Abstract:
A retractable windshield and collapsible console apparatus can be raised and the windshield extended when needed to afford additional protection to persons from conditions due to environment, and to allow for convenient and safe stowing of the apparatus in the same location without causing an obstruction. The console can be collapsed and stowed into a position which is substantially parallel relative to a base on the floor or other surface of a boat, other vehicle or other structure when not in use.

Description:
The present invention relates generally to the field of windshields, and in particular, windshields for vehicles such as boats. More specifically, the present invention relates to a retractable windshield, accompanied by a collapsible console, which can be conveniently, quickly and safely deployed and stowed in the same location without causing an obstruction when not in use. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Many vehicles, particularly boats, provide windshield protection for only one occupant of the vehicle and/or do not provide protection during travel for passengers in the vehicle from exposure to conditions due to weather or the speed of operation of the vehicle, such as wind or water spray. A number of vehicles do not provide any protection to occupants. Exposure to such conditions can be unpleasant and uncomfortable for occupants of these vehicles. As a consequence, a need exists for a windshield that could be employed to provide this protection for vehicle occupants. 
   There have been devices in the past that have provided windshield protection. Although useful, these devices have generally been cumbersome and time consuming to install and operate and are not easily stowed in the same location, or elsewhere, such that mobility throughout the vehicle is not obstructed by the device when not in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,308,109 to Rundquist discloses a collapsible wind-spray shield for boats that is secured to the deck of a boat with bracket means and folded and stored elsewhere when not in use. Unlike the Rundquist invention, the present invention may be quickly and easily deployed and stowed. Also, unlike the Rundquist invention, the present invention may be collapsed and stowed in the same place in which it operates, or may be removed when not in use. Also, unlike the present invention, the Rundquist invention does not protect the windshield from exposure to weather conditions, or wear from being walked upon or other damage when not in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,877 to Devlin et al. discloses a portable two-piece windshield for motorcycles. The windshield is composed of an upper windshield panel, a lower windshield panel and a pair of connector brackets for releasably attaching the assembled windshield to the handlebars of a motorcycle. Unlike the Devlin et al. invention, the present invention does not use an upper and lower windshield panel, and does not require an existing handle bar or console for attachment thereto. In addition, unlike the present invention, the Devlin et al. invention may not be stowed in the same location in which it operates. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,156 to Briggs discloses a windshield for boats which has two panels and which is secured to the boat floor when installed and in use. Unlike the Briggs invention, the present invention may be safely and conveniently stowed in the same location without creating an obstruction and protects the windshield from exposure and other damage when installed and stowed. In addition, the present invention may be quickly and easily operated and stowed and does not require a pre-installed console on the boat for operation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,052 to Deising discloses an auxiliary windshield that is secured by a clamping means to a pre-existing structure such as an existing windshield. Unlike the Deising invention, the present invention may be safely and conveniently stowed in the same position without creating an obstruction and protects the windshield from exposure and other damage when installed and stowed. In addition, unlike the present invention, the Deising invention does not provide a console which protects the windshield when not in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,056 to Martin discloses a retractable arrangement for fishing boat console components. The windscreen is mounted on a pre-existing console of a boat and is operated by an extensible and retractable power actuator. The present invention does not require a pre-existing console to install or operate the windshield. Also, unlike the Martin invention, the entire windshield and console apparatus may be stowed in a position that is relatively or substantially flat or parallel to a floor or other surface within a compartment and does not cause an obstruction when not in use. 
   Thus, there is a need for a device that affords windshield and console protection to occupants of a vehicle in a manner which allows the device to be quickly and easily operated and stowed in the same location without creating an obstruction. There is also a need for the windshield in such an apparatus to be protected from exposure and other damage when stowed. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the invention is to provide protection for vehicle occupants from conditions due to weather or operation of speed during travel, such as wind or water spray. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a windshield and console that may be conveniently and quickly employed when needed and safely and conveniently stowed away in the same location when not needed. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to use and stow a windshield and console apparatus in a manner that does not obstruct the movement of vehicle occupants. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a retractable windshield and collapsible console to protect the windshield from exposure and other damage when not in use. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable windshield and collapsible console that is selectively portable. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable windshield and collapsible console that may be utilized by persons to provide protection from wind and/or exposure to environmental or weather conditions. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable windshield and collapsible console that may be used with or retrofitted on existing vehicles. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable windshield and collapsible console that may be installed in vehicles during the manufacturing process. 
   Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, drawings and claims. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A retractable windshield and collapsible console apparatus can be used for protection from wind, weather and/or environmental conditions, particularly on vehicles to provide windshield and console protection for vehicle occupants. Preferably, the apparatus is used with a boat. 
