With Underlying Support Patents (Class 296/136.12)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8944486
    Abstract: This invention includes a soft-top mounted on a jeep-type SUV. First, a structural support is used to support the soft-top. The structural support includes at least two rails, mounting brackets, pillars attached to the rails, cross bars attached to the pillars, and bows to form a front and rear structural support. Next, the soft-top is attached to the outside of the support structure. The soft-top is made with several panels attached together with zippers, and straps and buckles used to firmly secure the soft-top to the support structure. The use of several panels and zippers enable a soft-top that can be changed into several different configurations to meet different looks, functions, or weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20140217079
    Abstract: A system for removing frozen precipitation that has accumulated on an upper exterior surface of a road vehicle. In an embodiment, the system includes a hydrophobic and/or low friction sheet attached to an upper exterior surface of the road vehicle. The system may further include a heating array attached to the surface and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: James R. NELSON, Todd J. HARTMAN
  • Patent number: 8651555
    Abstract: An improved structure for car cover comprises a main unit with a compartment inside and multiple conduits for the external connectivity for the main unit, and a transmission component that can be driven by external power supply and is located inside the compartment of the main unit, and multiple passive components located at the peripheral of the transmission component inside the compartment to allow synchronous movement, and at least one wire duct on each passive component for a flexible elastic cable to wrap around, and an active end on each flexible elastic cable to pass through a conduit to outside of the compartment, and multiple link mechanisms that are composed of multiple links and use one end to connect to the main unit and the other end to connects to an active end of a different flexible elastic cable, and a soft piece of shield that is attached to the multiple link mechanisms and able to varies with the length of the multiple link mechanisms to change the coverage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Hao Chan
  • Publication number: 20140035313
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a removable valance for a golf cart are provided. The apparatus may include a valance for use with a golf cart. The valance may include a bead configured to be inserted into a slot on a golf cart. The slot is preferably configured to engage the bead. The valance may further include material fixedly attached to the bead along a longitudinal axis of the bead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Francis A. Sobik
  • Publication number: 20130038085
    Abstract: An improved structure for car cover comprises a main unit with a compartment inside and multiple conduits for the external connectivity for the main unit, and a transmission component that can be driven by external power supply and is located inside the compartment of the main unit, and multiple passive components located at the peripheral of the transmission component inside the compartment to allow synchronous movement, and at least one wire duct on each passive component for a flexible elastic cable to wrap around, and an active end on each flexible elastic cable to pass through a conduit to outside of the compartment, and multiple link mechanisms that are composed of multiple links and use one end to connect to the main unit and the other end to connects to an active end of a different flexible elastic cable, and a soft piece of shield that is attached to the multiple link mechanisms and able to varies with the length of the multiple link mechanisms to change the coverage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: WEI-HAO CHAN
  • Patent number: 8216650
    Abstract: A protective and decorative ornament that remains substantially in place on a vehicle's outer surface under substantially all vehicle operating conditions. The ornament includes a top decorative layer, upper and lower foam layers beneath the top layer, fastening members that extend outward from at least two edges thereof, a weighted element between the upper and lower foam layers and proximate an edge that does not include a fastening member, a substantially rigid element beneath the lower foam layer, and a substantially smooth bottom layer coupled to contact the vehicle's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph S. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20120146358
    Abstract: A protective tarpaulin system (1) for a motor vehicle (V), such as a car, said system comprising a flexible tarpaulin (6) for covering the vehicle, at least in part, so as to protect it, the tarpaulin (6) defining a longitudinal direction (L) that extends lengthwise over the vehicle, said system being characterized in that the tarpaulin (6) is provided with at least one stiffener element (61) that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) so as to impart a certain stiffness to the flexible tarpaulin so as to make the operation of covering the vehicle with the tarpaulin easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jocelyne Sassi, André Sassi
  • Publication number: 20120126569
    Abstract: A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising a support frame system and a floor sheet. The support frame system is disposed atop the floor sheet and within the periphery of the floor sheet. The enclosure further comprises an enclosing sheet draped over and supported by the support frame system and configured to be sealable against the floor sheet. The enclosure further comprises at least one sealable opening enabling entry and exit of a vehicle and/or a driver. When the enclosure is erected and sealed, the volume defined by the support frame system is substantially isolated from its surrounding environment. A non-powered passive corrosion protection means requiring is provided within the volume to eliminate or reduce corrosion of exposed vehicle metal components within the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph J. DiSabantonio, III
  • Patent number: 8123274
