Storm-front Shield, Apron, Or Robe Patents (Class 296/77.1)
  • Patent number: 11305619
    Abstract: A windshield assembly for an off-road vehicle includes a pair of windshield members that may be configured without tools to adopt multiple configurations, including: a) a first configuration that is a full windshield configuration in which the windshield extends substantially from the hood of the vehicle to the roof of the vehicle, thus providing full coverage for the cockpit; b) a second configuration that is a flip-down windshield configuration in which the upper portion of the windshield is flipped downward and/or forward, thus providing airflow into the cockpit; and c) a third configuration that is a half windshield configuration in which the upper portion of the windshield has been detached and removed from the lower portion, thus leaving only a half windshield to protect the cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Super ATV, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Vanover
  • Patent number: 10953737
    Abstract: A novel valance for a golf car. The inner member of valance is preferably constructed from a stiffer material, as compared to current valances used with golf cars, in order to stiffen the valance to prevent flapping and hitting up against the golf car enclosure by the valance, which is common with conventional valances. Preferably, the material can be a hard flexible material, such as, but not limited to, a soft plastic, polycarbonate or low density polyurethane plastic. The material can also be capable of permitting the fabric to be adhered to the outer and inside surfaces of the inner member such as through the use of spray glue. Preferably, the material selected, in addition to being solid also has some flexibility. The stiffer material helps to prevent or reducing flapping of the valance while the golf car is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Lawrence Walicki, Sr., Lawrence Walicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10947760
    Abstract: A hinge for a folding windshield is provided for vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) utility vehicles (UTVs), golf carts, and other vehicles. The hinge includes an integral stiffening member or brace to prevent the windshield from bowing due to wind pressure and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: NIVEL PARTS & MANUFACTURING CO., LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunn Kim, David Blum
  • Patent number: 10618383
    Abstract: A mounting clip having two clip portions holds a windshield to a tube of a ROPS tube of an off-road vehicle. One of the clip portions includes an arm extending in a cantilevered fashion away from the windshield contact surface, curving partially around the tube but not encircling the tube. One of the clip portions includes deflectable tabs, extending through a windshield aperture and mating into recesses on the other clip portion, so the clip can be buckled by hand pressing the two clip portions together. The windshield and the arm pinch opposing sides of the tube, compressing a seal on the edge of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Longping Luo
  • Patent number: 10577033
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for attaching a trailer skirt to a trailer. Embodiments of the methods include attaching a skirt-supporting member to a trailer in a cantilevered configuration, and operably coupling a trailer skirt to the skirt-supporting member to provide a sliding coupling between the trailer skirt and the skirt-supporting member. Embodiments of the apparatus provide a trailer-skirt coupling apparatus including a trailer mounting bracket configured for mechanically coupling the apparatus to a trailer, a skirt-supporting member operably attached to the trailer mounting bracket in a cantilevered configuration, and a skirt channel configured to slidingly couple the skirt-supporting member to the trailer skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Philippe Macherel, Calvin Rhett Bradley, David C. Lung, Larry Satterfield
  • Patent number: 10183558
    Abstract: A ROHVA compliant side restraint is disclosed which is movable between first and second positions wherein the first position the side restraint encompasses Point R, and in the second position the side restraint does not encompass Point R, increasing the accessibility for ingress and egress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brent A. Erspamer, Shawn D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9688336
    Abstract: A cabin specifically designed for people disabled with different dexterities: The cabin has several universal manufacturing systems comprising a chassis consisting of pipes being covered by a system of individual panels of transparent flexible vinyl, the panels being individually attached around the pipes of the frame with different and distinct fastening systems, and the system has two sliding door panels of transparent flexible vinyl comprising a magnet closure system, two different systems of distinct elements of the scooter having welded perforated adapters on top of their elements fixed to the scooter, two different systems of narrow slats installed on scooter floor, two different systems forming the rear lower part of the scooter, and the system of supported pipes of chassis is fixed to the roof system, the removable panels from the supporter pipes of chassis being system for converting cabin roof to canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Louisa Marie Lafleur
  • Patent number: 9561707
