Having Enclosure Or Cover Means Patents (Class 224/328)
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Publication number: 20090308902Abstract: A container for at least one surfboard is disclosed. The container includes a top shell having at least one hollow projection projecting outwardly from the outside surface and a bottom shell pivotally connected to the top shell with at least one hinge means. Each fin projection is adapted to receive at least one of the fins of each surfboard. The container is provided with at least one air inlet aperture and at least one air exhaust aperture. The bottom shell may further include a rack fixed to the inside surface to securely hold at least one wetsuit, towel, or other item. The invention further includes a vehicle attachment means adapted to secure the container to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: Michael D. Rex
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Publication number: 20090057305Abstract: A modular utility cargo tray is provided comprising a floor and a wall extending from the floor, the wall and the floor enabled for storage of items placed therein. The wall comprises at least a first pair of divider receiving members, oppositely disposed along the wall. The at least a first pair of divider receiving members comprises: a first level portion enabled to receive a divider generally disposed along the floor; and a second level portion enabled to receive and support a divider generally distal from the floor without interference from a divider received in the first level portion. the modular utility cargo tray is insertable into the cargo area of a vehicle, or converted to a cargo roof box by mating it with a second utility cargo tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Serge Moreau
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Patent number: 7416098Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
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Publication number: 20080169322Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: MICHAEL MCMILLAN
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Publication number: 20080017679Abstract: A roof box comprising: (a) a bottom part comprising a bottom section and side sections projecting upwardly from the bottom section, the bottom section being adapted for mounting the roof box to a roof area of a vehicle; (b) a top part movable relative to the bottom part between an opened position and a closed position, the top part comprising a top section and side sections projecting downwardly from the top section, wherein, in the closed position, the bottom section and the side sections of the bottom part and the top section and the side sections of the top part define an internal volume for storing objects in the roof box, the top part comprising first and second polymeric walls joined together at the side sections of the top part to define an interior space between the first and second polymeric walls; and (c) at least one strengthening element provided in the top section of the top part, each strengthening element being made of a respective portion of the first polymeric wall fused to a corresponding poType: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Philippe LEBLANC, Stephan DEMERS, Elaine DESJARDINS
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Patent number: 7258260Abstract: The cargo system of the preferred embodiment includes a container, a first mount coupled to the container, and a second mount coupled to the container for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cargo system is preferably attachable and securable to a roof rack of a vehicle having a first bar and a second bar.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: Jonathan H. Hurd
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Patent number: 7204396Abstract: A support assembly for use with a vehicle article carrier comprises a one-piece support having a base portion and a rail portion, a first attachment mechanism associated with the support, and a cover. The cover has a second attachment mechanism engaging the first attachment mechanism to secure the cover to the support.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sportrack AutomotiveInventor: Craig Stapleton
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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: 7044532Abstract: A protective cover including venting and fastening structures. The venting structure includes at least one vent located on the protective cover at a predetermined position, a hood loosely shielding the vent, and an outward opened V-sectioned bag located between the vent and the hood and having through holes spaced near an upper front edge to communicate with the vent, allowing residual heat and moisture to escape from the protective cover via the vent while external rainwater is stopped by the V-sectioned bag from invading the protective cover via the vent. The fastening structure includes a plurality of fixing hooks, each of which includes a plate for connecting to the protective cover via a tie-down loop and a hook provided on the plate for hooking to the vehicle or a hauler thereof, so that the protective cover is firmly tied to the vehicle or the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Formosa Saint Jose CorporationInventor: Ming-Shun Yang
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Patent number: 7004365Abstract: A transport cage (“cage”) and enclosed case combination, wherein the cage is adapted to attach to a vehicle rack where the cage functions simultaneously as a transport container and as a supplemental rack. The cage comprises a first and second tubular framework respectively defining an open box (“box”) and a lid. The lid can move between an open and closed position with respect to the box. In the preferred embodiment the cage is designed to accommodate a rifle case. At least one connector enables the cage to be connected to a vehicle rack. The first or second tubular framework enable additional items to be attached to the cage such that the cage acts as a supplemental rack. The cage and case combination is particularly suited to carrying additional items on an ATV rack thereby extending the carrying capacity of an ATV rack.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventor: Joseph T. Ingram
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Patent number: 6923498Abstract: A recreational vehicle cover rests on the roof of a recreational vehicle. The cover is lightweight, portable and is easily installed or removed by two people. The cover requires no modification to the recreational vehicle. The recreational vehicle cover is capable of protecting the vehicle from harsh weather and heavy snow. The height of the cover above the recreational vehicle roof can be adjusted to adapt to rooftop obstructions such as air conditioner, skylights and vents and also to accommodate uneven rooflines.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Brent Alan Mecham
