Top-supported Windowed Panels Patents (Class 296/79)
  • Patent number: 8882170
    Abstract: Protective vehicle enclosures and components thereof for opened sided vehicles, such as golf carts, which include a rigid, lightweight frame and flexible weather proof cover. Methods for installing these protective vehicle enclosures use existing mounts on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Arlen F. Brown, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140300129
    Abstract: A vehicle enclosure (14) and method and system of installation using an adhesive-backed attachment device (1) having a base (4) with an adhesive backing (10) and a stud (12) or a socket (2) that engages a conventional a conventional snap (8). The adhesive-backed attachment device is preferably flexible so that it may be attached to uneven surfaces of a vehicle, such as a golf cart (15). The adhesive-backed attachment device eliminates unsightly brackets, drilling or screwing into the golf cart and cuts down on installation time of golf cart enclosures. The studs and sockets may also be integrated into a new roof (14) for retrofitting an existing golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Nivel Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Eric R. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140203588
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching an enclosure to a golf cart includes a flange member extending outwardly from a golf cart and a mounting strip having a tab portion attached to a golf cart enclosure panel. The mounting strip also includes a body portion having a u-shaped channel which is dimensioned and adapted to be press-fit onto an outer edge of the flange member thereby securing the enclosure panel to the golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Tyrer
  • Patent number: 8757696
    Abstract: A vehicle enclosure (14) and method and system of installation using an adhesive-backed attachment device (1) having a base (4) with an adhesive backing (10) and a stud (12) or a socket (2) that engages a conventional a conventional snap (8). The adhesive-backed attachment device is preferably flexible so that it may be attached to uneven surfaces of a vehicle, such as a golf cart (15). The adhesive-backed attachment device eliminates unsightly brackets, drilling or screwing into the golf cart and cuts down on installation time of golf cart enclosures. The studs and sockets may also be integrated into a new roof (14) for retrofitting an existing golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nivel Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Eric R. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110233957
    Abstract: Golf cart weather enclosures have roll-up doors, which coil on spools for storage. The roll-up doors are configured of panels joined by hinges or are configured from sheets of transparent plastic. Each roll-up door has side edges which are received in a pair of spaced vertical tracks extending from the floor to the roof of the golf cart to stabilize the roll-up doors. The spools are rotated either by electric motors and/or springs in a first direction to close the roll-up doors and rotated in the opposite direction to open and store the roll-up doors in the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew SAMS
  • Patent number: 7854463
    Abstract: A garden tractor is equipped with an enclosure for protecting the tractor's operator from the weather, dust, dirt, insects and sunlight. A frame assembly mounted on the tractor supports an enclosure having panels with transparent windows and a door to allow the tractor's operator to enter and exit the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jason E. Neumann
  • Publication number: 20100060027
    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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Lee Marsh, Robert Spencer Sappington
  • Publication number: 20080238130
    Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane coupled to the window frame. The first window pane defines a lower portion arranged adjacent to a body of the golf car. A message holder is disposed on the lower portion of the first window pane. The message holder according to one embodiment is integrally formed with the first window pane and is adapted to removably accept a message therein. The message holder according to another embodiment is fixedly coupled to the first window pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Simmons, Charles Greif
  • Patent number: 7213864
    Abstract: A soft cab enclosure. The enclosure may have an over-the-top cover (1) and flexible and transparent panels (15, 16, 17) on side and back portions. The cover (1) may include a tarpaulin having a windshield-overhang pocket (2) and having a cover-top back with back-post straps (12, 14). Linearly, the cover (1) is articulated to fit snugly intermediate a windshield top (10) and a back portion of a golf cart (9) with the windshield-overhang pocket (2) engaging the windshield top (10), the back portions of the cover (1) being strapped onto back posts (11) and (13) of the golf cart (9) with the back-post straps (12) and (14) and with a transparent, zippered access back-end panel (17) which has a left-back window panel (36) having a left anchor flap (54) under a left seat (55) and a right-back window panel (46) having a right anchor flap (56) under a right seat (57) to eliminate a need for marring attachment to a side of a golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Annwil, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gasper
