Automobile Patents (Class 135/88.05)
  • Patent number: 10160299
    Abstract: A pickup cover system includes a vehicle that has a cab and a bed. A lid unit is movably coupled to the bed. A pair of lifting units is provided. Each of the lifting units is coupled between the bed and the lid unit. Moreover, each of the lifting unit selectively urges the lid unit upwardly and downwardly with respect to the bed. A wall unit is movably coupled to the lid unit. The wall unit is selectively positioned in a stored position. The wall unit is selectively positioned in a deployed position. Thus, the wall unit extends between the lid unit and the bed when the lid unit is positioned in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Fernando Molinar Olivas
  • Patent number: 9127476
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a vehicle covering apparatus and a vehicle cover. The vehicle covering apparatus includes a base, an upright member, an arm, an extension rod a coupler assembly and support line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Cornew
  • Publication number: 20140238455
    Abstract: A hail guard for cars includes a net with a thick mesh applied to a structure having two center rods joined by a hinge, two multiple hinges applied to the free ends of the center rods, and four net-stretching rods hinged to each multiple hinge. Each multiple hinge has pins with vertical axes suited to allow the net-stretching rods to rotate and a rotation pin whose horizontal axis is orthogonal to the center rods, suited to allow the rotation of the set of net-stretching rods. The net-stretching rods are arranged so that two of them, when open, are opposed to each other and two other ones are generically diagonal. Two or more supports are hinged to the center rods and each free end of each support is provided with suction cups or magnets suited to allow the structure to be stably and removably applied to the car roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Edoardo Majer
  • Patent number: 8800581
    Abstract: A compactable car cover provides a flexible covering material that is attached to a car by a frame. The frame can be collapsed into a smaller state for storage by sliding telescoping rods into the central section of the frame. The frame is secured to a vehicle by large suction cups, which are placed on the windshield and rear window of a vehicle. The telescoping rods that form each side of the frame provide an attachment point for the covering material. Each pair of telescoping rods is connected by their own individual cover material, necessary for allowing the telescoping rods to be retracted into the center section. Unlike the outer telescoping rods, the front and rear rods that form the center section cannot be moved, instead serving as a support for the other rods and connection point for the mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Michael McMaster
  • Publication number: 20140209136
    Abstract: A compactable car cover provides a flexible covering material that is attached to a car by a frame. The frame can be collapsed into a smaller state for storage by sliding telescoping rods into the central section of the frame. The frame is secured to a vehicle by large suction cups, which are placed on the windshield and rear window of a vehicle. The telescoping rods that form each side of the frame provide an attachment point for the covering material. Each pair of telescoping rods is connected by their own individual cover material, necessary for allowing the telescoping rods to be retracted into the center section. Unlike the outer telescoping rods, the front and rear rods that form the center section cannot be moved, instead serving as a support for the other rods and connection point for the mounting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Michael MCMASTER
  • Patent number: 8776811
    Abstract: A vehicle anchored accessory holder may include a base plate, a brace connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate and an angled support connected to the at least one brace. The vehicle anchored accessory holder may also include a female fitting connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate. The female fitting may also be connected to the angled support. The female fitting may have an open top to receive at least one of an extension arm stem and an accessory. A first tube and a second tube may be connected to an upper portion of the female fitting to receive a connector adapted to move the female fitting between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Griffith
  • Publication number: 20130087178
    Abstract: A portable hunting or wildlife observation structure is designed to fit to the bed of most pickup trucks. All components of the structure may be stored inside a lockable storage case, which also acts as a bed width adjustable bench seat for the user when the structure is assembled. The structure's five-sided structure may incorporate height adjustable shooting bars and a roof structure. A weatherproof camouflage material provides a surround and roof cover for the structure. Separate weatherproof camouflage material may be magnetically attached to conceal the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Andrew Atherton
  • Publication number: 20120241238
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Poliaries Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A.J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Vittorio Tomolillo, Mark Alan Ziliak
  • Publication number: 20120118341
    Abstract: Storable exterior lift cover systems, apparatus, devices, methods, etc. are configured to be used with a lift device or the like (such as an exterior lift that raises, transports, stores and lowers mobility devices like scooters, power chairs and the like) mounted to a motor vehicle using a trailer hitch or the like. A covering apparatus has a foldable frame that can be unfolded to allow a pliable cover to extend over the lift platform and any cargo. Retraction of the cover and folding of the frame compactly configures and stores the cover apparatus, for example between the lift platform and a motor vehicle to which the lift is secured. Embodiments of the storable exterior lift cover permit easy deployment and storage of a cover that can be reliably transported externally in its deployed or stored configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam C. Hooper, Timothy J. Dexter, Andrew A. Bayer
  • Publication number: 20110253183
    Abstract: A raintrough support clip includes a generally cylindrical main body made from an elastically resilient material, and having a circumferential gap to facilitate mounting of the main body around the awning reel of a recreation vehicle awning assembly of the type having a flexible valance sheet extending downward from the outer edge of the awning reel. The raintrough support clip also has an outrigger member extending outwardly from a lower region of the main body, with an upturned portion forming a generally U-shaped space between the outrigger and the main body. When a suitable number of the raintrough support clips are mounted along the length of the awning reel, the valance sheet may be readily deformed to form a rainwater drainage trough for receiving runoff from the awning. The drainage trough thus formed will carry runoff to one or both ends of the awning reel, thereby preventing the runoff from falling over the awning reel and forming a runoff curtain therebelow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: James S. MOWATT, SR.
