Abstract:
A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane is selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. An intermediate window pane is arranged between the first and second window panes and is movable between an upright position wherein the first, second and intermediate window panes collectively define a transparent barrier at the window frame and a collapsed position wherein the intermediate window pane is moved to a position alongside the second window pane thereby defining a passage at the window frame between the first and second window panes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to golf cars and more specifically to a front windshield assembly for a golf car. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Golf cars provide transportation for golfers around a golf course. In addition, a golf car must also securely carry a golf bag in a location for convenient access throughout a round of golf. Many golf cars are equipped with a front windshield assembly for providing a transparent barrier to the passengers of the golf car. A front windshield can protect the passengers from weather, debris, and other objects such as insects and golf balls, for example. In one arrangement, a front windshield assembly is attached between a pair of upwardly extending struts arranged on a front end of the golf car. The struts define a window frame and typically connect with a roof structure of the golf car. In other arrangements, the window frame may be free standing at an upper end. 
   Some windshield assemblies on golf cars provide a two-part collapsible window pane arrangement. Typically, a pair of window panes may include an upper pane and a lower pane. The upper and lower panes may be arranged one on top of the other in a vertical orientation. In one arrangement, a flexible coupling member may connect the upper and lower pane together. In such an arrangement, the upper pane may be movable from an upright position to a collapsed position. In a collapsed position, the upper pane may pivot about the flexible coupling member to a position alongside the lower pane. As a result, a passage is formed through the window frame for air to freely pass. 
   While the dual window pane arrangement provides convenient functionality to the golf car passengers, it may present disadvantages to some passengers. For example, the transition between the upper and lower window panes, such as at the flexible coupling member, may be in the sight line of some passengers. As a result, the forward vision of some passengers may be partially impeded. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a front windshield assembly providing the favorable functionality benefits of a dual pane arrangement while overcoming potential visual impairments. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane is selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. An intermediate window pane is arranged between the first and second window panes and is movable between an upright position wherein the first, second and intermediate window panes collectively define a transparent barrier at the window frame and a collapsed position wherein the intermediate window pane is moved to a position alongside the second window pane thereby defining a passage at the window frame between the first and second window panes. 
   According to various features, the first window pane is located on the window frame at a position above the intermediate and second window panes. A flexible member interconnects the intermediate and second window panes. A first pair of retaining members are arranged on the window frame. The first pair of retaining members are movable between a retaining position wherein the retaining members retain the intermediate window pane in the upright position and a release position wherein the retaining members are disengaged from the intermediate window pane. 
   A second pair of retaining members are arranged on the window frame and are adapted to retain the intermediate window pane in the collapsed position. 
   Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary golf car having a three pane windshield assembly according to the present teachings; 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the three pane windshield assembly of  FIG. 1  shown in an upright position; 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the three pane windshield assembly of  FIG. 2  shown in a collapsed position; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary golf car having a three pane windshield assembly according to some embodiments; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of the three pane windshield assembly of  FIG. 4  shown in an upright position; and 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of the three pane windshield assembly of  FIG. 5  shown in a collapsed position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
   With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , a three pane windshield assembly constructed in accordance to the present teachings is shown and identified generally at reference  10 . The three pane windshield assembly is illustrated operably connected to an exemplary golf car  12 . It is appreciated that the golf car  12  is merely exemplary and that the multiple pane windshield assembly  10  may be adapted for use with other golf car configurations. Furthermore, the multiple pane windshield assembly described herein is not limited for use with golf cars and may also be used with other vehicles such as, but not limited to, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and other turf care vehicles. 
