US20140311398A1

US20140311398A1 - Removable Windshield For Use With A Water Craft

Info

Publication number: US20140311398A1
Application number: US13/868,257
Authority: US
Inventors: Todd Barton Freund
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-23
Filing date: 2013-04-23
Publication date: 2014-10-23

Abstract

A removable windshield for use with a boat having a primary ridged transparent material located above a secondary ridged transparent material. The primary ridged transparent material is connected to a frame. The frame is adapted for a user to hingedly fold the primary ridged transparent material to overlay the secondary ridged transparent material. This configuration allows the secondary ridged transparent material to substantially impede the elements directed toward a boat operator. More particularly, the pliable frame is configured to contour to a supporting structure connected to a variety of boats. Attaching elements allow a user to tighten and to secure the frame to the supporting structure connected to a boat. Additionally, at least one barrier element is located between the windshield and the supporting structure connected to a boat to prevent contact which may result in damage to the windshield or to the supporting structure connected to a boat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates, generally, to a removable windshield for use with a water craft.
2. Background Art
The installation of a windshield onto a water craft frame is time consuming. Installing a windshield onto a water craft frame requires the use of hardware such as screws to penetrate through the surface of the windshield onto the water craft frame, which is unsightly. The problem with a screw penetrating through the exposed surface of the windshield onto a water craft frame is that the windshield is no longer easily removable. When a water craft windshield needs to be removed or replaced, the installer has to disassemble the windshield from the water craft, which adds additional costs. When a screw is being driven into a water craft frame, the opening created from the screw can weaken the supporting structure of the water craft frame. Additionally, metal hardware can corrode when exposed to salt water. Thus, there is a need for an improved windshield that can be removably attached onto a water craft frame that does not require the use of tools or hardware.
Currently, many windshields require permanent placement of a windshield onto a supporting structure connected to a water craft. A permanently installed windshield will need to be removed when it becomes damaged or worn. Additionally, a boat operator may elect to operate the water craft without a windshield if weather permits and would not have that option if the windshield were permanently installed. A user needs an easy way of removing a windshield from the supporting structure connected to a watercraft. Alternatively, if the weather changes unfavorably and it begins to rain, a boat operator may elect to reinstall the windshield. The replacement process of a permanently installed windshield can be time consuming, costly, and can damage the surrounding water craft frame. Thus, there is a need for an improved windshield, allowing the windshield to be easily and quickly removable from the water craft frame.
Many prior art windshields are made of a plastic vinyl material. This plastic material can allow the windshield to be rolled up. However, this type of windshield cannot be tinted, can be difficult to see through, and can deteriorate when exposed to the elements. There is a need for a windshield made of a ridged material that can be tinted, can allow for scratches to be buffed out, and can resist exposure to the elements.
There are several challenges to overcome with installing a windshield onto a water craft frame so that the windshield is easily removable. One challenge being the need for the windshield to be in contact with a supporting structure connected to a water craft, whereby the windshield is capable of sufficiently blocking a water craft operator from the elements such as water, insects, or debris. Currently, many T-Top water crafts are manufactured without a windshield. The problem with a water craft without a windshield is that the operator of a water craft is exposed to the elements while operating the water craft, which can be a safety hazard. The windshields in many conventional T-Top water crafts have to be custom made to fit each different model water craft and are costly. Thus, there is a need for a removable windshield that is adapted to conform to a supporting structure connected to a variety of T-Top model water crafts that does not result in a permanent installation.
Many T-Top water crafts are manufactured with a fixedly attached windshield having a standard size. The problem with a water craft having a standard sized windshield is that the windshield is not of a size or is not configured to substantially deflect the elements. A water craft operator may want to adjust the positioning of the windshield to create more or less of a barrier from the elements. It is more desirable for a user to have the ability to fold the windshield to adjust the size and positioning of the windshield in relation to the supporting structure connected to a water craft. This creates an easily removable barrier between a water craft operator and the elements without the costly labor associated with prior art windshields. More particularly, a windshield that is easily foldable from an “up” position to a “down” position prevents damage to a supporting structure connected to a variety of T-Top water craft models.
Prior art windshield systems do not allow for a windshield to be easily removable for placement on a variety of T-Top water craft models. The supporting structure of a console on a water craft varies between differing water craft manufacturers. Many windshields having a specific size will not accommodate a variety of water crafts. There is a need for a windshield having a frame which contours and attaches to a supporting structure on a variety of water craft consoles. More particularly, a windshield having a pliable frame that allows for easy removal and installation to a supporting structure on a variety of water crafts will prevent damage when being transferred to another water craft.
However, in view of the prior art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made; it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a removable windshield for use with a water craft, having an adjustable hinged frame and which also includes improvements that overcome the limitations of prior art windshields, is now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention.
The novel removable windshield for use with a water craft is constructed of a primary ridged transparent material and a secondary ridged transparent material. The primary ridged transparent material and the secondary ridged transparent material includes, but is not limited to, acrylic. It is also within the scope of this invention for the primary transparent material and the secondary transparent material to be made of a pliable material including, but not limited to, plastic. The primary ridged transparent material is connected to a frame. The frame is connected to a perimeter of the primary ridged transparent material. The secondary ridged transparent material is connected to the frame. The frame is connected to a perimeter of the secondary ridged transparent material. The frame supports the primary ridged transparent material above the secondary ridged transparent material. The frame is constructed of a pliable material including, but not limited to, canvas. The pliable frame allows a user to hingedly fold the primary ridged transparent material to overlay the secondary ridged transparent material. The frame is configured to conform to a supporting structure connected to a water craft. The frame is a size great enough to substantially conform to a supporting structure in a variety of water crafts. A supporting structure connected to a water craft includes, but is not limited to, a console portion, a soft top portion, or the T-Top portion of a water craft.
This improved frame has attaching elements having a plurality of lengths of material attached to the perimeter of the frame including, but not limited to, rope or a strap having a length to substantially be wrapped over the top and sides of a supporting structure connected to a water craft. The plurality of lengths of material are configured to be attachable by a user to a supporting structure connected to a water craft, secured together with fasteners including, but not limited to buckles or hook and loop attachments located on the length of material distal end. The plurality of lengths of material can be adjusted in length by a user, thereby securing the windshield frame to a supporting structure connected to a water craft.
At least one of the primary ridged transparent material and the secondary ridged transparent material have at least one barrier element including, but not limited to, suction cups connected thereto, configured to separate the primary ridged transparent material and the secondary ridged transparent material from the supporting structure connected to a water craft. This separation prevents the windshield from becoming damaged by the supporting structure connected to a water craft when in use. For example, when the windshield is not folded, at least one barrier element can be located on a surface of the primary ridged transparent material and the secondary ridged transparent material. Alternatively, when the windshield is in the folded configuration either the primary ridged transparent material or the secondary ridged transparent material can have at least one barrier element located thereon.
This novel invention also includes an improved frame configured to support a primary rigid transparent material above a secondary ridged transparent material. This configuration allows both the primary ridged transparent material and the secondary ridged transparent material to substantially impede the elements directed toward a water craft operator. The frame is adapted for a user to hingedly fold the primary ridged transparent material to overlay the secondary ridged transparent material. This configuration allows the secondary ridged transparent material to substantially impede the elements directed toward a water craft operator. More particularly, the pliable frame is configured to contour to a supporting structure connected to a variety of water crafts. Attaching elements allow a user to tighten the frame to a supporting structure connected to a water craft and to secure the frame in place. Additionally, at least one barrier element is located between the windshield and the supporting structure connected to a water craft to prevent contact which may result in damage to the windshield or to the supporting structure connected to a water craft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the novel removable windshield for use with a water craft;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the novel removable windshield having a folded configuration; and,