  • Publication number: 20110226297
    Abstract: A canopy apparatus for use with a vehicle such as an automobile or pickup truck. The canopy includes a collapsible frame adapted to be removably mounted to a surface of the vehicle, for example to the bed of a truck or to the trunk of an automobile. The canopy apparatus also includes a cover adapted to be secured to the collapsible frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Darrel A. REWIS
  • Publication number: 20110108076
    Abstract: A portable canopy system that has a U-shaped member that pivotably attaches to a hitch of a vehicle. At least one vertical support member is detachably received by and extends from the U-shaped member and receives a canopy assembly. The canopy assembly has a plurality of roof support members that receive a canvas that is attached to the plurality of roof members using a plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Connot
  • Patent number: 7861735
    Abstract: A folding canopy for a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, can be displaced, via switch activation, from a folded position behind the backrest to the operating position above the mobility device. In the folded position, the canopy and structural members are kept behind the backrest. A press of the switch located on the armrest activates an electric motor and drives a mechanical assembly comprising of: two gears a shaft and two U-shape tubular structural members attached to weather resistant upholstery. The canopy and structural members assemble directly above the vehicle. Another press of the switch retracts the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Karol Piotr Stepaniuk, Hugo Israel Gallegos
  • Publication number: 20100269873
    Abstract: A rain shielding device for an automobile includes an umbrella holder, an umbrella cloth, and a power accumulator. The umbrella holder includes a first edge column mounted on a vehicle door, a second edge column mounted on a vehicle body, a plurality of main umbrella sticks between the first edge column and the second edge column, and two interlock members. The umbrella cloth is covered on the umbrella holder. The power accumulator includes a movable member, a plurality of auxiliary umbrella sticks, and an energy-storing member. The interlock members move the movable member when the vehicle door opens, and then the movable member interacts with the auxiliary umbrella sticks to push the main umbrella sticks and umbrella cloth unfolding. The energy-storing member stores energy when the umbrella cloth unfolds and releases energy when the vehicle door is closed; thus provides an auxiliary force when the umbrella cloth folds/unfolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ANN SHOW CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 7789097
    Abstract: A portable sunshade used in conjunction with and supported by a vehicle. The sunshade has a lightweight protective fabric cover engaged by a up to five flexible poles. The protective cover rear is magnetically attached to the vehicle. The protective cover front terminates in two fabric legs, which are engaged by an elongated, flexible pole inserted through the legs and the front of the protective cover. The leg bottoms are engaged by a footing or a stake driven into the ground. Removable sidings may also be attached to the protective cover for enclosing the area beneath the protective cover. The portable is easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Peter Sotirkys, Kenn Weldon Medeiros
  • Publication number: 20100212709
    Abstract: A portable sunshade used in conjunction with and supported by a vehicle. The sunshade has a lightweight protective fabric cover engaged by a up to five flexible poles. The protective cover rear is magnetically attached to the vehicle. The protective cover front terminates in two fabric legs, which are engaged by an elongated, flexible pole inserted through the legs and the front of the protective cover. The leg bottoms are engaged by a footing or a stake driven into the ground. Removable sidings may also be attached to the protective cover for enclosing the area beneath the protective cover. The portable is easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Peter Sotirkys, Kenn Weldon Mederios
  • Publication number: 20100096052
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle shelter including an inflatable bladder configured for nested engagement with a vehicle for covering the vehicle's upper and outer surfaces. The bladder may be inflated by a remotely activated inflation unit. Provision is made in the bladder member to allow a vehicle operator to reenter the vehicle for shelter from inclement weather.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Sandra Graham
  • Patent number: 7677641
    Abstract: A Camper Truck Tent for detachably mounting on a pickup truck, consisting of front and rear mounting supports attached to the truck cargo box sidewalls, various tent poles attaching the folded out tent to the mounting supports, erecting means for folding out the tent and two beds placed inside the erected tent. When dismantled, all these components occupy minimum space. The tent itself is stored in a self-contained pouch on the cargo box floor, the mounting supports in an envelope integral with one bed and the tent poles in an envelope integral with the second bed. The stored components are close to the cargo box floor and out of sight of the truck driver. Several tent pole configurations are available: two main configurations and three alternative configurations. Front and aft erecting means keep the tent folded out. The front means is a front strap secured to the front of the truck or a cramping tent pole. The aft means are aft straps secured to the downed tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Yukio Isoda
  • Publication number: 20090183757
