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A few months ago, I started a thread where I briefly described 3 products for the MINI I was trying to develop. I started to describe one idea and one reply was TPUWOP, or something like that....I googled this abbreviation and it means: 'this post is useless without pictures'. Well, I was not ready to divulge too much info about it at that time as my prototype was being evaluated to see if it was a viable product. I have been told now that this product works well, looks good, has a market, but would be too expensive to produce and require too much liability insurance...........so, here are the photos of my idea which I now lay out to you, members of NAM, to see if anyone out there has a small manufacturing company who would want to consider if this item is a viable product, using my prototype as a model.

DISCLAIMER: this shade is something I made for my car for my use only and I am not advocating anyone try to make this for their own use. One potential for injury that I came across is the shade latch pulling free and dropping on one's head while driving (I have made several redundant fixes for this potential though).


REASON FOR PRODUCT: The MINI has a huge panoramic sunroof with only a mesh shade to block direct overhead sun. This works pretty well, but there are times that I wished that there was an opaque option as sometimes the sun shines right through the mesh causing me glare and eye fatigue and also allows the car to heat up. I would want this opaque shade to be available whenever I want and would still allow use of the sunroof......currently, there is only the option of tinting the sunroof much darker, applying a semi-permanant opaque decal thus rendering the sunroof opaque constantly, or stopping and stuffing a cardboard-like thing between the mesh and the glass and not being able to open the glass.

MY PRODUCT: This is an opaque roll-up shade that clips permanantly onto the front frame of the mesh shade with specially designed clips and brackets that I fashioned in such a way that it cannot pull free and remains taut when engaged so that it will not drop down on the driver. It permanently installs in minutes and easily is removable if ever needed without any drilling or modification. This allows you to use the mesh shade as normally, the sunroof glass as normally, or use the opaque shade or have half opaque and half mesh. This is composed of components, such that if it ever was produced, could be made as a finshed out of the box product, or in 'kit' form where the buyer gets instructions on how how to construct the shade thremselves, and would be supplied the needed proprietory clips and brackets and the one-piece latch/handle component that attaches to the opaque shade....this kit form would be easier to produce, and allow the buyer to custom-make their shade with their own fabric designs.

USE OF THE PRODUCT: When not in use, the shade remains rolled up and is hardly noticable and you lose only an inch or two of sunroof. You can use the mesh shade and open the glass as usual. If my shade is pulled across, this renders the sunroof opaque blocking the sun and eliminating glare, and the shiny lightcolored skyward side of the shade reflects the heat of the sun out of the car to help keep the car from getting too hot. You can also simply then pull the mesh shade halfway across and now the sun in front of you is blocked by the opaque shade, but the mesh shade allows light to filter in behind you so you do not lose the 'openess' of the sunroof....this is kinda hard to explain but the pictures show this in action.

Yes, the shade does not prevent you from opening the glass as normal...when not in use, it rolls up to basically nothing and stays put, allowing the glass to be opened and closed, and allows the mesh shade to be pulled across, or not. The shade is a springloaded roll-up that always stays taut....and it has a name:

the "MINI MAXI-SHADE"

 

I just wanted to say that I like this idea! How much?

 

thanks....but not produced yet....the off the shelf parts cost me maybe $25 and a lot of hours to construct, but obviously if this ever gets mass produced, the costs should be substantially lower. ...note: I do not think that this would fit in the 2007 as the mesh seems closer to the glass

I am hoping if a zillion replies are positive about this poduct idea, then perhaps a manufacturer out there might become interested......

 

I think that it is a great idea and it looks terrific. Good luck in getting it produced.

 

what sort of manufacturing capability do you need? What part do you need help manufacturing? If its just plastic molding, send me a PM, I might be able to help you do it on your own, its not that hard to do.

 

Well here's a reply for you. I don't even have the car yet and have been researching my options on this very subject. There's is surely a market for this product.

I'll need something for the 2007 though and you indicate that your efforts may not work for it.

I have to believe that there are enough owners out there of Minis who would love an option to close of the sun completely that if someone would devise such product it would go over really well. I'd be willing to pay a decent amount of money to save my interior alone not to mention have the option to block the sun when I want at times while driving.

I can't believe this market has not been tapped into deeply as of yet. I thought I'd be able to compare many great options. I was disappointed to say the least.

 

This is fantastic. I would love to see it hit the market.... and would definitely buy one, if one was made for the R56... Unfortunately, I can't help you with your manufacturing questions.... But, if you haven't already, I'd apply for the patent, ASAP.

 

+1
If this was made available for the R56 (which is not in my hot little hands yet) I would buy one as well. Something that you do not have to remove from the sunroof! YES!!

 

YES, absolutely. I got the sunroof sunshade panels that slip between the glass and the mesh and I hardly ever use them because they must be put on and taken off. Not excactly hard, but still an annoyance. I searched the internet for something like this and found nothing. If anyone out there does have manufacturing capacity, please, please talk to umberto.

 

So if you want the roof totally wide open - no shade or mesh - that's no longer possible? Also, what's that on your visors?

 

That's the problem I see too. For me, it needs to have an easy way to open up both the shade and mesh. Good idea though!

 

No: "This allows you to use the mesh shade as normally, the sunroof glass as normally, or use the opaque shade or have half opaque and half mesh".

 

I think you need to apply for a patent first, then approach MINI with the idea, and collect a lic fee ala Bill Gates on each one made.

I also like the idea, but as others have mentioned, is there a way to open it completely when the sunroof is open?

 

There is no legal reason to go to MINI. In fact, that is a horrible idea. Car manufacturers are notorious for the "we see no need for that" dismissal, which is followed a year later by the item being available on the vehicle.

 

nice looking shade, when I get mine I am definitely going to either buy a product or make something myself. I don't want to leave the top 'open' all day in the sun here in Dallas. The parking lot at my work has no covers or shade at all so it would just be baking all day.

 

Right now, all there is is a cover like the windshield sun screen covers. Works well, but you got to put it on and remove it. PITA.

 

great idea...I hope it pans out. Get a patent on it, like today...and don't go to MINI. They'll just steal it.

 

Egg Zackly.

 

Then I'm confused - cause he also says it clips to the mesh shade "permanently"

It sounds like a great idea - I'm just trying to get a better handle on how this works...

I agree that taking this to MINIUSA would be a huge mistake. OutMotoring or MINI-Fini might be a better choice.

 

NICE!!! Now make one for the R56!!!

 

I'd love one of these as well. California sun is blazing!

I do see how it can work with the sunroof clear - there appear to be two little clips that hold the opaque shade to the little "bar" that pulls the mesh shade across. My guess is if you unsnap the two little clips, the opaque shade rolls up to the opposite end from the mesh shade.

 

Yeah, that confused me for a second, too. But I think he meant "permanent" as in not having to take it on and off everytime you want to use it/not use it.

 

Much needed for the R56.......strongly recommend that it be throughly tested for rattles when closed, and wind deflection/noise when in the open sunroof position. Suspect that $100.+ would be reasonable retail price compared to current aftermarket alternatives and demand.

Good luck!

Place me on your prospective buyer list.

 

I would buy a complete one, or a kit to make one, in a heartbeat. Do you have the same thing for the back section of sunroof? Would it be sold individually or as a set? I made the ones I have now, but I have to remove them and they are a PITA, would much rather have the roll away ones. Too bad MINI never gave us the option to have either perforated, or solid. My guess is most would have opted for the latter.

 

I agree there is a market for this, especially in the hot states, like Texas. Wish I had one now for my R56....