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Patent number: 6918521Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Watermark PaddleSports, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
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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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Patent number: 6845895Abstract: A rear-mounted, removable vehicle storage device for storing and/or transporting items with a vehicle. The vehicle storage device includes a material shell defining a storage space therein. The material shell may be self-supporting or supported by an interior frame structure. The vehicle storage device may be mounted on a vehicle ladder, equalizer hitch, tire mount, or bumper. In addition, a recreational equipment carrier may be incorporated with the vehicle storage device.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventors: Casey C. Jones, Nola M. Samuels
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Publication number: 20040256427Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
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Patent number: 6827245Abstract: An aerodynamic container adapted for receipt around a front portion of a pair of skis or a front portion of a snowboard, when the equipment is mounted on a vehicle ski rack. The container provides improved aerodynamic airflow with reduced wind noise and buffeting. The container helps improve vehicle fuel efficiency substantially by reducing the incremental drag of a loaded ski rack by up to 50 percent, while protecting valuable alpine equipment form potential damage during transit. The container includes a hard plastic housing having a split first housing member and an identical split second housing member. A bottom portion of the first housing member is hinged to a bottom portion of the second housing member for opening to the inside of the housing members. Top portions of the two housing members are releasably attached using hand operated release latches. The latches are used for securing the two housing members around the skis or snowboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: Chad J. Yetka
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Publication number: 20040232182Abstract: A transport cage (“cage”) and enclosed case combination, wherein the cage is adapted to attach to a vehicle rack where the cage functions simultaneously as a transport container and as a supplemental rack. The cage comprises a first and second tubular framework respectively defining an open box (“box”) and a lid. The lid can move between an open and closed position with respect to the box. In the preferred embodiment the cage is designed to accommodate a rifle case. At least one connector enables the cage to be connected to a vehicle rack. The first or second tubular framework enable additional items to be attached to the cage such that the cage acts as a supplemental rack. The cage and case combination is particularly suited to carrying additional items on an ATV rack thereby extending the carrying capacity of an ATV rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Joseph T. Ingram
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Publication number: 20040155081Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smitth
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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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Patent number: 6761296Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible ladder and load platform including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary bottom portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, a removable top portion received by the stationary bottom portion, a frame received by the stationary bottom portion, and a plurality of rotatable steps operable between a vertically oriented ladder position and a horizontally oriented load platform position received by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Ford, Noah Barlow Mass, Noel Ranka, Travis Steven Garland
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Publication number: 20030205598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: William R. Eichele, Ronald Kurtz
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Publication number: 20030205597Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible ladder and load platform including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary bottom portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, a removable top portion received by the stationary bottom portion, a frame received by the stationary bottom portion, and a plurality of rotatable steps operable between a vertically oriented ladder position and a horizontally oriented load platform position received by the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ford, Noah Barlow Mass, Noel Ranka, Travis Steven Garland
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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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Publication number: 20030168879Abstract: A ladder rack cover designed for the pick up truck and four post utility ladder rack mounted on the walls or bed of the truck which is fabric based, attached to the ladder rack and bed of the pick up truck creating a weather resistant shell for the protection of goods in the bed or on the ladder rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Mike Grudek
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Publication number: 20030080166Abstract: The current invention is related to a holding rack to be used in the vehicle's roof, hood, or curved, semi-flat or flat tarpaulin, the holding rack includes an inferior member placed adjacently to the vehicle's roof or flat surface, being removable attached directly to the vehicle's surface, where the inferior member allows easily to be installed/removed to and from the holding rack. A middle member placed adjacently and linked to the inferior member of the holding rack, such inferior member constitutes the basis where the superior and inferior members will be attached to fix the settings of the holding rack. A superior member is placed adjacently and linked to the middle member, where the superior member constitutes a number of transverse elements placed and fixed to the middle member, which combine with the middle member of the holding rack set a number of spaces used as rails or lanes to allow the insertion and locking of the multiple purposes box.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: Miguel Angel Levinson De los Cobos