   The golf car  12  generally includes a front end  16 , a rear end  20  having a golf bag storage area  22 , and a passenger seating area  24 . The passenger seating area  24  may include a steering wheel  26 , accelerator and brake pedals (not shown), a seat  30 , and a floor portion  32 . The golf car  12  further includes an overhead assembly  36 . The overhead assembly  36  generally includes a pair of front struts  38  supporting the three pane windshield assembly  10 . The overhead assembly  36  may be interconnected between the front end  16  of the golf car  12  and a roof portion  40 . A pair of rear struts  42  extend between the rear end  20  of the golf car  12  and the roof portion  40 . The overhead assembly  36  provides protection for the vehicle passengers from the sun, but in some embodiments can protect against weather, debris, and other objects. 
   The pair of front struts  38  collectively define a window frame  44 . A lower end  46  of the window frame  44  may be secured mechanically to the front end  16  of the golf car  12  such as by conventional fasteners  48 . An upper end  50  of the window frame  44  may likewise secure mechanically to the roof  40  of the golf car  12 . It is appreciated that alternatively, the front and rear struts  38  and  42 , respectively, may be integrally formed and collectively define an intermediate frame (not shown) extending along an underside of the roof  40 . Other fastening arrangements for the upper end  50  and the lower end  46  of the window frame  44  are also contemplated. The lower end  46  of the window frame  44  defines a curved portion for cooperating with the geometry of the front end  16  of the golf car  12 . The window frame  44  may be comprised of a rigid material such as metal or plastic. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1  and further reference to  FIG. 2 , the three pane windshield assembly  10  will be described in greater detail. The three pane windshield assembly  10  includes a first or upper window pane  54 , a second or lower window pane  56 , and a third or intermediate window pane  60 . The upper window pane  54  defines a planar section. The upper window pane  54  is secured to the window frame  44  and arranged adjacent to the roof portion  40 . In one example, the upper window pane  54  is secured to the window frame  44  by way of conventional fasteners  64 . Other fastening arrangements may be employed. The upper window pane  54  defines a top lateral edge  70 , a bottom lateral edge  72 , and a pair of side edges  74 . 
   The lower window pane  56  is secured to the window frame  44  and arranged adjacent to the front end. In one example, the lower window pane  56  is secured to the window frame  44  by way of conventional fasteners  78 , although other fastening arrangements are contemplated. The lower window pane  56  defines a top lateral edge  80 , a bottom lateral edge  82 , and a pair of side edges  84 . A lower portion  88  of the lower window pane  56  defines a curved section adapted to cooperate with the curved portion of the lower end  46  of the window frame  44 . It is appreciated that the bottom lateral edge  82  of the lower window pane  56  may alternatively terminate at the curved portion of the window frame. As a result, the lower pane may alternatively define a planar section. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the top lateral edge  80  defines a curved flange  92 . The curved flange  92  provides additional structural support to the lower window pane  56 . 
   The intermediate window pane  60  defines a planar section extending between the front struts  38 . The intermediate window pane  60  defines a first end  94 , a second end  96 , and opposite sides  98 . In an upright position ( FIG. 2 ), the intermediate window pane  60  is bordered on the first end  94  by the upper window pane  54  and bordered on the second end  96  by the lower window pane  56 . A flexible coupling member  100  operably connects the intermediate and lower window panes  60  and  56 , respectively. The flexible coupling member  100  is attached to the second end  96  of the intermediate window pane  60  and the top lateral edge  80  of the lower window pane  56 . The second end  96  of the intermediate window pane  60  defines a curved flange  104  ( FIG. 3 ). The curved flange  104  provides additional structural support to the intermediate window pane  60 . The curved flanges  92  and  104  each lie inboard of the front struts  38 . 
   As will be described, the flexible coupling member  100  is adapted to provide a pivot axis whereby the intermediate window pane  60  may be moved from the upright position ( FIG. 2 ) to a collapsed position ( FIG. 3 ). The flexible coupling member  100  may be made from a durable resilient material such as rubber. The flexible coupling member  100  may be attached to the intermediate and lower window panes  60  and  56 , respectively, by a press-fit, mechanical fasteners, or chemical bonding for example. 
