Abstract:
The present invention includes a polyurethane foam block placed on a vehicle rooftop to protect the vehicle&#39;s rooftop from damage during transport of cargo supported thereon, further comprising a generally trapezoidal shape of a length substantially equal than a width of the vehicle, further having a pair of opposing flexible extending ear portions. The bottom surface comprises a corrugated base of foam material to conform to the curvature of the vehicle&#39;s rooftop. An elastic fabric covers the device and the ear portions and further comprises a means for receiving rigging material in securing the device to the existing vehicle rooftop and preventing unwanted cargo shifting.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,076, filed Jun. 26, 2006, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/821,661, filed on Jun. 25, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a novel system to prevent cargo on automobile roof racks from shifting during transport and, more particularly, to the system providing a means for a foam block being covered with a fabric envelope removably attachable to a conventional vehicle rooftop to protect cargo and to protect the vehicle&#39;s roof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pickup trucks, trailers and other moving aids are often called upon for service when moving large, heavy objects. However, there are many times when large and bulky, but relatively lightweight, objects such as tables, chairs, lumber, boxes and even Christmas trees require transportation. Since such objects will not fit inside a typical motor vehicle, many people resort to transporting these items on the roofs of their cars. Since most cars do not come equipped with luggage racks, people may place towels, carpeting, cardboard or other materials to protect the finish of the vehicle roof. It is often observed that such materials slide about when the object is being loaded, which may allow the roof to buckle at the high point in the case of curved roofs and present a danger should the object and protector slide about during transport. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to design an apparatus to prevent cargo on automobile roof racks from shifting during transport. U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,291 in the name of Chasan discloses a support pad assembly for carrying articles on a vehicle roof with first and second elongate members each having an upper pad member of cushioning material. A first side bolster is hinged to one side edge of the upper member and a second side bolster is hinged to the opposite side edge of the upper member. Each side bolster has a core of cushioning material and extends along the entire length of the elongate member. The side bolsters are of a rectangular cross-section and have opposing inner faces carrying inter-engageable fasteners for releasably securing the side bolsters together beneath the upper pad member. The two (2) elongate members are secured on spaced crossbars of a vehicle roof rack by placing the upper pad member on top of a roof rack crossbar and engaging the side bolsters beneath the crossbar. At least one (1) tie down strap is secured to one (1) end of each elongate member for securing an elongate item on top of the upper pad member. Unfortunately, this prior art example is not designed to be easily installed or removed from a vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,093 in the name of Geier discloses a carrier device for supporting and securing different objects to a luggage rack of a vehicle or directly to the roof of a vehicle which does not have a luggage rack. The device includes a carrier fabric on which one (1) side is covered along its length with loops and one half (½) with barbs. The fabric is formed with cushioned straps on one half opposite either the hooks or barbs. The fabric may be placed onto a luggage rack bar across the width of a vehicle, and skis, fishing poles or the like can be secured by the straps to the support carrier. Alternatively, the carrier device may be secured directly to a vehicle roof which does not have a luggage rack. To this end, the carrier device is wrapped around a filler member and end straps with hooks thereon are provided and designed to connect to a vehicle gutter or other part of the vehicle body such as the lip of the roof. Unfortunately, this prior art example is not designed to be compatible with vehicles with a preexisting luggage rack. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,889 in the name of Sumino describes an automobile roof carrier mainly composed of a magnetic base portion, a gripping portion for removal, a covering member and a loading article holding portion. The covering member is integrally jointed over the magnetic base portion while the magnetic base portion is covered by the covering member except in the attractive surface of the magnetic base portion and the gripping portion for removal. Combined integrally in the upper part of the covering member is a loading article holding portion which is able to be opened and closed. A supplementary cover which is able to be opened and closed is attached to the covering member so that the gripping portion for removal may be hidden and exposed. There is provided a first locking mechanism for maintaining the closed state of the supplementary cover, whereas there is provided a second locking mechanism for maintaining the closed state of the loading article holding portion. A common key for releasing the locked states of these locking mechanisms is provided. The automobile roof carrier of the invention further includes means for preventing the degradation of appearance, increment of air flow resistance at driving, and the reduction of contacting area with the roof and the like. Unfortunately, this prior art example provides for a permanent fixture to an automobile roof, and is therefore not designed to be easily installed and removed. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a novel system to prevent cargo on automobile roof racks from shifting during transport and, more particularly, to the system providing a means for a foam block being covered with a fabric envelope removably attachable to a conventional vehicle rooftop to protect cargo and to protect the vehicle&#39;s roof. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which large, bulky, but lightweight objects can be safely transported on the roof of a motor vehicle without damaging the roof or causing other problems as listed above. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, and designed for many years of repeated use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a novel system to prevent cargo on automobile roof racks from shifting during transport comprised of a trapezoidal foam block covered with a fabric envelope and removably attachable to the vehicle rooftop. 
     The invention as presently conceived is a foam block attachable to conventional vehicle rooftop carriage racks to protect cargo and the vehicle&#39;s roof from damage during transport. The device comprises a foam block that is generally trapezoidal in shape and which is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curvature of the vehicle&#39;s roof. The system is envisioned to be introduced in a pair of units. A tube provides form-fitting covering of the foam padding. The system further comprises a plurality of extensions integrally sewn to opposing end portions of the tube along a top outer edge to allow for secure fastening of the system to a vehicle. Each extension comprises a fastening loop portion which allows a user to route a rigging member such as a ratcheting tie-down, a rope, a cord, or the like through the loop portion to secure the system. 
     The block further comprises an integral first ear portion at a proximal end and an integral second ear portion at a distal end. The first ear portion and the second ear portion are constructed of a similar material to the block and extend outwardly from and coplanar with a bottom surface of the block. The first ear portion and the second ear portion provide a protective padding to window openings of the vehicle during use of the system. The first ear portion and the second ear portion further provide attachment to the fabric envelope. 
     The fabric envelope is removably attachable to the block to facilitate cleaning, servicing, and replacement. The fabric envelope is envisioned to be introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns and may contain various indicia such as logos, messages, script, or the like. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system may be achieved by procuring an instance of the system having a desired length, color, and indicia; inserting the foam block into the fabric envelope, if not previously installed; inserting the ear portions of the block through respective anchoring loop portions of the extensions; opening door or window portions of the vehicle; positioning the system on a rooftop portion of the vehicle at a desired location; positioning the extensions so as to be suspended on each side downwardly over a window opening; securing the system to the vehicle by routing at least one (1) rigging member through the fastening loop portions of the first extension; routing the rigging member through the fastening loop portions of the second extension; routing the rigging member across an interior ceiling portion of the vehicle; latching and tightening the rigging member if utilizing a tie-down device or tying the rigging member if utilizing rope, cord, or the like to secure the system; installing a second rigging member as previously described by utilizing the remaining fastening loops as needed; installing additional units of the system along a roof portion of the vehicle as described above as needed based upon an anticipated cargo to be loaded; placing a quantity of cargo or other similar items to be transported upon the system; securing the cargo by using additional rigging members as required to stabilize the cargo; transporting the cargo to a destination in a normal manner; removing the rigging members and removing the cargo from the system; removing the rigging members; removing and storing the system until again needed; and, benefiting from a protective, safe, and easily installed system for transporting cargo using a vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles  10  depicting an in-use state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cut-away perspective view of the foam assembly  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the fabric envelope assembly  40  portion of the protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles  10  depicting an in-use state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of extension portions  44 ,  46  of the protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                  10 
                 protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles 
               