   The apparatus comprises a retractable windshield device, a windshield housing console, and a console base. When windshield protection is needed, the device is deployed from a stowed position, which is on top of and relatively or substantially flat, horizontal or parallel to the floor or deck of a vehicle or other surface by telescopically raising the windshield housing console from the console base. The windshield is then raised from a retracted position within the windshield housing console. When not needed or not in use, the device may be stowed by retracting the windshield into the windshield housing console and returning the windshield housing console to its original position and location on the floor or deck of the vehicle or other surface. The present invention may or may not be secured to a surface, may be used alone or with a vehicle, may be installed on a surface or in a compartment of a vehicle and may be retrofitted for pre-existing vehicles or into vehicles during the manufacturing process. 
   The present invention may be quickly and easily installed, operated, used, collapsed and stowed. The windshield and console apparatus allows greater freedom of movement about the vehicle when not in use. The present invention also allows greater freedom of movement when installed and in use because it does not surround occupants, allowing occupants to move around the apparatus positioned in front of them. The present invention may be conveniently and safely stowed in the same location in which it is used. Occupants may move freely about the vehicle because the present invention does not create an obstruction when not in use and stowed. In addition, the apparatus becomes a housing for the windshield when not in use, protecting the windshield from exposure and other damage. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A referred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in an upright deployed position; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in transition between deployed and stowed positions in which the windshield has been pushed down or retracted into a windshield housing console. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in transition between deployed and stowed positions in which the windshield housing console has been pushed down towards the console base; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a stowed position; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a retracted, collapsed and stowed position; 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a deployed, upright position; 
       FIG. 7  is a section view of the hinge and connection between the windshield housing console and a base of the retractable windshield and collapsible console, taken along section line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a section view of the windshield housing console of the retractable windshield and collapsible console, taken along section line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a deployed, upright position; 
       FIG. 10  is a rear elevation view of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a deployed, upright position; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the lower connection between the hydraulic lift device and the windshield and windshield housing console of the retractable windshield and collapsible console, taken along section line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the upper connection of the retractable windshield guide device between the windshield and windshield housing console of the retractable windshield and collapsible console, taken along section line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the inner guide channel of the retractable windshield guide device, taken along section line  13 — 13  of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in an upright deployed position; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14  in transition between upright and stowed positions in which the windshield has been retracted into a windshield housing console, with the supporting wings folded inward to enable the apparatus to be lowered down to the floor; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14  in a stowed position; 
       FIG. 17  is a top view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of Section  18 — 18  of  FIG. 17 , illustrating the connection of to the hinge to the windshield housing console and supporting device; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a stowed position within a vehicle floor or deck; 
       FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 19 , taken along section line  20 — 20  of  FIG. 19 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console installed into a vehicle floor or deck, shown in a deployed, upright position; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the third alternate embodiment of  FIG. 21  in a stowed position; 
       FIG. 23  is a broken away side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 22  in a deployed upright position; 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the windshield and console of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 22  in a semi stowed position 
       FIG. 25  is a side view of the windshield and console of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 21  in a stowed position; and 
       FIG. 26  is a partial section view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 22 , take along section line  26 — 26  of  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in an upright deployed position; 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in a lowered position in transition between an upright and stowed position; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in a stowed position with the compartment door open; 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in a stowed position with the compartment door moved towards a closed position; 
       FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the windshield housing console compartment or console base of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27 ; 
       FIG. 32  is a broken away side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in a deployed, upright position; 
       FIG. 33  is a broken away side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in transformation between upright and stowed positions; 
       FIG. 34  is a broken away side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  in a stowed position; 
       FIG. 35  is an enlarged perspective view of the pin connection between the windshield housing console and the housing console compartment or console base of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27 ; 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the retractable windshield and collapsible console in a deployed, upright position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments shown in the drawings will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
   In general, and as described below, the present invention may be used with pre-existing vehicles with or without securing the apparatus to the vehicle, retrofitted into pre-existing boats or may be installed into vehicles during the manufacturing process. The apparatus may be placed on or secured to a floor or other surface, within a floor or other surface, within a compartment of a vehicle anywhere an occupant may require windshield and/or console protection, or elsewhere in a vehicle. The apparatus may be used and stowed in the same location on, in or above a vehicle floor or other surface. When stowed, the present invention is substantially flat or parallel with the floor, other surface or console base of the apparatus and causes little or no obstruction to vehicle occupants. The apparatus may also be portable and used alone, apart from a vehicle, to protect a user from windspray or other environmental conditions. In the stowed position, the portable embodiment of the apparatus may also be used as a footrest, tabletop or other useful flat surface. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention  10  in a deployed position is shown. The invention  10  comprises a windshield housing console  50 , a console base  200 , a retractable windshield device  100 , and a supporting device  250 , which also acts as a deployment device. 
