Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Supported from ceiling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-02
2001-06-05
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Supported from ceiling
C052S027000, C040S617000, C116S02800A, C472S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240681
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a device for protecting the exterior body of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a device for preventing damage from dents, and scratches on a vehicle parked in a parking garage.
BACKGROUND
With automobiles costing over $20,000 on average, a vehicle represents a significant investment of capital for a family. Protecting the condition of the vehicle assures that it will last a long time and the cost of repair and diminution in value can be avoided. Proper vehicle upkeep includes not only mechanical adjustments but also keeping the vehicle exterior in good condition; that is, clean and free of damage such as dents and scratches.
The operators of parking garages try to maximize the number of vehicles that can be parked in a garage in part by minimizing space between vehicles. Additionally, homes having a garage or car port also have limited space and require close parking. When vehicles are parked very close to each other, the opening of a vehicle door may dent or scratch the adjacent vehicle or the subject vehicle itself because of an obstacle or other vehicle next to the door. Therefore, there is a need for a device to protect a parked vehicle from scratches and dents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a protector for preventing damage to or from a parked vehicle. The protector comprises a cushion that is suspended from the ceiling using ropes and positioned between adjacent vehicles. The rope is routed through spaced-apart holes in the between the cushion and ceiling to prevent twisting of the cushion and to dampen vibration of the cushion upon impact with the vehicle door.
A major advantage of the present invention is that the exterior body of a vehicle is cushioned against the impact of the door of an adjacent vehicle, thereby reducing occurrences of scratches and dents. The protection comes from a cushion that absorbs the shock of the impact of the door of an adjacent vehicle.
A feature of the invention is the simplicity of installation. There are many ways to install the present invention. One way is drilling two spaced apart holes in the ceiling of a parking garage parallel to the parking lines on the floor and installing eyebolts or “J” bolts for supporting the ropes. The simplest method is the use of a plastic device which attaches to the ceiling by a self-contained adhesive and provides a “V” shaped opening into which the support rope, which is knotted at the uppermost end, can be wedged. This type of attachment permits the uppermost end of the rope to come out (and easily be reinserted) should the vehicle's rear view mirror, for example, catch the rope when the vehicle is being moved.
The use of a suspended cushion is another feature of the present invention. The cushion may be suspended at the height which corresponds to the widest portion of the vehicle, where the inter-vehicular spacing is minimal and the incidence of car damage is maximal. This location varies slightly from vehicle to vehicle. Being able to adjust the cushion height makes it possible to protect different cars better.
Use of a relatively narrow cushion, rather than a wider cushion, prevents obstruction of the view of the driver just entering the parking space and about to exit his vehicle.
Another feature of the present invention is the stabilizer slat. The stabilizer slat limits twisting of the cushion from wind and upon impact of the vehicle door. Moreover, the stabilizer slat dampens the vibration of the rope upon impact of the door from the adjacent vehicle.
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King Carolyn R
King Kermit S
Lyles Robert T
Lyles Sally S
Glessner Brian E.
Mann Michael A
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard
Stephan Beth A.
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