               
                  20 
                 foam assembly 
               
               
                  22  
                 block 
               
               
                  24  
                 first ear 
               
               
                  25  
                 second ear 
               
               
                  40  
                 fabric envelop assembly 
               
               
                  42  
                 tube 
               
               
                  44  
                 first fabric extension 
               
               
                  46  
                 second fabric extension 
               
               
                  48  
                 anchoring loop 
               
               
                  50  
                 fastening loop 
               
               
                  52  
                 indicia 
               
               
                 100 
                 vehicle 
               
               
                 105 
                 window opening 
               
               
                 110 
                 rigging member 
               
               
                 130 
                 cargo 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a protective rooftop rack system for motor vehicles (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for a polyurethane foam block  20  being covered with a fabric envelope assembly  40  and removably attachable to a conventional vehicle rooftop  100  to protect cargo  130  and the roof portion of a vehicle  100  from damage during transport. The system  10  is envisioned to be introduced as a pair of units of the system  10  comprising identical units being trapezoidal in cross-section and being equipped with fabric envelope assemblies  40  for ease in cleaning. The trapezoidal shape of the system  10  provides improved compressive properties as well as additional stability while supporting cargo  130 . A user may use common ratcheting tie-downs  110  or equivalent means to assist in securing the system  10  to an existing vehicle rooftop  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10  depicting an in-use state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a foam assembly  20  and a fabric envelope assembly  40 . The system  10  is envisioned to be introduced in a pair of units; however, it is understood that a singular unit of the system  10  may be procured and utilized effectively, if desired, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . The fabric envelope assembly  40  comprises a fabric tube  42 , a first extension  44 , and second extension  46 . The tube  42  provides a form-fitting covering of the foam block  22 . The extensions  44 ,  46  are integrally sewn to opposing end portions of the tube  42  along a top outer edge, thereby allowing secure fastening of the system  10  to the vehicle  100  via a plurality of rigging members  110  being routed through fastening loop portions  50  of said extensions  44 ,  46 . Said rigging members  110  comprise common devices such as ratcheting tie-downs  110 , rope, cord, or the like, thereby preventing unwanted shifting of anticipated cargo  130 . 
     The system  10  is illustrated here being applied to a sedan type vehicle  100 ; however, the invention  10  is not limited to the illustrated application, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other applications of the system  10  to vehicles  100  such as sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, or the like are possible without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The system  10  is shown here being typically arranged on a vehicle rooftop  100  such that the length of the system  10  is arranged perpendicular to the length of said vehicle  100 . The system  10  is illustrated here showing two (2) apparatuses arranged in the front and back of said vehicle  100  in a parallel manner; however, any practical number of apparatuses may be used simultaneously based upon cargo  130  quantities or user preferences. 
     Each extension  44 ,  46  comprises four (4) perpendicularly protruding fastening loops  50  which provide a means to rout and secure the system  10  to the roof portion of the vehicle  100  using at least one (1) common rigging member  110  such as a ratcheting tie-down, which is passed through said fastening loops  50  and wrapped around the roof portion of the vehicle  100 . In use, said rigging member  110  is routed through the fastening loop portions  50  of the first extension  44  and subsequently through the fastening loop portions  50  of the second extension  46 . Finally, said rigging member  110  is routed across an interior ceiling portion of the vehicle  100  and latched or tied to stabilize the system  10  in a conventional manner. It is envisioned that a second rigging member  110  may also be utilized as needed to obtain a secure attachment of the system  10  to the vehicle  100  based upon cargo  130  quantities and user preference. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 4 , perspective and cut-away views of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The foam assembly  20  comprises a linear block portion  22  approximately five (5) feet in length, six (6) inches in height, and six (6) inches wide at the base. Said block  22  preferably comprises a supportive and stabilizing trapezoidal cross section and a length which extends a width of the vehicle roof  100 . The foam assembly  20  is envisioned to be flexible so as to allow said foam assembly  20  to bend around and conform to a curvature of the roof of the vehicle  100 , while still providing a substantial base to stabilize the carried cargo  60 . 
     Additionally, the block  22  comprises an integral first ear portion  24  upon a proximal end and an integral second ear portion  25  upon a distal end portion. Said ears  24 ,  25  extend outwardly from, and are coplanar with, a bottom surface of the block portion  22 . Said ears  24 ,  25  are approximately five (5) inches in width, eight (8) inches in length, and one-half (½) inch in thickness and provide a protective padding to window openings  105  of the vehicle  100  during use of the system  10  as well as providing an attachment means to the fabric envelope assembly  40  described below. Although the foam assembly  20  is illustrated here in a preferred trapezoidal silhouette, it is understood that said foam assembly  20  may be introduced in various dimensions and silhouettes with equal benefit to a user. The block  22  is preferably made using a polyurethane foam material or equivalent comprising physical properties suitable to the anticipated compression, tension, and strength requirements relative to legal cargo  130  loading. The block  22  may be provided using alternate cushioning materials based upon anticipated cargo  130  loading and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . The block  22  provides a high shock absorption means permitting the cargo  130  to be transported without relative motion inward toward the vehicle roof  100  and is designed to encompass high load-bearing capacity with superior abrasion resistance, high toughness properties, and the capability of functioning in a wide temperature range. The properties of the block  22  permit a high modulus as well as high elongation for optimal loading capabilities. 