    Abstract: A novel valance for a golf car. The inner member of valance is preferably constructed from a stiffer material, as compared to current valances used with golf cars, in order to stiffen the valance. Preferably, the material can be a hard flexible material, such as, but not limited to, a soft plastic, polycarbonate or low density polyurethane plastic. The material can also be capable of permitting the fabric to be adhered to the outer and inside surfaces of the inner member such as through the use of spray glue. The outer decorative fabric is secured to the inner member such that the snap assemblies attached to the inner member are hidden from view. Preferably, the material selected, in addition to being solid also has some flexibility. The stiffer material helps to prevent or reducing flapping of the valance while the golf car is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Lawrence Walicki, Sr., Lawrence Walicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9403570
    Abstract: A personal protection assembly for protecting a user from foreign objects includes a clamp that may be coupled to a vehicle. A mount is movably coupled to the clamp. A pole is selectively coupled to the mount. The pole is retained on the vehicle such that the pole is positioned proximate a driver of the vehicle. A rod is coupled to and extends away from the pole. A wire is coupled to the rod. The wire may capture a foreign object when the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Lynn Robbins
  • Patent number: 9333981
    Abstract: A semi-rigid transparent shield for a jogging stroller provides occupant protection from wind, rain and snow. The device quickly and easily attaches to, and detaches from a jogging stroller. The semi-rigid transparent shield does not crease or wrinkle, maintaining excellent visibility for stroller occupant. The shield also provides protection from air borne road debris caused by passing vehicles. The shield pivots for easy loading and unloading the jogging stroller. The shield is under compression to add resistance to external forces. A sheet assembly attaches to a frame assembly forming a geometric arch adding stability and resistance to external forces. A method to provide protection of a child in a jogging stroller by shielding the child with a material that does not wrinkle or crease is also contemplated. The occupant space is substantially sealed from the outdoor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Charles J. Roth
  • Patent number: 9221508
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to three-wheeled vehicles. The three-wheeled vehicles disclosed herein are characterized by two front wheels and a single rear wheel, an engine located rearward of the cockpit and a drivetrain configured to power the front wheels. Three-wheeled vehicle configurations in accordance with the present disclosure may enhance various handling characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Peter de Haan
  • Patent number: 9150261
    Abstract: An air dam for an automotive vehicle has panel wherein the panel extends vertically down from a bottom of a bumper of the vehicle when in the deployed position. The panel has at least one openable and closable air flow opening therein. In an aspect, each air flow opening opens to a mouth of a duct that extends rearwardly form the panel. In an aspect, the panel has a plurality of air flow openings and ducts. In an aspect, the air dam is a deployable air dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Mark E DeAngelis
  • Patent number: 9132716
    Abstract: A universal golf cart windshield assembly includes a pair of elongated rails and a bracket secured to each rail, where each bracket is configured to clamp over a vertical support member of a golf cart. A longitudinal slot is disposed on each rail and a flange is joined along a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal slot and extends generally at a right angle to the slot. A plurality of apertures are disposed on the flange of each rail. The assembly also includes a lower windshield pane and an upper windshield pane, where opposing edges of the upper windshield pane are slidingly engaged with the respective longitudinal slot of each rail. In addition, the assembly also includes a spring loaded latch secured to the upper windshield pane, where the pin is adapted to engage a desired aperture of the flange to restrain the upper windshield pane in a desired vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Ed Mauro
  • Patent number: 8894126
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a windshield assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The windshield assembly includes a plate and a shield, where the shield is attached to the plate by one or more fasteners such that the shield and plate define a channel. The channel is configured to accept an attachment portion of a vehicle, and the plate is capable of being attached to the vehicle using one or more fasteners that engage the attachment portion and the plate, whereby no portion of the one or more fasteners is visible from the front side of the windshield assembly when the attachment portion is disposed within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: John Shope
  • Patent number: 8888163
    Abstract: A removable and re-attachable screen for a utility vehicle (UTV) for providing protection from debris to a driver and passenger while allowing airflow into the cab area. The screen includes a frame made of flexible material and a meshed flexible screen secured to the frame. The frame has a plurality of securement devices for securing the frame to a roll cage of a utility vehicle. Further, the securement devices are secured to at least a front top bar of the roll cage and at least two side bars of the roll cage. The screen can be further made of fiberglass material, thereby providing durable and long lasting protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: J. Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 8684442
