Protective and decorative ornament for a vehicle

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.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an ornament for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a protective and decorative ornament for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as automobiles, are often a reflection of the owner's personality, taste and style. Automobiles are available in a variety of styles, colors, sizes, etc. to accommodate the various individual tastes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a top layer with an upper surface that is decorative, a substantially planar upper foam layer beneath and coupled to the fabric layer, a substantially planar lower foam layer beneath the upper foam layer and fastening members coupled to at least one of the upper or lower foam layer and extended outward from at least two edges thereof. Each fastening member is adapted to engage a respective portion of a vehicle's body to hold the apparatus in place. A weighted element is between the upper and lower foam layers and proximate an edge of the upper and lower foam layers that does not include a fastening member. A substantially rigid element beneath the lower foam layer and coupled to the top layer at peripheral edges thereof. A substantially smooth bottom layer coupled to a lower surface of the substantially rigid element. In a typical implementation, the apparatus adapted to be fastened to an outer surface of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a securing device (e.g., a t-pin) extended through the upper and lower foam layers and configured to urge the upper and lower foam layers towards one another. The securing device, however, typically is not extended through the top layer. This helps make the top layer, which is decorative, more visually appealing. Since the securing device does not extend through the top layer of the ornament, it typically is relatively easy to remove and change the top layer.

The upper and lower foam layers, in some implementations, respectively include substantially stiff plastic material (e.g., polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or polyester) having voids.

According to certain embodiments, the substantially smooth bottom layer is a fusible interface, heat-fused to the substantially rigid layer.

The weighted element can include a first portion substantially parallel to the edge of the foam layer that does not include the fastening member and a second portion that extends perpendicularly from the first portion substantially toward an edge of the foam layer opposite the edge that does not include the fastening member. For example, the weighted element may be substantially E-shaped.

In some embodiments, the weighted element material can be metal, wood, plastic or a combination of those materials. The weighted element can be sized and positioned so that, when the apparatus is coupled to the vehicle, the contours of the weighted element substantially follow the contours of the automobile beneath the apparatus.

Typically, the fusible material is non-magnetic.

In some implementations, the fastening elements include tuck flaps, hanger strapping, nylon, wire cable, hooks, loop and hook or other devices for fastening the ornament in place.

The top layer may include, for example, textured material that extends vertically out of a horizontal plane of the decorative upper surface. Such material may be, for example, fur or fur-like material. The apparatus is generally configured so that it can be secured to a vehicle in such a manner that the vehicle can be driven without substantial obstruction of the driver's view.

In another aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be fastened to an outer surface of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a top layer with an upper surface that is decorative, a substantially planar upper foam layer beneath and coupled to the fabric layer, a substantially planar lower foam layer beneath the upper foam layer, a weighted element between the upper and lower foam layers and fastening members coupled to at least one of the upper or lower foam layer and extended outward from at least two edges thereof, each fastening member adapted to engage a respective portion of a vehicle's body to hold the apparatus in place.

Certain embodiments include a substantially rigid layer beneath the lower foam layer and a substantially non-magnetic, fusible interface beneath and heat-fused to the lower foam layer.

The weighted element between the upper and lower foam layers typically is located proximate an edge of the upper and lower foam layers that does not include a fastening member.

A securing device (e.g., a t-pin) can be provided to extend through the upper foam layer and the lower foam layer to urge the upper foam layer and the lower foam layer towards one another, wherein the securing device does not extend through the top layer.

In some implementations, the upper and lower foam layers include substantially stiff plastic material having voids. The plastic material may be, for example, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or polyester.

According to certain embodiments, the weighted element includes a first portion extended substantially parallel to the edge of the foam layer that does not include the fastening member and a second portion that extends perpendicularly from the first portion substantially toward an edge of the foam layer opposite the edge that does not include the fastening member.

In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present.

For example, a decorative and protective ornament is provided that can be secured to a vehicle's outer surface in a manner that helps to ensure that the ornament stays in place, with relative security, under all or most vehicle operating conditions.

