For A Vehicle Exterior Patents (Class 150/166)
  • Patent number: 11554652
    Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for a vehicle cover may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle cover may be provided which is stored along or inside the bumper cover of a vehicle. The cover may be stored on a roller. A drawstring on the end of the cover may be exposed while the cover is stored. Pulling the drawstring may unroll the roller, thus exposing the cover. The cover may then be wrapped over a substantial portion of the vehicle and tied at the end of the vehicle opposite the roller. In an exemplary embodiment, removal of the cover is as simple as untying the end of the cover and pressing a button on the roller which activates the spring-loaded return mechanism which may roll the cover back into the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Bessie Newell
  • Patent number: 11458823
    Abstract: A cover for covering at least partially a vehicle. The vehicle includes a straddle seat and a footrest extending along a lateral side of the vehicle. The cover includes a cover body and a clip connected to the cover body. The clip is configured to be connected to the footrest of the vehicle. The clip includes: a clip body fastened to the cover body; an upper connector extending from an inner side of the clip body and configured to engage an upper side of the footrest so as to restrict forward movement of the clip relative to the footrest; and a lower connector extending from an inner side of the clip body and configured to engage a lower side of the footrest. The clip is configured such that, when the clip is connected to the footrest, an edge portion of the footrest is located between the upper and lower connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Houle, Caroline Letendre, Benoit Morissette
  • Patent number: 11433753
    Abstract: A vehicle covering device may comprise a case, a spooling mechanism, an attachment mechanism, and a cover, wherein the cover is configured to fit over a vehicle. The system may comprise a spooling mechanism with rotational deployment and retraction of a cover from a central location with sufficient momentum to extend the cover sufficient to enclose a vehicle. The cover may comprise a plurality of predetermined sizes to be used with a plurality of vehicles, either in their entirety or for designated parts. The cover may comprise a plurality of elements distributed throughout or confined to a particular portion such as magnets, thermoregulators, ultraviolet shielding factors, and an alarm. The vehicle cover device may be activated by an external device such as a remote-control or a software application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Alise Alixe Stephens
  • Patent number: 11332176
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides kit that can be used for closing off the volume between the top and bottom trays of a hand cart for more secure storage of items on the bottom tray. The kit comprises a first wall section, a second wall section, and a third wall section. The first wall section is generally flat. The second wall section has a first generally flat section and a second generally flat section connected by a corner section. The third wall section has a first generally flat section and a second generally flat section connected by a corner section, and a generally flat door section connected to the second generally flat section by a hinge. The kit preferably comprises a plurality of fastener pairs for attaching the wall sections to the angle-stock legs. Preferably, each fastener pair comprises a bolt and a nut, and the kit further comprises a bushing for each fastener pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Joe Lin, Brian Liu
  • Patent number: 11325681
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a collapsible enclosure and a flotation container coupled to the collapsible enclosure to provide a buoyance to the collapsible enclosure. The collapsible enclosure comprises a floor portion, a top portion, and a side portion. The top portion is disposed opposite the floor portion. The side portion extends between the floor portion and the top portion. The collapsible enclosure being sealable to resist fluid penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Jack D. Fisher
  • Patent number: 11292541
    Abstract: A motorcycle bag includes a bag body of a bag material comprising a left peripheral wall, a left sidewall attached by a first attachment to the left peripheral wall, the left peripheral wall and left sidewall comprising a left body portion configured to enclose a left side of the motorcycle, the left body portion comprising an outwardly-protruding, flexible, left attachment access port opening; a right peripheral wall opposing the left sidewall; a right sidewall attached by a second attachment to the right peripheral wall, the right peripheral wall and right sidewall comprising a right body portion, the right body portion comprising an outwardly-protruding, flexible, right attachment access port opening; a joint joining the left body portion to the right body portion and comprising a bottom side of the bag body; and a partially peripherally-extending closure configured to selectively attach and release the left sidewall to the right sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Load Lugger, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dooling