   The windshield housing console  50  is pivotally connected to the console base  200  via a console securing device  210 . The console securing device  210  is illustrated representatively as a piano hinge suitably secured to the console base  200  and to the windshield housing console  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the retractable windshield device  100  rests in a raised or deployed position within the windshield housing console  50 . The retractable windshield device  100  comprises a windshield  110 , a windshield frame  120 , and a retractable windshield guide device  141 . The windshield  110  may be made of any suitable material, and is preferably made of a durable, clear material, such as Lexan®. 
   The windshield housing console  50  preferably further comprises a windshield housing console frame  60 . The windshield housing console  50  and windshield housing console frame  60  are preferably and illustrated representatively as a single piece of suitably material, preferably aluminum, formed to accommodate the retractable windshield device  100 . The windshield housing console frame  60  comprises a single piece of material, preferably aluminum metal, with two ninety degree bends on each side, to accommodate the retractable windshield device, and one ninety degree bend on the bottom of the console to accommodate the console base securing device. The side and bottom bends or frame members of the console frame  60  may be formed into a channel to accommodate the retractable windshield device  100 . 
   The windshield housing console  50  is made of a durable material which can withstand being walked upon and is resistant to damage. The windshield housing console  50  may be made of any material, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. Alternatively, the windshield housing console  50  may be made of a sturdy clear material, suitably connected to the retractable windshield device  100 . Where the windshield housing console  50  is made of a clear material, the windshield housing console  50  may or may not be used with an accompanying retractable windshield. Although the windshield housing console  50  and console frame  60  is illustrated representatively as a single formed piece preferably made from metal, such as aluminum, the windshield housing console and windshield housing console frame  60  may be of any suitable shape, form, design or material. The console may also be covered with a material such as fabric, for example carpet fabric. 
   The deployment and supporting device  250  is illustrated representatively as a pair of hydraulic cylinders, each suitably secured to the console base  200  via a deployment base securing device  265 , illustrated representatively as a mounting bracket and screw assembly, and to the windshield frame  120  via a windshield frame securing device  266 . Alternatively, the supporting device  250  may be one hydraulic cylinder suitably connected to the windshield housing console  50 , or may be any supporting device, as required by the user. 
   Preferably, the supporting and deployment device  250  further comprise a retaining device  260 . The retaining device  260  is illustrated representatively a strap or pair of straps, preferably made of nylon, connecting the console base  200  to the windshield housing console  50 . The retaining device  260  is secured to the console base via a lower retaining securing device, illustrated representatively as connecting the lower end of the retaining device under the console base securing device  265 . The retaining device  260  is secured at its upper end to the windshield housing console  50  via an upper retaining securing device  269 , such as a rivet. 
   As part of windshield device  100 , the windshield guide device  141  is connected to the windshield  110  and allows the windshield  110  and windshield frame  120  to slide upward or downward along a channel or guide  142  (not shown), within the windshield housing console frame  60 , as described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 10–13 . 
   The present invention is deployed by raising or pivoting the windshield housing console  50  from its stowed position substantially flat with the console base  200 , floor or other surface, to a substantially vertical position as illustrated. The present invention may also be raised to any angled position, as desired by the user or manufacturer. The windshield device  100  is raised by, for example, pulling upward on the upper edge of the windshield  110  which is attached to guide device  141  which slides upward along guide channel  142  which is secured to item  60  of device  50 . The upward travel of device  100  actuates the deployment and supporting device  250 . The deployment and supporting device  250  deploys the windshield device  100  after it is pulled upward from a retracted position and supports the windshield  110  and console  50  in the deployed position. The retaining device  260  prevents the deployment and supporting device  250  from extending the console  50  forward past a substantially vertical position or any desired position. The windshield  110  and console  50  are stowed by retracting the windshield  110  into its position within the windshield housing console  50 , for example, by pushing the windshield  110 , guide device  141  and supporting device  250  downward to a retracted position and releasing the console  50  downward into a resting position on the console base  200  or floor or other surface. 
   The apparatus  10  may or may not be secured to a vehicle. Where the apparatus  10  is installed on and secured to a floor or other surface, the console base  200  may be of any material required by the manufacturer or user. The console  50  may also be directly secured to a floor or other surface of a vehicle, including, for example, a console base  200  in the form of a floor or other surface of a vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for a separate console base  200 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the invention  10  in transition between a deployed and stowed position is shown. The windshield  110  has been retracted into the windshield housing console  50 , and the console  50  is ready to be released or folded downward toward the console base  200 . When the retracted windshield device  100  and console  50  are pushed down towards the console base  200  the retaining device  260  and supporting and deployment device  250  are disengaged. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the invention  10  is shown in transition between a deployed and stowed position. The windshield housing console  50  has been released down towards the console base  200 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the invention  10  in a stowed position is shown. The windshield housing console  50  has been released down to a position which is substantially flat or parallel with the console base  200  or floor of a vehicle or other surface. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a side elevation view of the present invention  10  in a stowed position is shown. The windshield housing console  50  is substantially flat or parallel with the console base  200  or floor of a vehicle or other surface. The console base securing device  210 , illustrated representatively as a hinge, is also shown. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , a front elevation view of the present invention  10  is shown illustrating the windshield housing console  50  and retractable windshield  110 , and identifying sections  7 — 7  and  8 — 8 . 
