Patent Publication Number: US-11661150-B1

Title: Towable vehicle windshield cover

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/066,554, filed Aug. 17, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Towable vehicles, such as boats, watercraft, UTVs, tractors, and heavy equipment, are frequently pulled on a trailer behind a truck. Road debris and rocks can be kicked-up by the wheels of the truck and can strike the windshield of the towed vehicle, causing damage. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a boat windshield cover in accordance with an embodiment, the cover shown in a flat configuration and with a pair of panels in a joined and closed configuration. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1   , the cover shown in the flat configuration and with the pair of panels in a separated and open configuration. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1    shown on a windshield of a boat and in the closed configuration. 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1    shown on the windshield of the boat and in the open configuration. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial end view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1    shown on the windshield of the boat and in the open configuration. 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of another boat windshield cover in accordance with another embodiment, the cover shown on the windshield of the boat and in the closed configuration. 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  6    shown on the windshield of the boat and in the open configuration. 
         FIG.  8    is a partial cross-sectional side view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1  or  6    shown on the windshield of the boat. 
         FIG.  9    is a partial cross-sectional side exploded view of the boat windshield cover of  FIG.  1  or  6    shown being secured to the windshield of the boat. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic view of a kit and a method for making the boat windshield cover in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic view of a method for making the boat windshield cover in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before invention embodiments are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that no limitation to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein is intended, but also includes equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a layer” includes a plurality of such layers. 
     In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the composition&#39;s nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open ended term in the specification, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
     The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical or nonelectrical manner. Objects described herein as being “adjacent to” each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof. 
     As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. It is understood that express support is intended for exact numerical values in this specification, even when the term “about” is used in connection therewith. 
     An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Presented is a windshield cover and method for protecting a windshield. Various vehicles, such as boats, are typically pulled on a trailer behind another vehicle or truck. The windshields are subject to damage by road debris and rocks that can be kicked-up by tires of the truck or other vehicles during travel. The invention provides a windshield cover that can be removably secured over the windshield when being pulled on a trailer to protect the windshield from damage from debris and rocks. Thus, the panel can be juxtaposed between the boat windshield and flying roadway debris and rocks. The cover can match the size and shape of the windshield to resist flapping overhangs that can repeatedly strike the vehicle and cause blemishes or other damage. In addition, the cover can be flexible to conform to a curvature of the windshield. In addition, the cover can provide a soft, cushion layer to absorb impact from rocks and debris. In addition, the cover can provide a waterproof and oil-resistant and non-absorbent material to resist weather and driving conditions. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , a windshield cover  10  is shown in one embodiment that can be removable secured over a windshield  14  and secured to the windshield  14  or the associated vehicle. In one aspect, the windshield  14  can be a boat windshield and the vehicle can be a boat. Boat windshields can present challenges because they can have a hinged passthrough  16  or door that allows the windshield to pivot open and close, and that allows passage between the bow and the stern, or fore and aft cockpits, of the boat. In addition, even when trailered, boats can require maintenance that requires passage through the windshield. Thus, the cover  10  can be a boat windshield cover and can accommodate the passthrough, and allow functional use of the passthrough, while still remaining installed on the windshield  14 . 
     The cover  10  can comprise a panel  18  sized and shaped to cover the windshield  14 . The panel  18  can have a perimeter matching a perimeter of the windshield  14 . In one aspect, the panel  18  can substantially cover the windshield  14 , and the perimeter of the panel  18  can substantially match the perimeter of the windshield  14 . In another aspect, the panel can cover a super majority of the windshield  14 , and the perimeter of the panel  18  can match a super majority of the perimeter of the windshield  14 . The super majority can be greater than 90%, greater than 94%, or greater than 98%. Thus, the panel  18  can have at least one notch  22  in the perimeter and located to correspond to structures on or around the windshield  14 , such as bumpers  26 , wipers, handles, latches, etc. In addition, the panel  18  can be flexible to form an arc to conform to a curvature of the windshield  14 , such as along lateral sides, indicated at  30  in  FIG.  3   . 
     The panel  18  can be bifurcated off-center at a separable partition, indicated at  34 , to form a pair of unequal panels, including a larger panel  38  and a smaller panel  42 . A fastener  46  can be coupled between the pair of panels  38  and  42  to releasably couple the pair of panels  38  and  42  together to form the panel  18 . The fastener  46  allows the pair of panels  38  and  42  to separate at a position corresponding to the hinged passthrough window portion  16  of the boat windshield  14 . In one aspect, the fastener  46  can be a single elongated fastener, such as a zipper or hook-and-loop type fastener. In another aspect, the fastener can be multiple fasteners in an array along the bifurcation or partition  34 , such as buttons, snaps, etc. 