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the novel removable windshield.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustrating specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 3 show removable windshield 1 is constructed of primary ridged transparent material 2 and secondary ridged transparent material 3. Primary ridged transparent material 2 is connected to frame 4. Frame 4 is connected to a perimeter of first ridged transparent material 2. Second ridged transparent material 3 is connected to frame 4. Frame 4 is connected to a perimeter of secondary ridged transparent material 3. Frame 4 supports primary ridged transparent material 2 above secondary ridged transparent material 3, whereby primary ridged transparent material 2 and secondary ridged transparent material 3 both impede the elements directed toward a water craft operator. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict frame 4 constructed of a pliable material configured to conform to a supporting structure connected to a water craft 7. Frame 4 has a plurality of attaching elements 6.
As best shown in FIG. 3, plurality of attaching elements 6 has plurality of lengths of material 8 configured to be attachable by a user to supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 (FIGS. 1-2), secured together with fasteners 9. Fasteners 9 are located on the plurality of lengths of material 8 distal ends. Plurality of lengths of material 8 have a length to substantially be wrapped over the top and sides of supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 (FIGS. 1-2). Plurality of attaching elements 6 are adapted to connect frame 4 to a supporting structure connected to a water craft 7. FIG. 1 illustrates at least one of the primary ridged transparent material 2 and secondary ridged transparent material 3 have at least one barrier element 5 located on a surface thereof. At least one barrier element 5 is located between windshield 1 and a supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 to prevent contact which can result in damage to windshield 1 or to the supporting structure connected to a water craft 7.
FIG. 2 shows removable windshield 1 adapted to be foldable, whereby secondary ridged transparent material 3 impedes the elements directed toward a water craft operator. Secondary ridged transparent material 3 has at least one barrier element 5 located on a rear surface thereof. At least one barrier element 5 is located between the windshield 1 and the supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 to prevent contact which may result in damage to windshield for to supporting structure connected to a water craft 7.
Construction of the Novel Removable Windshield For Use With A Water Craft
Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the reference numeral 1 denotes an illustrative embodiment of novel windshield 1 as a whole. Novel windshield 1 is assembled by interconnecting primary ridged transparent material 2 and secondary ridged transparent material 3 with frame 4. Primary ridged transparent material 2 is located above secondary ridged transparent material 3. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate frame 4 having a plurality of attaching elements 6 located thereon. Plurality of attaching elements 6 has plurality of lengths of material 8 configured to be attachable and removable by a user to supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 (FIGS. 1-2), secured together with fasteners 9. Fasteners 9 are located on the plurality of lengths of material 8 distal ends.
As best understood in connection with FIG. 2, windshield 1 is adapted to be foldable by a user, whereby primary ridged transparent material 2 (FIG. 1) is configured to overlay secondary ridged transparent material 3. Secondary ridged transparent material 3 impedes the elements directed toward a water craft operator.
FIGS. 1 and 3 depict windshield 1 having primary ridged transparent material 2 and secondary ridged transparent material 3(FIGS. 1-3) having at least one barrier element 5 located on a rear surface thereof. At least one barrier element 5 is located between windshield 1 and a supporting structure connected to a water craft 7 to prevent contact which may result in damage to windshield 1 or to a supporting structure connected to a water craft 7.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A removable windshield for use with a water craft, comprising:

