Extrusion for boat windshield

Abstract

The present invention provides a header for rigidly engaging an upper edge of a boat windshield and supporting a boat canopy. The header comprises an elongated member having a generally uniform transverse cross-section. The cross-section is defined by an upper rail having a convexly curved top surface and a bottom defining first and second respective sides. First and second arms protrude downwardly from the first and second sides of the upper rail. A windshield-engaging channel for receiving the boat windshield is formed between the first and second arms. A first groove is formed within the upper rail and extends inwardly from the first side of the upper rail. To reduce wear and tear on a boat canopy attached to the header, the curvature of the convexly curved top surface increases from the first side to the second side of the upper rail to maximize the load-bearing contact area between the canopy and the header.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A header for rigidly engaging an upper edge of a boat windshield, the header comprising an elongated member having a generally uniform transverse cross-section defined by: 
 an upper rail having a convexly curved top surface and a bottom defining first and second respective sides;    first and second arms protruding downwardly from the first and second sides of the upper rail;    a windshield-engaging channel for receiving said boat windshield defined between the first and second arms; and    a first groove formed within the upper rail and extending inwardly from the first side of the upper rail.    
     
     
         2 . The header claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the curvature of the convexly curved top surface increases asymmetrically from the first side to the second side of the upper rail.  
     
     
         3 . The header claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a second groove positioned generally at a center of the convexly curved top surface of the upper rail and protruding downwardly thereinto, the second groove separating the convexly curved top surface into two sections.    
     
     
         4 . The header claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the top surface is continuously curved and the curvature increases gradually from the first side to the second side.  
     
     
         5 . The header claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a third groove formed within the upper rail and extending inwardly from the second side of the upper rail.  
     
     
         6 . The header claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 at least one fastener extending from the first groove to a bottom-most portion of the first arm.    
     
     
         7 . A header for rigidly engaging an upper edge of a boat windshield, the header comprising an elongated member having a generally uniform transverse cross-section, said cross-section being defined by: 
 an arm connection portion with a bottom having first and second sides;    an upper rail formed on a top side of the arm connection portion, said upper rail having an asymmetrical, convexly-curved top surface;    first and second arms protruding downwardly from the first and second sides of the arm connection portion, wherein a windshield-engaging channel for receiving said boat windshield is formed between the first and second arms and below the arm connection portion; and    at least one groove formed between the upper rail and the arm connection portion and extending inwardly from the first side of the arm connection portion.    
     
     
         8 . The header of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 at least one fastener disposed thereon, extending from the groove to a bottom-most portion of the first arm.