Flexible Carrier Patents (Class 224/318)
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Patent number: 11679724Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to mechanical device for securing objects to the roof of a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a collapsible car roof rack adaptable to multiple car shapes. An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention, referred to herein as the roof rack, relates to a roof rack deployed across the width of a car. Optionally the rack may include two units. For example, a proximal end of each unit may be mechanically attached between a car door and/or frame (i.e. sandwiched between the door and the frame). Alternatively or additionally, the distal end of the roof rack may be removably coupled to the car roof by a combination of magnetic coupling and/or friction. Optionally, each unit can fold small for easy transport and/or storage.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventors: Aviad Avraham Dayani, Ofir Dvir Amidi
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Patent number: 11299101Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a carrier including first, second, third, and fourth carrier members and a strap disposed across opposing first and second carrier members. The strap includes a first end fixedly coupled to the first carrier member and a second end adjustably coupled to an attachment assembly disposed on the second carrier member. A rod is disposed transverse to the strap and is coupled to opposing third and fourth carrier members, wherein the attachment assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for setting a usable length of the strap, and wherein the usable length includes a first usable length, a second usable length, and an intermediate length between the first usable length and the second usable length.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Ryan Busse
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Patent number: 9878654Abstract: A tie down bundle securement device for attaching a looped bundle of tie down strap to a tensioned tie down strap. The device may include a first support member for placement below the tensioned tie down strap extending from a first frame portion in a first direction. The device may include a second support member for placement on the looped bundle extending in the first direction intermediate the ends of the first frame portion. The first and second support members may define an opening to receive the looped bundle and the tensioned tie down strap. The device may include a third support member, for placement below the tensioned tie down strap, adjustably positioned opposite the first support member. The device is rotatable to compress the second support member into the looped bundle and the third support member is adjustable to secure the looped bundle to the tensioned tie down strap.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Inventor: Gregory Martinsen
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Publication number: 20150053732Abstract: A roof-rack mechanism includes one or more retaining devices attached to a track, and a lock device engaged with the track and the retaining device for detachably attaching the retaining device to the track. The retaining device includes a base member, and a bracket attached to the base member and mounted on the track. The bracket includes a recess formed between two legs for engaging with the track, and the lock device is engaged with the track and the legs of the bracket. The retaining device includes two flaps engaged onto the legs of the bracket and secured to the legs and the track with the lock device. The retaining device includes a cover pivotally attached to the base member with a coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Beto Engineering & Marketing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lo Pin WANG
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Publication number: 20140103085Abstract: A storage apparatus for storing objects inside or on a vehicle when the roof is either secured or remove which positions between support members, such as a roll bar. Objects are secured between two mesh barriers that are flexible and adjustable. At least one tube forms a rectangular frame for the apparatus. The tubes join with ninety degree fittings to form a substantially rectangular shape. A shelf netting stretches across the tubes to form a flexible platform for supporting the objects. Attachment straps secure the tubes to the support member. A retention barrier wraps around the tubes to provide protection. A retention net overlays the shelf netting to sandwich the objects in between. The retention net includes a nylon border that also secures to the support member with hook and loop straps and clips. A handle provides a gripping surface for supporting a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Eric Michael Patronik
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Patent number: 8534516Abstract: The present invention includes a polyurethane foam block placed on a vehicle rooftop to protect the vehicle's rooftop from damage during transport of cargo supported thereon, further comprising a generally trapezoidal shape of a length substantially equal than a width of the vehicle, further having a pair of opposing flexible extending ear portions. The bottom surface comprises a corrugated base of foam material to conform to the curvature of the vehicle's rooftop. An elastic fabric covers the device and the ear portions and further comprises a means for receiving rigging material in securing the device to the existing vehicle rooftop and preventing unwanted cargo shifting.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Tri D. Vo
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Patent number: 8123270Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided that included, but is not limited to a base roof and a roof segment essentially vertically adjustable relative to the base roof. The roof segment is designed, essentially, to fit closely with the base roof in a closed state and to provide a space in relation to base roof in an open state. The roof segment can include, but is not limited to at least one upper, relatively adjustable, roof element connected with the roof segment, and/or the base roof can include, but is not limited to at least one lower, relatively adjustable roof element connected with the base roof. Through the adjustable roof element the storage space can be open and closed. As a result, the transportation of objects is improved without significantly compromising safety.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gian Luca Baccelli