     FIG. 7  is a section view of section  7 — 7  of  FIG. 6  wherein the windshield housing console  50  is pivotally connected to the console base  200  by a console securing device  210 , illustrated representatively as a piano hinge secured to the console base  200  with any suitable fastener  220 , such as a screw, and to the windshield housing console  50  with any suitable fastener  230 , such as a rivet. Although illustrated representatively as a piano hinge, screw and rivet assembly, the console securing device  210  may take any shape, design, form or material, as is known in the art, and may vary according to the preference of the user or manufacturer. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , a section view of section  8 — 8  of  FIG. 6  is shown, wherein the windshield housing console  50  is illustrated representatively as a single piece of material, which is bent at approximately ninety degree angles twice on each side, as shown, forming a frame for the retractable windshield device  100 . The windshield housing console  50  may be made of metal, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. The windshield housing console  50  accommodates the retractable windshield device  100  to protect the retractable windshield device  100  from damage from above and/or the sides. The windshield housing console  50  also protects the retractable windshield device from damage due to contact with the floor or deck by holding the retractable windshield device  100  up off the  20  floor or deck. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , the present invention  10  is shown from a side elevation view. The supporting and deployment device  250  is connected at one end to the windshield frame  120  (not shown) via a windshield frame securing device  266  and at the other end to the console base  200  via a deployment base securing device  265  (see  FIG. 1 ), illustrated representatively as a bracket and screw assembly. The retaining device  260 , represented illustratively as a pair of nylon straps  260 , one on each side of the windshield housing console  50 , is connected to the console base  200  at one end via a lower retaining securing device, illustrated representatively as the deployment base securing device  265 , and at the other end to the windshield housing console  50  via an upper retaining securing device  269 , illustrated representatively as a rivet. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , a rear elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention  10  is shown, illustrating the windshield housing console and retractable windshield device in an upright, deployed position, and identifying sections  11 — 11 ,  12 — 12  and  13 — 13 . The retractable windshield device  100  comprises a windshield  110  and a windshield frame  120 . The windshield frame  120  is represented illustratively as a channel surrounding the windshield on the bottom and side edges. The windshield  110  is inserted into the channel formed by windshield frame  120  and is suitably secured to the windshield frame  120 , for example, by two screws on each side. The retractable windshield device  100  further comprises a windshield guide device  141 . The retractable windshield guide device  141  is illustrated representatively as comprising an outer tube wall  144 , a guide channel  142 , upper and lower spacers  145  and  147  a stud  148  and lower fastener  146  (See  FIG. 11 ). The connection between the windshield frame and the outer tube fall may be accomplished by welding or other known methods. The outer tube wall  144  may be formed from aluminum, other metal or other suitable material. 
     FIG. 11  is a section view of Section  11 — 11 , of  FIG. 10 , taken at the connection point of the supporting and deployment device  250  and the retractable windshield device  100 , illustrating the connections, fit and interaction of the windshield housing console  50 , the retractable windshield device  100 , the retractable windshield guide device  141 , and the supporting and deployment device  250 . The supporting and deployment device  250  is attached to stud  148 . Stud  148  is also the fastener for the lower channel guide  145  of the retractable windshield guide device  141 . The inner channel  142  acts as a guide rail for the movement of outer tube wall  144 , which surrounds the inner channel  142 . The windshield inner channel  142  may be formed of steel, other metal or other suitable material. The inner channel  142  is connected to the console frame  60 , preferably through a hole near the top and bottom of the inner channel  142  and through the console frame  60  via a securing device, such as a flat head rivet  82  and spacer  84  (see  FIG. 13 ). The arrangement of the inner channel  142  and console frame  60  is designed such that inner channel  142  is held out from console frame  60  by spacer  84  (see  FIG. 13 ) such that sufficient room is available for the outer tube  144  to slide up and down inner channel  142  when the windshield is being deployed or retracted by the action of the deployment device  250  on windshield frame  120 . Upper and lower rail guide devices, described below, are used to facilitate this movement. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the windshield guide device  141  further comprises a lower rail guide device  140  used to guide the windshield  110  as it slides upward or downward along the inner channel  142 . The lower rail guide device  140  comprises a spacer  145 , preferably a neoprene spacer, that moves within the inner channel  142 , and which is fitted to accept a securing device  148 , illustrated representatively as a stud or tapered head bolt  149 , a nut  150  and a locking nut  151 . The securing device  148  connects spacer  145 , outer tube  144 , and the deployment and supporting device  250 . The hydraulic cylinder  250  is illustrated representatively as having a common fitting at one end which slides over locking nut  151  and stud  148  and locks into position as shown in  FIG. 11 . It should be understood that both hydraulic cylinders are attached in this manner. 