    Abstract: The lawn mower shade is a rear mounted support frame that has a canopy attached to the top portion for the user's protection from environmental conditions. Such conditions may consist of damaging UV radiation that is produced from the sun. Mowing traditionally requires extended periods under the sun increasing the risk of sun burn and skin cancer the instant device reduces exposure to damaging UV rays. The mower shade also will protect the user from other environmental conditions such as precipitation. Another advantage to the mower shade is the support frame provides unitary strength to support the canopy and a cammed support frame designed to allow the support frame to pivot away from a solid object when struck such as a branch preventing damage. The mower shade is capable of attaching to any riding lawn mower through its hitch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Stanley Koch, III
  • Publication number: 20090159108
    Abstract: Camping accessories have use in conjunction with transporting vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization requiring an increase of available living space and storage facilities including vehicle storage. Structures for added living space include tent-like enclosures, bathroom facilities and food storage facilities. Organizing accessories include bags, boxes, bins, shelving, waste containers, tool caddies and clothes racks suitably mounted for temporary use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: CHRIS DANNEWITZ
  • Patent number: 7464983
    Abstract: A changing curtain apparatus includes a flexible peripheral wall having an upper edge and a lower edge. The peripheral wall has a break therein extending between and through an upper edge and a lower edge of the peripheral wall to define an opening into an enclosure defined by the peripheral wall. Each of a plurality of loops is attached to the upper edge. A support extends through the loops and has a pair of free ends each comprising a hook. A vehicle has a plurality of door windows. Each of the hooks is mounted on one of the windows so that the support extends outwardly from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Lombardo Acosta, Zoila Acosta
  • Publication number: 20080202572
    Abstract: An automated awning comprises a main shaft connected to a screw rod through a sleeve by a screw means. The screw rod is driven by a motor to activate a first support rod and a second support rod to slide forward or backward sliding motion. A main support bracket is disposed between the main shaft and a second support rod, and a spring is disposed between the main support bracket and the main shaft. There are deep and shallow grooves and a slopped surface within the second support rod; a free rotor and a fixed rotor are inserted therein. A tube body is mounted on a motor mount and enclosing the first support rod. The tube body is then inserted into an outer tube. As the screw rod drives the first and second support rods forward, a gear teeth strip on one side of said first link rod stretches a spring so as to open a sun roof by extending the second main support rod, the second link rod and the third main support rod; the rotors are retained on the slopped surface for fixing the main support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7387133
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for extending a cover for a golf cart. The invention is preferably configured for attachment to a support frame of a golf cart, wherein the support frame supports a roof for the golf cart. The apparatus includes a stationary main frame member, brackets for mounting the stationary main frame member to the golf cart, a movable frame member, and a cover. The stationary main frame member is suitable for receipt by the brackets, which are in turn mounted to the upper portion of the support frame and possibly to the roof of the golf cart. The movable frame member is operatively secured to the stationary main frame member, and configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for attachment to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Carolina Covertech
    Inventors: Dorian Thurston True, Marion Lee Jones, Nathan Carothers
  • Patent number: 7311112
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable collapsible car cover assembly which includes: (a) a collapsible hollow housing with exit sheet exit apertures, which housing has a compact collapsed configuration and an extended deployed configuration; (b) a base which includes a suction cup for fastening the assembly to the roof of a car; (c) which housing contains sheets of protective material wound around rollers when the car cover assembly is collapsed and stored, and wherein the sheets are unwound to cover the trunk, passenger compartment, and hood when the assembly is fully deployed; (d) several elements for attaching the distal end of the sheets of protective material to a car; and (e) at least two security lines for attaching the housing to the car as a theft deterrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Giovanni Pacheco
  • Patent number: 7159631
    Abstract: A protective cover for motor vehicle mainly includes a cover, at least two flexible metal rings that are lengthwise sequentially spaced at and attached to an inner side of the cover to enclose a relatively large area of the cover, and adjustable belts with hook belt fasteners spaced at a lower edge of the cover. The flexible metal rings are adapted to automatically stretch the cover for covering an upper part of a motor vehicle, and the hook belt fasteners are adapted to firmly hold the cover to a lower part of the motor vehicle. To fold and store the cover, simply fold the cover to align the metal rings with each other, and bend the aligned metal rings into several superposed smaller loops, so that the folded cover may be stored in a bag in the flat and folded state to occupy only a relatively small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Formosa Sounding Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 7108005
