ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD

摘要

An adjustable windshield assembly for an open-air vehicle like a snowmobile or motorcycle has a flexible windshield of sufficient flexibility and resiliency that it can be repeatedly elastically deformed without substantial degradation of strength, stiffness, appearance or translucence. Adjusting the configuration of the flexible windshield affords the rider varying degrees of frontal protection, ranging from a low-drag racing posture offering minimal protection from wind, rain and snow to a less aerodynamic, upright posture offering maximal protection. The configuration of the flexible windshield is controlled by an adjustment mechanism having a rack connected to the windshield and a pinion connected to the base and meshing with the rack such that a rotation of the pinion with respect to the rack causes the flexible windshield to displace and deform relative to the base.