     FIG. 12  is a section view of section  12 — 12  of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the interaction and fit of the windshield housing console  50 , the retractable windshield device  100 , and the retractable windshield guide, device  141  at the location of the upper portion of the windshield device  141 . The upper guide device  130  is represented illustratively as a spacer  147  and a securing device  146 , represented illustratively as a screw and nut. The upper spacer  147  moves or rides inside the inner channel  142 , and is connected to outer tube  144  via securing device  146 . The spacers  145 ,  147  may be replaced as needed due to wear. Although the spacers  145  and  147  are preferably neoprene spacers, the spacers may be of any suitable design, shape or material. 
     FIG. 13  is a section view of section  13 — 13  of  FIG. 10  illustrating a windshield stopping device  80 , comprising the spacer  84  and rivet  82  as well as the connection of guide channel  142  to the windshield housing console frame  60 . The inner channel  142  is connected to the windshield housing console frame  60  at each upper and lower end via a securing device  125 , illustrated representatively as a spacer  84  and a rivet  82 . As the windshield is raised, the outer tube  144  (not shown) slides upward on inner channel  142  until outer tube  144  comes into contact with upper spacer  84 , halting the upward movement. The windshield  110  is retracted by sliding or lowering outer tube  144 , and consequently windshield frame  120  and windshield  110 , to a lower spacer (not shown), at the bottom end connection of the inner channel  142  and console frame  60 . The height of the windshield may be made adjustable, for example by providing an adjustable stop set screw to inner channel  142  to stop the upward or downward motion of the windshield frame  120  at a desired position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 14 , a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention  10   a  is shown in which the retractable windshield and collapsible console may be placed on a vehicle floor or other surface. The alternate embodiment of the present invention  10   a  comprises a windshield housing console  50   a , a retractable windshield device  100   a , a supporting device  250   a , and a console base  200   a.    
   The first alternate embodiment is similar to the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1–13 , with the exception that the retractable windshield device  100   a , windshield frame  120   a  and supporting device  250   a  differ, as described below. 
   The supporting device  250   a , represented illustratively as a pair of legs or wings which fold inward to and outward from the console  50   a , is adjustably connected to windshield housing console frame  60   a  via a console securing device  210   a . Although the supporting device  250   a  is illustrated in  FIG. 14  as comprising a pair of support legs, a single support leg suitably secured to the windshield housing console, or any suitable support device, may be used, as required by the user. 
   The retractable windshield  110   a  is shown in  FIG. 14  in a raised or deployed position within the windshield housing console  50   a . The retractable windshield device  100   a  comprises a windshield  110   a , a windshield slide channel frame assembly  120   a  and a windshield locking device  130   a . The windshield may be made of any suitable material, and is preferably made of a durable, clear material, such as Lexan®. The windshield is illustrated representatively as a single piece of windshield material which slides up and down inside of windshield side frame members  121   a  and  122   a . The windshield locking device  130   a  is illustrated representatively as a windshield lock block  135   a  secured to the retractable windshield  110   a , which engages a second lock block  136   a  suitably affixed to the windshield housing console  50   a . Although illustrated representatively as a pair of lock blocks, with one of each suitably affixed to either the windshield or console, the windshield locking device may of any suitable design, shape or form. The windshield locking device may also be adjustable, for example through the use of lock blocks at varying positions. 
   The first alternate embodiment of the present invention  10   a  may be deployed by raising the windshield housing console  50   a  from its stowed position relative to the console base  200   a  (see  FIG. 16 ). Console  50   a  is pivoted up and away from base  200   a . The supporting device  250   a  is employed, for example by folding the wings or legs outward from the windshield housing console  50   a  to a position at rest atop the console base  200   a . The windshield  110   a  is raised and locked into position by engaging the windshield lock block  135   a  and the windshield housing console lock block  136   a , which may be accomplished by pulling outward on the bottom edge of the windshield  110   a  until the windshield block  135   a  passes over and engages the console lock block  140   a.    
   The first alternate embodiment of the invention  10   a  may be stowed by retracting the windshield  110   a  into a lowered position within the windshield housing console  50   a  by pulling outward on the lower portion of the windshield  110   a , near the windshield locking block  135   a  to disengage the abutment of the lock blocks  135   a ,  136   a , allowing the lock blocks  135   a ,  136   a  to pass over one another and retracting the windshield  110   a  into the windshield housing console  50   a . The supporting device  250   a  is disengaged by folding in the legs  250   a . The windshield housing console  50   a  may then be lowered downward to a location substantially flat or parallel with the console base  200   a , a floor or other surface. 
