Patent Publication Number: US-2013234465-A1

Title: Adjustable motorcycle windshield

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 13/240,962 filed Sep. 22, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to motorcycle windscreens. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fairing-mounted windscreen of adjustable height. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For motorcycle riders, choosing the proper windshield height is of the utmost importance. Using a windshield of appropriate height is not only necessary for safety and protection reasons, but directly impacts riding comfort as well. 
     A windshield of taller height offers protection against wind, rain, cold, and road debris, but does not allow much air circulation for the rider, which is often desired for its cooling effect on hot days. A shorter windshield offers the rider increased air flow, which may be desirable on warm days, and a more stylish design, but does little to protect the rider against tough weather conditions like wind, rain, or cold. 
     Further, the rider&#39;s sightline relative to the windshield is also important when choosing a windshield height when a taller windshield is desired. Most riders like to have the top edge of the windshield sitting just below their line of vision when seated comfortably. This allows the rider to see over the windshield without straining, yet still be able to drop down and look through the windshield if conditions warrant. A related concern is the air flow over the windshield into the rider. Primarily, the concern is that the air will deflect off of the motorcycle&#39;s windshield and into the rider&#39;s head and catch the rider&#39;s head in turbulence. To counteract this, some riders prefer to have a slightly lower windshield so that the wind flowing off the windshield deflects off the rider&#39;s body rather than his head. Other riders prefer to have an even higher windshield such that the air flows off the windshield and over the rider&#39;s head. However, motorcycle riders vary in size and height. Thus, fitting windshields to all possible riders becomes impossible when the windshields come in a finite amount of heights. 
     Typically, motorcycle windshields have a fixed height. The height can vary among different windshields, but generally cannot be adjusted so that the height is variable on the same windshield. A motorcycle rider can therefore only have a tall windshield or a short windshield on his motorcycle at any one time. While this is generally not a problem for the rider who stays close to home (or close to a source of a differing height windshield), riders who travel far from home are at the mercy of changing weather or road conditions. For example, if a rider leaves his home on a very hot, calm day, he will likely do so with a short windshield that provides air flow to him. However, should it start to rain or gust when the rider is far from home, he will be in a precarious position with no windshield protection. 
     Carrying additional windshields such as in a saddle bag is impractical. A taller windshield would be bulky and difficult to fit in any motorcycle&#39;s side bag. Further, the risk of scratching the windshield would be high. 
     Further, while tinted windshields are desirable to some riders for style and/or function, their maximum allowable height is typically limited by regulation. Choosing a tinted windshield often means compromising with the various drawbacks associated with short windshields discussed herein. 
     Thus, there is a need for a motorcycle windshield that is adjustable to different heights. An easily adjustable windshield would provide the motorcycle rider the comfort and style of riding with a short windshield, yet afford him the flexibility of being able to easily and quickly switch to a taller-style windshield if conditions warrant, and vice versa. Further, a fully adjustable windshield solves the problem of handling the variation among rider heights. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An adjustable motorcycle windshield according to embodiments of the present application substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry. The windshield according to embodiments of the invention is adjustable to multiple heights. 
     In one embodiment, the windshield can be set at a fixed short height and easily adjusted to a fixed tall height, or vice versa. A windshield that is adjustable by the rider in this manner solves the problem of choosing between comfort and safety. In effect, a windshield of this embodiment allows the rider to have both, without the burden of carrying additional windshields. For example, a rider leaving his house on a hot day can do so with the windshield in the fixed short position. This allows for air circulation to the rider and is often desirable for its more stylish design. However, should the rider happen upon inclement weather during his ride, he can simply pull off the road, loosen a few fasteners, flip the windshield over, re-secure the fasteners, and continue his ride with the windshield in the fixed tall position. Adjusting the windshield to the fixed tall position allows the rider to continue his ride safely, as the new windshield height protects the rider against wind, rain, cold, and road debris. Similarly, should the rider leave his house on a cold, rainy day, he can do so with the windshield in the fixed tall position, knowing that he can later flip the windshield over to the fixed short position once he reaches hot weather. 
     In another embodiment, the windshield can be set at a tall height, a short height, and any height in between. A windshield that is adjustable to any height not only solves the problem of picking between comfort and safety, as described in the aforementioned embodiment, but also addresses the issue of fitting the windshield to individual rider size and height. While one rider may appropriately utilize the windshield&#39;s tallest height, that height may be inappropriate for a rider of slightly different height. For example, when the windshield is set at its tallest position, a slightly taller rider may experience turbulence from the wind flow off the windshield, as his head would sit above the windshield in prime turbulence position. Likewise, a slightly shorter rider utilizing the windshield at its tallest height may not suffer from the turbulence problem, but could potentially have his view obstructed by the edge of the windshield. A windshield of fully adjustable height solves these problems. The taller rider can adjust the height to one that is taller and appropriate for him such that his head is not caught in turbulence and he has a clear line of vision, and similarly, the shorter rider can adjust the height to one that is shorter and appropriate for his head position and line of vision. Further, as alluded to above, a windshield of this embodiment can easily adjust from a relative tall height (depending on the rider) that protects the rider from wind, rain, cold, and road debris to a relative short height, which allows for air flow to the rider. 