    Abstract: A canopy (100) suspended above an opening (202) in a vehicle (200) is provided. The vehicle (200) has a roof (215) and a pair of vertically hung doors (204 and 206) pivotal to an open position to create the opening in the vehicle. The canopy comprises a flexible cover (102) having a top panel (104) extending between the doors and the roof. The canopy aids in forming an enclosure bounded by the top panel, the doors, a ground surface, the opening in the vehicle, and a rear opening and a non-closable bottom opening in the enclosure permitting walk-in access to the enclosure. A support frame (106) is coupled to the cover to aid in suspending the cover above the ground surface and above the opening in the vehicle. The canopy further includes an attachment assembly (108) for coupling the cover to the vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, a canopy 400 for interfacing with a vehicle 500 having a liftgate 504 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: William B. Christenson, Renee L. Christenson
  • Patent number: 6981509
    Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle comprising a sheet or a web of a flexible material that possesses a property of buckling or curving in the upward direction from the vehicle with the formation of a canopy-type shield for protecting the vehicle from direct sun rays, birds' droppings, etc. The sheet has a length exceeding the length of the upper surface periphery of the vehicle so that the upwardly curved canopy is formed either by applying two oppositely directed forces to the opposite ends of the sheet or by prestressing the sheet. The sheet can be made from plastic or a fabric that incorporates springing metal strips that tend to curve upward when they are in a free state. The sheet can be conveniently stored in wound state in a cylindrical cassette. Storage of the flexible material in a wound state enhances the property of bucking or curving when the sheet is withdrawn from the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Sergey Sharapov
  • Patent number: 6942279
    Abstract: An improved camper shell that is collapsible and portable. The shell consists of a cover that is positioned over a shell frame. The shell frame is formed by a plurality of components, preferably formed of steel, that are fitted together for use and that may be stored within the cover when not in use. The main frame components include bottom supports, vertical supports coupled thereto, and cross-members. Preferably, the bottom supports and cross-members are adjustable in length, to fit a plurality of truck bed sizes. The frame preferably angles downward from rear to front, for drainage and other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Hoover
  • Patent number: 6871896
    Abstract: A temporary vehicle interior expansion system expands the usable interior size of a vehicle by utilizing the vehicle doors to form and support the system. The system includes an enclosure panel for draping over and between the doors of the vehicle to enclose an extended interior space in communication with an interior of the vehicle. The enclosure panel comprises a top portion, a pair of side portions, an end portion, and a bottom portion. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the top portion of the enclosure panel on the vehicle and holding the door in the open condition below the top portion of the enclosure panel, and may include a transverse support member for positioning transversely between the doors of the vehicle for holding the doors in the open condition. Optionally, a platform assembly may be removably mountable on the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: James D. Owen
  • Patent number: 6840568
    Abstract: A slide-out room and awning assembly for a recreational vehicle. The assembly includes a roll enclosure for attachment to an exterior side wall of the vehicle, a roll rotationally journalled within the roll enclosure, a slide-out room for extension from the exterior side wall, an elongated trough attached to the slide-out room, and an awning fabric attached at a proximate edge to the roll and attached at a distal edge to the elongated trough. When the slide-out room is in a retracted position, the awning fabric is wrapped around the roll. When the slide-out room is in an extended position, the awning fabric is extended from the roll over a top wall of the slide-out room at a downward slope from the roll to the trough such that debris and liquid flow into the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Alejandro Carrillo, Michael Hicks
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030015232
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the portable carport 10 comprises small diameter longitudinal members 14, large diameter longitudinal members 15, fixed lateral members 20, small diameter vertical legs 25, large diameter vertical legs 26, waterproof covering material 27, anchoring members 31, t-joints 40, and flexible removable rods 50. All components are assembled so as to shelter a typical vehicle 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20020129846
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and methods for covering the rear bag compartment of a golf cart. The invention is configured for attachment to a support frame of a golf cart, wherein the support frame supports a hard roof top for the golf cart. The invention includes a stationary frame member, a movable frame member, and a cover. The stationary frame member is configured for mounting to the support frame of the golf cart. The movable frame member is configured for mounting to the stationary frame member, and further configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for mounting to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dorian Thurston True, Marion Lee Jones
  • Patent number: 6439645
