Impact Resistant Cover Patents (Class 296/136.02)
  • Patent number: 11370285
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an anti-icing and ultra-violet (UV) reflective apparatus for vehicle windshields and windows. The apparatus may include a housing including a hinged door covering interior components contained therein. The components may include a cover component coupled to an interior of the housing that stores a cover for covering a vehicle windshield and vehicle windows and that reflects UV radiation. The components may further include a roller component, coupled to an interior of the housing, that stores a set of rollers in an anti-freezing compound utilized for coating the cover. The components may also include a turning mechanism coupled to the cover component through an exterior side of the housing that extends the cover onto the vehicle windshield and/or the vehicle windows to protect the at least one of the vehicle windshield and the one or more vehicle windows against freezing and the UV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Florida A&M University
    Inventor: Charles Magee
  • Patent number: 10336405
    Abstract: A removable marine cover for protecting marine support structures such as bullnoses in addition to nautical lines from abrasive contact has a polymeric cover body including an outward surface attached to a material with a gripping portion is provided. The marine cover has a set of ratchet straps arranged around the periphery to securely attach the cover to the marine support structure. The inward surface may include a wear pad, and may further include a polyurethane coating to reduce the coefficient of friction experienced by the nautical lines while also protecting the support structure from degradation, which ultimately prevents damage to both the support structure and the nautical lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Ratigan, Edward Ratigan
  • Patent number: 10308101
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander, Julien P. Mourou
  • Patent number: 9889731
    Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle includes a flexible cover duplicating the contours of the car, and a container, in which the flexible cover is arranged. The container can be fastened in the rear part of the vehicle with the aid of at least one fastening element. The flexible cover is polymeric, with a light-reflecting material or coating applied to one side and a light-absorbing material or coating applied to the other side. The container can be fastened on the vehicle boot or on the rear part of the vehicle roof or on the vehicle bumper. In another alternative, the container of the protective device can be fastened on the internal side of the vehicle boot lid with the aid of at least one fastening element. The protective device provides reliable and durable protection for the car from overheating in summer and from super cooling in winter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Igor Iifliyandskyi, Oleg E. Mikhailov, Boris L. Bobrovnikov
  • Patent number: 8985672
    Abstract: Inflatable cover apparatus is disclosed in which a double-layer shroud is configured for encompassing a vehicle or other relatively large object. An inflatable chamber is defined by an inner layer and an outer layer of the shroud connected at their peripheries. A drawstring assembly encircles the periphery of the shroud and may be secured in a constricted state or released to an extended state. A blower adapted to inflate the inflatable chamber is capable of maintaining the shroud in an active inflated state in order to shield the covered object from being impacted by falling objects such as hail. A control module controls the blower and provides a communication circuit for enhancing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A. Siciliano
  • Patent number: 8960212
    Abstract: A hail guard for cars includes a net with a thick mesh applied to a structure having two center rods joined by a hinge, two multiple hinges applied to the free ends of the center rods, and four net-stretching rods hinged to each multiple hinge. Each multiple hinge has pins with vertical axes suited to allow the net-stretching rods to rotate and a rotation pin whose horizontal axis is orthogonal to the center rods, suited to allow the rotation of the set of net-stretching rods. The net-stretching rods are arranged so that two of them, when open, are opposed to each other and two other ones are generically diagonal. Two or more supports are hinged to the center rods and each free end of each support is provided with suction cups or magnets suited to allow the structure to be stably and removably applied to the car roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Edoardo Majer
  • Publication number: 20140312647
    Abstract: The present invention includes a durable, weather resistant, and light weight apparatus for covering a vehicle and providing protection from objects that might strike and damage the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. The object of this invention is to provide a vehicle cover which covers both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of a vehicle, which can deployed by a single person, folded for easy deployment, retrieval and storage, and which can be stretched or compressed to fit various sizes of automobiles while maintaining its protective effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jilin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140015274
    Abstract: A rapidly installable for protecting upwardly facing horizontal surfaces of a motor vehicle from falling hail. The barrier may comprise a cover sheet which covers upwardly exposed surfaces of the motor vehicle and an absorbent panel capable of resisting impact of hail. The absorbent panel may comprise an array of parallel cushion panels having a folding joint disposed between each two adjacent cushion panels. The cushion panels may be enclosed within a sleeve which protects them from liquid and solid contaminants, and preferably, ultraviolet rays. The sleeve may comprise one common sleeve, or plural sleeves each enclosing one or more cushion panels. The barrier may include magnets enclosed within the sleeve or sleeves for adhering to steel vehicle bodies, and straps bearing connectors for engaging axle components of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Roland Banda
  • Publication number: 20130026781