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Patent number: 6401994Abstract: A vehicle mountable article carrier for use by law enforcement personnel to safely and securely store and transport weapons, contraband, evidence gathered from a crime scene, or the personal property of a person taken into custody. The vehicle mountable article carrier is a briefcase like device with an upper and lower cover. A plurality of individual lockable compartments are located within the lower cover. A plurality of vehicle attachment device having a bolt and a pivotal cap are used to secure the vehicle mountable article carrier to the trunk of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: Joel R. Ham, Jason M. Durham
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Publication number: 20020053582Abstract: A container that can be locked and fastened to a vehicle with lockable fastening devices in a detachable manner, made of material impenetrable toward gaining unauthorized access to the contents, is designed in such a way that it can be carried as a bag in the detached state and stored on the vehicle side in the empty state in a space-saving and aesthetically appealing manner. For this purpose, the container is made of a collapsible material and designed like a bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Konrad Eipper
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Publication number: 20020030074Abstract: A roof-top cargo basket and integrated bicycle carrier system includes a basket configured to hold cargo that is mountable to cross-bars of a vehicle's roof rack system. Load carrier bars are mounted at a top of the basket and extend laterally outboard of the basket for positioning carried bicycles outside of an interior space of said basket. In addition, handles are formed on support members for the load carrier bars to accommodate inspection, loading and unloading of the basket's interior space. For retaining objects within the interior space of the basket, a squeeze bar is disposed at or near an end portion of the basket. The load carrier bars are configured to receive a rooftop bicycle carrier for attachment thereto at locations laterally outside the interior space of the basket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Vincent Bove, Justin Sirotin, Thomas J. Hanson, Frederic Clark, Aidan Petri, Stephen Lane
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Patent number: 6340105Abstract: A portable cylinder carrier arrangement for holding at least one gas cylinder to a storing surface for storing or transporting, includes a supporter device firmly affixed on a storing surface for storing or transporting, at least a carrier shell forming at least a receiving cavity for holding a gas cylinder therein, a restraining device for securing said gas cylinder in position inside said receiving cavity of said carrier shell, and a mounting seat for securing said carrier shell to said supporter device. The portable cylinder carrier is adapted for the secure transport and storage of fire extinguishers or cylindrical gas cylinders, allowing for the carrier to be easily moved from a mounted storage position to a mounted transport position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Inventor: James C. Black
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Patent number: 6296161Abstract: Fastening system for attaching a suitcase to a frame, which fastening system comprises a U-shaped locking clamp positionable around the frame, which U-shaped locking clamp is provided with two legs which form locking bars and a bridge part connecting the legs, whereby on aside of the frame remote from the bridge part the locking bars are lockably located in the suitcase. The fastening system is provided with a tilting means comprising at least one contacting surface, a tiltable plate comprising a passage, which plate abuts against the contacting surface, whereby the plate by means of the tilting means is tiltable from a first position to a second position and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Hapro International B.V.Inventors: John Ezra Van der Feen, Johannes Wilhelmus Maria Teurlings
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Patent number: 6273668Abstract: A wheel chair storage apparatus stores a wheel chair of a physically handicapped person in a folded state in a storage space arranged on the roof of a car. The apparatus comprises a main body including a storage section for storing the folded wheel chair; a fitting device for fitting the main body to the roof of the car; slider movable back and forth between the main body and a position located above a doorway of the car; a lift device arranged on the lift for lifting the wheel chair from said doorway; a wheel chair folding device interlocked with said lift device for folding the wheel chair being lifted by said lift device; a wheel chair holder for folding said folded wheel chair; and an attitude modifying device for modifying the attitude of the wheel chair so as to make it adapted to storage by rotating the wheel chair holder with said wheel chair.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Nissin Jidosha Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fujio Kameda
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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: 6257259Abstract: There is disclosed herein a multipurpose frame for use with a top mounted vehicle rack wherein the frame telescopingly attaches to the rack. As such, the frame is laterally extensible from the side of the vehicle and may be used to support a canopy, shower or serve as a clothes line or rain catch. A canopy may be attached at the outside ends of a plurality of extensions attached to the frame. The extensions may be removably attachable at the mounting portions of the frame of the present invention. In this fashion the canopy is sturdily supported by the extensions and can provide shade and protection from the elements to one who remains beneath it. Side walls may be attached to the frame to provide additional protection as well.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Kenneth Ardouin
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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: 6234371Abstract: A luggage box has a rigid bottom shell (2) that can be secured on transverse supporting posts (4) and a top shell (4) that can be swivelled open (4c), removed from the bottom shell and used as a boat. The luggage is secured by a covering canvas or shell (3) which can be entirely or partially removed from the bottom shell (2) or is provided with closable openings. The bottom shell (2) has at its bottom side a separately accessible storage space (2) whose flap (2h) further allows access to a lateral storage space (2c) and to a possible actuating element for the hooking system (7, 8, 9, 10) between the bottom shell (2) and the boat (4).Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Sinnova SRLInventor: Jul Sinn
