CONVENIENCE NET HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID END RODS

Abstract

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to convenience nets for restraining cargo items in vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Convenience 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.

SUMMARY

A 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, plan view of a convenience net having a mesh net and two cords attached directly to two end rods; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic, plan view of a second embodiment of a convenience net having webbing straps which house two end rods and to which a mesh net and three cords attach, forming an envelope, and having clip-type attachment members.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 an embodiment of a storage or convenience net 10 for use in vehicles. The convenience net 10 shown may be placed in multiple locations in the vehicle, such as, without limitation, the trunk or cargo area. The convenience net 10 may be used as a barrier to hold objects against a wall, edge, or seat of the vehicle, or may be configured to hold objects within its structure.

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 FIG. 1, and a second rod 14, shown on the right in FIG. 1. Each of the first and second rods 12 and 14 has a first end 16, shown on top in FIG. 1, and a second end 18, shown on the bottom in FIG. 1. The first and second rods 12 and 14 may be substantially rigid, such that the first and second rods 12 and 14 undergo minimal displacement or deformation when subjected to moderate loads, such as those from cargo items in a moving vehicle. However, the first and second rods 12 and 14 should be capable of recovering size and shape after any actual deformation.

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 FIG. 1, this allows the top of convenience net 10 to be above the attachment receptacles on the vehicle.

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 FIG. 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a convenience net 110. Similar to the convenience net 10 shown in FIG. 1, convenience net 110 includes first and second rods 112 and 114, each having first and second ends 116 and 118.

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 FIG. 2, the third cord 130 is located near the first ends 116, on the upper third (as viewed in FIG. 2) of the first and second rods 112 and 114, and is substantially parallel to the first cord 120. The third cord 130 may be formed from an elastic material.

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 FIG. 2) to the third cord 130. In this embodiment, the mesh 124 forms an envelope or pocket into which cargo items may be placed through the opening between the first cord 120 and third cord 130. Mesh 124 may also be used as a divider or barricade and may be used to hold or pin cargo items between the convenience net 110 and adjoining surfaces.

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 FIG. 2, the first and second attachment members 126 and 128 may be operatively attached to the first and second webbing straps 132 and 134.

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 FIG. 2, may be used to lock the convenience net 110 to the receptacle element and reduce accidental disengagement from the receptacle.

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 FIG. 2) the first and second attachment members 126 and 128. Therefore, the mesh 124 extends above the hardware or receptacles to which the convenience net 110 attaches in the vehicle.

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.