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Publication number: 20110068137Abstract: A kayak carrier for a vehicle that can be adjusted infinitely for supporting a wide range of kayaks of various sizes is disclosed herein. The kayak carrier can include four supports, two for the front and two for the rear of a vehicle. The supports can be comprised of foam and have through holes to accept a guide to couple the supports together, thereby forming saddles which can rest on the rear and the front of a vehicle. The kayak carrier can be secured to the vehicle via straps. A kayak can be secured to the kayak carrier via straps or netting. The rear supports can further include a relatively low-friction surface, compared to the front supports, to facilitate sliding to ease kayak installation. The front supports can include a relatively high-friction surface, compared to the rear supports, to prevent slippage. Additionally, the bottom surfaces of the supports can include a similar relatively high-friction surface to prevent the supports from sliding on the roof of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Frederick G. Murray, William E. Fortune
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Publication number: 20100127026Abstract: The lockdown soft roofrack provides a platform in particular a ‘roofrack’ that allows the carriage of sports boards on top of a variety of vehicle's roofs in a convenient and secure fashion. The invention contains three items, of which one item is a piece of webbing, the second item is a tightening mechanism and the third item is a detachable load hook. When the webbing is tightened via the single tightening mechanism it pulls through both ends of the detachable load hook thus tightening a loop of the webbing around the sports boards whilst simultaneously tightening the webbing around the vehicle's roof, thus pulling the sports boards securely down onto a vehicles roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2006Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: CURVE INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventor: Alastair Rhodes
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Patent number: 7044348Abstract: A storage system including an outer covering enclosing an interior modular unit containing separate storage units for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: John S. McKenzie, Jeff A. Kempf
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Patent number: 6892912Abstract: A carrier that stores cargo on a vehicle includes a plurality of elongate flexible loops with first and second ends that are affixed to the carrier in a spaced relation to each other. Each loop is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the carrier and is positioned near the front or back of the carrier. At least one strap is secured to the loop intermediate the first and second ends. The strap secures the carrier to the vehicle in any of several orientations.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: David F. MacNeil
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Publication number: 20040211800Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Riverside Cartop Carriers, Inc.Inventors: Robert Johnston, David M. Moseley
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Patent number: 6789671Abstract: A strap protection and storage device designed to protect a strapped down piece of equipment from buckle damage and also secure the free end of the strap from causing damage or loosening the strap itself. The device has two sheaths, one being more elongated than the other, that are connected by a tether. A storage bag is attached to the longer of the two sheaths.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventors: Gregory Morrison, William Heiberg
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Patent number: 6772926Abstract: A retractable carrier system (10) is provided for carrying luggage and other objects on the roof of a vehicle. The carrier system (10), which may be original equipment on the vehicle or an after market addition, includes a collapsible container (20), a reel (50) onto which the collapsible container (20) may be rolled and a storage compartment (70).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventors: William R. Eichele, Ronald Kurtz
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Publication number: 20030173384Abstract: A single unit sports board bag for storing and transporting various sports boards (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Howard Charles Clark, Kenneth Y. Sasaki
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Patent number: 6601745Abstract: A thermally insulated cooler adapted to attach to the front of a motorized golf cart. The cooler having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall wherein the top, bottom and sidewalls are made of flexible, thermally insulating material. The cooler rests on the front face of the golf cart's body and provides a thermally insulated storage area for items. The cooler includes a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting at least one edge of the top wall to a corresponding edge of the sidewall to allow access to the storage area.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
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Patent number: 6345748Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventors: Thomas A. Chimenti, Daniel K. Ng, Raymond R. Raaber
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Patent number: 6257470Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrying device, for transporting and protecting articles on the roof of a vehicle comprises a one piece cargo bag with an aperture with a plurality of pieces of hook and loop fastening material operably positioned in proximity thereto. The aperture has a plurality of pieces of hook and loop fastening material sewn into an outer surface of the bag in proximity to the aperture, and a pair of pieces of hook and loop fastening material sewn are along an inner edge of the interior of the aperture. A strapping system is provided for securing the one piece cargo bag to a roof of a vehicle. One or more handles may be attached to the outer surface of the device for carrying and transport of the device. An inner liner system may be provided for further waterproofing and protection of articles being transported.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: David R. Schaefer
