshield 20 to break from flying objects such as stones. The windshield 20 may be adapted to be moved relevant to the vehicle 10 by an upward sliding direction type action or a forward direction movement, the windshield 20 sliding out of the frame in one embodiment and when unlocked and a force is applied in a forward direction. In one embodiment the windshield 20 can be adapted to r-eact to a pedestrian impact by sen.sor provided to the vehicle front 30 causing the windshield 20 to fly up pivoting from the front end 67 hinge point to a approximately vertical position and thereby cushioning the pedestrian's impact.

The windshield 20 may be adapted to be moveable by pivoting on one side 6 or 7, or on edges 5 or 4, in portion of frame 17 in the cabin front 12 or by pivoting from a hinge point at the front end such as at position 30. The forward pivoting also opens the engine space by the bottom 71 of windshield 20 forming the bonnet 13 thereon. Movement may be manual or mechanical in character. In one embodiment the windshield 20 extends to the end of bonnet 13 (not .shown) reaching closer to the vehicle 10 front end that is shown in figure 1 example, or the windshield 20 can be of shorter length out from the cabin front 12, (not .shown). In one embodiment winα^hield 20 hinge means is a resilient rubber type fastener (not shown) that is provided at the side or edge to be hinged and that has one side fastened to the windshield 20 and the opposite and second side to the vehicle 10. The material able to flex to allow the windshield 20 to be r sed and lowered. In one embodiment the windshield 20 has an air bag for accident use provided underneath its inner side, the air bag able to expand to extend from the bonnet 13 or the wind.shield bottom side 71, up and underneath the inner side of the windshield 20. Preferably in this embodiment the air bag is able to carry high leads such as of a portion of a vehicle's weight applied to the wind-shield 20 when the vehicle is rolled over or from a frontal impact. Preferably in this embodiment the air bag also protects front seat pas.sengers by extending into the space they occupy. In one embodiment (not shown) the dashboard is modified from its normal and straight line across the cabin's position, to one whereby it is off-set forward on at least the passenger side and thereby is able to increase the passenger room in the cabin front. This dashboard one side forward direction of-s4 et movement is made possible by the windshield 20 increasing the covered area available as part of the particukr vehicles cabin. In a further variation to this embodiment objects for use by the driver or passenger can be provided mside the windshield 20 in front of the driver or pa.ssenger, under the wind-shield 20. The objects can be such as dash-board instruments, TV and computer screens and .such like in particular critical engine monitoring gauges and speed in ruments. Providing the benefit to the driver of passenger of being able to better look ahead and glance at such objects. The objects can be located a great dirtance forward from the cabin front and thereby easy to view because of the forward position of the windshield 20. In one embodiment (not shown) the back window of a motor vehicle of the type having a boot extending out from the back of the cabin is provided of a type similar to the one of figure 1 and extended onto the boot to be lifted up and to increase internal space. In figures 2 and 3 there is shown a motor vehicle 10 of the larger car type in which is shown a windshield 20 featuring a more rounded curve to the windshield's front edge 67. The radius of the curve being subtfantially greater than the windshield 20 in figure 1. The windshield 20 of figure 1 is of a sharper pointed front by having a lesser radius curve, (to edge 67). This embodiment of figure 2 and 3 is an alternative shape and better s . uited to s . uch type de gn vehicles, and rugged appearance vehicles.

In figures 4 and 5 there is shown a motor vehicle 1 that has a windshield 20 that has a bottom side 71 and that bottom side 71 forms part of the vehicle 10, bonnet 13, (vehicle part) and in this embodiment when the windshield 20 is rai.sed, figure 4, the engine 27 is exposed. In any of the above embodiments a windshield wiper is provided to the windshield 20. The wiper located in the support frame 17, or in an engine front bonnet portion recess. The wiper arms and blades being of sufficient size and shape to reach out and onto and to suit windshield 20 (not shown). Preferably, the wiper motors are to the front 30 and the wiper arms and blades extend when not in use along the sides 6 .and 7 and lower edge of the windshield 20.

In one embodiment a windshield 20 of the type exampled in figure 1 can be reduced in width and provided to only one side of the vehicle front.

In one embodiment a windshield 20 may be provided to a vehicle, the vehicle adapted to accept the windshield 20 in front of the normal windshield (not shown). In this embodiment the vehicle has a second front windshield 20 and it is provided to increase injury safety vehicle efficiency, and can be bullet proof for VIP's and military vehicles. The '.second' windshield 20 preferably has internal washing and drying means.

In one embodiment the windshield 20 is provided to a vehicle 10 having a major portion across in front of the cabin 12 of the windshield 20 protected from sunlight intrusion.

In figures 6 and 7 there is shown a motor vehicle 10 having a windshield 20 based on the invention. In this example the front edge 67 is more or le.ss in a straight line across the vehicle bonnet 13 and is approximately parallel to the vehicle front corner 66.

Figure 7 .shows the .same vehicle 10 of figure 6, with the windshield 20 partly rai.sed.