  • Patent number: 11230175
    Abstract: A protective cover (10) for a motor car (11) comprises inner (12) and outer (13) cover portions connected together at a periphery (14). Elongate, substantially parallel, flexible webs (15) have long edges secured to the cover portions (12, 13) and are disposed in spaced rows transverse the vehicle (11) axis. Particular rows are located at (16), the change of section between the bonnet (17) and the windscreen (20), at (21) spaced adjacent each side of the change of section between the windscreen (20) and the turret roof (21), and at interrupted row (22) allowing for additional inflated thickness at the wing mirrors (23). Intermediate rows (24) are located at gradual changes of section. Webs (15) in the rows are spaced by spaces (18). An air supply assembly (25) comprises an axial fan (26) and motor (30) in a ducted housing (27), controller assembly (32), fly lead (33) and plug (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Lily Johnstone Dawson
  • Patent number: 11197589
    Abstract: A moisture retaining pocket towel includes a water retaining mechanism having an absorbing layer, a base layer and an outer layer. The water retaining mechanism is divided into a first half portion and a second half portion which is capable to be folded in half to move between a folding position and an actuating position. The moisture retaining pocket towel also has an outer rim being jointed by an upper portion rim and a lower portion rim encasing around an outer edge of the water retaining mechanism for retaining moisture. In folding position, the water retaining mechanism is folded in half and the exposure of the absorbing layer to the outside environment is minimized for retaining moisture. In addition, magnetic elements are used to retain the folding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Man Kin Cheung
  • Patent number: 11167630
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved cover for a vehicle, which includes a frame and a hinge, so that the cover can be unfolded to substantially cover the vehicle and folds back into a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Tesfa Guma
  • Patent number: 11130395
    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: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Cornew
  • Patent number: 11002035
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an indoor or outdoor item. The cover assembly is moveable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration and includes panels of a textile material stitched together with inside seams and outside seams. The cover assembly receives the selected item within an interior area defined by the panels and the selected item holds the cover assembly in the expanded configuration. The outside seams are biased to close toward an interior area of the cover assembly and the inside seams are biased to close away from the interior area such that, when the cover assembly is removed from the selected item, the cover assembly is biased to close along the inside and outside seams to cause the cover assembly to move to the collapsed configuration to increase the ease of folding and storing the cover assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Classic Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Delina M. Wells, Charles James D'Amato, Jose Derteano, Gail E. Foster
  • Patent number: 10989500
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a camouflaging cover configured to be placed over an exterior surface of a vehicle to conceal at least a portion of the vehicle, and a camouflaging lighting assembly integrated with the camouflaging cover and positioned over a light of the vehicle. The vehicle lighting assembly includes at least one light emitting device, a circuit board operatively connected to the at least one light emitting device, a housing having a first material composition, and at least one lens having a second material composition, such lens being more transparent than the housing. The first and second material compositions each includes a thermally conductive additive. The vehicle lighting method includes the steps of concealing at least a portion of a vehicle with the camouflaging cover, and positioning a camouflaging lighting device over a light of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Daniel Martin, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Zeljko Deljevic
  • Patent number: 10967719
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle cover, a mechanical tensioning device, a memory device, storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to secure a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include attachment means to attach the device to a wheel of the vehicle and means to attach a security cable of the vehicle cover integrated into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover to the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may include a rotational reel connected to either a tensioning motor or a tensioning crank and optionally including either a mechanical bi-stable device or one or more sensors configured to monitor the tension of the security cable when engaged to the mechanical tensioning device. The processor may monitor for a change in tension and execute one or more security measures in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SinchTech Covers, LLC
