CONVENIENCE NET HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID END RODS
A convenience net for use in a vehicle includes first and second rods, each having a first and a second end. The first and second rods are substantially rigid. A first cord extends between the first ends of the first and second rods, and a second cord extends between the second ends of the first and second rods. A mesh extends between the first and second rods and between the first and second cords. First and second attachment members are operatively connected to the first and second rods, respectively, and disposed between the first and second ends thereof. The first cord may be formed from an elastic material, and the second cord may be formed from a substantially inelastic material. A third cord may extend between the rods, and the mesh may extend between the rods and between the second and third cords, forming an envelope.
Latest General Motors Patents:
- LOW VOLTAGE CHARGING SYSTEM FOR HIGH VOLTAGE RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
- METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING VEHICLE LOAD AND TRAILER TONGUE LOAD BASED ON CAMERA IMAGES
- BATTERY SYSTEMS INCLUDING BATTERY CELLS AND HYDROGEN-PERMEABLE MEMBRANES
- CRUISE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT FOR OPTIMAL VEHICLE CORNERING
- VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC DRIVER TUNING
This disclosure relates to convenience nets for restraining cargo items in vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConvenience or storage nets are designed to restrain or hold items of cargo, such as groceries, packages, sporting equipment, or tools. The nets may be attached in the cargo, truck, or rear seating areas of vehicles, and may be mounted to receptacle fixtures or hardware on walls or interior trim panels of the vehicle.
SUMMARYA convenience net for use in a vehicle is provided. The convenience net includes a first rod and a second rod, each having a first end and a second end. The first and second rods are substantially rigid. A first cord extends between the first ends of the first and second rods, and a second cord extends between the second ends of the first and second rods. A mesh or netting extends between the first and second rods and between the first and second cords.
A first attachment member is operatively connected to the first rod and disposed between the first and second ends thereof, and a second attachment member is operatively connected to the second rod and disposed between the first and second ends thereof. The first and second attachment members are configured to engage receptacle elements on the vehicle.
In one embodiment of the convenience net, the first cord is formed from an elastic material. The second cord may be formed from a substantially inelastic material. The convenience net may further include a third cord, extending between the first and second rods, and may be substantially parallel to the first cord. The mesh may further extend between the first and second rods and between the second and third cords, such that the mesh forms an envelope.
The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, there is shown in
While the present invention is described in detail with respect to automotive applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
Convenience net 10 includes a first rod 12, shown on the left in
A first cord 20 is stretched or extends between the first ends 16 of the first and second rods 12 and 14. A second cord 22 is stretched or extends between the second ends 18 of the first and second rods 12 and 14.
In one embodiment of the convenience net 10, the first cord 20 is formed from an elastic material. For example, the first cord may be, without limitation, a bungee-type cord, a rubber cord, or a cord woven from elastic fabric. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the convenience net 10, the second cord 22 may be formed from a substantially inelastic material, which will not substantially lengthen or expand when placed in tension.
A mesh 24 is disposed, and extends, between the first and second rods 12 and 14 and the first and second cords 20 and 22. Mesh 24 may be made of an elastic or inelastic fabric—or combination thereof—twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular or patterned intervals.
Therefore, mesh 24 forms a divider or barricade which fills the space between the first and second rods 12 and 14 and the first and second cords 20 and 22. In applications where the convenience net 10 is placed next to a wall, seat, or other surface of the vehicle, the mesh 24 will cooperate with the adjoining surface to form a cavity and may be used to hold cargo items between the convenience net 10 and adjoining surface.
To attach the convenience net 10 to the vehicle, a first attachment member 26 is operatively connected to the first rod 12. The first attachment member 26 is disposed between the first and second ends 16 and 18. A second attachment member 28 is operatively connected to the second rod 14 and disposed between the first and second ends 16 and 18 thereof.
The first and second attachment members 26 and 28 may be, without limitation: loops, clasps, hooks, or clips. First and second attachment members 26 and 28 are configured to engage receptacle elements (not shown) such as grommets, rings, mushroom caps, or other attachment interface structures on the vehicle. First and second attachment members 26 and 28 may be formed of, without limitation: elastic or inelastic fabric, rubber, plastic, or another suitable material.
In one embodiment of the convenience net 10, the first and second attachment members 26 and 28 are disposed within approximately the middle one-third, as measured between the first and second ends 16 and 18, of the first and second rods 12 and 14. Because the first and second rods 12 and 14 are substantially rigid and the first and second attachment members 26 and 28 are disposed below the first cord 20, the top of the convenience net 10 extends beyond the corresponding attachment interfaces on the vehicle. As viewed in
The first and second rods 12 and 14 may be substantially straight and substantially cylindrical. Alternatively, the first and second rods 12 and 14 may be curved or bent (not shown) such that the mesh 24 forms either a curved divider or an angular two-plane divider. In one embodiment, the first and second rods 12 and 14 are formed from fiberglass or a similar material; although metallic rods (such as aluminum) may also be used.
Referring now to
The first and second rods 112 and 114 may be substantially rigid, cylindrical or square rods, and may be formed of fiberglass or a similar material. A first cord 120 stretches or extends between the first ends 116, and a second cord 122 stretches or extends between the second ends 118 of the first and second rods 112 and 114. The first cord 120 may be formed from an elastic material, and the second cord 122 may be formed from a substantially inelastic material, which will not substantially lengthen or expand when placed in tension.