    Abstract: Versions of the present invention comprise a hand-detachable, hand-adjustable, storable, portable windshield assembly for use with cycles and motorcycles adequate for highway use and that does not occlude the forward central viewing area of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel P. Lehman
  • Patent number: 8480153
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a first cable disposed inside an inner cowl, and a second cable which is disposed between the inner cowl and an outer cowl and is connected to the first cable. The inner cowl is provided with a through-hole through which to pass the first cable or the second cable. The through-hole is provided with a recess by which a part of the first cable or the second cable is locked. This enables wiring of short cables to easily connect two kinds of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ochiai, Eikichi Monma
  • Patent number: 8430444
    Abstract: A vehicle covering system includes a vehicle that has a front fender, a rear fender, a pair of floor boards and a seat. The seat is positioned between the front and rear fenders and between the floor boards. A covering is removably positioned on the vehicle and is coextensive with the front fender, the rear fender and the floor boards to shield a person seated on the seat. A pair of doors is removably attached to the vehicle and each of the doors is pivotally coupled to one of a pair of side edges of the front fender. Each of a pair of latches is mounted one of the doors and releasably engages the rear fender to retain the doors in a closed position extending between the front and rear fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Carl West
  • Patent number: 8360498
    Abstract: A protective cover that is stored in a pouch that is integrally formed as a part of an upper surface of a pivotable canopy that is attached to a frame of the stroller. The protective cover is movable between a closed position in which the cover is stored in the pouch and an open position in which the cover is disposed across the canopy and across a seat of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Alaleh Ostad, Ariel Ostad
  • Patent number: 8342591
    Abstract: A stroller covering including a removable cover shade is provided. Embodiments of this invention are directed to a removable shade for a stroller hood or bassinet hood to shield a stroller occupant (i.e., an infant or child) from rain, snow, sunlight, noise, etc., while allowing his/her caregiver quick and easy access to the child. In these embodiments, the removable shade comprises a curtain configured to cover an opening formed by the stroller hood, and a flange extending from the curtain for engaging a surface of the stroller hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Micaela Birmingham
  • Patent number: 8287038
    Abstract: A stroller or carseat shade is formed from a fabric having a middle section tapered on two sides. Rod tunnels run from a first taper across the middle section to a second taper. An elastic section is formed to wrap around and cling to an existing canopy on a stroller or car seat. The shade is symmetrical relative to a front to back axis. Fasteners are positioned at a series of overlapping stop positions parallel to the front to back axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Heather Henderson
  • Patent number: 8123273
    Abstract: A screen for a vehicle which allows air flow to flow appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an adjustable inclination angle. A baffle plate inclined toward the rear direction of a vehicle body is provided between a cowling which covers a front upper portion of the vehicle body and a movable wind screen. The inclination angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along a rear face of the movable wind screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruka Tsuda, Takefumi Okubo
  • Patent number: 7967359
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for deflecting mud from the foot area of an all terrain vehicle includes a substantially vertical barrier disposed adjacent to the foot area of the all terrain vehicle. The apparatus comprises a mud deflector stretched between a front fender and a rear fender. The apparatus may comprises a mud deflector configured from an elastomeric material stretched between a front fender and a rear fender and attached to the front and rear fenders by a plurality of attachment clips. In certain embodiments the apparatus may comprise a mud deflector configured from a rigid material attached to the front and rear fenders of the all terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne A. Bowles
  • Publication number: 20110001330
    Abstract: A cowling enclosure framework (2) having cowlings (6, 7 & 17) that may be mounted to an upper structure (3) of a vehicle, such as a golf cart (1). The cowlings provide protection from adverse weather and also provide an area for concealing the flaps of a flexible enclosure (8) of the enclosure and/or a cargo cover (9) while retracted and not in use. A user may simply roll or fold flaps and/or a cargo cover into the storage space created by the cowlings. An added benefit of the cowlings is that it they extend the area of the roof (4), thereby providing extra protection to occupants of the vehicle from the sun and rain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Paul J. Hirneise
  • Patent number: 7802907