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Patent number: 6244482Abstract: The invention is a carrying device to be transported on top of vehicles. Specifically, it is a zippered enclosure used to transport baled Christmas trees. It is secured to the top of the vehicle using hooks and adjustable tensioning straps. One places the baled Christmas tree inside the enclosure and zippers it shut. The tote is then placed on top of the vehicle and held in place by tensioning straps with a ratcheting type buckle. The hooks attach to the straps and the roof rack of the vehicle or to the door jambs via special clips.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Victor Gyarmaty
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Patent number: 6230951Abstract: A bag for storing, carrying or holding on top of a vehicle a surfboard, wakeboard or snowboard that protects, stores, displays and travels all in one comprehensive product. The bag can be carried by handle or by an attachable shoulder strap. The bag can be displayed/stored on a wall, ceiling or garage rafters in both parallel or vertical positions using just two or all four straps. Due to its features, the bag is also capable of being strapped to the top of a vehicle (or in the bed of a truck) without any soft or hard racks being required on the vehicle or truck.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: William R. Anderson
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Patent number: 6209768Abstract: A package carrier for carrying articles on the trunk lid of a passenger car or the tail gate of a utility vehicle comprising a soft, flat, flexible pad with a plurality of adjustable mounting straps terminating with hooks for attaching the carrier to the vehicle and a plurality of independent binding straps for holding the package in place. The package carrier is capable of conforming to the shape of the trunk lid so that it can be efficiently used with a wide range of vehicles, is quickly deployed and removed, and can be rolled up into a compact cylinder for storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Yosef D. Boaz
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Patent number: 5947354Abstract: An inflatable roof carrier comprises a flexible member (10) having a pair of inflatable tubular portions (11) arranged on opposite sides of a central strip (12). Straps (16, 17) are connected to flaps (14, 15) at opposite ends of the flexible member (10). The load carrier is placed on the vehicle roof, and the straps (16, 17) are drawn around the opposite sides of the roof and into the vehicle. The free ends of straps (16, 17) are provided with mating connectors (19, 20) enabling the straps to be joined under the roof within the vehicle. The flaps (14, 15) are captured between the car doors and the vehicle roof when the doors are closed. The inflatable load carrier can be furled into compact form and stowed in the glovebox when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Bradley Stewart FraserInventor: Patrick Yelverton Williams
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Patent number: 5769291Abstract: First and second elongate members each have an upper pad member of cushioning material, a first side bolster hinged to one side edge of the upper member and a second side bolster hinged to the opposite side edge of the upper member. Each side bolster has a core of cushioning material and extends along the entire length of the elongate member. The side bolsters are of rectangular cross-section and have opposing inner faces carrying interengageable fasteners for releasably securing the side bolsters together beneath the upper pad member. The two elongate members are secured on spaced crossbars of a vehicle roof rack by placing the upper pad member on top of a roof rack crossbar and engaging the side bolsters beneath the crossbar. At least one tie down strap is secured to one end of each elongate member for securing an elongate item on top of the upper pad member.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: Paul E. Chasan
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Patent number: 5752640Abstract: A collapsible carrier for transporting a bicycle on the rear or front bumper of a vehicle, which consists primarily of three soft, flexible straps with buckles holding the bicycle under tension at an angle away from the vehicle while the tires rest in the internal angle formed by the junction of the exterior wall of the trunk or hood and the top surface of the bumper. Two upper straps of the carrier are at a first end looped through themselves to the handle bar stem and to the seat post of the bicycle. The two upper straps are then crossed near their mid-point to form an X and at a second end looped to the upper corners of the trunk or hood lid. A third strap of the carrier is at a first end looped through itself to the seat post of the bicycle and at a second end vertically attached to the underside of the bumper of the vehicle by way of a hook. The straps are adjusted and tightened by way of locking adjustable buckles.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Ronald E. Proulx
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Patent number: 5730346Abstract: A strap assembly is provided for securing an object adjacent to a vehicle. The strap assembly includes an elongated strap of predetermined length. An anchor is attached to the strap at a location along its length. The anchor is shaped to be captured by panels of a vehicle so that opposed ends of the strap extend outwardly from the vehicle. A fastener is connected to one of the opposed ends of the strap and is adapted for connecting the ends to secure one or more objects. A bracket is preferably provided so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the strap assembly and bracket are provided in the form of a kit so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a vehicle or adjacent to a structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: It's A Cinch, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Adams, Robert D. Hellyer