     The panel  18  and the boat windshield  14  can have at least two configurations, including a closed configuration ( FIG.  3   ) and an open configuration ( FIGS.  4  and  5   ). In the closed configuration, the passthrough window portion  16  is closed with respect to the boat windshield  14 , and the panel  18 , and the pair of panels  38  and  42 , extends across the boat windshield  14 . Thus, the fastener  46  or zipper can be joined to join the pair of panels  38  and  42 . In the open configuration, the passthrough window portion  16  is open and folded over the boat windshield  14 . Similarly, the larger panel  38  is foldable over onto itself. In addition, the larger panel  38  can be sandwiched between the passthrough window portion  16  and the boat windshield  14 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . As described above, the bifurcated panel  18  allows the windshield  14  to be covered, while still permitting operation of the passthrough  16 . 
     In one aspect, a flap  50  can extend from one of pair of panels, such as the larger panel  38 , over the fastener  46  or zipper when the pair of panels  38  and  42  are joined by the fastener  46  or zipper in the closed configuration. The flap  50  can protect the fastener  46  or zipper and resist fouling of the fastener  46  or zipper from debris in driving conditions. In another aspect, another fastener  54  can releasably hold the flap  50  over the fastener  46  or zipper when the pair of panels  38  and  42  are joined by the fastener  46  in the closed configuration. The another fastener  54  can resist displacement of the flap  50  away from the fastener  46  during driving conditions, such as high velocity wind. The another fastener  54  can be a hook-and-loop type fastener. 
     In one aspect, the notch  22  can be formed in the larger panel  38 , and can be positioned over a bumper  26  carried by the passthrough  16 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . In another aspect, the notch  22  can be positioned over a bumper  26  carried by the windshield  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the panel  18  and the cover  10  can comprise multiple layers of different material. In one aspect, the panel  18  can comprise an outer layer  60  and an inner layer  64  affixed together to form a laminate. In one aspect, the layers  60  and  64  can be adhered together. In another aspect, the layers  60  and  64  can be sewn together. A seam can extend around a perimeter of the panel  18 , and the pair of panels  38  and  42 . The outer layer  60  can comprise a waterproof and oil-resistant, non-absorbent nano-material to resist moisture and oil related to travel conditions. The inner layer  64  can comprise a thicker dense foam padding that can coat a back of the outer layer  60 . The inner layer  64  can contact the boat windshield  16  and can absorb impacts from rocks and debris. The thickness of the inner layer  64  of foam padding provides distance to decelerate rocks and debris, and can dissipate impact energy. In another aspect, a binding  68  can extend around and enclose an edge of the layers  60  and  64 , the panel  18  and the pair of panels  38  and  42 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 4 ,  6  and  7   , a plurality of fasteners  72  can be arrayed around the perimeter of the panel  18  to releasably secure the panel  18  over the windshield  14  and to a perimeter of the windshield  14 . In one aspect, the plurality of fasteners  72  can comprise snap fasteners, and a plurality of snap fasteners can be arrayed around the perimeter of the panel. Referring to  FIG.  9   , one portion or a head portion  76  of each fastener  72  can be carried by the panel  18 . Another portion or insert portion  80  of each fastener  72  can be secured to a frame  84  of the boat windshield  14 . In one aspect, the frame  84  can have a channel  88  that receives a screw portion of the insert portion  80  of the fastener  72 . In another aspect, the screw portion can be received in a clip in the channel. The clip can be slidable in the channel and tightening the screw portion can fix the clip and the insert portion  80  in the channel  88 . Securing a perimeter of the panel  18  and the cover  10  to a perimeter of the windshield  14 , such as the channel  84 , can hold the cover  10  and the panel  18  taut on the windshield  14 . Keeping the cover  10  taut can reduce rubbing damage on the windshield  14 . 
     In another aspect, the cover  10  and the panel  18  can be attached to the windshield  14  and/or the frame  84  thereof by clips (e.g. ⅞″ or ¾″), frame rail insert clips, straps and buckles, and hook-and-loop type fasteners. 
     A method for protecting a windshield  14 , and for using the cover  10 , can comprise: securing a plurality of fasteners  72  around a perimeter of the windshield  14 . The fasteners  72  can be snap fasteners with a screw portion of the insert portion  80  of the snap fastener screwed partially into a clip in the channel  88  of the frame  84  of the windshield  14 . 
     A plurality of corresponding fasteners around a perimeter of the panel  18 , such as the head portion  76  of the snap fasteners, can be fastened, such as by snapping, to corresponding fasteners, such as the insert portion  80 , around the perimeter of the windshield  14 . As discussed above, the insert portion  80  and clips thereof can be slid in the channel  88  of the frame  84  to achieve alignment, and then secured in place. 
     At least one notch  22  in a perimeter of the panel  18  can be aligned with at least one bumper  26  of the boat windshield  14 . 
     The separable partition  34  in the panel  18  can be aligned with the passthrough window portion  16  of the boat windshield  14 . The separable partition  34  can comprise a zipper releasably securing a pair of panels  38  and  42 . The zipper can be un-zipped. The passthrough window portion  16  can be opened, and one of the pair of panels  38  can be folded over onto itself. 
