Device and method for shading a window

Abstract

A shade assembly for shading a window opening comprising a double pane formed of two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, a light blocking member deployable within the space, a storage unit for stowing the light blocking member when retracted, and a drive mechanism for deploying and retracting light blocking member. Also claimed is a method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle with the described shade assembly.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A shade assembly for shading a window opening, said shade assembly comprising 
 a. two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes forming a double pane, said double pane having at least one open edge in communication with said space;    b. a light blocking member deployable within said space and retractable from within said space; and    c. a drive mechanism for deploying and retracting said light blocking member;    said shade assembly being for deployment within said window opening.    
     
     
         2 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage unit for stowing said light blocking member when said light blocking member is retracted;  
     
     
         3 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said double pane is for replacing a window unit within said window opening.  
     
     
         4 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said window opening is in a building.  
     
     
         5 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said window opening is in a motor vehicle.  
     
     
         6 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said light blocking member is substantially opaque.  
     
     
         7 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said light blocking member is partially translucent.  
     
     
         8 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said light blocking member is a film.  
     
     
         9 . The shade assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said film is flexible.  
     
     
         10 . The shade assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said film is a mesh.  
     
     
         11 . The shade assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said film is formed of at least one material of the group consisting of a plastic, a rubber, a polymer, a polycarbonate and a metal.  
     
     
         12 . The shade assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said storage unit comprises two guide tracks extending in parallel from said at least one open edge, said guide tracks being of sufficient length to contain said light blocking member when said light blocking member is in a retracted position, said guide tracks being oriented to guide the deployment and retraction of said film.  
     
     
         13 . The shade assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said guide tracks are pivotable relative to said double pane.  
     
     
         14 . The shade assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said storage unit comprises a roller for containing said film when said film is in a retracted position, said roller being oriented to guide the deployment and retraction of said film.  
     
     
         15 . The shade assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said light blocking member is partially deployable to create a partially translucent state.  
     
     
         16 . A shade assembly for shading a window opening, said shade assembly comprising 
 a. two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes forming a double pane sealed around its perimeter;    b. a light blocking fluid deployable within said space and retractable from within said space, said double pane having at least one opening in an edge thereof for the deployment and retraction of said fluid;    c. a reservoir for containing said fluid, said reservoir being in fluid communication with said at least one opening; and    d. a pump for deploying and retracting said fluid;    said shade assembly being for deployment within said window opening.    
     
     
         17 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , further comprising an air pump for aiding in deploying and retracting said fluid.  
     
     
         18 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said shade assembly is in a building.  
     
     
         19 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said shade assembly is in a motor vehicle.  
     
     
         20 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said fluid is mercury.  
     
     
         21 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said fluid is substantially opaque.  
     
     
         22 . The window unit of  claim 16 , wherein said fluid is partially translucent.  
     
     
         23 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said pump is powered by a motor.  
     
     
         24 . The shade assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said fluid is partially deployable to create a partially translucent state.  
     
     
         25 . A motor vehicle having installed therein a shade assembly for shading at least one window of said motor vehicle, said shade assembly comprising 
 a. two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes forming a double pane; and    b. a light blocking member deployable within said space and retractable from within said space.    
     
     
         26 . A method of shading a window opening in a motor vehicle, said method comprising 
 a. deploying within said window opening a shading assembly comprising two panes of transparent material disposed substantially parallel with a space therebetween, said two panes forming a double pane; a light blocking member deployable within said space and retractable from within said space; and a mechanism for deploying and retracting said light blocking member; and    b. deploying said light blocking member within said space.