a windshield constructed of a first ridged transparent material and a second ridged transparent material;

said first ridged transparent material connected to a frame, said frame being connected to a perimeter of said first ridged transparent material;

said second ridged transparent material connected to said frame, said frame being connected to a perimeter of said second ridged transparent material, whereby said frame supporting said first ridged transparent material above said second ridged transparent material;

said frame constructed of a pliable material configured to conform to a supporting structure connected to said water craft, said frame having a plurality of attaching elements; and,

said plurality of attaching elements configured to be attachable and removable by a user, said plurality of attaching elements attaching to said supporting structure connected to said water craft.

2. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 1, wherein said frame is configured to allow a user to hingedly fold said first ridged transparent material to overlay said second ridged transparent material.

3. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 1, wherein said first ridged transparent material has at least one barrier element connected to a surface of said first ridged transparent material, said at least one barrier element is positioned between said supporting structure connected to said water craft and said first ridged transparent material.

4. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 3, wherein said second ridged transparent material has at least one barrier element connected to a surface of said second ridged transparent material, said at least one barrier element is positioned between said supporting structure connected to said water craft and said second ridged transparent material.

5. A removable windshield for use with a water craft, comprising:

a windshield constructed of a first pliable transparent material and a second pliable transparent material;

said first pliable transparent material connected to a frame, said frame being connected to a perimeter of said first pliable transparent material;

said second pliable transparent material connected to said frame, said frame being connected to a perimeter of said second pliable transparent material, whereby said frame supporting said first pliable transparent material above said second pliable transparent material;

6. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 5, wherein said frame is configured to allow a user to hingedly fold said first pliable transparent material to overlay said second pliable transparent material.

7. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 5, wherein said first pliable transparent material has at least one barrier element connected to a surface of said first pliable transparent material, said at least one barrier element is positioned between said supporting structure connected to said water craft and said first pliable transparent material.

8. The removable windshield for use with a water craft of claim 7, wherein said second pliable transparent material has at least one barrier element connected to a surface of said second pliable transparent material, said at least one barrier element is positioned between said supporting structure connected to said water craft and said second pliable transparent material.