The ornament can protect a surface and/or surfaces of a vehicle from scratches, mars, and/or dents. The ornament also allows an individual to personalize a vehicle. The ornament may also be used to deter the theft of a vehicle because of the individual characterization and/or ornamentation the present invention provides a vehicle. For example, a vehicle employing the ornament could be readily identifiable by authorities if stolen. The possible combinations of different materials, such as for example, fabric patterns, fabric colors, fabric cut, fabric lengths, and fabric textures coupled with the various make and model possibilities provides a great many combinations and permutations such that any number of vehicles employing the present invention would still be individual and distinct from each other.

The ornament also can foster a personal bond that a vehicle owner feels with his or her vehicle. The ornament can be custom cut to conform to the specific contours of the vehicle as well as be further personalized with, for example but not by way of limitations written characters, such as an expression, the driver's name, corporate slogan, country and/or city of origin, to match that of the language found on a vanity license plate, company name, trademark, trade name as well as cartoon characters and/or other expressive designs. The ornament can be used to announce and/or promote a business, product and/or service.

The ornament relates to accessories made for the protection of a vehicle surface and/or surfaces, and in particular to the protection of at least select regions of a vehicle's hood, fender and/or front or rear ends. The ornament has virtually no unsightly attachments or adhesives that would come in direct contact with a vehicle's surface and possibly mar or leave any residue on the vehicle. A series of hooks, flaps and/or straps made of, for example and not by way of limitation, plastic, metal, nylon, and/or cables provide tension and anchor the present invention to the vehicle. Weights also can be added for stability and to insure that the present invention stays in communication with the surface contours on which it is placed. These hooks, flaps and/or straps can provide a measure of theft protection and/or prevention. For example, if the present invention is placed on the hood of a vehicle, then in order to remove it without damage, the hood of the vehicle would have to be unlatched. Hood locks are typically located inside the vehicle and can be protected by locking the doors of the vehicle when the vehicle is left unattended.

In general, Applicant has found that the ornament's weight plus its rigidity plus its tension contribute to its stability on the surface of an automobile.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an automobile100with two decorative and protective ornaments102a,102battached to its hood.

In the illustrated implementation, the exposed, upper surfaces of the ornaments102a,102binclude decorative fur-like material. The decorative surface gives the automobile a unique look and style. The decorative surface can have any pattern of colors and/or textures and any other decorative features that might be considered aesthetically pleasing.

Each ornament102a,102bis constructed and secured to the automobile in such a way that helps ensure that the ornament stays in place in a stable manner. More particularly, each ornament102a,102bis weighted, has a degree of rigidity, and is secured to the automobile100with sufficient amount of tension that the ornaments102a,102bmaintain their respective positions on the hood of the car under all, or substantially all, vehicle operating conditions.

The ornaments102a,102bcan be installed and removed with relative ease. This feature enables the owner of the automobile to swap out one ornament (or set of ornaments, e.g., ornaments102a,102b) with a different ornament (or set of ornaments). Accordingly, as the automobile100owner's style and taste evolves, the look and feel of the automobile can change accordingly.

FIG. 2is an exploded side view of an ornament102, which is similar in structure to each of the ornaments102aand102binFIG. 1.

The illustrated ornament102includes a top layer202, upper204and lower206foam layers below the top layer202, a weighted element208between the upper204and lower206foam layers, a rigid layer210below the lower foam layer, and a bottom layer212. In the illustrated implementation, a pair of t-pins214extends, when assembled, through the upper204and lower206foam layers to hold these layers together. After the t-pins are pushed through these layers, the portion of each t-pin214that extends beyond the bottom of the lower foam layer206is bent to a direction substantially perpendicular to its piercing direction. This secures the t-pins214in place and helps urge the upper204and lower206foam layers together.