    Abstract: A protective cover for trailerable items includes a support frame having a plurality of ribs having opposed first and second leg members and a lateral batten member spanning the first and second leg members and defining an open area thereunder, and a flexible cover supported on the support frame, wherein each of the first leg members are rotatable about a first axis and each of the second leg members are rotatable about a second axis. The plurality of ribs are selectively movable between a first position in which they are spaced apart and the flexible cover encompasses an entirety of a trailerable item, and a second position in which the plurality of ribs are adjacent one another and extend substantially vertically to allow for loading and unloading of the trailerable item from a trailer while the protective cover is attached to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Roger H. Edwards, Drew R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8070211
    Abstract: An automatic car cover system, driven by electric motors, for a car, which is equipped with an automatic opening/closing trunk lid, is provided. The automatic car cover system according to current application is comprised of one cover runner, one holster, one holster casing, one guide, one cover sheet, and one cover sheet un-folder. The cover runner is a small electric motor driven vehicle equipped with caterpillars, which are comprised of magnetic plates covered with rubber. The holster pushes out/rewinds the cover runner, the guide, and the cover sheet with un-folder. The holster comes out of and goes into trunk of the car with aid of a line connected to a reverse power motor installed in the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Ted Justin Suh
  • Patent number: 7954876
    Abstract: A protective cover assembly for covering a space. The assembly includes a frame having rails. A material is disposed over the frame for covering the space. A plurality of fastening devices are disposed through to the material for securing the material to each of the rails. An anchor is secured to the second rail. A plunger extends from either the anchor or the first rail and defines an operational axis. The plunger slidably engages the other of either the first rail or the anchor for guiding the first rail between a first position relaxing the material and a second position tightening the material. The fastening device includes a cap, fingers and a retaining member engaging the fingers for capturing the material between the cap and the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Rugged Liner
    Inventor: David Kosinski
  • Patent number: 7866740
    Abstract: An RV roof frame and cover system protects an RV during storage. The system comprises a roof frame and a cover. The frame has a ridge pole member having two sets of rafter members extending downwardly therefrom. The rafter members are attached at their lower ends to one of two horizontal members which can be moved towards and apart from one another to adjust the width of the frame. The rafter members are rotatably attached to both the ridge pole member and the lower horizontal member. The horizontal members are tied to one another by tie beam members which have an adjustable length to accommodate the movement of the horizontal members towards and away from one another. The tie beam members may be provided on legs which extend downwardly from the horizontal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Easy RV Storage Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Daumont, Wade H. Muchowski
  • Patent number: 7828364
    Abstract: A durable soft-top cover used to cover the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The durable soft-top cover includes a rigid member that prevents the annoying and turbulent flapping of the soft-top at high rates of speed when the vehicle velocity and wind speed is increased. The durable soft-top cover is reinforced with rigid members that support the canvas-like material of the soft-top. The rigid members are disposed adjacent to and/or within a material making up the durable soft-top. The durable soft-top may be portably rolled and/or folded and compactly stored. The rigid construction may be composed of at least one or more rigid member to provide the rigidity to the durable soft-top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Edward Causey
  • Patent number: 7562928
    Abstract: An automated vehicle sunshade includes a compartment mountable to a roof of a vehicle, a flexible shade, a plurality of rods coupled to the flexible shade and a drive device coupled to the plurality of rods. The plurality of rods are retractable and extendable so that the sunshade repeatably alternates between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the flexible shade, plurality of rods and drive device are enclosed within the compartment. The sunshade also includes guide wires and support wires for properly guiding and supporting the flexible shade during retracting and extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Harold Morazan
  • Publication number: 20090072578
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure of a shadow shield for a vehicle, which is targeted to common vehicles for easy assembly or disassembly. With the help of a rotary rack assembled at the coupling seat of the main frame, the combined vehicle shadow shield can be retracted or unfolded. The swinging end of the rotary rack is provided with a pendulum expansion link, enabling it to drive the shading cloth to fold downwards, and also making the shading cloth fully cover the lateral windows. With the collapsible main frame, the shadow shield can present excellent convenience and efficiency of assembly/disassembly with improved applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa WANG
  • Publication number: 20090045648
    Abstract: A protective device with a flexible protective canopy, having a winding shaft, on which the protective canopy is held so that it can be wound and unwound, and a mounting in which the winding shaft is rotatably supported is known, the mounting with its opposing lateral areas being guided so that it is longitudinally displaceable, and the protective canopy having a leading edge face which is immovably secured. According to the invention, over the displacement length of the mounting, at least, the opposite lateral areas each have a flexible cover profile assigned to them, which immovably extends parallel to the guides and projects transversely to the direction of displacement towards the middle of the protective canopy, in such a way that the cover profile at least partially covers a corresponding lateral edge of the protective canopy and the corresponding lateral area of the mounting. Use as sunshade for passenger cars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Hintennach, Zoltan Papp, Ephraim Moeser, Guenther Renz