     The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a windshield in a low position, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the windshield of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a windshield in a high position, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a windshield according to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of a windshield in a high position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a windshield in a high position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a top elevation view of a windshield, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear elevation view of a windshield in a high position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevation view of a windshield in a middle position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear elevation view of a windshield in a low position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a windshield in a high position, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a top elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a rear elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a windshield in a low position, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a rear elevation view of the windshield of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     The adjustable motorcycle windscreen of the present invention provides a solution for motorcycle riders to quickly and easily adjust their windscreens to various heights. The invention can be more readily understood by reference to its application in  FIGS. 1-19  and the following description. While the invention is not necessarily limited to such an application, the invention will be better appreciated using a discussion of exemplary embodiments in specific contexts. The terms “windscreen” and “windshield” are used interchangeably throughout this specification. 
     In one embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the invention comprises an adjustable windshield that is moveable between a fixed short (or lower) position and a fixed tall (or raised) position. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an adjustable motorcycle windshield  10  is depicted generally in its fixed short position. Windshield  10  has an adjustable upper portion  12  and a fixed lower portion  14 . Lower (or base) portion  14  is configured to be mounted to the motorcycle. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the components of windshield  10  are better seen in this exploded view of  FIG. 1 . Upper portion  12  contains apertures  22  on each side of its face. Likewise, lower portion  14  contains nuts  24  on each side of its face in the same relative position as apertures  22 . Nuts  24  may be embedded within, coupled via threaded ring, or otherwise implanted or affixed to lower portion  14 . Horizontal crossbar  16  lies across upper portion  12 . Crossbar  16  contains apertures  20  in the same relative position as apertures  22  and nuts  24 . Fasteners  18  are placed on both sides of windshield  10  and can secure adjustable windshield  10  through crossbar aperture  20 , upper portion aperture  22 , and into lower portion nut  24 . 
     In operation, a comparison of  FIGS. 2 and 3  and  FIGS. 1 and 4  readily depict the adjustable nature of windshield  10 . In  FIG. 2 , windshield  10  is in its fixed short position. In the fixed short position, upper portion  12  is positioned with side  26  facing down relative to the motorcycle and rider. Side  28  then faces up relative to the motorcycle and rider and provides for the shorter windshield. By comparison,  FIG. 3  shows windshield  10  in its fixed tall position. In the fixed tall position, upper portion  12  is positioned with side  28  facing down relative to the motorcycle and rider. Side  26  then faces up and provides for the taller windshield. When adjusting from fixed short position depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to fixed tall position depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , or vice versa, fasteners  18  are loosened from nuts  24 . Upper portion  12  and crossbar  16  can then be removed from lower portion  14 . Upper portion  12  can then be rotated  180  degrees about the axis perpendicular to the face of upper portion  12  and re-secured to lower windshield  14  by reinserting fasteners  18  through crossbar apertures  20 , upper portion apertures  22 , and into lower portion nuts  24 . 
     In an optional embodiment not depicted, horizontal crossbar  16  is not needed for windshield  10 . The tightening of fasteners  18  through apertures  20  and apertures  22  into nuts  24  adequately secures upper portion  12  to lower portion  14 . 
     In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5-10 , the height of the windshield may be set at a low position, a high position, or at any position therebetween. Referring to  FIG. 5 , windshield  50  is generally depicted as comprising an upper portion  52  and a lower portion  54 . Lower portion  54  is mounted to the motorcycle. Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , upper portion  52  contains apertures  62  on opposite sides of its face. Likewise, lower portion  54  contains nuts  64  in the same relative position as apertures  62 . Windshield  50  further contains crossbar  56 . 
