Abstract:
A removable and re-attachable screen for a utility vehicle (UTV) for providing protection from debris to a driver and passenger while allowing airflow into the cab area. The screen includes a frame made of flexible material and a meshed flexible screen secured to the frame. The frame has a plurality of securement devices for securing the frame to a roll cage of a utility vehicle. Further, the securement devices are secured to at least a front top bar of the roll cage and at least two side bars of the roll cage. The screen can be further made of fiberglass material, thereby providing durable and long lasting protection.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to a windscreen for a utility vehicle (UTV). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Utility vehicles (UTVs) are becoming increasingly popular for use in various settings. Generally, a UTV comprises a body, a cab area where the driver is seated, and a roll cage that surrounds the cab area. One of the problems with conventional UTVs is that they do not protect the driver and passengers from debris, such as bugs, rocks, branches, dust, dirt, etc. 
     Cab enclosures and lightweight transparent windshields have been developed that can be attached to a roll cage to protect the driver and passengers. These devices are typically comprised of a transparent plastic material that is non-permeable. However, these transparent devices reduce the passage of air into the cab area. Reduced airflow into the cab area, dust and debris is more prone to collect within the cab area. In addition, during warm and hot weather conditions, reduced airflow into the cab area can be uncomfortable for the driver and passengers. 
     While UTVs are suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing protection from debris to a driver while allowing airflow into the cab area. Conventional UTVs do not provide adequate protection for drivers and passengers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,999 (Schneller) discloses a flexible windscreen for attaching to a front portion of a roll cage of a utility vehicle. However, a disadvantage of this windscreen is that it requires separate additional components, namely, a plurality of separate brackets to be mounted to the roll cage of the vehicle. Further, the windscreen is mounted to the brackets using separate additional fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. Hence, the Schneller patent necessitates additional components and tools for mounting the windscreen and does not provide a quick and simple way to remove and re-attach the windscreen. 
     In view of the above problems, the present invention overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art by providing a screen that is easily mountable to a front portion of a UTV, securely mountable to the UTV, easily removable and re-attachable, more durable from breakage, cost effective to manufacture, simple in design, and can be easily folded and stored when not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a utility vehicle screen that can be mounted to a roll cage or front portion of a UTV or suitable vehicle. The screen can be easily attached and removed using multiple straps that are integrated with the screen. In addition, the screen can be made of a virtually indestructible fiberglass material. When the screen is not needed, a user can unhook or unwind the straps and easily remove it. Further, the screen can be folded multiple times and easily stowed away, such as placing it inside the glove compartment, in a bag, under or behind the seat, etc. In addition, the screen of the present invention, in one aspect thereof, does not require additional tools or separate components in order to mount it to the UTV. 
     In one aspect of the invention, a utility vehicle screen is provided having a frame made of flexible material. Further, a meshed flexible screen is then secured to the frame. The frame has a plurality of securement devices for securing the frame to a roll cage of the utility vehicle. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a windscreen for a vehicle is provided having a frame made of flexible material. Further, a meshed flexible screen secured to the frame. The frame has a plurality of securement devices for securing the frame to an A-pillar of the vehicle. In addition, the securement devices are comprised of a plurality of straps. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each and every disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure. The Description that follows more particularly exemplifies the various illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, aspects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a windscreen of the present invention as mounted to a UTV, as viewed from the exterior of the UTV. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the windscreen illustrating its integrated straps and fasteners. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the windscreen of  FIG. 2  prior to being mounted to the roll cage of the UTV, as viewed from the cockpit area of the UTV. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the windscreen of  FIG. 2  as mounted to the roll cage of the UTV, as viewed from the cockpit area of the UTV. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the windscreen of the present invention, illustrating its integrated straps and fasteners. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the windscreen of  FIG. 5  prior to being mounted to the roll cage of the UTV, as viewed from the cockpit area of the UTV. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the windscreen of  FIG. 5  as mounted to the roll cage of the UTV, as viewed from the cockpit area of the UTV. