Patents Assigned to FAPA S.p.A.
  • Patent number: 5377888
    Abstract: Carrier apparatus for the transport of articles on the roof of a motor vehicle, particularly an all-purpose carrier, a ski-carrier or the like, including a support structure having feet which bear on the side edge portions of the roof and at least one associated magnetic plate which can be applied to the roof to retain the apparatus thereon substantially without transmitting the load of the articles carried by the support structure to the roof, the transmission of the load being entrusted substantially only to the resting feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: FAPA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Baravalle
  • Patent number: 5312030
    Abstract: A magnetically-attachable roof rack, in particular a ski rack, comprises on the one hand a flexible plate which is made of magnetic material and can be fitted on a vehicle roof, and a flexible base plate attached to the magnetic plate, and on the other hand a rack unit supported by the base plate, with vibration-damping means interposed. The vibration-damping means constitute a semi-articulated flexible coupling connected to the base plate in an area around its center. The flexible coupling preferably comprises a resiliently flexible intermediate plate and vibration-damping supports which connect the intermediate plate securely to the base plate on the one hand and to the rack unit on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: FAPA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Baravalle
  • Patent number: 4995538
    Abstract: A rack for a motor-vehicle roof comprises a pair of bridges (10) each having a cross member (12), a pair of box-shaped feet (14) for bearing on the roof (T) and a connector for hooking and fixing each foot on to the edge (B) of the roof, such as the drainage channel or the upper edge of a door opening. Each cross member (12) is slidably inserted in respective transverse passages formed in the upper parts of the feet (14) and pressure members are associated with each transverse passage, respectively, for clamping the cross member (12) in an adjusted position. The hooking and fixing connector for each bridge (10) is comprised of an inextensible strap (18) which passes through each foot (14), through an opening in an outer wall of the foot and which is provided, outside this outer wall, with a rigid, shaped hook (20), which is replaceable by other similar hooks of different shapes, for hooking on the edge (B) of the roof (T). At least one of the two feet (14) incorporates a device for tensioning the strap (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: FAPA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Osvaldo Marengo