    Inventors: David Allen Mellick, Patrick Michael Molvik, Robert Dean Bittick, Lisa Marie Daniels
  • Patent number: 10864965
    Abstract: A cover for a vehicle, such as a boat, including a ratchet and straps. The straps are connected to a plate for evenly distributing the load placed on the straps when the straps are tightened by the ratchet. The straps, when tightened, provide form to the cover such that water will run off the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Alexander
  • Patent number: 10800240
    Abstract: A multi-layered vehicle cover that protects a vehicle from hail and other foreign objects that may occur during a storm. The cover's weather resistant and waterproof layer is to better provide a barrier of protection for a vehicle's outer surface during a storm. The cover's resilient layer, uses a cushioning material, polyurethane foam that absorbs the force of contact with the foreign object. It will dissipate the force over a larger surface area to prevent damage. The cover can also be used as a normal vehicle cover to help protect the vehicle even while not in the middle of a storm. The cover is easily rolled onto the vehicle and held in place with magnets and just as easily can be removed from the vehicle and rolled and stored inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: David L Cassell
  • Patent number: 10787067
    Abstract: An exemplary motor vehicle includes, among other things, a roof including a first fabric and a second fabric. The first fabric and the second fabric are selectively deployed to cover at least a portion of a passenger cabin of the motor vehicle. Further, the first fabric is configured to filter a different level of light than the second fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 10766345
    Abstract: A hail-resistant cover for a vehicle is provided which may include a plurality of cover panels, each cover panel including a cover panel sleeve and an impact resistant cover panel insert. The cover panels may be affixed to each other by flexible cover panel joints which allow the cover panels to fold over onto the adjacent cover panels. The cover may also include anchors for anchoring the cover to the top of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the cover panels are removably affixed to the adjacent cover panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: MALLEE CORP.
    Inventor: Ming Wai Ching
  • Patent number: 10661814
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a panel, a fastener, and a cushion. The panel is coupled to a side of a railcar. The fastener engages the panel. A vertical position of the fastener on the panel is adjustable. The cushion is coupled to the fastener. The cushion extends from the side of the railcar towards an interior of the railcar and prevents the side of the railcar from contacting an object stored in the railcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: TRINITY NORTH AMERICAN FREIGHT CAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Jerry W. Vande Sande, Brant R. McGhee
  • Patent number: 10611226
    Abstract: A car cover is formed of top panels configured to unfold and refold in accordion manner along fold lines. It attaches to the front and back of the car. It includes grommets in the panels and a refolded cord threaded though the grommets which refolds the cover when pulled. It also includes wings formed along the edges of the top panels and configured to selectively either extend outward from the top panels or fold downward over car sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Nadejda K. Sarmova
  • Patent number: 10471816
    Abstract: Retraction technology is disclosed for covers of recreational vehicles. In one example, a retraction system comprises a cord extending across a cover between front and back panels with a front end couplable to the front panel, and a rear free end disposed at the back panel of the cover. In another example, an intermediate guide is disposed at an intermediate point of the cover and configured to be located over an accessory of the RV, with the cord passing through the intermediate guide. In another example, a cover attachment attaches the cord to the cover with a one or more loops. A portion of the cover is inserted the one or more loops and constrained or cinched therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: William Troy Young
  • Patent number: 10414260
    Abstract: A vehicle cover includes an elongated elastic body having a plurality of tubular channels extending parallel to each other and in gaseous communication with each other; a plurality of horizontal straps extending parallel to each other and running perpendicular to the plurality of tubular channels; a first strap and a second strap secured to the body and configured to intersect with each other at a center of the body; a hole extending through a thickness of the body and configured to receive an antenna of the vehicle therethrough; and a pump secured to the body and configured to drive air into the plurality of horizontal straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Marsh