The figure 7 shows the windshield 20 opening pivoting on its upper edge (top edge) of the first end 65.

The illustration shows the windshield 20 in a raised position with its support frame attached.

In figures 2 and 3 the windshield 20 does not have a ba.se or bottom side.

In anyone of the embodiments shown the end joined to the cabin front 12 has an extendable and retractable membrane material type seal. The membrane provided to enclose the otherwise open space into the cabin when the windshield 20 is raised. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present inventioa

Claims

Improvements to Windshields - Claims: Claim I:

A windshield 20 for use on a vehicle 10, such as a motor car, over the front bonnet 13 where the windshield 20 extends forward and over or onto the bonnet, in place of a conventional winds- hield, having a first end with top and sides within the frame of the vehicle cabin front 12, and a second end approximate to the front end of the vehicle 10 that is curved to a point ending the three dimensions of the compound curvature of the three sides of the windshield 20. The windshield 20 is able to be locked down onto the vehicle at one end and raised up pivoting at the opposite end, chararterised by sloping down from the cabin roof edge through a long angle curve, combining with side areas also of low angle curve to form one windshield 20, the shape of which is directed to allow clear vehicle side vision. Claim 2: A windshield 20 to a vehicle 10 in accordance with claim 1 wherein the windshield 20 having a bottom 71 side representing portion of the bonnet 13 of the vehicle 10, combined with a frame 17 to the windshield 20 . The windshield 20 is able to be locked down onto the vehicle 10 at one end and raised up pivoting at the opposite end, characterised by sloping down from the cabin roof 11 edge through a long angle curve 90, combining with side areas also of low angle curve to form one windsihield 20, the shape of which is directed to allow clear vehicle side vision. £laim 3:

A windshield for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1 and 2 wherein the front edge 67 is to the bonnet 13 and is curved to a point and the line of the curve continues around the sides 6 & 7 and back to the opposite end of the cabin front 12.. Claim 4; A windshield 20 to a vehicle 10 in accordance with claims 1,2,3 wherein an air bag is provided storesd in on or in a recess in the bonnet 13 or in the windshield 20 frame to operate expanding between the bonnet 13 or bottom 71 out to the inner surface of the windshield 20 and towards or to the driver and passengers in the case of a front or roll over accident. Claim 5:

A windshield 20 to a vehicle in accordance with claims 1,2,3,4, wherein the windshield 20 has a front bottom edge 67 to the bonnet 13 at the front of the vehicle that is a straight line across the vehicle 10 and is a match to the line of the front line 66 end of the vehicle 10, and the windshield 20 is rounded at the side corners joining the sides 6 & 7. Claim 6:

A windshield 20 to a vehicle 10 in accordance with claims 1,2,3,4,5, wherein the windshield 20 opens from the cabin end 12 pivoting upwards away from the vehicle 1 on a hinge 15 line at the front end and bottom edge 67. Claim 7;

A windshield 20 to a vehicle in accordance with claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, is provided to a motor vehicle 10 for u.se over .and in front of a normal windscreen being constructed to extend forward and over and on to the bonnet 13 at the front end 67 and that is of high aerodynamic efficiency design by being pointed and curved appropriately as shown in figure 1. Claim 8:

A windshield 20 in accordance with claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, is provided of a shape and curve similar to the normal windshield adapted to be used over a normal windshield and to be resiliently mounted to reduce impact and is able to be moved onto and off from in front of the normal windscreen and vehicle easily.

Claim 9:

A windshield 20 as of any one or all of the proceeding claims adapted to be used on an aircraft over the existing wind.shield to improve the aerodynamic efficiency at cruise and high speed being fitted able to be moved from in front of the windshield to above the windshield to allow clear vision at lower speeds for landing or take off.

The windshield 20 designed to match the curve of the vehicle roof over which it is moved to temporarily. The windshield 20 has internal and external surface cleaning means provided, and is automatically moved from activation of controls from_within the^cabin of the aircraft.

The windshield 20 shaped to extend forward on the aircraft to a position where adaptable to give the highest level of aerodynamic efficiency and to reduce damage from impact with birds and such like. Claim 10:

The windshield 20 as per proceeding claims having vehicle instruments computer or

TV screens provided beneath the windshield 20 and forward of the cabin front 12 to provide improved sighting.

Claim 11: The windshield 20 as per proceeding claims having a portion of the d.ash-board moved forward from its normal line to increase the cabin space, the engine layout of engine components adjusted to allow the use of this space.

Claim 12:

The wind.shield 20 as per proceeding claims whereby a portion of the bonnet 13 is allowed to be independent to the windshield 20 to allow partial access to the engine the portion of bonnet 13 able to be moved and replaced, having locked down and unlocked mechanisms. Such mechanisms operated from the cabin or by .secure remote portable devices. Claim 13:

A windshield 20 as per proceeding claims having substantial portion of its area not critical to afe line of sight for driving shielded against light and sun rays, such .sections could be above the driver's front view region or around the bottom edge sides.