    Abstract: Over the years storms have become more powerful and producing damaging hail there is no protection from this, hail stopper will help an owner protect their vehicle from damage for people who don't have a garage this is the next best thing. Also helps protect your vehicle from freezing rain, no more frozen windshields or doors, no more wasting time scrapping at your windows to get the ice off, just remove the hail stopper and you will be ready to go.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Lee Hobson, Mitchell Gregory Hobson
  • Patent number: 8322775
    Abstract: A transparent laminated structure having multiple peel-away laminated film layers for protecting windscreens, particularly windscreens of rotary aircraft, from environmental conditions. The laminated structure includes at least one laminated layer wherein each layer includes a film, a bonding layer on a first major side of the film for releaseably attaching the film to either the windscreen or to an adjacent laminated film layer, a conductive material on a second major side of the film for dissipating electrostatic charging in the laminated structure that may occur due to accumulated precipitation static during aircraft fight, and a hard coat layer for protecting the relatively softer film against abrasion. As the outermost film layer becomes degraded below acceptable levels, that film may be easily removed, exposing a subsequent unblemished film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: VTOL, LLC
    Inventors: Brent W. Barbee, E. Andrew Hough
  • Patent number: 8292347
    Abstract: A transparent laminated structure having multiple peel-away laminated film layers for protecting windscreens, particularly windscreens of rotary aircraft, from environmental conditions. The laminated structure includes at least one laminated layer wherein each layer includes a film, a bonding layer on a first major side of the film for releaseably attaching the film to either the windscreen or to an adjacent laminated film layer, optionally a conductive material on a second major side of the film for dissipating electrostatic charging in the laminated structure that may occur due to accumulated precipitation static during aircraft fight, and a hard coat layer for protecting the relatively softer film against abrasion. A keyed removal system is provided simplify determining the number of film layers remaining on the windscreen and to aid in the sequential removal of film layers which become degraded below acceptable levels, thereby exposing a subsequent unblemished film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: VTOL, LLC
    Inventors: Reginald J. Drake, Brent W. Barbee
  • Patent number: 8277916
    Abstract: A protection system kit is provided for at least one vehicular window panel mounted in a window opening of a vehicle. The kit comprises a film unit supply assembly including a release liner and a multi-layer, self-adhesive film unit. The film unit includes a first film layer and a first adhesive layer releasably securing the first film layer to the release liner. The film unit further includes a second film layer secured to the first film layer on the release liner by a second adhesive layer. The second film layer is selectively removable from the first film layer by peeling the second film layer away from the first film layer. The first adhesive layer is adapted to secure the first film layer to a vehicular window panel in an associated window opening of a vehicle. The first and second film layers are pre-configured to fit the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Clear Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Tonya M. Cockman, Patrick Haden Jennings, Donald C. Martin
  • Patent number: 8267462
    Abstract: A vehicle body protector of the present invention comprises one or more section, with each of the sections comprising one or more layers of compressible rubbery substance. Each section also comprises a face side, an attachment side, and a holder. The holder is intended for securing one or more sections to the body of a vehicle. At least one of the sections is shaped in the form of a raised visually-recognizable symbol. The method of simultaneously advertising and protecting the vehicle's surface from bumps and scratches, utilizing the vehicle body protector of the present invention is also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Gieorgii Bogdan
  • Patent number: 8146984
    Abstract: A protective vehicle cover is shown for protecting an outer surface of a vehicle from hail and other falling objects. The cover includes a flexible blanket having a front side, a back side and a thickness therebetween. The blanket is made up of an outer fabric cover and a protective central region, the protective central region being made up of a layer of foam cushioning material covered with a layer of flexible plastic-type material which together provide a cushioning effect to protect the outer surface of the vehicle from hail and other falling objects; Fastening elements are provided for attaching the flexible blanket to the outer surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Carey Devereaux
  • Patent number: 8088462
    Abstract: A vehicular window assembly includes a vehicular window, an inner film unit and an outer film unit. The vehicular window panel has interior and exterior opposed surfaces. The inner film unit includes an inner adhesive layer and an inner film layer adhered to the interior surface of the vehicular window panel by the inner adhesive layer. The outer film unit includes an outer adhesive layer and an outer film layer adhered to the exterior surface of the vehicular window panel by the outer adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Clear Defense LLC
    Inventors: Tonya M. Cockman, Patrick Haden Jennings, Donald C. Martin
  • Patent number: 7967366
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a damage mitigation system. In some embodiments, for example, the damage mitigation system can be used for protecting a vehicle from hail damage. The damage mitigation system includes a housing for storing at least one pad. The pad can be pulled from the housing, inflated, and positioned over an object to be protected. In some embodiments, the damage mitigation system can include a self-inflating pad. In some embodiments, the damage mitigation system can include an inflatable pad that is not self-inflating. The damage mitigation system also includes a motor for retracting the pad back into the housing. The housing includes pinching rods for squeezing the air from the pad as the pad is retracted so that the pad can be stored in a non-inflated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Tellez