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Patent number: 5607093Abstract: A carrier device for supporting and securing different objects to a luggage rack of a vehicle or directly to the roof of a vehicle which does not have a luggage rack. The device includes a carrier fabric on which one side is covered along its length with loops and one half with barbs. The fabric is formed with cushioned straps on one half opposite either the hooks or barbs. The fabric may be placed onto a luggage rack bar across the width of a vehicle, and skis, fishing poles or the like can be secured by the straps to the support carrier. Alternatively, the carrier device may be secured directly to a vehicle roof which does not have a luggage rack. To this end, the carrier device is wrapped around a filler member and end straps with hooks thereon are provided and designed to connect to a vehicle gutter or other part of the vehicle body such as the lip of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: William F. Geier
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Patent number: 5598956Abstract: A portable garment hanger device for suspension from a vehicle window. The device has a generally elongated, flexible strap. A retainer element is attached on one end of the flexible strap and a hanger receiving member is attached to the opposite end. The hanger receiving member has a body with first and second flat sides. A rigid hook extends from the base of the hanger receiving member outwardly to one side. The sides of the hanger receiving member are flat and somewhat larger than necessary so that an advertising message can be printed on either side. The flexible strap is drapable across the upper edge of a retractable automobile window with the retainer outside the window and the hanger receiving member in the passenger compartment. The raised window holds the flexible strap against the window frame to secure the device in place. In another preferred embodiment, the retainer element and the body of the hanger receiver have complementary latching elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Inventor: Gene B. Schenberg
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Patent number: 5544797Abstract: A fishing rod carrier for use in a vehicle cab interior bounded in-part by a vehicle cab roof is provided for receiving a plurality of fishing rods having a handle at one end and a rod tip at the opposite end, and includes first and second carrier members. Each carrier member includes a first flexible non-elastomeric elongated strap having first and second ends. A second flexible elastomeric elongated strap is coupled to the first strap at selected locations but otherwise uncoupled to the first strap, and forms a plurality of elastomeric loops along the length of the first strap. Each loop defines a clearance of preselected dimensions between the first and second straps. A means is provided for releasably coupling the first and second ends of the first strap to the vehicle cab roof.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Inventor: John H. Silva
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Patent number: 5516017Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventor: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson
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Patent number: 5465890Abstract: A mast holder for a roof rack is described. Such mast holder includes three flexible straps which interact to provide reliable securance to a rack cross bar. It also includes a cradle having a rest of a configuration which conforms to the exterior shape of a mast. The cradle is of a material which is sufficiently pliable to provide such conformation. The cradle is also formed with support structure for the rest by coextrusion. The support structure is configured to interact with the rest to provide the necessary structural support that it needs.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Allen
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Patent number: 5368210Abstract: A cargo storage apparatus that is secured to the side walls of a pick-up flatbed truck. A netting is attached to a hanger rod via a series of rings. Affixed onto the hanger are a set of hooks. Alternatively, handles may be sewn directly into the netting with hooks fastened to extensions of the netting. A set of clamps are secured to the overhang portion of a truck's sidewalls. Each clamp has an aperture which corresponds with a hook on the hanger rods or a hook connected to an extension of the netting. Once assembled, a large cargo storage area is provided. A divider member may be used to separate the storage area into sub-compartments. The apparatus can be quickly and easily installed without damage to the side walls of the truck and may be collapsed for compact storage. The use of handles enables easy removal and transport of the apparatus while containing cargo therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1992Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Inventor: Randall C. Wotring
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Patent number: 5288003Abstract: A car-top-transportable baggage carrier is particularly suited for use on aerodynamically streamlined cars which have no rain gutters. The carrier is made from a single continuous piece of material so that no seams or joinings in the material are produced in the face of the enclosure or the top and bottom surfaces. Weight distribution paneling within a load bearing floor pad inserted at the bottom of the carrier serve to distribute the weight of articles emplaced within the carrier, yet permit the carrier to be accordion folded for storage when not in use. Straps affixed to the top of the carrier are employed to secure the carrier in position on top of an automobile. The straps are equipped with innovative door head liner hooks which secure the carrier to the interior of the automobile adjacent the top of the car door. Releasable couplings permit rapid removal and replacement of the distal ends of the strapping as desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Inventor: Ron E. MacDonald
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Patent number: 5230449Abstract: A collapsable bicycle carrier for a vehicle which utilizes the structure of the bicycle frame for its support and is easily adaptable to virtually any vehicle. The carrier uses soft, flexible straps and non-metallic attaching devices to prevent damage to the vehicle or the bicycle. The straps are long enough and are provided with quick release and slide buckles to allow versatility in mounting to various vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1991Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Inventors: John G. Collins, Steven I. Cass
