Abstract:
A windscreen assembly for a Corvette Convertible automobile that comprises a wind breaking mesh net configured to be fastened in the rear of the passenger cockpit of the vehicle and of equivalent height as the windshield. The wind breaking mesh net is to be positioned in an upright manner and attached to the vehicle with an adapter apparatus using adapters located on opposing sides of the vehicle. The adapters positioned in such a way as to allow for their temporary attachment to the vehicle sides when the top of the Corvette Convertible is down. The completed assembly gives a method for securing a removable wind breaking mesh net to the vehicle thereby reducing interior wind noise while driving and does not require any permanent alterations to the existing vehicle design.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/145,567, filed on Jul. 26, 1999, entitled “WIND SCREEN FOR CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to automobiles, and, in particular, concerns a windscreen to be detachably mounted behind the seats in the rear portion of the cockpit of a convertible Corvette automobile. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A problem that exists with the production of convertible automobiles is the high level of cockpit turbulence and noise present in the vehicle while driving. These problems are encountered when air passing over the front windshield of the vehicle creates a region of lowered pressure in the cockpit. The lowered pressure inside the cockpit and the higher pressure that exists in the area above the trunk space results in creating a current of air rushing in from the rear of the vehicle to the cockpit. 
     These rear-entering air currents create turbulence inside the cockpit and subject the occupants of the vehicle to conditions which may have a negative effect on their driving experience. Typically, a passenger is subjected to increased wind noise directly resulting from the turbulence. Excessive wind noise can be dangerous as it may render the driver with an impaired ability to hear other occupants of the vehicle as well as exterior noises such as emergency vehicle sirens. Turbulence is also responsible for an increase in wind chill inside the cockpit of the vehicle which can be uncomfortable for the vehicle occupants. Furthermore, cockpit turbulence can disrupt the hair styles and apparel of the occupants of the vehicle. A more significant consequence of turbulence may arise as loose items and papers within the cockpit may also be moved about violently and even hurled from the vehicle, endangering both the vehicle occupants and other drivers. 
     The annoying and potentially dangerous effects of in-cockpit turbulence in convertibles can be addressed using rear-mounted windscreens. Generally, windscreens are used to reduce rear-entering air into the cockpit. When in use, a windscreen reduces the amount of wind noise and turbulence encountered by vehicle occupants while driving. The presence of a windscreen significantly improves the safety of driving, pleasure, and comfort felt by the vehicle occupants. 
     A windscreen typically consists of an upright structure integrated into the rear portion of a convertible cockpit. The windscreen structure extends roughly to the same height as the front windshield of the vehicle and impedes the flow of rear-entering air into the vehicle. The presence of a windscreen results in an enclosed area surrounding the cockpit. The area of the cockpit is defined by the windshield in the front, passenger and driver windows on the sides, and the windscreen in the rear of the cockpit. 
     Such an enclosure attempts to reduce the effects of turbulence encountered by passengers. At the same time the windscreen must not impede a driver&#39;s ability to visualize objects in the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the general design of a windscreen typically falls in one of two categories. In one windscreen design, a transparent material such glass or screen material is used. In this design the driver is able to view objects to the rear of the vehicle directly through the windscreen. A second windscreen design leaves an open area which is not protected by the windscreen in the rear of the cockpit. In this design, there is a certain amount of turbulence still created in the cockpit and is typically not as efficient in reducing wind noise and turbulence as the aforementioned transparent design. 
     While the presence of a rear windscreen in a convertible aids in providing a safer, quieter and more comfortable zone inside the cockpit, it is also important to maintain the stylistic overall appearance of an open vehicle. Some convertible manufacturers choose to integrate windscreens into the factory designs of their vehicles. However, numerous convertible vehicles exist that do not have the benefit of any windscreen built into the original vehicle design. Convertible vehicle models, such as the Corvette manufactured by General Motors, do not come standard with any type of windscreen and no provisions are made for one to be added to the vehicle. This is a concern to many owners because there are currently few options in the way of adding a windscreen to the vehicle. 