     The passthrough window portion  16  can be closed. The zipper can be zipped to secure the pair of panels  38  and  42  together to form the panel  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , a kit  100  is shown for providing a custom sized and shaped windshield cover  10  for a windshield  14 , and for providing such a cover  10  to a vehicle location remote and distal from a manufacture location. The kit  100  can provide for creating a pattern of the boat windshield  14 . The kit  100  can comprise a container  110 . The container  110  can be a shipping container that can be mailed or sent to a location of a vehicle, such as a boat, remote and distant from a location of manufacture. The container  110  can have a first mailing address  116  corresponding to the location of the vehicle, and can container a return shipping label  120  with a second mailing address corresponding to the location of manufacture. The second mailing label  120  can have return postage. The kit  100  can also have a sheet of material  124  carried by the container  110 , removable from the container  110 , and re-insertable into the container  110 . The sheet of material  124  can be sized to cover the vehicle or boat windshield  14 . The sheet of material  124  can be flexible to be rolled into a role to fit into the container  110 , and to conform to a curvature of the windshield  14 . In one aspect, the sheet of material  124  can be at least translucent so that the windshield  14  can be viewed through the sheet of material  124 . In one aspect, the sheet of material  124  can comprise a synthetic material that is lightweight, durable and breathable, and resistant to water, such as a high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber, such as Tyvek®. In one aspect, the container  110  can be a tube, and the sheet of material  124  can be provided in a roll. 
     The kit  100  can also contain releasable fasteners  128  carried by the container  110  for releasably securing the sheet of material  124  over the vehicle or boat windshield  14 . In one aspect, the releasable fasteners  128  can comprise double sided tape. In addition, the kit  100  can also contain a writing instrument  132 , such as a marker, for tracing an outline of the windshield  14 , any passthrough window portion  16 , locations of the frame  84  and/or braces, location of bumpers  26  or wipers, and possible location of fasteners  72  onto the sheet of material  124 . Furthermore, the kit  100  can contain a list  136  of installation hardware available, such as fasteners  72  and the insert portion  80 . In one aspect, the kit  100  may further contain instructions for use, such as outlined in the method described below. 
     At the location of the vehicle or boat, the contents of the kit  100  can be removed. Referring to  FIG.  11   , the releasable fasteners  128  can be secured to the windshield  14  or frame  84  thereof, or to the vehicle around a perimeter of the windshield and frame. The sheet of material  124  can be unrolled and fastened over the windshield  14  with the releasable fasteners  128 . An outline or pattern, indicated at  140 , of the windshield  14  and/or the frame  84  thereof can be traced onto the sheet of material  124 . As indicated above, the sheet of material  124  can be translucent so that the windshield  14  and/or the frame  84  can be ascertained through the sheet of material  124 . In addition, the location, outline or pattern of any passthrough window portion  16  of the boat windshield  14  can be traced onto the sheet of material  124 . Similarly, the location of any bumper  26 , wiper, etc. can also be indicated on the sheet of material  124 . In addition, the desired location for fasteners  72  can be indicated. In one aspect, the desired installation hardware can be indicated on the list  136 . The sheet of material  124  can be removed from the windshield  14  and reinserted into the container  110  along with the list  136 . The return shipping label  120  can be affixed to the container  110  and the container  110 , the sheet of material  124 , and the list  136  can be returned to the location of manufacture. 
     A method for providing a vehicle or boat windshield cover  10  to protect a vehicle or boat windshield  14  can comprise: providing a kit  100  as described above to the location of the vehicle; and then receiving or retrieving the kit  100  at the location of manufacture from the location of the vehicle. The method can further comprise cutting at least one layer of material, e.g. outer and inner layers  60  and  64  as described above, based on the pattern  140  of the windshield  14  traced onto the sheet of material  124 ; bifurcating the at least one layer of material, e.g.  60  and  64 , based on the location of the passthrough window portion  16  of the boat windshield  14  traced onto the sheet of material  124  to form a pair of panels  38  and  42 ; and affixing a zipper  46  between the pair of panels  38  and  42 . In addition, the method can further comprise securing fasteners  72  to the at least one layer of material, e.g.  60  and  64 , based on the plurality of positions for fasteners indicated on the sheet of material  124 . 
     The finished windshield cover  10  can then be sent or shipped to the location of the vehicle or boat. The installation hardware can be installed on the windshield  14  and/or the frame  84  of the vehicle or boat, and the windshield cover  10  secured by the fasteners  72 . Thus, a windshield cover can be provided for various different windshield with different sizes, shapes, obstructions, etc., even remote from the manufacture. 
     The cover described herein can be configured for use with other vehicles with different windshields, including UTVs, tractors, heavy equipment, personal watercraft, etc. 
     It is to be understood that the examples set forth herein are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the technology being described. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts described herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.