     The protective fabric envelope assembly  40  comprises a tube-shaped textile assembly having open end portions. Said fabric envelope assembly  40  is particularly sized to provide a snug-fitting enclosure means around the block  22  to prevent damage and scratches to the vehicle roof  100  and the cargo  130  being transported. The fabric envelope assembly  40  is envisioned to be made using a soft waterproof material such as nylon, rayon, polyester, or the like. The fabric envelope assembly  40  is envisioned to be removably attachable to said block  22  for easy cleaning, servicing, and replacement. The fabric envelope assembly  40  is envisioned to be introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns and may contain various indicia  52  such as logos, messages, script, or the like. The fabric envelope assembly  40  comprises integral first extension  44  and a second extension  46  portions which extend from opposing ends of said fabric envelope assembly  40 , and are coplanar to a top surface of said fabric envelope assembly  40 . The extensions  44 ,  46  comprise an integral fabric panel approximately five (5) inches in width and approximately eight (8) inches in length. Said extensions  44 ,  46  receive the aforementioned respective ear portions  24 ,  25  of the foam assembly  20  via a pair of sewn-in anchoring loops  48  which extend between and are sewn to side edges of said extensions  44 ,  46  so as to allow a respective ear portions  24 ,  25  to pass through and be contained within said anchoring loops  48  in a parallel manner, thereby providing attachment between said foam assembly  20  and the fabric envelope assembly  40  at respective end portions. During use said extensions  44 ,  46  are envisioned to be folded in a vertically downward direction over a top window opening portion  105  of the vehicle  100  while providing protective padding to said top window opening portion  105  of the vehicle  100  via the entrapped foam ear portions  24 ,  25  of the foam assembly  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of extension portions  44 ,  46  of the system  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Each extension  44 ,  46  comprises two (2) anchoring loops  48  which extend across respective extensions  44 ,  46  being sewn to bottom side edge portions. Each anchoring loop  48  in turn comprises two (2) fastening loops  50  which protrude perpendicularly from opposing lateral sides of each extension  44 ,  46 , thereby providing a means to secure the system  10  to the roof portion of the vehicle  100  using various rigging members  110  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the system  10  having a desired length, color, and indicia  52 ; inserting the foam assembly  20  into the fabric envelope assembly  40 , if not previously installed; inserting the ear portions  24 ,  25  of the foam assembly  20  through respective anchoring loop portions  48  of the extensions  44 ,  46 , if not previously inserted; opening door or window portions  105  of the vehicle  100 ; positioning the system  10  upon a rooftop portion of the vehicle  100  at a desired location; positioning the extensions  44 , 46  so as to be suspended on each side downwardly over a window opening portion  105 ; securing the system  10  to the vehicle  100  by routing at least one (1) rigging member  110  through the fastening loop portions  50  of the first extension  44 ; routing said rigging member  110  through the fastening loop portions  50  of the second extension  46 ; routing said rigging member  110  across an interior ceiling portion of the vehicle  100 ; latching and tightening said rigging member  110  if utilizing a tie-down device or tying said rigging member  110  if utilizing rope, cord, or the like to secure the system  10 ; installing a second rigging member  110  as previously described by utilizing the remaining fastening loops  50 , as needed; installing additional units of the system  10  along a roof portion of the vehicle  100  as described above, as needed based upon an anticipated cargo  130  to be loaded; placing a quantity of cargo  130  or other similar items to be transported upon the system  10 ; securing said cargo  130  by using additional rigging members  110  as required to stabilize said cargo  130 ; transporting said cargo  130  to a destination in a normal manner; removing the rigging members  110  and removing the cargo  130  from the system  10 ; removing the rigging members  110  fastening the system  10  to the vehicle  100 ; removing and storing the system  10  until again needed; and, benefiting from a protective, safe, and easily installed system  10  for transporting cargo  130  using one&#39;s vehicle  100 . 
     The system  10  may also be utilized to jointly secure the cargo  130  and the system  10  simultaneously using the same rigging members  110  by performing the following additional steps: placing said cargo  130  to be transported upon the system  10  prior to securing said system  10  to the vehicle  100 ; routing at least one (1) rigging member  110  through the fastening loop portions  50  of the first extension  44 ; wrapping said rigging member  110  over and/or around the cargo  130 ; routing said rigging member  110  through the fastening loop portions  50  of the second extension  46 ; routing said rigging member  110  across an interior ceiling portion of the vehicle  100 ; and, latching and tightening said rigging member  110  as described above. 
     The system  10  may utilize an additional rigging member  110  by utilizing the remaining fastening loop portions  50  of the system  10 . 
     Furthermore, additional systems  10  may be mounted to the vehicle  100  as previously described to achieve increased stability of loaded cargo  130 , as desired. 
     During the installing of the system  10  the spacing between each system  10  is envisioned to vary in dimension based upon the vehicle type  100  and particular dimensions of the cargo  130 . Prudent safety precautions are to be applied relative to cargo  130  size and weight as well as with regard to applicable state and local regulations. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.