     In order to add a windscreen to a vehicle such as the Corvette Convertible, significant modifications to the vehicle frame may have to be made in some cases to accommodate existing windscreen designs. This is a problem for many owners because the required modifications that allow for the attachment of a windscreen can raise significant issues. Owners may be hesitant to install a windscreen for example, because their use may require modifications to the vehicle, permanently altering the both the appearance and aesthetics of the vehicle. 
     In order to accommodate the use of a windscreen in a vehicle that does not have one built into the original design it is necessary in some cases to affix support structures for the windscreen to the vehicle itself. This may involve gluing the support structure in place or drilling holes in the frame of the vehicle to accommodate screws to attach the mounting structure or frame. These modifications are often considered undesirable. The complexity of installation of a windscreen is a task with which most owners are not comfortable with performing themselves. Furthermore, owners may also not want local mechanics to perform the installation in light of the potential expense of installation. There is also the potential to reduce the value of the vehicle should the windscreen installation be done improperly. As a result, concerns regarding installation of a windscreen prevent many owners from benefiting from their use. 
     In the prior art, there are several descriptions for the mounting of removable windscreens in convertible vehicles. For example a wind deflecting body for a two-seat convertible (U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,424) has been previously described. This device, while removable in nature, is bulky and requires mounting multiple structures to secure it onto the vehicle. Specifically, a series of snaps, fasteners, and locks is required to affix the wind deflecting structures in place. Furthermore, the apparatus when disassembled and not in use, occupies an undue amount of storage room when stowed in the trunk compartment. 
     Another wind breaking device is described in the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,150). This apparatus consists of a rear mounted glass or Plexiglas shield. The mounting requirements for this windbreak design require the presence of a roll bar or other overhead structure to insure the apparatus can be adequately secured when driving. Such overhead structures are not present in all convertible vehicles. The mounting hardware required to temporarily affix the windscreen in many convertible vehicles, such as a Corvette Convertible, would require significant modifications to the original vehicle design. 
     Existing solutions to the problem of in-cockpit turbulence thus do not provide attractive options. Concerns of vehicle appearance and structural integrity at the points of attachment of the windscreen result in many owners being denied the benefit of using a windscreen. Furthermore, some designs would have no provisions to restore the vehicle design back to its original state should the use of the windscreen be discontinued permanently. 
     Hence, there is a need in the prior art for a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and functional windscreen design that efficiently reduces the problem of rearward air flow into to cockpit of a Corvette Convertible. To this end there is a need for a rear windscreen that is easy to install and does not require permanent mounting to the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned need for turbulence and noise reduction in a convertible, such as the Corvette Convertible, is satisfied by the self-contained, removable windscreen assembly of the present invention. In one aspect, this windscreen is comprised of a transparent screen material affixed to a frame. In one embodiment, the frame extends across and behind the seats of the convertible to both sides of the vehicle. The height of the frame is to be approximately the same level as the upper edge of the front windshield. The contour of the frame, when mounted, flushly fits into the rear cockpit contour of a 1998 Model C 5 Convertible Corvette. 
     In one embodiment, the invention has a mounting structure comprising two adapters. The adapters are constructed of a durable material comprising two sides substantially perpendicular to each other. One side of the adapter contains an opening of the proper size to fit over and secure to the trunk stop of the vehicle. The trunk stop consists of a raised end or head within the trunk compartment upon which the trunk door rests when it is in the closed position. The second side of the adapter comprises the adapter to which is attached to a receptacle for receiving a frame end. The receptacle is so dimensioned to allow the frame end to be removably inserted and secured within the receptacle. When the frame ends are positioned within the receptacle on the adapters, the adapters secure the frame containing the wind breaking screen. The entire assembly allows the frame to be removably attached in an upright position to the rear of the cockpit. In its functional state, the adapters securely retain the windscreen in an upright manner, behind the seats, when the top is down and the rear trunk is closed and locked. The windscreen thereby reduces road noise and turbulence within the cockpit. These important functions of the windscreen are performed while at the same time preserving the aesthetic appearance of the convertible. 
     In another embodiment, the windscreen also contains a sunscreen assembly. The sunscreen can be deployed when the windscreen is mounted. The sunscreen generally comprises a roller assembly about which a screen material is gathered. When in use, the sunscreen is deployed from the roller and detachably affixed to the front of the windshield of the convertible. The windscreen used together provides interior shelter from the sun while the top of the convertible is down and parked. 