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Patent number: 5096107Abstract: An enclosure for luggage for use on a vehicle cartop luggage rack of the type including either front and rear rails disposed in a spaced, parallel relationship, or else an essentially rectangularly shaped frame, mounted generally horizontally on the cartop. This enclosure utilizes rapidly operated securing devices on its front and back panels when intended for use on a two rail rack, or rapidly operated securing devices on all four of its peripheral panels when intended for use with a luggage rack principally constituted by front, back and side rails. In the latter type rack, the subject enclosure for luggage is insertable into the space defined by the four rails. Flexible, watertight material having front and back surfaces as well as side surfaces is used, and an access opening is provided in an upper part of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Inventor: W. Peter VanSon
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Patent number: 5067644Abstract: The present invention comprises a guard for racks that are used on cars and the like which comprise one or more elongated members comprised of a dense protective material such as styrofoam or foam rubber of a suitable thickness to ensure that the object to be placed on the rack will be protected. Each of the substantially elongated members comprises an upper outer surface with a recessed substantially concave inner surface capable of receiving and covering the horizontal bars of the guard. Attached to each end of the elongated member are attachment means for fastening the elongated member to the rack and which are also used to fasten one or more objects to the rack. Alternatively, objects may be attached to the guard through specifically configured straps for items such as skis, surfboards and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Inventor: Robert A. Coleman
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Patent number: 5062560Abstract: A flexible protective cover constructed of elastic stretchable material to continously cover a bicycle seat, crossbar, handle bars and the front fork of a bicycle when mounted on a car top carrier. The cover can be provided to fit the bicycle either with or without the front bicycle wheel attached to the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1989Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Inventor: Kent J. Wasden
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Patent number: 5058786Abstract: A portable device for securing loads, including a plurality of articles, in motor vehicles, which device comprises a platform means having hook-like mesh engaging elements provided along one edge thereof, and net means secured along the opposite edge of said platform means so that meshes of said net are engaged by said hook-like elements when said net is pulled taut over articles placed on said platform means.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Inventor: Albert H. Politi
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Patent number: 4995537Abstract: A removable gun rack detachably mounted within a vehicle including an extensible belt connected at either end to the frame of the vehicle above the vehicle floor. Loops are provided in the belt for receiving the barrel while the vehicle floor supports the gun stock.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1989Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Inventor: T. Mark Thedieck
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Patent number: 4976389Abstract: A cover is provided to protect a bicycle from exposure to environmental conditions during transport on a roof-top rack of automobile. Fasteners are used to secure the cover about bicycle. An aperture is located at the rear of the cover, i.e., the aperture opens in a direction opposite the forward motion of automobile as represented by arrow. As a result of a difference in air pressures between the interior and exterior of the cover, a pressure drop occurs at aperture which in turn creates a suctioning effect to inhibit undesirable buffeting and possible tearing of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Cyclone Products CorporationInventors: Michael F. McLellan, Reza S. Abhari
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Patent number: 4958760Abstract: A multi-purpose carrier for skis and the like is comprised of a combination ski-boot and ski-protection bag that can be converted to a back-pack. This convenient unit, designated as a "Mule Pack" is adapted to be strapped to the roof rack of a car using the same straps that support the back-pack.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1989Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Inventors: Ethel Mule, Charles Mule
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Patent number: 4900203Abstract: The load-tie-down system of the invention includes a load-supporting structure having a side support and a second support. A winch assembly is operably mounted on the load-supporting structure and includes a winch frame having a crosspiece and two struts projecting downward from the crosspiece. A winch drum is rotatably mounted between the two struts of the winch frame and a belt is attached at one end to and wound around the winch drum. A hook is attached to the free end of the belt. The belt is anchored by the hook attaching to an anchor located on the winch frame. The anchor includes a bar on the winch frame around which the hook may fasten. A lock to restrain the rotation of the winch drum is also included having a ratchet wheel attached to the winch drum and a pawl pivotally attached to the winch frame. The winch drum and anchor are located so that the belt may extend around the crosspiece and a load and then anchor on the winch frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1988Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Inventor: Ronald W. Pope