  • Publication number: 20110140478
    Abstract: A protective vehicle cover is shown for protecting an outer surface of a vehicle from hail and other falling objects. The cover includes a flexible blanket having a front side, a back side and a thickness therebetween. The blanket is made up of an outer fabric cover and a protective central region, the protective central region being made up of a layer of foam cushioning material covered with a layer of flexible plastic-type material which together provide a cushioning effect to protect the outer surface of the vehicle from hail and other falling objects; Fastening elements are provided for attaching the flexible blanket to the outer surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Carey Devereaux
  • Patent number: 7699380
    Abstract: An impact protection device and a method for protecting an object, such as a vehicle, using the impact protection device. The impact protection device is particularly useful for protecting a vehicle from damage due to hail storms. The impact protection device includes a layer of high tensile strength polymer and a metallic layer disposed adjacent to the high tensile strength polymer layer. The impact protection device is advantageously thin and lightweight and can be easily stored in the trunk of a vehicle for rapid deployment during a hail storm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Roberta Coleman
  • Patent number: 7640698
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle shelter designed for women, senior citizens, and/or individuals with limited disabilities in mind; including an inflatable unit configured for nested engagement with a vehicle for covering the vehicle's upper and outer surfaces. The unit may be inflated by a remotely activated inflation unit. Provision is made in the unit member to allow a vehicle operator to reenter the vehicle for shelter from inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Sandra Graham
  • Patent number: 7406753
    Abstract: A two-piece clip for tying down a sheet of material has an elongated triple tapered wedge insertable in a mating triple tapered groove. The two components bind the covering material therebetween with a tight friction fit and compress a relatively large area of material, especially plastic material with a built-in reinforcing fiber grid. The clip binds a large number of rows and columns of reinforcing elements of a plastic cover sheet in a tight friction fit therebetween for a secure grip and easy release without damaging the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick J. LaScala
  • Publication number: 20080174144
    Abstract: An impact protection device and a method for protecting an object, such as a vehicle, using the impact protection device. The impact protection device is particularly useful for protecting a vehicle from damage due to hail storms. The impact protection device includes a layer of high tensile strength polymer and a metallic layer disposed adjacent to the high tensile strength polymer layer. The impact protection device is advantageously thin and lightweight and can be easily stored in the trunk of a vehicle for rapid deployment during a hail storm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Roberta Coleman
  • Patent number: 7370903
    Abstract: A transparent laminated structure having multiple peel-away laminated film layers for protecting windscreens, particularly windscreens of rotary aircraft, from environmental conditions. The laminated structure includes at least one laminated layer wherein each layer includes a film, a bonding layer on a first major side of the film for releaseably attaching the film to either the windscreen or to an adjacent laminated film layer, a conductive material on a second major side of the film for dissipating electrostatic charging in the laminated structure that may occur due to accumulated precipitation static during aircraft fight, and a hard coat layer for protecting the relatively softer film against abrasion. As the outermost film layer becomes degraded below acceptable levels, that film may be easily removed, exposing a subsequent unblemished film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: United Protective Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent W. Barbee, E. Andrew Hough
  • Patent number: 7360820
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable apparatus is provided for covering and protecting a vehicle from harmful debris such as hail. The inflatable apparatus includes a plurality of airway chambers that are substantially longitudinal and that cover the top and side portions of the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a security flap that is sized to fit through an outlet of the vehicle for locking or securing the inflatable apparatus with or to the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a transparent portion to allow the vehicle to be driven while secured to the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a panel with a slit opening that is operable for allowing entry into the vehicle while the inflatable apparatus is secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Tellez
  • Patent number: 7243975
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective cover having a first panel superimposed over and connected to a second panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel such that the first panel is slidably moveable relative to the second panel so that the first panel will be sheared relative to the second panel upon the first panel being impacted by a force having a component which is non-perpendicular to the first panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel has a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet to form an air chamber. A valve is disposed through the panels and manually operable between an open condition and a closed condition to allow air to be selectively removed from and drawn into the air chamber of the first panel. The air chamber is provided with a resilient, open-celled, foam panel to cause air to be drawn into the air chamber upon expansion of the foam panel from a collapsed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: John A. Harcourt, Susan G. Cody