     Crossbar  56  contains apertures  60  in the same relative position as apertures  62  and nuts  64 . Fasteners  58  are placed on both sides of windshield  50  and can secure adjustable windshield  50  in a fixed tall height through crossbar aperture  60 , upper portion aperture  62 , and into lower portion nut  64  along line  66 . Further, lower portion  54  can be secured at any other height by securing crossbar  56  to lower portion  54  via fasteners  58  along line  66 . Tightening fasteners  58  through apertures  60  of crossbar  56  and into nuts  64  of lower portion  54  creates force along the entire thee of crossbar  56  when it rests against upper portion  52 . This force holds upper portion  52  securely in place. 
     hi operation upper portion  52  may be adjusted by loosening fasteners  58  from nuts  64 . Once the pressure from crossbar  56  is adequately lessened, upper portion  52  is free to slide up or down. the rider can then position upper portion  52  at a desired position and retighten fasteners  58  through crossbar apertures  60  and into lower portion nuts  64 , thus placing the requisite amount of force through crossbar  56  into upper portion  52  to hold it securely in place. Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , windshield  50  is depicted as movable from a high position in  FIG. 8 , to a middle position in  FIG. 9 , and finally to a low position in  FIG. 10 , as viewed by the rider when seated. First, referring to  FIG. 8 . upper portion  52  of windshield  50  is positioned at its maximum height. Fasteners  58 , as tightened through apertures  60  and into nuts  64  (not shown by the back view), provide the requisite force along crossbar  56  to secure upper portion  52  to lower portion  54 . Windshield  50  is secured similarly when adjusted slightly downward from its maximum height, as depicted in  FIG. 9 . At this middle height, upper portion  52  is lowered downward along the face of lower portion  54  from its maximum height so that the exposed segment of upper portion  52  is lessened. Finally, referring to  FIG. 10 , upper portion  52  is lowered downward along the face of lower portion  54  so that the exposed segment of upper portion  52  is at its minimum. Upper portion  52  is secured as it was described when in its raised positions, by fasteners  58  tightening through apertures  60  and into nuts  64 , thereby forcing crossbar  56  into upper portion  52  and ultimately against lower portion  54 . Windshield  50  can therefore achieve a wide range of height adjustability. 
     By way of example only, in one embodiment windshield  50  can be up to twelve inches in total height in its tallest position, which is attained by combining the five inches of lower portion  54  and the seven inches of upper portion  52 , when upper portion  52  is positioned at its maximum height. In its shortest position, windshield  50  can be as short as seven inches in total height, which is attained by combining the five inches of lower portion  54  with the two inches of lower portion  54  when lower portion  54  is positioned at its minimum height. Thus, the overall height of windshield  50  is adjustable within a range from seven inches to twelve inches. These dimensions are merely for purposes of illustration and should not be considered limiting. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-19 , another embodiment of the invention is depicted. Windscreen  110  generally includes an upper portion  112 , a base portion  114 , and fastening means  116 . Upper portion  112  includes a side  126  and a side  128 , and various apertures or other features suitable for facilitating fastening to base portion  114  via fastening means  116 . Base portion  114  includes various apertures or other features suitable for fastening base portion  114  to a motorcycle or other desired vehicle. Base portion  114  further includes various apertures or other features suitable for facilitating fastening to upper portion  112  via fastening means  116 . 
     Fastening means  116  may comprise any suitable releasable or recloseable fastener, such as conventional nuts and bolts, bolts with well-nuts, 3M dual-lock fasteners, Dzus or other similar quarter-turn fasteners, and the like. One portion of fastening means  116  may include a winged head, as depicted in  FIG. 14 , for example. One of upper portion  112  or base portion  114  may include one or more threaded apertures to accept a fastener. 
     Upper portion  112  is selectively moveable between a lower fixed position, and a raised fixed position, wherein the overall height of the windscreen is greater in the raised position than in the lower position. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-19 , the side  126  is oriented upwards relative to the vehicle when upper portion  112  is in the raised position, while the side  128  is oriented upwards relative to the vehicle when upper portion  112  is in the lower position. Moving upper portion  112  between the raised and lower positions is therefore accomplished by rotating the upper portion one hundred eighty degrees from the orientation in  FIG. 14  to the orientation in  FIG. 19 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 16-19 , the profile and area of upper portion  112  is smaller than that of the profile and area of base portion  114 , such that upper portion  112  is tucked behind base portion  114  when in the lower position. As in  FIG. 18 , upper portion  112  is not visible behind base portion  114  when viewed from the front, with side  128  of upper portion  112  being generally flush with a top edge of base portion  114 . 
     In all embodiments described herein, suitable materials for the construction of the base and upper portions of the windscreen include polycarbonate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate, and any other suitable materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The upper and base portions may be transparent, tinted, or opaque as desired or necessary to comply with appropriate regulations, although the upper portion will generally be constructed from a transparent material if the intended application is highway use. 
     While mainly described herein in the context of use with a motorcycle, the adjustable windshield of the present invention may also be suitable for other uses and applications, including for example: all-terrain vehicles, trikes or three-wheeled motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and other outdoor or recreational vehicles. 
     Various modifications to the embodiments of the inventions may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments of the inventions can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations, within the spirit of the invention. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the inventions. Therefore, the above is not contemplated to limit the scope of the present inventions. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the inventions may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the inventions may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the inventions may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims for the embodiments of the present inventions, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.