    Abstract: A vehicle that is able to improve visibility of the light member (turning indicator) mounted to the front side of the motorcycle body, is preferably an underbone type motorcycle, and includes an engine, a head pipe disposed above the front of the engine, a main frame extending downward in the rear direction from the head pipe and disposed above the engine. In addition, the vehicle includes handlebars disposed above the head pipe, a cover member for covering the handlebars, a headlight disposed at the front sides of the cover member, a cover member for covering the front side of the head pipe, and width indicators and turn signals disposed at the front side of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Uemura, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7740300
    Abstract: An improved portable golf cart enclosure design featuring a top and two sides that wrap around a typical golf cart to protect occupants from wind, rain and cold. The improved enclosure features a roll-on and roll-up design that improves the installation and removal task over traditional golf cart enclosures. Finally, this invention improves ingress and egress through a horizontal swing away magnetic door design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Lee Marsh, Robert Spencer Sappington
  • Patent number: 7674023
    Abstract: A headlight assembly for a straddle-type vehicle (e.g., a motor scooter) is provided that is positioned lower to the ground and farther forward than typical headlights to provide enhanced illumination from a front end of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a front portion of a vehicle body cover that extends over a portion of the front wheel of the vehicle. A headlight assembly is disposed at least partially on a front end of the front portion of the vehicle body cover. The headlight assembly comprises an upper light for generating a low beam of light and a lower light for generating a high beam of light. In addition, the headlight comprises position lights disposed on the right side and the left side of the upper and lower lights. Preferably, at least a portion of the headlight assembly is positioned farther forward than a leading end of the front wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Ohira
  • Patent number: 7611186
    Abstract: A protective cover (30) for a motorbike, the motorbike including a fairing over forward parts of the motorbike, the cover (30) having a shape that conforms to the shape of at least a front portion of the fairing and being adapted for attachment there over by fastening means (82, 84) so as to prevent debris striking the fairing from the direction of vehicles travelling ahead of the motorbike, and wherein the cover (30), in use, is in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: George Metzikis
  • Patent number: 7604279
    Abstract: A windscreen apparatus can change the height of a screen in front of a rider desirably or in accordance with the vehicle speed. The apparatus comprises a pair of slide rails of which sliding direction is oriented in a vertical direction or inclined at an angle; a pair of carrier plates for supporting the screen slidably along the slide rails; a pull-up cable connected to an upper end portion of the carrier plate; a pull-down cable connected to a lower end portion of the carrier plate; and a rotary drum on which the cables are wound around, and the rotary drum winds and unwinds the cables so as to slide the carrier plates within a slidable range in the slide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Masuda, Akinori Mori
  • Patent number: 7552960
    Abstract: A windscreen up-down device comprises a pair of right and left side rails disposed to extend in a forward direction and a rearward direction so as to be tilted downward in the forward direction, a center rail that is disposed between the side rails such that the center rail extends in the forward and rearward directions so as to be tilted downward in the forward direction, and a movable unit that is configured to be guided up and down along the side rails and the center rail, and is attached with a windscreen. The movable unit includes a pair of side slide members respectively guided along the side rails, a coupling member disposed to extend in a rightward direction and a leftward direction to couple the side slide members to each other, and a center slide member that is provided on the coupling member and is configured to be guided along the center rail. The side rails and the center rail have circular-arc shapes of substantially concentric circles as viewed from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Yoshitake, Koichi Egami, Nobuyoshi Murata
  • Publication number: 20090140539
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to a golf cart by brackets and the brackets themselves. The tension supplied by the brackets may be the only mechanism by which the cover mounts to the golf cart. Brackets are preferably configured for attachment to the roof of the golf cart. The apparatus may include brackets for mounting the cover to the roof, a stationary main frame member, a movable frame member, and a cover. Brackets receive the stationary frame member. The movable frame member is operatively secured to the stationary main frame member, and configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for attachment to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Caroline Covertech
    Inventors: Marion Lee Jones, Dorian Thurston True, Earl Thomas Saxon
  • Patent number: 7537362
    Abstract: A vehicular lighting system that enhances motorcycle visibility is provided. Vehicle front headlights, arranged so as to be laterally symmetrical, are formed in a shape of eyes capable of evoking a face. A headlight includes a circular main light forming a pupil portion, an annular ring forming an iris portion, plates each forming a sclera portion (white of eye), an upper frame forming the contour of an upper eyelid portion, and a lower frame forming the contour of a lower eyelid portion. When the main light and the plates are made to emit light, and the ring is non-light emitting, the pupil portion and the sclera portion are clearly discriminated from each other, thus enabling recognition as “eyes” not only in the daytime but also in the nighttime. The light emitting portions may be set as the main light, the upper frame and the lower frame, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Yutaka Murata