    Abstract: An enclosure is disclosed for mounting to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The enclosure includes a first canopy bracket mountable to a front rack of the ATV and a second canopy bracket mountable to a rear rack of the ATV. A frame comprising a plurality of support members is pivotally attached to the first canopy bracket and the second canopy bracket. The plurality of support members pivot around the canopy brackets between a collapsed position and an open position. A cover is positioned over the frame such that when the frame is in the collapsed position the cover is folded and when the frame is in the open position the cover is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: U.S.L. Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6427709
    Abstract: This invention comprises a parked vehicle shade device called an auto sun buffer zone, which provides a buffer zone to keep the vehicle cool when parked outdoors under the sun. The shade device covers the top, front windshield, rear window, side windows, trunk and hood (all the upper surfaces) of the vehicle. A space (buffer zone) is provided between the top of the vehicle and the shade device, which provides a zone through which air can pass, which is more effective in cooling. The shade device provides protection to occupants in a parked vehicle sitting in the sun, and to the interior and exterior of an unoccupied vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Gus Montes
  • Publication number: 20020092552
    Abstract: A retractable awning for a recreational vehicle is provided wherein the awning is stored behind a pivoting door that closes flush with the side of the recreational vehicle when the awning is not deployed over a slide-out unit. The pivoting door is adjacent the awning and the pivoting door closes flush with the side of the recreational vehicle with the awning enclosed in its side mounted compartment. With the retractable awning completely behind the plane defining the side of the recreational vehicle and protected by a locking door, the awning does not add any additional unwanted width to the recreational vehicle and is protected from unfurling during transport. An automatic locking mechanism is provided for ensuring that the door remains closed during transportation. Further, a debris clearing mechanism is preferably installed adjacent the spool which collects the retractable awning as it retracts, thereby cleaning the awning of debris prior to its withdrawal into the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Glenn Jones
  • Patent number: 6318393
    Abstract: A portable vehicle covering device including a roof portion coupled with respect to the roof of the vehicle. A hood portion is slidably received within the roof portion in a retracted orientation. The hood portion slides outwardly of the roof portion in an extended orientation for covering the hood of the vehicle. A trunk portion is slidably received within the roof portion in a retracted orientation. The trunk portion slides outwardly of the hood portion in an extended orientation for covering the trunk of the vehicle. A first side door portion is slidably received within the roof portion in a retracted orientation. The first side door portion extends outwardly of the roof portion in an extended orientation for covering the door of the first side of the vehicle. The first side door portion includes front and rear portions for selectively covering the forward and rearward portions of the first side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Winstun Glasgo
  • Patent number: 6250321
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing which is mounted on the lower portion of the inside of a rear window of a vehicle. The housing extends across the width of the rear window. A pair of support arms are pivotally mounted, one each, on the sides of the housing. During storage, the support arms are generally parallel to and are attached to the front wall of the housing by a clip. The support arms can swing outwardly to provide support for an awning which is rolled onto a roller inside the housing. During use, when the rear window has been opened, the support arms are swung in an outward direction. The awning is which is pulled outwardly and the end of the awning is hooked onto the outer ends of the support arms. The awning, which is made of a waterproof material, includes a support member which extends between the outer ends of the support arms. When the awning is rolled back into the housing, the housing catches and collects moisture from the awning and prevents water damage to merchandise stored in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas B. Ernst
  • Patent number: 6223760
    Abstract: A cover for shielding an automobile from radiation from the sun comprising a sheet with a flap having one edge secured to the sheet at a location that permits positioning the cover over the roof of the car with the flap extending through a side window into the interor of the car and with the flap against the outside surface of the car. When the car window is rolled up, the edge of the window clamps the cover to the window frame of the car thereby preventing removal of the cover by a thief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Hughey
  • Patent number: 6220263
    Abstract: An improved inflatable protective fabric enclosure for an automobile. The enclosure has a base frame for stabilizing and locating the enclosure. The improvement includes the following features. One or more hoops support the fabric. Each hoop has two ends. Frame clips attach the hoop ends to the base frame. Each frame clip has a pintle for engaging each end of the hoop. An upper portion of fabric of the enclosure has hoop loops, for locating and stabilizing the hoop at a top of the hoop's arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: William J. Weiner
    Inventor: Rein S. Randmae