  • Patent number: 10377214
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first sheet having one or more holes are arranged proximate each corner. First, second, third, and fourth connecting cords, each connecting cords including an elastic band and first and second hooks, are used to secure the first sheet to a vehicle in such a manner as to cover portions of the hood, front windshield, and roof of the vehicle. A second sheet is used in a similar manner to cover the rear portions of the vehicle. After snow accumulates on the vehicle, a person standing in front of the vehicle may easily remove the first sheet (and snow thereon) by pulling the first sheet toward the front of the vehicle. The second sheet (and snow thereon) may be removed in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Haion Won
  • Patent number: 10369873
    Abstract: A protective cover system for a motor vehicle includes a first roller, a first cover wound onto the first roller, a second roller and a second cover wound onto the second roller. The protective cover system also includes a control module for displacing the covers between stowed and deployed positions covering one or both of the motor vehicle bumper and an interior cargo floor of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Romero Regalado, Jorge Jara Zambrano, Mauricio Ivan Valadez Torres, Sergio Alberto Vega Velazquez
  • Patent number: 10369946
    Abstract: The bumper shield is a protective structure that mounts on a vehicle. The vehicle is further defined with a bumper and a trunk. The bumper is further defined with a superior surface. The bumper shield attaches to the superior surface of the bumper. The position of the bumper shield on the bumper is such that the bumper shield protects the bumper from impact damage caused by cargo hitting the bumper as the cargo is loaded and removed from the trunk. The bumper shield forms a sacrificial surface that separates the bumper and the cargo being loaded into the trunk. The bumper shield comprises a base strip and a parchment. The base strip attaches to the bumper. The parchment protects the base strip during storage of the bumper shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Leon Wright
  • Patent number: 10358021
    Abstract: A vehicle protection assembly for protecting a vehicle from hail damage includes a tarp that is selectively placed over a vehicle thereby facilitating the tarp to completely cover the vehicle. A bladder is positioned within the tarp and the bladder is selectively inflated. The bladder absorbs impact energy from hail thereby inhibiting the hail from damaging the vehicle when the tarp is positioned on the vehicle. A plurality of straps is provided and each of the straps is removably coupled to the tarp. Each of the straps is extended beneath the vehicle when the tarp is positioned on the vehicle to retain the tarp on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Josh Martinez
  • Patent number: 10336171
    Abstract: A roof mounted retractable car cover. The cover includes front and rear cover portions independently extended and retracted into a housing. The housing preferably includes a springed retractions mechanism and the front and/or rear portions include folded panels to cover side windows of a vehicle. The housing may be integrated into a roof rack to utilized a single mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Juan C Chaul, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10328782
    Abstract: A vehicle covering system that may include a cover having a first fold and a last fold, a first arm and a second arm, an arm (opening/closing) mechanism to open and close the first arm and the second arm, a folding mechanism to fold and unfold the cover; and a control system to cause the opening/closing mechanism to open the first arm and the second arm from a closed position to an opened position and cause the arm mechanism to close the first arm and the second arm from an opened position to a closed position, and cause the folding mechanism to fold and unfold the cover when the first and the second arms are in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Majid Sajedi
  • Patent number: 10173611
    Abstract: Temporary vehicle protection devices and methods of using the same are generally described herein. The devises generally include a flexible form fitting strip of impact absorbing material adapted to encircle a vehicle when parked thus protecting the front, sides, and rear of vehicle and wherein the device secures to itself upon closure by a device locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Adekunle Tayo
  • Patent number: 10131445
    Abstract: A containment system for containing all or part of a radome and an external subassembly that is protected by the radome is disclosed. One embodiment of the containment system comprises a fabric material and an attachment system for attaching the fabric material to the radome and to the radome attachment ring. An increased strength radome for covering the external subassembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ASTRONICS AEROSAT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis E. Ferguson, Joseph A. Hoell, Jr., Grant A. Dillon, Frank J. Blanda, David E. Kopf, Bruce D. Kelly, William S. McNary, Matthew N. Landel