   Similar to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1–13 , the first alternate embodiment of the invention  10   a  may be positioned on or above a floor of a vehicle or other surface as desired by the user or manufacturer, and may or may not be secured to or installed on the vehicle. The preferred embodiment may be used and stowed in the same location. The first alternate embodiment may also be portable. 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14  is shown in transition between a deployed and a stowed position. The windshield locking device  130   a  has been disengaged and windshield  110   a  has been retracted into the windshield housing console  50   a . The supporting device  250   a  has been disengaged, represented illustratively as a pair of legs or wings, folded inward to a position which is substantially parallel or flat relative to the windshield housing console  50   a  via the supporting securing device  151   a . The windshield housing console  50   a  can then be pushed or lowered down about pivot console securing device  210   a  toward the console base  200   a  to a stowed position which is substantially flat or parallel with a floor of the vehicle or other surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 17 , a top view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14  is shown. The windshield  110   a , windshield frame  120   a , windshield housing console  50   a , supporting device  250   a  (folded outward from the windshield housing console  50   a ) and supporting securing device  151   a  are shown. The windshield frame  120   a  comprises two side members  121   a ,  122   a , secured to the windshield housing console frame  60   a , which retain the windshield  110   a  as it slides up and down from a retracted position to a deployed position and back. When the windshield  110   a  is raised, it slides inside each side frame member  121   a ,  122   a  until the windshield locking device (see  FIG. 14 ) is engaged. The supporting device  250   a  is secured to the windshield housing console frame  60   a  via a supporting securing device  151   a , illustrated representatively as a hinge. 
   Referring to  FIG. 18 , an enlarged view of Section B—B of  FIG. 17  is shown. The windshield frame members  121   a ,  122   a  of the windshield frame  120   a  are secured to the windshield housing console frame  60   a  via a windshield frame securing device  123   a , represented illustratively as two pairs of flat head rivets on each side of the windshield housing console frame  60   a . The supporting device  250   a  is secured to the windshield housing console frame  60   a  via a supporting securing device  151   a , represented illustratively as a hinge connected to the windshield housing console frame  60   a  by two pairs of flat head rivets near the top and the bottom. 
   Referring to  FIG. 19 , a second alternate embodiment  10   b  of the present invention is shown in which the retractable windshield and collapsible console  50   b  is stowed in a console base compartment  204   b  compartment substantially within the same plane as the floor or deck of the vehicle or other surface. The second alternate embodiment  10   b  is similar to the preferred and first alternate embodiments, with the exceptions described below. 
   Referring to  FIG. 20 , a section view of Section  20 — 20  of  FIG. 19 , the console base  200   b  comprises a console base compartment  204   b  windshield housing console retainer  201   b  positioned in the compartment  204   b , illustrated representatively as a “z” shaped channel, preferably of aluminum metal, used to retain the windshield housing console in a stowed position. The housing console retainer  201   b  acts as a resting point and/or connection point for the supporting device  250   b  (not shown), such as the hydraulic lifts of  FIG. 1  and the supporting wings of  FIG. 14 . Alternatively, the console base  200   b  may be, for example, a separate base placed on top of or secured to the floor compartment as described above or may be the floor of the compartment alone. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 21 through 26  a third alternate embodiment of the present invention,  10   c , is shown. Referring to  FIG. 21 , a perspective view of the third embodiment is shown with the windshield in the deployed upright position. The apparatus  10   c  may be installed into a compartment in a floor or raised floor or deck of a vehicle or other surface, and comprises a retractable windshield device  100   c , a windshield housing console  50   c , and a console base  200   c . The retractable windshield device  100   c  and windshield housing console  50   c  are similar to those described in the first alternate embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
   The console base  200   c  further comprises a console base securing device  210   c , a console base compartment  204   c , a console base compartment door  300   c , and a console base compartment door securing device  310   c . The windshield housing console  50   c  further comprises at least one support connection  320   c . The console base securing device  210   c  comprises a connecting and pivot device  242   c , connecting the windshield housing console  50   c  on each side to the console base compartment  204   c  (best seen in  FIGS. 23–26 ). Alternatively, the console base securing device  210   c  may be similar to that described in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 14 , illustrated representatively as a hinge. The compartment door  300   c  acts as a supporting device for the windshield housing console  50   c  when the apparatus is in the deployed position. The retractable windshield device  100   c  is similar to those described in the first alternate embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 14–17  with the exception of the supporting device, as described below. 