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Patent number: 6173873Abstract: An arrangement for receiving a suitcase on a vehicle hood, particularly a rear opening hood of a motor vehicle, comprises at least three fastening elements arranged on a hood surface which are connected by way of fastening devices with support parts of the rear opening hood. Two of the fastening elements are arranged in a transverse plane and—relative to the driving direction—close to a forward hood edge, and another fastening element is arranged close to a rearward hood edge in a longitudinal center plane of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Wolfgang Schmierer
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Patent number: 6145719Abstract: A vehicle mountable gun and equipment case for the safe transportion of guns and equipment. The vehicle mountable gun and equipment case includes an upper cover having a top portion and an upper perimeter wall. The upper perimeter wall extends away from a perimeter of the top portion. Next provided is a lower cover having a bottom portion and a lower perimeter wall. The lower perimeter wall extends outwardly from a perimeter of the bottom portion such that the lower perimeter wall and the bottom portion define a space within the lower cover. The lower cover is hingedly attached to the upper cover. A plurality of clasping means are for releasably securing the upper cover to the lower cover. Also included is an equipment retaining pad having at least one of a shaped cut out. The pad is insertable into the space of sad lower cover. The shaped cut out is for conformably receiving a piece of equipment. A plurality of vehicle attachment means are adapted for attaching the lower cover to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: Louis J. Robert
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Patent number: 6068168Abstract: A vehicle rack assembly for mounting on a vehicle having a rollbar, the assembly having a unitary rack member having sidewalls and a floor and bracket members for mounting the floor of the rack to a rollbar of a vehicle. For use with a convertible SUV having a roof, the assembly can further have grommet assemblies for mounting around holes formed in a roof of a vehicle for receiving therein a portion of the bracket members, wherein a roof of a vehicle passes between a rollbar of a vehicle and said unitary rack member.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Stewart Orson Kreisler
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Patent number: 5997071Abstract: A protective cover for an object being transported in an airstream comprises a flexible cover member adapted to cover the object. The cover has front and rear ends, a top, two sides, and a bottom providing an opening to fit over the object. The cover member also has at least one exhaust aperture intermediate its ends with a venting member disposed over it. The bottom of the cover member is seated around the periphery of the object to reduce the airflow thereinto. The venting member has a base portion secured to the cover member about the aperture, and a body portion extending outwardly therefrom. The body portion has a closed end oriented towards the front end of the cover member and an open end disposed toward the rear end of the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Commercial Sewing, Inc.Inventor: Samuel G. Mazzarelli
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Patent number: 5988471Abstract: A device for laterally translating the force vector between a load carrier foot and the upper surface of a vehicle roof according to the slope of the contour of the vehicle roof at the location of the foot upon the vehicle roof. The device includes a load carrier foot for attachment of a load carrier to the vehicle roof and the load carrier foot has a first foot support portion and a second foot support portion. A foot plate for engaging the upper surface of the vehicle roof is provided that is pivotally attached to the load carrier foot and has a first foot plate support portion adjacent the first foot support portion to form an inner support pair and a second foot plate support portion adjacent the second foot support portion to form an outer support pair.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Industri, AB ThuleInventor: Anders Lundgren
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Patent number: 5823411Abstract: A locking device for motor vehicle roof trunks has a bottom part and a lid. On two sides of the trunk (1), which extend parallel relative to one another, the lid (3) is pivotable by two hinges around a hinge axis relative to the bottom part (2). The hinges each include a first hinge part (14) associated with the lid (3) and a second hinge part (15) associated with the bottom part (2). All hinges have a common actuating rod (23) which includes hinge pins (30) movable parallel to the direction of the hinge axis (12). Each hinge pin (30) is movably guided in a bearing housing (21) associated with the bottom part (2) and may engage a sleeve (17) associated with the first hinge part (14). A cylinder lock (34) enables all hinges associated with one side to be actuated centrally by actuating the actuating rod 23 towards the closed or open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignees: Huwil-Werke GmbH, Thule GmbHInventors: Rolf Gronwoldt, Siegfried Deisenhofer, Artur Hirtsiefer
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Patent number: 5799848Abstract: A ski carrier for alternatively transporting skis by manually carrying, by a vehicle mounting the ski carrier therein, or by a common carrier. The ski carrier has a case having a cover portion and a holder portion, and an end cap positionable over an opening in a first end of the case when the cover and holder portions thereof are closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Image Rotomolding Enterprises, LLC.Inventor: James H. Wills
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Patent number: 5713498Abstract: A cargo container is provided for being removably mounted to a roof rack system of an automobile. The container includes a body portion having a bottom, a continuous sidewall having a peripheral edge and extending up from the bottom at the peripheral edge, an interior space defined by the continuous sidewall and the bottom, a top releasably engageable to the continuous sidewall for providing access to the interior space, and a lip along the body portion to interconnect the peripheral edge and the bottom. The lip is constructed to extend beyond the peripheral edge to coact with at least one strut member of the roof rack system so as to be releasably secured in the space between the strut and the automobile roof.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventor: Charles A. Cucci