  • Publication number: 20090066108
    Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield support assembly for mounting onto small vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV). The support assembly is adapted to receive a windshield panel fixedly mounted to a support base which is itself equipped with generally two support brackets. These support brackets each comprises a portion which is receivable in a corresponding fastening bracket fixedly mounted to the handle bar of the vehicle. The support brackets of the windshield support assembly are lockable into the fastening brackets by generally two hand actuated locking means such as knobs or handles which are removably mountable to the fastening brackets. By a simple actuation of the locking means, the windshield and its support base can easily be installed or removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andre Deland, Genevieve Therrien
  • Publication number: 20080306661
    Abstract: A wind deflector noise reduction system is provided. The wind deflector noise reduction system particularly reduces or eliminates wind throb in a moving vehicle having a rear side window in an open position. The system includes a panel attached to the B-pillar of a motor vehicle and operable to move between a closed position and an open position. When the panel is in the open position, wind is deflected from entering the moving vehicle. An actuator associated with the panel and operable to move the panel between the closed and the open position can be energized by a controller. The controller can be activated by the user of the motor vehicle and/or by a sensor that detects the position of the rear side window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett A. Campbell, Scott B. Smith, Todd M. Remtema
  • Patent number: 7448666
    Abstract: A golf cart cover includes a top surface, and left, right, and rear flaps extending downward from the top surface to enclose the golf cart. One or more of the flap may be individually rolled-up and stored in a storage boot on the cart when not in use. Each boot may include an upper and lower flap, which can be mechanically fastened, such as by a zipper, to fully enclose and protect the stored flaps from wind, sun, rain, debris, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Club Pro Manufacturing USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Publication number: 20080258489
    Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle with a front portion and at least two headlamps spaced apart from each other is described. The vehicle includes a front hood which, in an accident, is displaced from its closed initial position into a raised safety position in which a gap is formed between the front hood and the front portion. To increase pedestrian protection, in the regions of the headlamps the safety device includes at least one covering element which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the gap is closed by the covering element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventors: Martin Ebner, Oliver Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20080185864
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for deflecting mud from the foot area of an all terrain vehicle includes a substantially vertical barrier disposed adjacent to the foot area of the all terrain vehicle. The apparatus comprises a mud deflector stretched between a front fender and a rear fender. The apparatus may comprises a mud deflector configured from an elastomeric material stretched between a front fender and a rear fender and attached to the front and rear fenders by a plurality of attachment clips. In certain embodiments the apparatus may comprise a mud deflector configured from a rigid material attached to the front and rear fenders of the all terrain vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Bowles
  • Publication number: 20080164713
    Abstract: A personalization and protective panel for attachment to golf carts and other vehicles, trailers, etc. for protecting the passengers from the sun and flying debris, and providing a medium for easily removable personalization of a golf cart. Additionally, the present invention is portable, easily installed and removed, and attachable on a wide range of vehicles. The invention is comprised of a sheet of flexible, breathable, and durable material that is wrapped around frame members on the vehicle and held in place by a pair of grommet and hook-type stretch cord connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Terry C. Saurman, Gloria Hinds
  • Patent number: 7390051
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kent H. Bruntz, Donald Hanson
  • Patent number: 7360819
    Abstract: A windshield assembly comprising a windshield panel and a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly is configured and arranged for fixed attachment to the windshield panel and releasable attachment to a vehicle by means of an outwardly biased ball bearing and detent system wherein the biasing force is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sportech, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse Hahne
  • Patent number: 7354092