   The apparatus is deployed from a stowed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , by raising the compartment door  300   c  via the console base compartment door securing device  310   c , and then pivoting and raising the windshield housing console  50   c  and retractable windshield device  100   c  from within the console base compartment  204   c  via the console base securing device  210   c . The compartment door  300   c  is then lowered down toward the console base  200   c  until it meets and rests upon the support connection  320   c  on the windshield housing console  50   c.    
   Referring to  FIG. 22 , a perspective view of the embodiment  10   c  is shown in a stowed position, with the compartment door  300   c  closed. 
   Referring to  FIG. 23 , a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 22  is shown in a deployed position. The embodiment  10   c  is shown with windshield  110   c  extended from the console  50   c , the console  50   c  raised from the console base compartment  204   c  and connected to and supported by the console compartment door  300   c . The console compartment door  300   c  is also connected to the console base compartment  204   c  via a compartment door securing device  310   c , illustrated representatively as a hinge. The support connection  320   c  is illustrated representatively as a hook, preferably a threaded rod, secured to the windshield housing console  50   c . The support connection  320   c  engages a support connection device adapter  330   c  on the compartment door  300   c , illustrated representatively as a hole into which the support connection device  320   c  fits. The console base securing device  210   c  is illustrated representatively as a pivot pin and bracket assembly on each side of the console connecting the console to the compartment  204   c.    
   Referring to  FIG. 24 , a perspective view of the console base securing device  210   c  of the embodiment in  FIG. 22  is shown. The console base securing device  210   c  is illustrated representatively as comprising a pivot pin and bracket assembly, with the pins secured to the console and fitting within the brackets attached to the console base compartment  204   c.    
   Referring to  FIG. 25 , a side view of the retractable windshield device  100   c  in an extended position is shown and identifying Section  26 — 26 . The windshield  110   c  is extended from the console  50   c , and the connections between the support connection device  320   c  and the console  50   c  and between the console  50   c  and the pivot pin  210   c  are shown. 
   Referring to  FIG. 26 , a section view of Section  26 — 26  of  FIG. 25  is shown, illustrating the console securing device pivot pin  210   c  and the support connection  320   c . The console  50   c  is secured to the compartment via a securing device  210   c , illustrated representatively as a pivot pin attached to each side of the console frame  60 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 27 , a fourth alternate embodiment  10   d  of the present invention is shown in a deployed position in which the present invention is installed into a compartment in a vehicle, such as a raised deck, or elsewhere. The embodiment  10   d  comprises a console base  200   d , a windshield housing console  50   d  and a retractable windshield device  10   d . The retractable windshield device  100   d , windshield housing console  50   d  and console frame  60   d  are similar to those described in  FIG. 14 . 
   The console base  200   d  further comprises a console base compartment  204   d , a console base track assembly  201   d  (best seen in  FIGS. 31–34 ) secured to the compartment  204   d , a compartment door  300   d , a compartment door track assembly  202   d  (best seen in  FIGS. 31–34 ), and a compartment door securing device  310   d  connecting the compartment door  300   d  to the compartment door track assembly  202   d . The console frame  60   d  further comprises a console base track securing device  203   d  adjustably connecting the console frame  60   d  to the console base track assembly  201   d . The console base track assembly  201   d  further comprises an upper track  208   d  and a lower track  209   d  (shown in  FIGS. 31–34 ), which guide the console  50   d  as it is moved from deployed and stowed positions. The upper and lower tracks  208 ,  209   d  are suitably designed to retain and support the console  50   d  in deployed and stowed positions and to allow the console  50   d  to pivot in transition between deployed and stowed positions. 
   The apparatus  10   d  is deployed by opening the compartment door  300   d , pivoting and pushing the compartment door  300   d  back via the compartment door track assembly  202   d , pulling the console  50   d  forward via the console base track assembly  201   d , and pivoting the console  50   d  upward until the console base track assembly  201   d  locks and supports the console  50   d  in a deployed position, and raising the windshield  110   d  into a raised position by engaging the windshield locking device  130   d . The apparatus is stowed by disengaging the windshield locking device  130   d , lowering the windshield  110   d  into a retracted position within the console  50   d , pivoting the console  50   d  downward, and pushing the console  50   d  up and back along the console base track assembly  201   d . The compartment door  300   d  is closed by pulling outward on the compartment door  300   d  and pivoting the compartment door  300   d  upwards into a closed position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 28 , a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown in transition between a deployed position and a stowed position in which the console  50   d  and windshield  110   d  have been lowered into the compartment  204   d  via the console base track assembly  201   d.    
   Referring to  FIG. 29 , a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown in a stowed position with the compartment door  300   d  open. 