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the screen  10  of the present invention as mounted to a UTV  12 . However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the screen of the present invention can be mounted to any type of vehicle, including but not limited to an all terrain vehicle (ATV), motorcycle, three-wheeler, golf cart, dune buggy, and the like. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates screen of  FIG. 1  in an exploded view, illustrating a plurality of straps and fasteners. Here, windscreen  10  includes meshed screen  100  securely mounted to flexible frame or border  110 . In the current embodiment, screen  100  is made of fiberglass material with a mesh count of approximately 20×20, approximately thickness of 0.011, yard diameter of 0.008-0.0085, and approximately 75% light transmission, and is flame retardant, such as the mesh screen known as BetterVue® from the manufacturer Phifer®. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that screen  100  can include, but is not limited to aluminum, various fabrics, wire mesh material, mesh size, light transmission ratio, coloar, plastic, polycarbonate, cotton, polyester, and the like. In the current embodiment, windscreen  10  is approximately 54 in.×34 in, however, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the windscreen can be any size, shape, and/or configured to the size of the UTV or vehicle specifications for which it is being mounted. In other embodiments, the windscreen of the present invention can be a universal one-size windscreen, having extended straps and fasteners, thereby accommodating and/or retrofitting all or most types of UTVs. Further, frame or border  110  is made of a flexible and foldable material, such as vinyl or cotton. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the frame or border can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, fiberglass, and/or polymer derived. When the screen is not in use, it can be easily folded into one or more folds and stowed away. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , which illustrate one embodiment of the present invention, windscreen  10  has a plurality of straps securely attached to border or frame  110 . In this embodiment, the straps are securely stitched to and integrated with the screen. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the straps may be detached (not initially integrated) and attached to the border using various securing methods, such as with snaps, buttons, adhesives, rivets, nut and bolt, nails, and/or staples. Here, straps  120   a ,  120   b ,  130   a , and  130   b  engage and secure the windscreen to a top bar or beam of the roll cage of a UTV or any suitable vehicle. Straps  210   a ,  210   b ,  220   a , and  220   b  engage and secure the windscreen to the top corners of the roll cage of a UTV. Straps  150   a ,  150   b ,  230   a ,  230   b ,  140   a ,  140   b ,  240   a , and  240   b  engage and secure the windscreen to the side upstanding bars or beams of the UTV. Specifically, straps  120   a ,  130   a ,  140   a ,  150   a ,  210   a ,  220   a ,  230   a , and  240   a  (straps designated with an “a”) have a tri-glide or H type buckle connected at their ends thereto that engage straps  120   b ,  130   b ,  140   b ,  150   b ,  210   b ,  220   b ,  230   b , and  240   b  (straps designated with a “b”), respectively. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the connectors on straps  120   a - 240   a  can also be included on straps  120   b - 240   b  in addition to or in lieu of. Further, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that any type of strap, connector, buckle, or strap connecter can be used for either one or more of straps  120   a - 240   a  and  120   b - 240   b , including but not limited to a “D” buckle, side release buckle, clip buckle, hook and loop (Velcro®), snap buckle, tang buckle, clamp buckle, cam and spring buckles, carabiners, footman loops, spring pins, hooks, mini carabiner, ratchet buckles, and/or snap hooks. Further, either one or more of straps  120   a - 240   a  and/or their connectors and straps  120   b - 240   b  and/or their connectors can be made of any material, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, plastic, metal, aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, vinyl, and/or polymer based. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate the method of attaching windscreen  10  to the UTV. In the current embodiment, the windscreen is attached from the exterior of the UTV, but in other embodiments, it can be attached from the interior or cabin of the UTV. Further, It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that a user is not limited to the following order and method of assembly. Here, straps  230   a ,  230   b ,  150   a , and  150   b  are at least partially wrapped around side bar  340  and are securely tightened around the bar. Likewise, straps  140   a ,  140   b ,  240   a , and  240   b  are at least partially wrapped around side bar  320  and are securely tightened around the bar. Further, straps  420   a ,  420   b ,  430   a , and  430   b  are at least partially wrapped around the overhead or top bar  300 . Here, strap  210   b  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  340  and strap  210   a  is at least partially wrapped around top bar  300  where it engages strap  210   b  and is securely tightened to strap  210   a . Likewise, strap  220   b  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  320  and strap  220   a  is at least partially wrapped around top bar  300  where it engages strap  220   b  and is securely tightened to strap  220   a.    