     In both embodiments, the entire assembly can be easily and quickly removed when not in use without the use of any tools. An additional advantage is that installation and removal of the windscreen in any embodiment can be performed without any permanent alteration to the vehicle. Furthermore, the size and weight of the windscreen allow the entire device to be stored comfortably away in the trunk compartment. These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle, such as a Corvette Convertible, with a rear view of the windscreen mounted thereon; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one side of the vehicle of FIG. 1 wherein the windscreen is attached to an adapter that is, in turn, mounted in the trunk compartment of the vehicle; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter of FIG. 2 wherein the receptacle accepts the mounting post of the windscreen; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the adapter assembly joined with the windscreen and mounted in the trunk area; and 
     FIGS. 5A-5B are two perspective views of a preferred method for attaching a sunscreen to the windscreen and the forward windshield of the vehicle of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle  100 , which in this embodiment is a Corvette Convertible manufactured by General Motors, wherein a windscreen  101  is mounted in a first position in the rear of the cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . The windscreen  101  consists of a frame  110  defining an enclosed space  113  generally rectangular in shape to which a screen material  111  is attached to enclose the area. The screen material  111  is constructed of a transparent material to insure that the passenger&#39;s view of objects to the rear of the vehicle  130  will not be obstructed. A preferred method for enclosing the area within the frame  110  uses nylon screen or mesh which is lightweight and acts as an effective barrier against incoming air. 
     The windscreen  101  spans the entire width of the cockpit  120  at a height substantially equal to that of the front windshield  102 . The windscreen  101  is located directly in front of a trunk  103  of the vehicle  100  and behind the passenger seats  121   a  and  121   b.  The frame  110  of the windscreen  101  is detachably mounted to adapters  104   a  and  104   b  affixed in the trunk  103  and will be shown in greater detail in subsequent figures. 
     The trunk hinges  106   a  and  106   b  shown in FIG. 2, are affixed to the rear portion of the trunk door  250  and to the interior wall  252  of the trunk compartment  251 . These hinges  106   a  and  106   b  allow the trunk door  250  to be opened and closed with the forward portion of the trunk door  250  raised to allow access to the interior of the trunk compartment  251 . When the trunk door  250  is in a closed position, the windscreen assembly  101  engages with the trunk  103  so as to maintain the windscreen  101  in the first, vertical position. When the trunk door  250  is in the down and locked position, the entire apparatus comprising the windscreen  101  and adapters  106   a  and  106   b,  is secured in the rear of the cockpit  120  as will be described below in greater detail. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one side of the windscreen assembly when mounted in the vehicle  100  with the trunk door  250  open and one adapter  104   a  visible. The windscreen  101 , comprising the frame  110  and screen material  111 , is additionally comprised of two frame ends  134   a  and  134   b.  The frame ends  134   a  and  134   b  are present on opposing edges of the lower section  131  of the frame  110 . The frame ends  134   a  and  134   b  are lateral extensions of the frame  110  in the same plane and substantially perpendicular to the lower section  131  of the frame  110 . The frame ends  134   a  and  134   b  are further configured to be of proper size and shape to allow their housing within an adapter receptacle  108  when the windscreen  101  is attached to the vehicle  100  in a manner that will be described in greater detail below. 
     The frame  110  is constructed to be shaped to follow the contour of the middle portion of the rear of the cockpit  120  which has a raised projection  132  extending substantially from the middle of the cockpit  120 . The frame  110  of the windscreen  101 , as shown, conforms to the contour of the vehicle  100  along the entire length of the bottom portion  131  of the windscreen  101 . As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom portion  131  of the windscreen has two outer sections  231   a,    231   b  with a raised section  232  interposed therebetween. The outer sections  231   a,    231   b  are positioned so as to be co-axial with the raised section  232  being raised above the outer sections  231   a,    231   b  in the manner shown in FIG.  2 . The raised section  232  is raised sufficiently above the outer sections  231   a,    231   b  so as to accommodate the raised projection  132  in the cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . In the Corvette convertible, the raised projection  132  comprises a center console and the bottom section  131  of the windscreen assembly  101  is adapted to be positioned about the console with the raised section  232  being raised sufficiently to accommodate the console  132  when the assembly  101  is mounted to the adapters  104   a  and  104   b.  When mounted, the bottom portion of the frame  131  fits flushly with the rear of the cockpit  120  and provides a substantially gapless barrier inhibiting air from entering the rear of the cockpit  120 . It should be appreciated that while the frame  110  of the windscreen  101  is shown as a single piece of tubing, other embodiments of the windscreen can be conceived and may consist of multiple elements joined together to form a similar structure. 