  • Patent number: 6916059
    Abstract: A three-sided enclosure assembly usable with a golf cart having upright members supporting a roof. The enclosure assembly has first and second side panels positionable adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and adjacent to the roof. A rear panel is between the first and second side panels and is positionable adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart. A support strap is connected to the top portions of the first and second side panels and is configured to removably attach the first and second side portions to the two upright members of the golf cart adjacent to the roof portion. The support strap supports the first and second side panels adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and the rear panel adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Classic Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: David Feinberg
  • Patent number: 6902220
    Abstract: The golf cart enclosure is a complete structural enclosure that is mounted onto the chassis of a golf cart. The enclosure provides a support frame, a roof, front and rear windshields, sliding side doors and front and rear bibs. The side doors are slidably supported on roller tracks that allow the doors to be easily moved from an open to a closed position on either side of the golf cart. The front and rear windshields may be adjusted to allow a draft of air to enter into the enclosure. The enclosure is made from a lightweight material that protects the interior of the enclosure from undesirable weather conditions. The support frame provides front and rear cross bars that support the roof of the enclosure and improve the stability of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Jack P Moskos, Peter Trower
  • Patent number: 6811204
    Abstract: An ATV enclosure includes a plurality of first elongate support members positionable adjacent front and rear corners of an ATV and overlap each other generally medially between the opposed end portions, respectively. The ATV enclosure further includes a plurality of second support members having opposed end portions removably connectable adjacent to front and rear corners of an ATV. The ATV enclosure further includes a cover attachable to a plurality of receiving members and is positionable above the plurality of first support members for defining a cavity therebeneath and for protecting an operator from the environment. The cover includes a body preferably including a ventilation portion formed therein and for allowing air to pass therethrough. The body may further include a plurality of access panels formed therein and a plurality of zippers attached thereto, respectively, for adjustably opening and closing same. A plurality of fastening members help secure the enclosure to an ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jamie Long
  • Patent number: 6776445
    Abstract: A cover for a golf cart is removably affixed to an attached frame and existing roof support members of the roof of the cart where the attached frame comprises an upper frame, door posts and at least one removable door. The cover thus provides protection to golfers in a golfer compartment during inclement weather and also provides for convenient access to and from golfer compartment whether through door opening when opened or through the door frame when the door is in a closed position with the cover portion removed therefrom. The door may be stored in at least two positions upon the frame or may be removed from the frame and stored separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: David A. Conner, Woodrow Tracy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6761391
    Abstract: A protective cover for a golf car is provided for enclosing at least a portion of the passenger compartment of the golf car that is covered by a canopy. The protective covering has left and right side curtains that are adapted to hang from the canopy to enclose a portion of the passenger compartment. The protective covering may include a rear bag cover that is adapted to extend over the rear golf bag storage area from the canopy. The rear bag cover is a retractable awning. The protective covering also includes a rear curtain that is adapted to be positionable between the passenger compartment and the rear golf bag storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Covered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20040021333
    Abstract: A top or blind to attach to an ATV, to protect a user from the weather or inclement conditions. This top may also be used as a stand-alone shelter or hunting blind. Made of nylon, which may be camouflage-colored, it includes a case with two flexible rods that form an arch. There are several cross rods imbedded in the cover. The cross rods, cover, side curtains and flexible rods are normally contained in the case. The case is releasably attached to an ATV and when the flexible rods are assembled, they can be fixed to the front of the ATV forming the arch to which the side curtains are releasably attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Johnny C. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20040007894
    Abstract: A golf cart shading system shading of the occupants of a golf cart without limiting access to the rear golf cart storage area from the rear of the golf cart. Additionally, it provides a golf cart shade that is fitted to the golf cart, portable, easily installed and removed, and attachable to a wide range of golf cart designs. Even further, the shade has optional viewing windows with shade screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: David Ray Hamm