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Patent number: 5706989Abstract: Disclosed is a generally elongated container of stiff, durable material, preferably hard molded plastic, adapted to store within the interior thereof relatively large and bulky personal items such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and the like. Located on one surface of the container are a multiplicity of spaced mounting assemblies each of which is manually activatable between a first inactive condition where it is recessed into the wall of the container, and an active condition where the mounting assembly is extended along an axis orthogonal to the sidewall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: Robert C. Vincent
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Patent number: 5673832Abstract: A combination cargo carrier and ski carrier mounted on the roof rack of a vehicle. The ski carrier is comprised of two sections, each section having two generally vertical legs, one of which is attached to the vehicle roof rack and the other of which is attached to the cargo carrier. The two sections are cross braced.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: Joseph Whalen
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Patent number: 5673646Abstract: A removable storage locker sized to fit on a boat transom step platform provides storage and counter space to the boat. The locker includes a hinged upper lid which in its closed position provides a slightly-sloped counter surface for water drain-off at a level commensurate with that of the transom. Hinges are located astern of the transom on a locker rim protruding along the locker hinge side such that the lid opens away from the boat. The hinges are covered by an overhanging, downward-extending, rearward lid skirt to protect the hinge, allowing the lid to open at least 90 degrees with the rearward skirt extending under the rearward rim. The hinge movement is limited by the lid skirt contacting the rim underside, allowing the lid to lean astern until contact is made, the lid thus being stably supported in its open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: Robert L. Knudson
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Patent number: 5673961Abstract: A protective cover for an object being transported in an airstream comprises a flexible cover member adapted to cover the object. The cover has front and rear ends, a top, two sides, and a bottom providing an opening to fit over the object. The cover member also has at least one exhaust aperture intermediate its ends with a venting member disposed over it. The bottom of the cover member is seated around the periphery of the object to reduce the airflow thereinto. The venting member has a base portion secured to the cover member about the aperture, and a body portion extending outwardly therefrom. The body portion has a closed end oriented towards the front end of the cover member and an open end disposed toward the rear end of the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Commercial Sewing, Inc.Inventor: Samuel G. Mazzarelli
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Patent number: 5667116Abstract: A vehicle rooftop storage unit includes a rack portion which is permanently installed to the roof of the passenger vehicle at manufacture, or which may be installed as an aftermarket article after vehicle manufacture. A separate container portion is removably securable within the rack portion. The rack portion includes a generally rectangular rail, with the front and side members being fixed in position, and the rear member being hinged to the rear end of one of the side members. The rear member may be locked to the opposite side member to close the rail structure, and thereby capture the container portion within the rack rails. The rack portion captures the container portion by a tongue formed along the inner face of the rail, which engages a mating peripheral groove in the container portion; the tongue and groove configuration may be reversed between container and rack rail, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Inventors: Bambi L. Reinhart, Robert A. Reinhart
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Patent number: 5582313Abstract: A deposit container useful for many kinds of purposes such as a roof box for a motor car, a ski box, a deposit container for boats, buses, caravans, motor-houses and snow sleighs which is mountable and dismountable. The deposit container includes several small units, namely four box parts which include two identical or nearly identical lid box halves and two identical or nearly identical bottom box halves. These halves can quickly and easily be interconnected to form a lid box and a bottom box, respectively. The deposit container has standard fittings for hinges and locks so that the deposit container can be easily opened and/or secured in a closed position. The lid box halves and the bottom box halves are formed so that when the box is dismounted, the parts can be stacked into each other and stored in a compact state.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Dynamid Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sune Envall
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Patent number: 5556015Abstract: Disclosed is a generally elongated container of stiff, durable material, preferably hard molded plastic, adapted to store within the interior thereof relatively large and bulky personal items such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and the like. Located on one surface of the container are a multiplicity of spaced mounting assemblies each of which is manually activatable between a first inactive condition where it is recessed into the wall of the container, and an active condition where the mounting assembly is extended along an axis orthogonal to the sidewall of the container. Each mounting assembly, in turn, comprises an extensible support rod terminating in a foot pad of relatively soft durable material for engaging the surface of a vehicle roof with the rod being connected to the foot pad via a universal pivotal joint or connection so that each foot pad may swivel separately relative to its corresponding rod and conform to the convex curvature of the vehicle roof.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventor: Robert C. Vincent