    Abstract: A golf cart enclosure for removable installation about a golf cart or similar vehicle to protect the occupants thereof from precipitation such as rainfall. The enclosure comprises a front, rear and/or side panels suspended about the periphery of the roof structure of the golf cart. One or more panel pockets are positioned about the periphery of the roof structure immediately above one or more of the panel(s) such that they be rolled-up into a bight and inserted into their respective panel pocket for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tampa G Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Showalter, Cary B. Showalter
  • Patent number: 7311347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light weight windshield attachment adapted for easy attachment and detachment from a vehicular supportive frame. The attachment includes a circumscribing frame and a tautly stretched film possessing a high order of elastic memory so as to elastically stretch and absorb an impacting projectile while returning to an innate stretched film structure after the impacting force. A bi-folding attachment attached to a golf cart canopy provides a golf cart windshield superior in function and performance over current golf cart windshields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: David Bruce Aller
  • Patent number: 7267388
    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. A first pair of retaining members are arranged on the window frame in an installed position and movable between a retaining position wherein the retaining members retain the first window pane in an upright position and a release position wherein the retaining members are disengaged from the first window pane. Each of the first pair of retaining members are defined by a rigid frame having an integrally molded elastomeric body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Hanson, Jr., Richard Krall
  • Patent number: 7237819
    Abstract: A windshield assembly for a motorcycle. The windshield assembly includes a flyscreen having one of a grommet and a coupling member and a windscreen having the other of a grommet and a coupling member. The coupling member defines a projection that engages the grommet to couple the windscreen to the flyscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Buell Motorcycle Company
    Inventors: John W. Fox, Anthony D. Stefanelli, Michael R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7216926
    Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
  • Patent number: 7147263
    Abstract: A screen surrounded by a flexible frame and an attaching mechanism to attach the flexible frame to a front end of a golf cart. The screen is easily mountable and removable on the front end of the golf cart and is flexibly deformable to be stored within a golf bag for easy transportation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Tim Schneidau, Matthew Schneidau
  • Patent number: 7137660
    Abstract: A convertible protective top for a vehicle. The top including a retractable canopy and at least two mounting brackets. The canopy includes at least two spaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-apart cross-members, and a cover attached to the cross-members. The cross-members are positioned between and slidably engaged with the side members, wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side members to retract the cover. The mounting brackets are attached to a front end and a rear end of the vehicle. Each of the mounting brackets include at least two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones of the side members for securing the canopy to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Riders, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Weddington, Raymond L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7090279
    Abstract: The present invention provides a man-driven vehicle equipped with a cover structure practically covering a whole of the vehicle wherein the cover structure is provided with an openable and closable door way substantially comprising a door, a detachable cover, a rotatable cover, and a slide cover cooperating one with another so as to facilitate a driver to get on or off the vehicle. The cover structure additionally comprises a ground contacting skirt and a floor panel so that the vehicle can be comfortably driven even in adverse weather with the cover structure closed and, particularly in fine weather, the vehicle also can be driven with the cover structure opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Shirouma Saiensu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Tahara
  • Patent number: 7066526
    Abstract: A convertible protective top for a vehicle. The top including a retractable canopy and at least two mounting brackets. The canopy includes at least two spaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-apart cross-members, and a cover attached to the cross-members. The cross-members are positioned between and slidably engaged with the side members, wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side members to retract the cover. The mounting brackets are attached to a front end and a rear end of the vehicle. Each of the mounting brackets include at least two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones of the side members for securing the canopy to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Riders, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Weddington, Raymond L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7049003
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a laminated window such as a vehicle windshield. At least one of the two glass substrates of the window is ion beam milled prior to heat treatment and lamination. As a result, defects in the resulting window and/or haze may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Rudolph Hugo Petrmichl, Anthony V. Longobardo, Vijayen S. Veerasamy, David R. Hall, Jr., Henry Luten