  • Patent number: 6598927
    Abstract: A vehicular windshield is provided which eliminates the need for a hard coating and which is relatively light in weight. The vehicular windshield includes a glass surface to be wiped by a wiper, and includes a transparent resin windshield main body. The windshield main body has upper and lower mounting portions for mounting the windshield main body to a roof and a front frame of a vehicle. A glass plate is fastened to the windshield main body to form the surface for a wiper. An adhesive sheet is provided for fastening the glass plate to the windshield main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichi Kurohori, Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Furuta, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Hirosi Takamoto
  • Patent number: 6547304
    Abstract: A cover for a golf cart is removably affixed to an attached frame and existing roof support members of the roof of the cart where the attached frame comprises an upper frame, door posts and at least one removable door. The cover thus provides protection to golfers in a golfer compartment during inclement weather and also provides for convenient access to and from golfer compartment whether through door opening when opened or through the door frame when the door is in a closed position with the cover portion removed therefrom. The door may be stored in at least two positions upon the frame or may be removed from the frame and stored separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Conner, Woodrow Tracy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6439637
    Abstract: A cover for a golf cart, the golf cart having a cart top and a passenger compartment. The cover having at least a top portion overlaying the golf cart's top, a left side portion, a right side portion and a front portion. The left and right side portions and the front portion substantially cover the openings of the passenger compartment on the golf cart to protect the occupants inside of the cart from poor weather conditions. The front portion of the cover includes a retractable windshield made from a flexible transparent material. The windshield can be retracted from the front portion of the cover by rolling it to at least one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Publication number: 20020096906
    Abstract: A cover for a golf cart, the golf cart having a cart top and a passenger compartment. The cover having at least a top portion overlaying the golf cart's top, a left side portion, a right side portion and a front portion. The left and right side portions and the front portion substantially cover the openings of the passenger compartment on the golf cart to protect the occupants inside of the cart from poor weather conditions. The front portion of the cover includes a retractable windshield made from a flexible transparent material. The windshield can be retracted from the front portion of the cover by rolling it to at least one side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Patent number: 6419303
    Abstract: A cab enclosure for a self-propelled earth moving machine which includes a plurality of flexible planar fabric panels namely, a front panel, a rear panel, a right side panel and a left side panel. Each of the panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposed side edges, and at least one transparent viewing window. Mating fasteners are positioned along the opposed edges of each of the panels, whereby adjoining panels are secured together to form an enclosure. The top edge of each of the panels being secured to a canopy of an open metallic cab structure of the self-propelled earth moving machine, whereby the panels hang like drapes to enclose the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffery William Thomas Fleming
  • Publication number: 20020027370
    Abstract: A vehicular windshield is provided which eliminates the need for a hard coating and which is relatively light in weight. The vehicular windshield includes a glass surface to be wiped by a wiper, and includes a transparent resin windshield main body. The windshield main body has upper and lower mounting portions for mounting the windshield main body to a roof and a front frame of a vehicle. A glass plate is fastened to the windshield main body to form the surface for a wiper. An adhesive sheet is provided for fastening the glass plate to the windshield main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Seiichi Kurohori, Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Furuta, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Hirosi Takamoto
  • Patent number: 6293616
    Abstract: A specialty vehicle is provided with first and second rails on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle that extend from the front portion of the vehicle above the passenger compartment to a rear portion of the vehicle. The first and second rails have a plurality of grooves on an inwardly facing side thereof for receiving a windshield, a sun visor and a sun shade in a sliding relationship to permit repositioning. A key hole slot is provided for receiving a seatbelt retractor, grab handle, side view mirror or other accessory on a downwardly facing side of the first and second rails. The sun shade is preferably retained on a roll. The sun shade is a flexible web reinforced by a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs and a front roof bar. The sun visor may be formed in two parts and retained between a center track and one of the rails. A linearly driven reciprocating windshield wiper is provided on the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Preston Williams, Thomas Scott