  • Patent number: 10071775
    Abstract: A covering for a wall of a vehicle cargo bed includes a first portion structured to be attached to a top portion of the wall, and a second portion rotatably connected to the first portion. The first portion has a first surface, and the second portion has a first surface. The second portion is rotatable between a first orientation in which the second portion first surface resides directly opposite the first portion first surface and faces in a first direction toward the first portion first surface, and a second orientation in which the second portion first surface faces in a second direction opposite the first direction. A shoulder extends from an edge of the second portion at an angle with respect to the second portion first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Scott P. Robison, Adam D. Holmstrom
  • Patent number: 10046626
    Abstract: An apparatus for shedding material accumulated on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus is an elastic expandable vessel with fluid inlet and outlet. The elastic expandable vessel is fixed to the surface in a flat shape. Upon the introduction of fluid into the expandable vessel, the expandable vessel expands into a domed shape so that material accumulated on the surface slides off under the influence of gravity. Upon the egress of fluid out of the expandable vessel, the expandable vessel flattens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ADAGIO INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: David A. Maclean
  • Patent number: 10023432
    Abstract: A method of making a guide rail for an elevator system includes providing a metallic guide rail having a base portion and a blade portion extending from the base portion The blade portion includes one or more guide surfaces interactive with a safety brake of the elevator system. A protective layer is applied to the guide rail for corrosion protection and a perimeter of the protective layer is adhered to the guide rail to seal the guide surfaces from corrosive elements, while not adhering the protective layer to the guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiaoyuan Chang, David R. Torlai
  • Patent number: 9988119
    Abstract: A protective covers for small land vehicles has a bottom cover member that is generally in the form of a flat elongated rectangular thin material with two side edges and two end edges attached at a front end edge to a front end edge of a top cover member that has two side portions and two end portions generally in the form of a thin material to cover and drape over a small land vehicle that has handle bars. A peripheral edge of the bottom cover member has a first row of teeth for a zipper and a peripheral edge of the top cover member has a second row of teeth for the zipper. An outer layer of cover material is formed of 420 D water proof treated and UV treated material for the bottom cover member and the top cover member. A first inner layer of cover material is formed of 600 D-PVC material and is attached interior to the bottom cover member, and a second inner layer of cover material is formed of 600 D fabricated of 80 to 90 GSM material and is attached interior to the top cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan S Kay
  • Patent number: 9969251
    Abstract: An exemplary adjustable and flexible recreational or large vehicle cover may have one or more first securing systems and one or more second securing system, and any combination thereof. The first and second securing systems may be used to dynamically change the size and/or configuration of the cover to correspond more closely with an underlying RV or covered object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Morgan Ein
  • Patent number: 9937883
    Abstract: A one-size fits-all protector for one of an any length front bumper cover of a vehicle and an any length rear bumper cover of the vehicle. The any length front bumper cover has a top and a pair of sides. The any length rear bumper cover has a top and a pair of sides. The vehicle has a grille, a pair of front wheel wells, a trunk, and a pair of rear wheel wells. The one-size fits-all protector includes a body and an attaching apparatus. The body overlies and protects by being length adjustable one of the any length front bumper cover and the any length rear bumper cover. The attaching apparatus replaceably attaches the body to the one of the any length front bumper cover and the any length rear bumper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Darrin Dagrossa
  • Patent number: 9918891
    Abstract: The invention provides a container for a funerary box. Embodiments include a tray, a jacket, retaining straps, and detachable lift handles. The tray is configured to retain fluids and also cooperate with the jacket and retaining straps to fully protect and conceal the funerary box. Preferred materials selections for the tray and jacket result in a relatively lightweight container. In embodiments of the invention, the container is configured such that the lift handles can be disposed in alternative locations on the container to facilitate handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: VKM International, Inc.