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Patent number: 4779779Abstract: A luggage container accessory is disclosed which includes a unitary enclosure assembly fabricated from a light weight and water repellent flexible material such as urethane treated nylon. The enclosure assembly includes top, bottom and front panels as well as a left side panel, a right side panel and a rear panel which each depend upwardly from the bottom panel. A zipper is provided near the top of the left, right and rear panels for selectively coupling and decoupling the side and rear panels to the top. A skirt depends downwardly from the top panel to conceal and provide weather protection to the zipper region. The skirt is secured in place to the side and rear panels (by snaps or the like) to maintain the weather resistant integrity of the enclosure assembly. The enclosure assembly is attached to the vehicle by a first pair of straps extending transversely across the top panel and a second pair of straps extending fore and aft across the top panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1988Date of Patent: October 25, 1988Inventor: Richard M. Haugland
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Patent number: 4601419Abstract: A vehicle carrier is formed from a flexible mat with suction cups along its bottom surface and raised ridges along the sides of its upper surface. A plurality of slots are provided in these raised ridges. Rigid retaining bars located along the raised ridges are connected to tie straps which pass through the slots and surround the retaining bars. These tie straps then extend back through the slot and connect to the vehicle. Additional tie straps connect to the rigid retaining bar and are secured about a load carried on the mat. Because of the flexible material the mat is made of, it can be rolled into a cylindrical shape and stored in the vehicle trunk along with the retaining bars and tie straps.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1985Date of Patent: July 22, 1986Inventor: Henry B. Bird
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Patent number: 4596348Abstract: A car-mounted article carrier is disclosed which includes a carrier member. The carrier member is engageable with a joint between a fixed car panel member and a car panel member of a type which can be moved between an open and closed position. The carrier member is unitarily formed of a resilient material and includes a first end portion for placement interiorly of the joint. The first end portion is sufficiently thick to be substantially unable to move through the joint when the movable car panel member is in the closed position. The carrier also includes a second end portion for placement exteriorly of the joint. The second end portion includes a reinforced portion which defines an aperture. A sheet-like intermediate portion is disposed between the first and second end portions for placement in the joint.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1984Date of Patent: June 24, 1986Inventor: John C. Stamp
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Patent number: 4466659Abstract: A folding tray holder for attachment to the rear of a stadium seat has hook like members on each side thereof which engage upright seat supports on each side of the seat and support the holder on the back of the seat. The holder has a rigid planar member in a bottom panel which may be folded upward from a supporting position when emptied to a stowed position to allow persons to pass along the aisle. The holder may be secured in the folded or stowed position and has a shoulder strap for carrying when removed from the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1982Date of Patent: August 21, 1984Inventors: John R. Carpentier, Ruth L. Turner
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Patent number: 4396138Abstract: A carrying rack (10) is especially adapted to carry skis (12), poles (14) or other large items on a vehicle and includes an elongate cord (18) extending across the vehicle and hook members (20) for attaching ends of cord (18) to the vehicle. At least one bolster (22) is slidably engaged on cord (18). Each bolster (22) includes a vehicle engaging base (40) and a carrying platform surface (52) spaced above the base (40) to support skis (12). An abutment wall (56) extends upwardly from platform surface (52) to laterally support skis (12). Each bolster (22) also includes a hook section (64) and a ledge portion (63) for supporting poles (14). A clamping line (24) is formed as a continuous loop to extend around anchor line (18), up through hole (54) formed in platform surface (52), and over the top of skis (12) and poles (14) to latch with hook section (64). Clamping line (24) tightly grips anchor cord (18) to prevent bolster (22) from sliding along the length of anchor line (18).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1981Date of Patent: August 2, 1983Inventor: H. William Kirschner
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Patent number: 4253594Abstract: An anchor strap for use in securing an object to another object having a frame defining an opening and a swingable member for swinging movement into opening and closing relation of the opening and which includes a keeper to engage the frame to hold the swingable member in closing relation, an anchor strap which is composed of a strip of flexible pliable material relatively non-elastic, such as of cloth or plastic or rubber, having a first end and a second end and a loop at each of the ends and in one of the ends a core of solid material within the loop and the free end being adapted to be used to tie to an object, the strip being of an overall length of 3 inches to 3 foot and preferably about 8 to 10 inches long.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1979Date of Patent: March 3, 1981Inventor: Robert P. Parks
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Patent number: 4226354Abstract: An inexpensive rack which is mounted on the roof of an automobile. Other objects are then mounted on the rack for transport with the automobile. The rack is an elongate lamination including a pair of opposed soft foamed outer layers, and an inner reinforcing layer therebetween. The reinforcing layer extends outwardly of the soft layers defining end tabular portions which are sandwiched between the car roof and the opposing doors to secure the rack to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of racks are mounted in spaced relation across the automobile roof. An object positioned thereon is secured to the automobile by conventional means of rope, straps, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1979Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Inventor: Robert R. Allen