  • Patent number: 7422266
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a moving roof having a flexible cover, in which the cover is engaged underneath by at least one strap (9), following essentially the course of the roof when the roof is closed, which is secured on support structure arranged across the roof. The at least one end of the strap passes through a slit recess of the roof support structure and is secured against pulling out from the slit recess by an end thickening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Schonhorst, Klaus Licher
  • Publication number: 20080178919
    Abstract: An automated awning comprises a main shaft connected to a screw rod through a sleeve by a screw means. The screw rod is driven to activate a first support rod and a second support rod to slide forward or backward sliding motion. A main support bracket is disposed between the main shaft and a second support rod, and a spring is disposed between the main support bracket and the main shaft. There are deep and shallow grooves and a slopped surface within the second support rod; a free rotor and a fixed rotor are inserted therein. A tube body is mounted on a mount and enclosing the first support rod. The tube body is then inserted into an outer tube. As the screw rod drives the first and second support rods forward, a gear teeth strip on one side of said first link rod stretches a spring so as to open a sun roof by extending the second main support rod, the second link rod and the third main support rod; the rotors are retained on the slopped surface for fixing the main support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Shun-Fu Yang
  • Publication number: 20080129077
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly is provided having a plurality of substantially rigid panels inserted between the fabric and the bows and then locked into place and/or supported by snap-fit elements connecting to the peripheral frame of the tonneau cover. The snap-fit elements can also serve to positively locate the bows with respect to the frame. The panels can be closely dimensioned with respect to the distance across the frame or spaced somewhat to accommodate insertion about frame hinges and/or close fitting fabric, bows and frames. Two sided adhesive tape can be used between the panels and the snap-fit elements and the bows to maintain panel placement in the event that the assembly is to be a permanent aspect of the tonneau cover. Panels can also be perforated for weight reduction and/or cost savings without significant loss of theft security. Panels can be padded for impact absorption without permanent deformation so as to maintain tonneau cover attractiveness despite significant wear and tear during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Ross Weldy
  • Patent number: 7354096
    Abstract: A shade producing apparatus for protecting the exterior and interior of an automobile, truck or vehicle as well it's passengers. A shade producing canopy supported by poles extending either from the rear trunk or from on top of the roof of a vehicle. The entire folding or collapsible poles and canopy are stored in a hollow airfoil shaped spoiler that is esthetically pleasing and adds to the appearance of the vehicle. The base of the airfoil shaped spoiler's two risers are attached to the vehicle. The two tie-down bungee cords are the only other parts that touch the surface of the vehicle. An operator may deploy and retract the shade canopy while remaining on one side of the vehicle. The supporting poles may be swiveled 180 degrees to form a shade awning to the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: James Theodore Hacker
  • Patent number: 7300096
    Abstract: A curtain mounted to the bottom, top, or one end of an emergency vehicle and deployable to cover the side of the vehicle in itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Glenn A. Maguire
  • Patent number: 7278677
    Abstract: A JEEP®-type vehicle cover and attachment system formed of lightweight, form-fitting waterproof/water-resistant material. A shaped bracket attached to the cover secures the cover to a rear portion of the vehicle. The cover when deployed completely protects the entire interior of the vehicle and the side mirrors. An adjustable elastic cord sewn into the periphery of the cover secures the cover at the sides and front of the vehicle. A cover storage pocket hangs from the bracket at the rear of vehicle. A bow creates a dome over the front passenger compartment to avoid pooling of water when the cover is deployed in heavy rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Sterling Emerson
  • Patent number: 7172234
    Abstract: A supporting post for motor shade includes a length-adjustable extendable post, a protective sleeve movably mounted on the extendable post, a movable fixing assembly mounted on the extendable post to provide an elastic tension, and a bottom seat with a universal joint connected to a lower end of the extendable post. The supporting post is upright erected beside a car with the movable fixing assembly elastically upward abutting on a lower edge of the car. The protective sleeve prevents the rigid extendable post from abrading the car, and the bottom seat with the universal joint allows the extendable post to stably stand on a rough or slope ground surface. A shade supported on four pieces of the extendable posts is distantly located above a car to effectively shield the car from sunlight, heat, and rainwater when the car is parked in an open-air place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo Tang Chang
  • Patent number: 7159631
    Abstract: A protective cover for motor vehicle mainly includes a cover, at least two flexible metal rings that are lengthwise sequentially spaced at and attached to an inner side of the cover to enclose a relatively large area of the cover, and adjustable belts with hook belt fasteners spaced at a lower edge of the cover. The flexible metal rings are adapted to automatically stretch the cover for covering an upper part of a motor vehicle, and the hook belt fasteners are adapted to firmly hold the cover to a lower part of the motor vehicle. To fold and store the cover, simply fold the cover to align the metal rings with each other, and bend the aligned metal rings into several superposed smaller loops, so that the folded cover may be stored in a bag in the flat and folded state to occupy only a relatively small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Formosa Sounding Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • 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: 7013904