A mesh 124 extends between the first and second rods 112 and 114 and the first and second cords 120 and 122. Mesh 124 may be made of an elastic or inelastic fabric—or combination thereof—twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular or patterned intervals.
Convenience net 110 further includes a third cord 130, which extends between the first and second rods 112 and 114, and is disposed between the first and second cords 120 and 122. In the embodiment shown in
Mesh 124 further extends between the first and second rods 112 and 114 and the second and third cords 122 and 130. Viewed from the side, the mesh 124 therefore forms a U- or V-shape, running from the first cord 120 to the second cord 122 and then back upward (as viewed in
The convenience net 110 further includes a first webbing strap 132 disposed substantially about the first rod 112, and a second webbing strap 134 disposed substantially about the second rod 114. The first and second rods 112 and 114 sit within interior pockets or folds of the first and second webbing straps 132 and 134.
The first and second webbing straps 132 and 134 may be formed of polyester fabric, nylon, or a similar material recognizable to those having ordinary skill in the art. The first cord 120, the second cord 122, and the third cord 130 are attached to the first and second webbing straps 132 and 134, and are therefore indirectly attached to, and supported by, the first and second rods 112 and 114.
To attach the convenience net 110 to the vehicle, first and second attachment members 126 and 128 are included. The first and second attachment members 126 and 128 may be operatively attached to the first and second rods 112 and 114. Alternatively, and as shown in
The first and second attachment members 126 and 128 may be loops, clips, hooks, or spring-locking hooks. Hooks may be configured to attach to rings 127, such as (without limitation): D-rings, cargo tie-down attachments, or similar hardware receptacles, which are affixed to a surface, wall, or trim panel (not shown) of the vehicle. Spring-locking hooks, such as those shown in
The first and second attachment members 126 and 128 are disposed within approximately the middle one-third of the first and second rods 112 and 114, and may be equidistant from the first and second ends 116 and 118. Both the first cord 120 and third cord 130 are disposed above (as viewed in
While the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A convenience net for use in a vehicle, comprising:
- a first rod and a second rod, each having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and second rods are substantially rigid;
- a first cord extending between said first ends of said first and second rods;
- a second cord extending between said second ends of said first and second rods;
- a mesh extending between said first and second rods and between said first and second cords; and
- a first attachment member operatively connected to said first rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, and a second attachment member operatively connected to said second rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, wherein said first and second attachment members are configured to engage receptacle elements on the vehicle.
2. The convenience net of claim 1, wherein said first cord is formed from an elastic material.
3. The convenience net of claim 2, wherein said second cord is formed from a substantially inelastic material.
4. The convenience net of claim 3, further comprising a third cord, extending between said first and second rods, wherein said third cord is substantially parallel to said first cord.
5. The convenience net of claim 4, wherein said mesh further extends between said first and second rods and between said second and third cords, such that said mesh forms an envelope.
6. The convenience net of claim 5, wherein said third cord is formed from an elastic material.
7. The convenience net of claim 6, further comprising:
- a first webbing strap disposed about said first rod; and
- a second webbing strap disposed about said second rod, wherein said first cord, said second cord, said third cord, and said first and second attachment members and are operatively attached to said first and second webbing straps.
8. The convenience net of claim 7, wherein said first and second attachment members are one of hooks or clips, and said first and second attachment members are configured to latch to ring-shaped receptacle elements on the vehicle.
9. The convenience net of claim 8, wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed within the middle one-third of said first and second rods, respectively, as measured between said first and second ends of said first and second rods.
10. The convenience net of claim 8, wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed substantially equidistant from said first and second ends of said first and second rods, respectively.
11. The convenience net of claim 10, wherein said first and second rods are substantially straight and substantially cylindrical.
12. The convenience net of claim 11, wherein said first and second rods are formed from fiberglass.
13. A convenience net for use in vehicles, comprising:
- a first rod and a second rod, each having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and second rods are substantially rigid;
- a first cord extending between said first ends of said first and second rods;
- a second cord extending between said second ends of said first and second rods;
- a third cord extending between said first and second rods, wherein said third cord is substantially parallel to said first cord and disposed between said first and second cords;
- a mesh extending between said first and second rods and said first and second cords and further extending between said first and second rods and said second and third cords; and
- a first attachment member operatively connected to said first rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, and a second attachment member operatively connected to said second rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, wherein said first and second attachment members are configured to engage receptacle elements on the vehicle.
13. The convenience net of claim 12, wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed within the middle one-third of said first and second rods, respectively, as measured between said first and second ends of said first and second rods.
14. The convenience net of claim 13, further comprising:
- a first webbing strap disposed about said first rod; and
- a second webbing strap disposed about said second rod, wherein said first cord, said second cord, said third cord, and said first and second attachment members and are operatively attached to said first and second webbing straps.
15. The convenience net of claim 14, wherein said first and third cords are formed from an elastic material.
16. The convenience net of claim 15, wherein said second cord is formed from a substantially inelastic material.
17. The convenience net of claim 16, wherein the convenience net includes only two attachment members.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 24, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 24, 2010
Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. (Detroit, MI)
Inventor: Charles L. Combs, JR. (Holly, MI)
Application Number: 12/343,538