   The three piece windshield assembly  10  is supported by the window frame  44 . More specifically, the window frame  44  collectively defines a pair of forward mounting surfaces  110 . The upper, lower, and intermediate window panes  54 ,  56 , and  60  are configured adjacent to forward mounting surfaces  110 . A first and second pair of retaining members  112  and  114 , respectively, are coupled to the window frame  44 . The first pair of retaining members  112  generally define a C-shaped body portion  122  including a forward hook portion  124  and a rearward hook portion  126 . The second pair of retaining members  114  generally define an M-shaped body portion  130  including a forward hook portion  132 , a rearward hook portion  134  and an intermediate finger portion  136 . The first and second pair of retaining members  112  and  114 , respectively, are operable to securely capture the intermediate window pane  60  at the upright position (retaining members  112 ,  FIG. 3 ) and the collapsed position (retaining members  114 ,  FIG. 4 ). 
   The first pair of retaining members  112  are arranged on the window frame  44  to align with an upper portion  138  of the intermediate window pane  60  in the upright position. More specifically, the forward hook portions  124  are aligned to capture the intermediate window pane  60  against the forward mounting surfaces  110  of the window frame  44  in the upright position ( FIG. 2 ). The second pair of retaining members  114  are arranged on the window frame  44  to align with the upper portion  138  of the intermediate window pane  60  in the collapsed position ( FIG. 3 ). More specifically, the forward hook portions  132  are aligned to capture the intermediate window pane  60  against the intermediate finger portion  136 . The first and second pair of retaining members  112  and  114 , respectively, may be made from flexible, resilient material such as, but not limited to rubber. 
   Movement of the intermediate window pane  60  from the upright position to the collapsed position will now be described in greater detail. At the outset, the first pair of retaining members  112  are pulled outwardly at the forward hook portions  124  to a position (represented in phantom line) allowing the intermediate window pane  60  to clear the first pair of retaining members  112 . Once the intermediate window pane  60  clears the first pair of retaining members  112 , they may be released to their relaxed position (represented in solid line). 
   Next, the intermediate window pane  60  rotates generally about the flexible coupling member  100  and is captured by the second pair of retaining members  114 . In one example, the second pair of retaining members  114  may be flexed outwardly (represented in phantom line) to accept the intermediate window pane  60  between the forward hook portions  132  and intermediate finger portions  136 . The second pair of retaining members  114  may then be released causing the intermediate window pane  60  to nest between the forward hook portions  132  and the intermediate finger portions  136  (represented in solid line). 
   Returning now to  FIG. 1 , the three pane windshield assembly  10  provides favorable viewing advantages. For example, as shown, a passenger P has a visibility range V through the intermediate window pane  60 , unimpeded by a window seam, window transition, or other barrier. Explained further, a vertical height H ( FIG. 2 ) defines a vertical viewing space. A centerline C defines a horizontal line through a midpoint of the height H. As shown, the respective transitions between adjacent windows  54 ,  56 , and  60  are offset from the centerline C for improved visibility. The upper window pane  54  may be coated with a reflective layer allowing the passenger P to view in a rearward direction R. In one example, the upper window pane  54  may be manufactured to allow both forward vision and rearward vision concurrently. Additionally, or alternatively, the upper window pane  54  may be tinted. In one example, each window pane  54 ,  56  and  60  may be made of durable plastic. 
   With reference now to  FIGS. 4-6 , a three pane windshield assembly  210  constructed according to additional features of the present invention will be described. For simplicity, similar features associated with the three pane windshield assembly  210  will include reference numerals increased by 200 from the three pane windshield assembly  10  described above. 
   The three pane windshield assembly  210  is illustrated operably connected to an exemplary golf car  212 . The golf car  212  generally includes a front end  216 , a rear end  220  having a golf bag storage area  222 , and a passenger cabin area  224 . Again, it is appreciated that the golf car  212  is merely exemplary and that the three pane windshield assembly  210  may be adapted for use with other golf car configurations. The golf car  212  includes an overhead assembly  236 . The overhead assembly  236  generally includes a pair of front struts  238  supporting the three pane windshield assembly  210 . 