     The adapter  104   a  shown in FIG. 2, and in greater detail in FIG. 3, is one of two similar elements configured to be attached to a trunk stop  105  on each side  135   a,    135   b  of the vehicle  100 . As a result, the following discussion referring to the design and function of the adapter  104   a  applies in a like manner to the adapter  104   b.    
     Referring to FIG. 3, the adapter  104   a  consists of a plate  109  constructed of metal, hard plastic, other durable material. The plate  109 , generally rectangular in shape, is formed to have two members  150 ,  152 , positioned generally perpendicular to each other. The plate  109  is further oriented with one member  152  to be positioned in a generally vertically manner and the other member  150  positioned in a generally horizontal manner when mounted in the trunk compartment  251 . 
     The horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  is configured to have a straight edge  136  and a partially rounded edge  137 . To accommodate the contour of the interior of the trunk door  250  upon which the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  rests, the horizontal member  150  is rounded along the two sides of the adapter  104   a  defining a comer of the horizontal member  150 . The rounded edge  137  of the adapter  104   a  is shaped to follow the contour of the interior portion of the trunk  103  in the region of the trunk stop  105 . The horizontal member  150  further comprises an area defining an opening  107  disposed generally near the front comer of the rounded side  137  of the adapter  104   a.    
     The vertical member  152  of the adapter  104   a  is configured to possess a receptacle  108  for receiving a frame end  134   a.  In one embodiment, the receptacle  108  will consist of a tube or sleeve constructed of a material of similar durability as the plate  109 . The receptacle  108  is positioned along the edge of the vertical member  152  of the adapter  104   a  closest to the rear cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . The receptacle  108  is attached to the vertical member  152  in a secure and permanent manner, by welding, gluing, molding or similar methods. When horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  is mounted so that the area defined by the opening  107  is positioned about the trunk stop  105 , the receptacle  108  attached to the perpendicular member  152  of the adapter  104   a  and is positioned in a substantially vertical manner. 
     Referring again to FIG. 2, the trunk stop  105  is a raised projection, generally cylindrical in shape, that extends from the forward comer of the trunk compartment  251 . Trunk stops  105   a,    105   b  are present on both sides of the vehicle  100  in the trunk compartment  251  with the placement of the trunk stops occurring where the leading edge of the trunk door  250  rests when closed. The trunk stop  105  receives the trunk door  250  when it is in a closed position with the trunk door  250  resting upon the trunk stops  105   a,    105   b  enclosing the area of the trunk compartment  251 . 
     The adapter  104   a  can be removably joined with the trunk stop  105  by positioning the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  over the trunk stop  105 . More specifically, the adapter  104   a  is properly aligned and mounted to the trunk stop  105  when the trunk stop  105  is made to pass through the area of the horizontal member  150  defined by the opening  107 . In this position, the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  will fit flushly with the contour of the interior of the trunk compartment  251  surrounding the trunk stop  105 . 
     The trunk stop  105  is further positioned on a ledge  280  in the comer  281  of the trunk compartment  120  nearest the cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . The ledge comprises a horizontal component  282  upon which the trunk stop  105  is mounted and a vertical component  283  which is joined to the horizontal component  282  in a substantially perpendicular manner. The trunk stop  105  is situated on the ledge  280  in close proximity to where the ledge  280  joins with the side  135   a  of the vehicle  100 . The adapter  104   a  is configured to be of appropriate size to rest over the ledge  280 , such that the vertical member  152  of the adapter  104   a  resides vertically when the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  is mounted to the trunk stop  105 . 