   Referring to  FIG. 30 , a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown is shown in a stowed position with the compartment door  300   d  in transition between an open and a closed position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 31 , a front perspective view of the console base track assembly  201   d  and compartment door track assembly  202   d  of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown. As illustrated representatively in  FIG. 31 , the console base  200   d  comprises a compartment  204   d , preferably made of aluminum metal, an upper console track  208   d , a lower console track  209   d , and a compartment door track assembly  202   d . The compartment  204   d  is illustrated representatively as a five-sided box secured by screws along a screw flange which runs around the perimeter of the compartment  204   d . The upper and lower console tracks  208   d ,  209   d  each comprise a pair of tracks along each side of the compartment. The upper track  208   d  further comprises a track stop device  207   d , illustrated representatively as a pair of stop track stop screws. The upper and lower track assemblies  208   d ,  209   d  are illustrated representatively as further comprising a branching channel  219   d , allowing the apparatus to pivot and securing the apparatus in a deployed position, as described below. 
   Referring to  FIG. 32 , a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown in a deployed position. The console track securing device  203   d  is illustrated as a lower securing device  212   d  and an upper device  214   d , each comprising a pair of pins connected to each side of the windshield housing console frame  60   d  by using a pin attachment device  216   d . The upper track assembly further comprises a pin attachment device  216   d , illustrated representatively as a bracket, connecting the pair of pins  214   d  to housing console frame  60   d . The upper securing device  214   d  is slidably connected to the upper console base track assembly  208   d  and the lower securing device  212   d  is slidably connected to the lower console base track assembly  209   d.    
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 32–34 , the console  50   d  is raised from a stowed position within the compartment by pulling the console  50   d  forward along the upper track  208   d  and lower track  209   d  (and branching channel) on each side of the compartment and then pivoting and securing the console  50   d  via the track securing devices  212   d ,  214   d  connecting the console  50   d  to the upper and lower tracks  208   d ,  209   d.    
   Referring to  FIG. 33 , a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown in transition between a deployed and stowed position, with the console  50   d  being lowered from the deployed position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 34 , a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  is shown in transition between a deployed and stowed position. The console  50   d  has been pushed into a stowed position and the compartment door  300   d  is in transition between closed an open position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 35 , an enlarged perspective view of a position of the windshield housing console  50   d  and console frame  60   d  are shown, illustrating the console securing device  203   d . The upper track securing device is illustrated representatively as a pin  214   d  and bracket  216   d  assembly secured to the console frame  60   d  and the lower track securing device is illustrated representatively as a pin  212   d  secured to the console frame  60   d.    
   Referring to  FIG. 36 , a perspective view is shown of a fifth alternate embodiment  10   e  of the present invention in which the invention may be installed into a drawer compartment within the vehicle. The fifth embodiment is similar to the embodiments in  FIGS. 1 and 14 , with the exceptions described below. Although illustrated representatively as comprising the same deployment/supporting device and retractable windshield device as  FIG. 1 , the embodiment of  FIG. 14  may also be used. 
   The embodiment  10   e  comprises a windshield housing console  50   e , a console base  200   e , a console base drawer compartment  204   e , a retractable windshield device  100   e , and a deployment device  250   e . The console base  200   e  comprises a console base drawer  206   e , a console base drawer sliding device  209   e , and a console securing device  210   e . The console base securing device  210   e  is similar to the console securing device used in  FIG. 1 , illustrated representatively as a hinge. 
   The console base drawer  206   e  further comprises two transverse members  201   e , a front drawer cross member  203   e , a rear drawer member  205   e  and a console base floor  208   e . The console base  200   e  is secured on each side to the drawer sliding device  209   e . The console base drawer sliding device  209   e  is illustrated representatively as further comprising a drawer track connection point  213   e  on each side of the drawer compartment  204   e  and a pair of drawer tracks  214   e  connected to the console base  200   e.    
   To deploy the apparatus, the drawer or console base  200   e  is pulled outward from the drawer compartment  204   e  via the console base drawer sliding device  209   e , the windshield housing console  50   e  and retractable windshield device are raised from the console base  200   e  via the deployment device  250   e . A retaining device  260   e  such as that described in  FIG. 1  may also be used to halt forward movement of the console  50   e . The apparatus may be stowed by lowering the windshield device  100   e  and console  50   e  to a position substantially flat with the console base  200   e , and pushing the drawer  206   e  in along the drawer sliding device  209   e.    
   Although illustrated representatively in  FIGS. 1–37 , the windshield locking device, windshield housing console and console frame, retractable windshield device, console base, supporting and/or deployment device and the manner in which they are connected may vary, and may be of any design, shape, form or material, and as required by the user or manufacturer or the particular vehicle configuration. Additionally, the supporting device and windshield locking device may each be adjustable, allowing the user to raise each of the retractable windshield device and the windshield housing console to a desired position. 
   It is to be understood that the embodiment(s) herein described is/are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope from the claims which follow.