     After the windscreen  10  has been attached to the roll cage or front windshield area of the UTV or any suitable vehicle, the user may then adjust any of the straps by either loosening or tightening the straps as they see fit in order to remove any slack, ripples, or deviations on the surface of the windscreen, thereby having a windscreen that is taught and securely mounted to the UTV.  FIG. 4  illustrates the windscreen  10  of the current embodiment in final assembled form. 
       FIGS. 5-7  illustrate another embodiment for the windscreen of the present invention. Here, windscreen  20  has a plurality of straps securely attached to border or frame  410 . In this embodiment, the straps are securely stitched to and integrated with the screen. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the straps may be detached (i.e. not initially integrated) and attached to the border using various securing methods, such as with snaps, buttons, adhesives, rivets, nut and bolt, nails, and/or staples. Here, straps  420   a ,  420   b ,  430   a , and  430   b  engage and secure the windscreen to a top bar or overhead beam of the roll cage of a UTV or any suitable vehicle. Straps  510   a ,  510   b ,  520   a , and  520   b  engage and secure the windscreen to the top corners of the roll cage of a UTV. Straps  440   a ,  440   b ,  530   a ,  530   b ,  450   a , and  450   b  engage and secure the windscreen to the side upstanding bars or beams of the UTV. Specifically, the  420   a ,  430   a ,  440   a ,  450   a , and  530   a  straps have a tri-glide or H type buckle connected at their ends thereto that engage straps  420   b ,  430   b ,  440   b ,  450   b , and  530   b , respectively. Further, straps  510   a  and  520   a  have “D” buckle type connectors attached at their ends thereto that engage straps  510   b  and  520   b , respectively. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the connectors on straps  420   a - 530   a  can also be included on straps  420   b - 530   b  in addition to or in lieu of. Further, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that any type of strap, connector, buckle, or strap connecter can be used for either one or more of straps  420   a - 530   a  and  420   b - 530   b , including but not limited to a “D” buckle, side release buckle, clip buckle, snap buckle, tang buckle, hook and loop (Velcro®), clamp buckle, cam and spring buckles, carabiners, footman loops, spring pins, hooks, mini carabiner, ratchet buckles, and/or snap hooks. Further, either one or more of straps  420   a - 530   a  and/or their connectors and straps  420   b - 530   b  and/or their connectors can be made of any material, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, plastic, metal, aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, vinyl, and/or polymer based. 
     Still referring  FIG. 5 , windscreen  20  includes feed-through loops  540   a ,  540   b ,  540   c , and  540   d  that receive long strap  530   b . More specifically, strap  530   b  is at least partially wrapped around a side bar of the UTV and then fed through loops  540   a - 540   d , where it then engages strap  530   a  and securely fastened and tightened to strap  530   a , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 5-7  illustrate the method of attaching windscreen  20  to the UTV. In the current embodiment, the windscreen is attached from the exterior of the UTV, but in other embodiments, it can be attached from the interior or cabin of the UTV. Further, It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that a user is not limited to the following order and method of assembly. Here, straps  440   a  and  440   b  are at least partially wrapped around side bar  640  and are securely mated with and tightened to each other. Likewise, straps  450   a  and  450   b  are at least partially wrapped around side bar  620  and are securely tightened around the bar and mated with each other. Further, straps  420   a ,  420   b ,  430   a , and  430   b  are at least partially wrapped around overhead or top bar  600 . Here, strap  510   b  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  640  and strap  510   a  is at least partially wrapped around top bar  600  where it engages strap  510   b  and is securely mated with and tightened to strap  510   a . Likewise, strap  520   b  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  620  and strap  520   a  is at least partially wrapped around top bar  600  where it engages strap  520   b  and is securely mated with and tightened to strap  520   a . Lastly, long strap  530   b  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  620  and then fed through loops  540   a ,  540   b ,  540   c , and  540   d  and where the end of strap  530   b  mates with and is tightened to the connector of strap  530   a , wherein strap  530   a  is at least partially wrapped around side bar  640 . 
     After the windscreen  20  has been attached to the roll cage or front windshield area of the UTV or any suitable vehicle, the user may then adjust any of the straps by either loosening or tightening the straps as they see fit in order to remove any slack, ripples, or deviations on the surface of the windscreen, thereby having a windscreen that is taught and securely mounted to the UTV.  FIG. 7  illustrates the windscreen  20  of the current embodiment in final assembled form. 
     From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention. 
     Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 
     While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts or method of assembly described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations.