Windshield protector and methods of manufacturing and using same
A windshield protective device having a notch for accommodating a radars, sensors, and RFID transponders, a protective top layer that is removable and prevents damage to the windshield protective device during transportation and installation, a clear tempered glass layer that provides strength and durability, an optical PET film that enhances the visibility and clarity of the windshield, a silicon adhesive layer that adheres the windshield protective device to the windshield without leaving any residue, and a protective backing that covers the adhesive layer until it is ready to be applied. The windshield protective device protects the windshield from scratches, cracks, chips, and other damages caused by road debris, weather conditions, or vandalism.
1 . A windshield protective device for a vehicle, comprising:
a clear tempered glass layer having a thickness extending in a first plane and a surface area disposed in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, the surface area abutting and covering a windshield of the vehicle, the surface area having a perimeter defined by a curved upper edge opposing a curved lower edge, and two curved side edges that connect the curved upper edge with the curved lower edge, the curved upper edge and the opposing curved lower edge being equidistant from the windshield of the vehicle, the clear tempered glass layer forming a curved concave surface;
an optical polyethylene terephthalate film disposed adjacent to, and in contact with, the clear tempered glass layer;
an adhesive layer applied directly to the optical polyethylene terephthalate film; and
at least one notch formed in all of the clear tempered glass layer, the optical polyethylene terephthalate film and the adhesive layer, the at least one notch being disposed adjacent the curved upper edge of the windshield protective device.
2 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable protective film disposed adjacent the clear tempered glass layer.
3 . The windshield protective device of claim 2 , wherein the removable protective film is made of a thin plastic material configured to be peeled off before installation.
4 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable protective backing disposed on the adhesive layer, configured and arranged to cover the adhesive layer until installation to prevent contamination.
5 . The windshield protective device of claim 4 , wherein the removable protective backing is made of a paper or plastic material or a combination thereof.
6 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , further comprising a fingerprint-resistant coating on the clear tempered glass layer.
7 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises a silicone material that can be activated by pressure, heat, and/or UV light.
8 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , wherein at least one notch is rectangular.
9 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , wherein at least one notch is circular.
10 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , wherein at least one notch comprises multiple notches.
11 . The windshield protective device of claim 1 , wherein at least one notch is embedded and bounded by the clear tempered glass layer.
12 . A method of protecting a windshield comprising:
measuring a windshield of a vehicle to obtain dimensions of the windshield;
storing the dimensions in association with the vehicle's make and model;
noting a position and a size of sensors on the windshield for the vehicle's make and model;
manufacturing a windshield protective device for the vehicle's make and model according the dimensions, the windshield protective device having a clear tempered glass layer, an optical PET film disposed adjacent the clear tempered glass layer, an adhesive layer applied to the optical PET film;
forming at least one notch in all of the clear tempered glass layer, the optical PET film and the adhesive layer, the at least one notch corresponding to the position and the size of the sensors for the vehicle's make and model; and
coupling the windshield protective device to the windshield via the adhesive layer.