  • Patent number: 7229108
    Abstract: A removable device for protecting parked automobile doors from dents, scuffs and scratches to its surface that may be caused by the doors of adjacent automobiles or other objects. The device consists of protective elements joined by a rope and mounted to the automobile by magnets. The device has a security tether which engages a locked door of an automobile to resist theft of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Kirk Hochrein
  • Patent number: 7222562
    Abstract: A multi-layered protective cover (10) for the exterior of a vehicle, held in place over the hood by means of a main strap (12), a main strap lock (14), and an underside lock (16). Rounded pad (20) forms a frame along the perimeter of a vehicle. For easy entry or exit, latch on rounded pad (22), Velcro.RTM cover (24), zipper (26), and fasteners (28) are provided. Along an upper frame (34), insulated wire (36) is connected from panel to panel by an electrical plug (30), and an electrical socket (32). Electromagnets, consisting of an iron bar (38) and an iron head (40) are inlaid in a rubber layer (42). A lower frame (44) provides support for a bullet-proof layer (46) and a water-proof layer (48). When current flows to the electromagnets, the cover is affixed to a body of vehicle (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Gary LeRoy Smiley
  • Patent number: 7182391
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for protecting a motor vehicle surface. The invention includes a substantially uniform shock absorbent poly foam pad adapted to cover at least the top surface of a motor vehicle, and further adapted to couple to at least one means for securing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Steven Thrasher, John Bugg
  • Patent number: 7096628
    Abstract: A vehicle cover (10) has first and second cover members (12, 14) of which one pivots relative to the other about a pivot (A) to move between open and closed positions of the cover. The cover (10) includes a base on which one of the members is mounted and the arrangement is such that after one of the cover members is pivoted relative to the other, the two cover members (12, 14) are moveable as one relative to the base to enable full access to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley Millward
  • Patent number: 7090266
    Abstract: A vehicle side protector against dents and scratches due to the impact of a door of an adjacent vehicle. Comprised of high-density blocks, covered with a non-scratch fabric. Attached are strips of covered pads for the purpose of protrusion that will cause the apparatus to fit vehicles with curves, and to prevent smacking sound on contact. Magnetic strips are applied to the strips of covered pads to secure the apparatus to the vehicle. The strap consists of a long strip, and a thick tip joined together to prevent easy theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Pamela Sharron Price
  • Patent number: 6983976
    Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle with a convertible top (12), a stowage space (58) which uses part of the trunk space (60), and a convertible top hatch (30) formed as part of the trunk lid (34), in which the convertible top (12) can be moved between a closed position in which it covers the passenger compartment (14), and a stowage position in which it is held as a folded package in the stowage space (58) which is covered by the convertible top hatch (30). The position of the convertible top (12) can be adjusted upward into an intermediate position by moving the convertible top hatch (30). In the intermediate position, the folded package extends out of the stowage space (58), for providing increased access to the trunk space. The convertible top hatch (30) can be pivoted around a first pivoting device (40, 42, 44) for opening of the stowage space, and the trunk lid (34) can be pivoted around a second pivoting device (38) independently of the convertible top hatch (30) for opening the trunk (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Reinsch
  • Patent number: 6893074
    Abstract: The Mobile Vehicle Hail Cover can provide a protective barrier for the top surfaces of a motor vehicle, from the damaging effects of falling hail, during a sudden hall storm, while the vehicle is under operation on the roadways, providing completely street legal operation, or when parked. The invention consists of 2 to 3 composite protective cover sheets of flexible rubberized and weatherproof material. The cover sheet for the roof, is connected to the sheets on the hood and trunk by way of elastic straps. The Hood and Trunk sheets are attached to the vehicle by the elastic straps at each corner, connecting to rubber coated metal hooks on the ends, to securely anchor the entire apparatus to the vehicle. This invention, can help automobile Insurance companies, realize the savings of Billions $$ in hail damage claims and prevent potential freeway accident pileups, due to drivers stopping under bridges & freeway overpasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy David Wilson
  • Patent number: 6837532
    Abstract: A dual side tarp (10) is disclosed which allows the operator to shift the fixed tube of the tarp from one side of the trailer (12) to the other very quickly and efficiently to allow one side or the other of the trailer to be numbered to facilitate side dumping, for example. Use of pivoting tarp roll stop allows the shifting to be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: W. Glen Hicks
  • Publication number: 20040178657
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable apparatus is provided for covering and protecting a vehicle from harmful debris such as hail. The inflatable apparatus includes a plurality of airway chambers that are substantially longitudinal and that cover the top and side portions of the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a security flap that is sized to fit through an outlet of the vehicle for locking or securing the inflatable apparatus with or to the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a transparent portion to allow the vehicle to be driven while secured to the vehicle. The inflatable apparatus may also include a panel with a slit opening that is operable for allowing entry into the vehicle while the inflatable apparatus is secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Tellez