     The adapter  104   b  is positioned on the opposing side of the vehicle to similar structural elements as the adapter  104   a.  The adapters  104   a,    104   b  are mounted to the trunk  103  by removably affixing to the trunk  103  about the trunk stops  105  with horizontal members  150  of each adapter  104   a,    104   b  conforming to the size and shape to fit within the trunk compartment  251  about the trunk stops  105 . 
     The trunk door  250  is secured in a first generally horizontal position when the trunk door  250  is closed and locked. When secured in this position the trunk door  250  rests on the trunk stops  105  and sufficient room is present between the trunk door  250  and the rear side of the cockpit  120  to allow the adapter  104   a  member attached to the receptacle  108  to be housed without affecting the operation of the trunk door  250 . The adapters  104   a,    104   b  further position the frame  110  containing the screen material  111  in such a way so that the normal operation of the trunk door  250  is not affected by installation of the windscreen  101 . When the trunk door  250  is in a closed and locked position, the adapters  104   a,    104   b  are secured about the trunk stop  105  and position the receptacle  108  in the rear portion of the cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . The receptacle  108  mounted on each adapter  104   a,    104   b  receives a frame end  134   a,    134   b  of the windscreen, which is inserted within the receptacle  108  to mount the frame  110  of the windscreen  111  within the cockpit  120  of the vehicle  100 . The frame ends  134   a,    135   b  are removably attached to the sides  135   a,    135   b  of the vehicle  100  when inserted into the receptacle  108  and are secured in a substantially vertical manner as will be described in greater detail in the subsequent figure. The entire apparatus can be quickly and easily removed from a first position and stored conveniently in the trunk compartment  251 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the windscreen  101  is shown with an adapter  104   a  in greater detail. As previously discussed the adapter  104   a  comprises two members  150  and  152  joined in a generally perpendicular manner. A first member  150  of the adapter  104   a  has a rounded edge  137  and an area defining an opening  107  on the horizontal surface. A second generally rectangular member  152  is attached to a receptacle  108  and comprises a vertical surface positioned outside trunk compartment  251  in the area of the cockpit  120  directly adjacent to the trunk  103 . The width of the vertical member  152  is of sufficient dimensions to locate the receptacle  108  forward of the trunk door  250 . The vertical member  152  of the adapter  104   a  and receptacle  108  are so positioned to allow attachment of the windscreen  101  to the receptacle  108  without interfering with the operation of the trunk door  250 . 
     The frame end  134   a  is attached to the bottom comers of the frame of the windscreen  101 . Each frame end  134   a  and  134   b  extends along an axis generally perpendicular with the bottom edge of the frame  110 . In a preferred embodiment, the length of the frame end  134   a  is generally the same as the length of the receptacle  108  that houses it. This configuration may be advantageously used to afford a maximum of stability when the frame end  134   a  is inserted into the receptacle  108 . When the frame end  134   a  is inserted into the adapter receptacle  108 , the frame  110  is positioned in such a way as to flushly fit against the rear portion of the cockpit  120 . When the area defined by an opening of the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  is positioned about the trunk stop  105 , the receptacle  108  attached to the adapter  104   a  is directed in such a manner as to hold the frame end  134   a,  to which it mounts, in a substantially vertical position. The frame  110  when mounted in the receptacle  108  conforms to the contour of the vehicle  100  and is positioned immediately in front of the trunk  103  and to the rear of the passenger seats  121   a,    121   b.    
     Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the windscreen  101  with an adapter  104   a  mounted on a trunk stop  105  is shown in greater detail. The area of the horizontal member  150  of the adapter  104   a  defining an opening  107  is positioned to fit over the trunk stop  105 . In this position, the trunk stop  105  secures the adapter  104   a  upon which it rests. The frame  101  containing the screen material  111  can then be mounted in the receptacle  108  of the adapter  104   a  and the trunk door  250  closed and locked to maintain the position of the windscreen  101 . The receptacle  108  attached to the adapter  104   a  is further positioned outside of the trunk compartment  251  in the rear of the cockpit  120 . The entire windscreen assembly comprising the elements of the frame  101 , screen material  111 , and adapters  104   a,    104   b  do not interfere with the normal operation of the trunk  103  and can be easily removed when not in use. The method of disassembly of the windscreen  101  is accomplished in one of two preferred methods. In a first method, the frame  110  is removed from the receptacle  108  leaving the adapters  104   a,    104   b  attached to the trunk stops  105  within the trunk compartment  251 . Alternatively, in a second method both the frame  110  and the adapters  104   a,    104   b  are removed from the vehicle  100 . The components of the windscreen, in part or whole, are of suitable size for storage within the trunk compartment  251  when not in use. 
     The two methods by which the windscreen  101  and adapter assemblies  104   a,    104   b  can be mounted and stowed increases the flexibility and overall utility of this system. When leaving the adapters  104   a,    104   b  mounted about the trunk stops  105  in the trunk compartment  251 , the windscreen  101  can be rapidly deployed and removed to suit the desires of the occupants of the vehicle  100 . Furthermore, should the vehicle occupants depart temporarily from the vehicle  100 , easy storage within the trunk compartment  251  of the windscreen frame  110  frees the occupants from concerns about theft of the windscreen frame  110  while away. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a mesh sunscreen  112  and roller assembly  113  is shown. The roller assembly  113  is attached to the upper portion of the windscreen  101  along the frame  110 . Furthermore, the roller assembly  113  is configured to be of sufficient length to extend over a majority of the distance spanning between the sides  135   a,    135   b  of the vehicle  100 . The roller assembly  113  further houses a nylon mesh sunscreen  112  and maintains it in a first position, gathered about the roller  113  in a circular manner. The sunscreen material  112  is dimensioned of sufficient length so as to be extendible over the region of cockpit space bounded by the windscreen  101  and the front windshield  102 . The sunscreen  112  is engaged by manually drawing the screen material from the roller assembly  113 . The mesh sunscreen  112 , once deployed, is then removably attached to the front windshield  102  in a second position. The removable manner of attachment to the front windshield  102  can be accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the sunscreen  112  may be attached through the use of one or more Velcro strips  306  positioned along the upper edge of the windshield  102  with the sunscreen  112  further having Velcro attachments  300  on the leading edge  302  allowing for attachment. In another embodiment, the sunscreen  112  may have one or more hook assemblies  304  along the edge  302  of the sunscreen material which can be removably attached to the windshield  102  or components near the windshield  102  such as a sun visor. The sunscreen  112 , when engaged in the second position, traverses the cockpit  120  in a substantially horizontal manner and covers the passenger area of the cockpit  120 . In this position, the sunscreen  112  is able to reduce the amount of sunlight directed towards the occupants of the vehicle  100 . Additionally, wind noise and turbulence are reduced when the sunscreen  112  is deployed in conjunction with the windscreen  101 . 
     The windscreen  101  of the present design provides a method by which the unit can be easily attached and removed from a vehicle  100  and whose attachment does not require any significant or permanent modifications to the vehicle  100  itself. When detached from the vehicle  100 , the windscreen  101  can be easily stored away for later use in a comfortable manner. Thus, those vehicles, such as the Corvette Convertible, that do not posses a windscreen integrated into the design of the vehicle and whose owners do not wish to alter the original vehicle components to accommodate such a device can benefit from an easily attachable wind brake which requires little technical skill to install. 
     The windscreen  100  of the present invention may further incorporate an integrated sunscreen  112  into the design. The sunscreen  112  is easily deployed and completely retractable. The components of the sunscreen  112  are housed unobtrusively on the windscreen  100  itself requiring no special tools or skills for installation. In this embodiment, the user gains the benefit of additional turbulence reduction, further improving in-cockpit conditions. The sunscreen  112  is able to block the majority of overhead glare further improving driving conditions while maintaining the stylish and aesthetic appeal of a convertible vehicle. The sunscreen  112  can also be used when the vehicle is parked so as to protect the occupant of the vehicle from the sun and provide a cooler, shadier environment. 
     Although the foregoing description of the invention has shown, described and pointed out novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Consequently the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion but should be defined by the appended claims.