  • Patent number: 5429404
    Abstract: A golf cart enclosure system for the creation and maintenance of a pleasant climate within a golf cart during poor weather conditions and for allowing simultaneously care-free ingress and egress with respect to the golf cart without the golfer having to open a door on the golf cart, with the enclosure system including flexible partable strips of see-through plastic which extend across the vertical dimension between the golf cart canopy and the golf cart body, the top ends of the flexible strips being attached with a semi-permanent attachment device to the golf cart canopy in a rear-to-front overlapping fashion, so that during forward motion of the cart, the strips remain in position and in contact with one another; the bottom ends of the strips connected to the golf cart body by permanent magnets, or electromagnets wired to the golf cart battery and activated either automatically by the driver's footpedal, or by an on-board switch, with the enclosure system also including a front and back protective panel, th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Lloyd H. King, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5419604
    Abstract: A visor/windshield assembly for mounting on a vessel and including a movable panel, an elongated rigid member (e.g., hollow tube, solid rod), and plural C-shaped connector/brackets, and mounting devices, e.g., screws and other components. A first group of plural connector/brackets are fixedly secured to the panel at spaced locations therealong to releasably receive, e.g., snap-fit, the rigid member therein. A second group of plural connector/brackets is fixedly secured by the mounting devices to the vessel to releasably receive, e.g., snap-fit, the rigid member therein. The rigid member is formed of a rigid material, e.g., aluminum, to provide rigidity and/or structural stability to the panel. The rigid member is rotatable about its longitudinal axis with respect to the connector/brackets so that the panel is pivotal from a retracted position, to an extended position, with the panel in the extended position being generally in the line of sight of a person on the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Brant V. Clark
  • Patent number: 5388881
    Abstract: A portable golf cart cover which is made of a lightweight flexible material may be folded to a compact size for storage in a golf club bag. The cover is easily attached to and removed from any golf cart of the type having a roof. The cover requires a minimal number of attachment means, thereby enabling easy access to the cabin and golf club compartment. The cover may be manufactured by joining three sections using an adhesive or by heat sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Wayne R. Spencer
    Inventors: Wayne R. Spencer, Bernard C. Smith, William M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5259656
    Abstract: A new golf cart enclosure has a top panel (14) with roll cover (5) attachable to a top (13) of a golf cart (4) or other vehicle or structure (32) above an area to be enclosed. Roll-up side panels (1-3 and 37) made of flexible and selectively transparent materials are attachable to the top of the golf cart (4) or structure at a position under the roll cover (5). This allows the roll-up side panels (18) to be rolled up under the roll cover (5) at select sides of the golf cart or structure to protect the transparent panels (1-3 and 37) from sun and other elements. The roll-up side panels in rolled-up condition are then held in a position under the roll cover with straps (20). The roll cover (5) can be positioned on top of the golf cart (4) or structure (32) such that the roll cover (5) has a plurality of edges at a plurality of sides of the golf cart or structure. The roll cover overhangs edges of the golf cart or structure and overlies rolled-up side panels (18) like flexible eaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Larry W. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5072987
    Abstract: A retractable roof is provided for mounting on a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle. The roof comprises a flexible waterproof canopy which is removably supported by a tubular metal frame movably secured to the vehicle. The frame includes a stationary base portion and an overhead portion including a front bow, central bow, and rear bow, all of which can be pivoted from an upright position over the seat of the vehicle to a lowered position parallel to the base portion and behind the seat. The central bow includes telescoping elements which allow it to be shortened when in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Marshall T. Allen
  • Patent number: 4792175
    Abstract: A rigid windshield for a golf cart comprising two substantially identical window panes each having an upper inwardly turned edge and a lower outwardly turned edge. Removable fasteners are affixed to opposing side edges of each window pane allowing the window panes to be affixed to the vertical roof supports of the golf cart with one window pane being positioned planarly over the other such that the lower outwardly turned edge of the upper window pane mates with the upper inwardly turned edge of the lower window pane. When removed, the window panes may be stacked one on top of the other and conveniently stored underneath the roof structure of the golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Tampa G Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Curtis E. Gerber