    Abstract: A portable motorcycle covering for enclosing and protecting therein a motorcycle includes an elongated floor cover on which the motorcycle rests, and the floor cover has a circumferential lip to prevent water from coming on to the floor cover. A flexible and collapsible protective cover is integrally attached to at least one half of the floor cover and is capable of pivotal movement between an open position, wherein the motorcycle can be placed on the floor cover, and a closed position, wherein the motorcycle is fully enclosed by the protective cover. A plurality of u-shaped crosspieces create a support frame for the protective cover, and the crosspieces pivot in sequential order for creating the support frame and deploying the protective cover when the leading crosspiece positioned adjacent the opening of the protective cover is grasped and pivoted by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Harald Kofler
  • Patent number: 7004530
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes a first pair of track members mountable to side walls of the bed. A cover unit includes a second-pair of track members and a plurality of support members movably mounted on the second pair of track members. A cover is mounted to the support members. The cover unit is to be removably mounted in an operative position to the bed with the second pair of track members aligned with the first pair of track members so that the support members can move along the first and second pairs of track members to extend and retract the cover. At least one motor is connected to the support members for selectively moving them. At least one fastener secures the cover unit in the operative position and is releasable to allow the cover unit to be removed from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel II, Nicanor P. Cantu III, Thomas J. Mack
  • Patent number: 6948760
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes a first pair of track members mountable to side walls of the bed. A cover unit includes a second pair of track members and a plurality of support members movably mounted on the second pair of track members. A cover is mounted to the support members. The cover unit is to be removably mounted in an operative position to the bed with the second pair of track members aligned with the first pair of track members so that the support members can move along the first and second pairs of track members to extend and retract the cover. At least one motor is connected to the support members for selectively moving them. At least one fastener secures the cover unit in the operative position and is releasable to allow the cover unit to be removed from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel, II, Nicanor P. Cantu, III, Thomas J. Mack
  • Patent number: 6935674
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle cover for protecting the outer surface of a vehicle. The retractable vehicle cover has a housing, which contains a front and a rear reel assembly. Each reel assembly has a spring-loaded reel and a protective sheet wound around the reel. The sheets are extended as needed for covering and protecting both the front end and the rear end of the vehicle. The housing has a plurality of rubber suction cups for selective attachment of the housing to the roof of the vehicle. The housing has two shaft mounting brackets, for holding and supporting two telescopically adjustable shafts. The shafts are selectively extendable horizontally, between the sides of the vehicle, one toward the front and the other towards the rear of the vehicle, to support the front and rear protective sheets at an elevated position above the upper surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Victor Armijo Campos
  • Patent number: 6789838
    Abstract: A vehicle shade assembly includes a pair of frames each having a selectively expandable width. A plurality of mountings is attached to each of the frames. Each of the mountings is adapted for removably coupling the frames to upper edges of vehicle windows. Each of a pair of flexible panels has a first side and a second side. The first sides of the pair of flexible panels are each attached to one of the frames such that the frames are positioned between the mountings and the flexible panels. The frames are mounted on windows of opposite sides of the vehicle such that the flexible panels cover the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas P. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6725871
    Abstract: A portable cover unit includes a fabric cover supported by a flexible frame. The fabric cover has sleeves that secure members of the flexible frame, which is constructed with primary frame members extending in a first direction and at least one secondary frame member extending in a second substantially perpendicular direction between the primary frame members. A plurality of connectors are attachable to an object to which the portable cover unit is installed, each including an aperture sized to receive the primary frame members. Structure is also provided for securing the fabric cover to the object to which the portable cover unit is installed. The portable cover unit can be mounted to any open portion of a vehicle such as a boat, golf cart or the like or can be used independently. The structure can be readily disassembled and stored in a compact package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson A. Taylor Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Kevin Stancil, Terry Burk
  • Patent number: 6705664
    Abstract: A portable shade canopy or awning is specially adapted for personal vehicles. Supporting members are made of strong, lightweight and inexpensive material such as aluminum alloy, plastic, or composite; and the canopy material itself preferably is either soft and paint protective or other inexpensive material with paint-protecting material on the underside and with four grommets disposed in a generally rectangular configuration. An easily detachable clip is installed on each of four windows in a generally rectangular configuration. This is easily accomplished through use of clips having recessed reliefs that fit on the tops of the window glass so that when the windows are rolled up (i.e., closed), each clip is set firmly in place. Four detachable legs are provided to provide principal support for the canopy. The bottoms of these legs are disengageably attached to mating parts of the clips and thus are firmly supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Tammy Jane Smith Lahutsky