    Inventor: David Hallam
  • Patent number: 9889601
    Abstract: An upper opening accommodating chamber and a lower opening upper box are joined vertically together with a decorative film sandwiched therebetween to sealingly form a forming space in which the accommodating spaces and are coupled together, and each of the upper and the lower spaces of the forming space is pressure-controlled to bring, under reduced pressure, the decorative film into close contact with a surface of a part of the adherend accommodated in the forming space. The accommodating chamber includes a recessed receiving jig enclosing a predetermined forming portion of the entire adherend from the inside of the portion to a side periphery, and only the portion surrounded by the receiving jig is partially vacuum formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FU-SE VACUUM FORMING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Miura
  • Patent number: 9815359
    Abstract: An automated vehicle sunshade includes a compartment mountable to a roof of a vehicle, a flexible shade, a plurality of rods coupled to the flexible shade and a drive device coupled to the plurality of rods and a spindle coupled to the flexible shade and operable by the drive device. The plurality of rods are retractable and extendable so that the sunshade repeatably alternates between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the flexible shade, plurality of rods and drive device are enclosed within the compartment. The sunshade also rotates the spindle by operation of the drive device to allow the shade to extend and retract without snagging, tearing and to easily fit within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Harold Morazan
  • Patent number: 9783267
    Abstract: A cover system for a vehicle, such as a boat, including a ratchet and a strap that is in part supported by a frame, such as a canopy frame. The strap cooperates with at least part of the frame to provide support and form to the cover such that water will run off the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Alexander, Bradley Prey, Mark T. Sterwald, John Shackleton
  • Patent number: 9776491
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle covering assembly includes a track that may be coupled to a rear side of a vehicle. A covering unit is removably coupled to the track and the covering unit may be manipulated. The covering unit is positioned in a deployed position. The covering unit extends over the vehicle and engages a front side of the vehicle. Thus, the covering unit may cover the vehicle. The covering unit is positioned in a stored position having the covering unit being folded along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Gaylord Williams
  • Patent number: 9770966
    Abstract: An impact resistant cover for a vehicle including a set of top pads, a set of left pads and right pads, a front pad, and a rear pad. Each pad includes a waterproof outer layer, an impact resistant middle layer, a soft bottom layer, and hook and loop fasteners. Each left, right, front and read pad includes a strap with a hook. The pads removably attach to each other to form the cover. The strap and hook secure the cover to the vehicle. The impact resistant middle layer absorbs the force delivered by the hail. The soft bottom layer prevents damage to the vehicle by the cover. The cover is modular so that any number of pads may be used to accommodate vehicles of different sizes and shapes. The impact resistant middle layer can be composed of polystyrene foam, fiberboard, air bubble plastic, or an inflatable rubber bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Sam Gill, Joyce Gill
  • Patent number: 9636976
    Abstract: A soft window storage unit may comprise a fabric storage roller and a window storage roller mounted to a base or built into a vehicle. A soft fabric may be coupled to and wrapped around the fabric storage roller. A method of storing a soft window of a vehicle may include unrolling a length of fabric from a fabric storage roller and wrapping at least a portion of the length of fabric onto a window storage roller; then wrapping a soft window around the window storage roller while wrapping the fabric around the window storage roller. The method may further include wrapping the soft window between layers of fabric into the window storage roller. The method may further include removing the soft window from storage by wrapping the fabric back onto the fabric storage roller while simultaneously unwrapping the fabric and the soft window from the window storage roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kcrof Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: John Michael Forck
  • Patent number: 9561712
    Abstract: A motor vehicle protection system suitable for large-size cars such as sport utility vehicles (SUV), is disclosed. The protection system includes a cover sheet adapted to be anchored on a motor vehicle so as to cover the motor vehicle body which has a roof and two opposite sides, on each of which at least one window is present. The motor vehicle protection system cover sheet has at least one supplementary traction appendage having a first end constrained to the sheet and a second end adapted to be fixed through coupling means on the body so as to put in traction the portion of the sheet intended to cover the roof of the motor vehicle downwards. The supplementary traction appendage extends starting from the sheet so as to be interposed between the body and the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZELIG—SERVIÇOS DE CONSULTADORIA LDA
    Inventor: Pio Guido Giacomini
  • Patent number: 9522767