   The pair of front struts  238  collectively define a window frame  244 . A lower end  246  of the window frame  244  may be secured mechanically to the golf car  212  such as by conventional fasteners  248 . An upper end  250  of the window frame  244  may likewise secure mechanically to the roof  240  of the golf car  212 . The lower end  246  of the window frame  244  defines a generally linear portion for cooperating with the geometry of the golf car  212 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 4  and further reference to  FIG. 5 , the three pane windshield assembly  210  will be described in greater detail. The three pane windshield assembly  210  includes a first or upper window pane  254 , a second or lower window pane  256  and a third or intermediate window pane  260 . The upper window pane  254  defines a pair of C-channel portions  255  integrally formed thereon. The C-channel portions  255  cooperate to form a friction fit around the upper portion of the window frame  244 . A gap  257  is defined between the C-channel portions  255  for accommodating a sign holder or other identifier (not specifically shown). The C-channel portions  255  are formed on a top lateral edge  270  of the upper window pane  254 . The upper window pane  254  further defines a bottom lateral edge  272  and a pair of side edges  274 . As shown, the bottom lateral edge  272  defines a curved section for increased stability. 
   The lower window pane  256  is secured to the window frame  244  by a pair of retaining members or windshield supports  275 . The windshield supports  275  are secured to the window frame  244  by fasteners such as push pins  277  to capture the lower window pane  256  against the window frame  244 . A pair of compliant hook portions  279  are arranged along a front face of each windshield support  275 . As will be described in detail, the hook members  279  are adapted to capture the intermediate window pane  260  in the collapsed position. The windshield supports  275  are symmetric and may be used on either side of the window frame  244 . The windshield supports  275  may comprise a durable lightweight material such as plastic for example. 
   The lower window pane  256  defines a top lateral edge  280  ( FIG. 5 ), a bottom lateral edge  282  and a pair of side edges  284 . A lower portion  288  of the lower window pane  256  defines a curved section for increased stability. Similarly, the top lateral edge  280  defines a curved flange  292 . 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 5 , the intermediate window pane  260  defines a planar section extending between the front struts  238 . The intermediate window pane defines a curved flange at a first end  294 , a second end  296  and opposite sides  298 . In an upright position ( FIG. 5 ), the intermediate window pane  260  is bordered on the first end  294  by the upper window pane  254  and bordered on the second end  296  by the lower window pane  256 . The opposite sides  298  define notch portions  299  for receiving the hook portions  279  in the collapsed position ( FIG. 6 ). A flexible coupling member  300  is attached to the second end  296  of the intermediate window pane  260  and the top lateral edge  280  of the lower window pane  56 . The second end  296  of the intermediate window pane  260  defines a curved flange  304 . The curved flanges  292 ,  294 , and  304  each lie inboard of the front struts  238 . 
   Movement of the intermediate window pane  260  from the upright position to the collapsed position will now be described in greater detail. At the outset, the retaining members  312  are pulled outwardly at the forward hook portions  324  to a position (represented in phantom line) allowing the intermediate window pane  260  to clear the retaining members  312 . 
   Next, the intermediate window pane  260  rotates generally about the flexible coupling member  300  and is captured by the hook portions  279 . In one example, the hook portions  279  may be flexed outwardly (represented in phantom line) to accept the intermediate window pane  260  at the notch portions  299 . In another example, the angled surfaces of the hook portions  279  may influence the hook portions  279  to bias outwardly upon pressing the intermediate window pane  260  therebetween. 
   Returning now to  FIG. 4 , the three pane windshield assembly  210  provides the favorable viewing advantages as described in relation to the there pane windshield assembly  10 . More specifically, a passenger P has a visibility range V through the intermediate window pane  260 . Furthermore, the upper window pane  254  may be coated with a reflective layer allowing the passenger P to view in a rearward direction R. In one example, each window pane  254 ,  256  and  260  may be made of durable plastic. 
   Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.