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a cover for a pickup truck tailgate. The cover is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a top portion, a bottom portion which hangs downward form the rear of the pickup truck, and at least one device for attaching the cover to the pickup truck tailgate. The bottom portion further includes at least one pocket for storing various implements, for instance those used during tailgating. The cover may be attached directly to the pickup truck with straps or other similar devices, and/or with magnets which will adhere to the truck bed or tailgate. The bottom may include graphics which may be observed from the rear of the pickup truck. The present disclosure also contemplates methods for securing the tailgate cover to a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Melissa Pass
  • Patent number: 9517685
    Abstract: A portable vehicle protection device provides a quickly deployed cover for a vehicle to protect against hail damage. The device includes an inflatable chamber. Each of a pair of side flaps is coupled to an associated longitudinal edge of the chamber. Each of a pair of end flaps is coupled to an associated end edge of the chamber. The chamber, the side flaps, and the end flaps define the cover. Each of a plurality of fasteners is coupled to a respective strap extending from one of the end flaps. Each strap is couplable to an associated one of the side flaps such that the chamber extends over a top surface of the vehicle. An inflation mechanism is coupled to the chamber and is in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber wherein the inflation mechanism selectively inflates the chamber upon actuation of the inflation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Kathleen C. Stelzer
  • Patent number: 9393856
    Abstract: A vehicle window cover features a flexible sheet attachable to a vehicle door over a window space thereof. A window opening in the sheet is provided overlies the window space of the vehicle door with the sheet in the installed position. A mesh screen is attached to the sheet in a position spanning over the window opening therein, and a movable canopy is connected to the sheet at an area thereof spanning across a top end of the window opening. The canopy is movable between a deployed position reaching outwardly from the sheet over the window opening and a collapsed position retracted back toward the sheet from the deployed position. An elastic perimeter member is stretched around a perimeter of the door to secure the cover in place over a entirety of the door's exterior. Tether lines are staked to the ground to anchor the canopy in the deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel R. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 9358863
    Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle front end is formed of a stretch-recovery fabric of mesh construction with mesh openings across the entire or substantially the entire fabric. The mesh openings are large enough such that vehicle front end components covered by the protective cover remain visible to view through the protective cover. For example, the mesh openings may have opening width or diameter of about 0.25 to about 1 mm when the protective cover is in an unstretched condition. The protective cover includes one or more fasteners to engage mating fastener stud(s) on the vehicle. A stretch-recovery reinforcing material is joined to at least portion of the outer periphery of the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Novigo Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Harold D. Holeman, Andrew S. Holeman
  • Patent number: 9155397
    Abstract: A furniture cover assembly comprising side portions interconnected to define an interior area, wherein at least one side portion has an edge portion adjacent to an access opening to the interior area. The edge portion has a belt tunnel with opposing first and second open ends. An adjustment member is adjacent to the first open end, and a belt is slideably disposed in the belt tunnel. The belt has first and second free end portions projecting from and exterior of the belt tunnel. The belt's first free end portion is adjustably connected to the adjustment member and forms a first adjustable loop exterior of the belt tunnel and is configured to connect to a support structure of a furniture unit when positioned in the interior area. The belt's second free end portion forms a second loop exterior of the belt tunnel adjacent to the second open end and is configured to connect to a second support structure of the furniture unit with the belt tunnel extending between the first and second support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Classic Accesories, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D'Amato, Delina Wells
  • Patent number: 9073471
    Abstract: A dual-purpose stowage cart for stowing a wheelchair in a stowage bay of an aircraft that was intended to stow a service cart. In at least one configuration, the stowage cart includes a front assembly and a base assembly that are hingedly connected together. When the end assembly is in an upright position, the stowage cart may be used to transport a personally owned wheelchair in an aisle of an aircraft. When the stowage bay is not being used for stowing a service cart, the stowage cart with the wheelchair may be stowed in the stowage bay in place of the service cart. Also, when the end assembly is in the upright position, but the stowage cart is without the wheelchair, the stowage cart may include a waste collection assembly. The waste collection assembly is used to collect disposable waste from the passengers onboard the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Darren C. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20150128550
    Abstract: An automobile shaped lawn mower cover is described. Embodiments of the present invention include an automobile shaped lawn mower cover having one or more openings and at least one hinged panel. The automobile shaped cover can generally be aesthetically pleasing and can be implemented as a functional cover for a rotary lawn mower. Embodiments of the automobile shaped cover can include a plurality of automobile designs spanning all major car manufacturers. Typically, the automobile shaped cover can be adapted to work with existing lawn mowers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Robert M. Pillmore