In addition to the t-pins214, an adhesive material may be provided between any or all of the components inFIG. 2to help hold the assembly together. A wide variety of adhesive materials may be suitable for this application. It is generally desirable that the adhesive material provide a secure bond between adjacent components (or portions of adjacent components) and maintain that bond under a variety of weather conditions and automotive operating conditions. It is also desirable that the adhesive material be at least somewhat resistant to degradation from exposure to moisture, cold, heat and other weather-related phenomena. One example of a suitable adhesive is an approximately 50:50 mixture of fabric glue (e.g., Magna Tac 809™ permanent adhesive, available from Beacon Adhesives, Inc. of Mount Vernon, N.Y.) and wood glue (e.g., Gorilla™ wood glue, available from Gorilla Glue, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio).

The top layer202typically is made of fabric and/or other flexible, durable material. To provide a decorative aspect, the upper surface can include, for example, long or short fibers, such as fur or any free flowing strand-like material, a variety of colors and/or materials to produce a decorative or artistic effect and other surface features to enhance its visible appeal.

The top layer202is generally weather-resistant. In some implementations, the top layer202is treated to be water repellent. The top layer202can be moisturized as well to help maintain its appearance and to avoid degradation due to prolonged exposure to the sun's rays or other environmental conditions.

The lower surface of the top layer202need not be and usually is not decorative. The lower surface of the top layer202typically is configured so that the adhesive material will be able to effectively hold the top layer202against the upper surface of the upper foam layer204. Therefore, the lower surface of the top layer202typically is a relatively smooth surface, although it may be somewhat porous as well.

The upper204and lower206foam layers are substantially planar and porous. The porosity typically helps render these layers somewhat spongy and able, therefore, to absorb the energy of airborne debris that may come into contact with the ornament102.

In a typical embodiment the upper and lower foam layers204have surfaces that are able to be effectively adhered to surfaces they come into contact with when assembled. Accordingly, it can be desirable that the degree of porosity not be so great that the adhesive material would seep into the pores and compromise its ability to adhere.

The thickness of the upper204and lower206foam layers can vary. In general, an ornament102with a thicker upper204or lower206foam layer may provide a greater degree of protection from airborne debris to the covered surfaces of the automobile than an ornament102with thinner upper204or lower206foam layer. The ornament102with a thicker upper204or lower206foam layer, however, generally weighs more, can be less flexible and harder for the owner to handle.

In general, the upper204and lower206foam layers each have a thickness that falls somewhere between about ⅛ inch and 1½ inches. For example, their respective thicknesses may be about ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, ⅝ inch, ¾ inch, ⅞ inch, 1 inch, 1⅛ inch, 1¼ inch, 1⅜ inch or 1½ inch. Other thicknesses are possible as well and the thickness of the upper foam layer204may be different than the thickness of the lower foam layer206.

In some implementations, the upper and lower foam layers206have structures that are substantially identical to one another. This, of course, is not required.

In the illustrated implementation, fastening members, including a hook assembly215, a rigid, curved strap216and three tuck flaps218are secured to the underside of upper foam layer204. Referring now toFIG. 3, which shows the ornament102ofFIG. 2in an assembled state, the fastening members are arranged so that, when assembled, the hook214extends from a top edge302of the ornament102, the rigid, curved strap216extends from a bottom edge304of the ornament102(opposite the top edge302), and the three tuck flaps212extend from one of the side edges306of the ornament102.

As is typical, the illustrated ornament102includes provisions for adjusting the lengthwise tension of the ornament102when it is coupled to an automobile's hood. This may be achieved in some implementations, by making one or more of the fastening elements on opposite sides of the ornament adjustable in length. In the illustrated implementation, for example, the hook214includes provisions that allow its length beyond the top edge302of the ornament102to be adjusted. This facilitates adjusting the tension of the ornament102when it is coupled to the hood of an automobile (e.g., automobile100).

There are a variety ways that the length of the hook assembly (or other fastening element) could be adjustable. In the illustrated assembly, however, the hook assembly215includes a hook portion310, a nut314, a base rod312and a strap316. The nut314is securely coupled to the hook portion310in a manner that enables the nut314to rotate relative to the hook portion, but prevents it from moving substantially in an axial direction relative to the hook portion310. The nut314has internal threads that engage the base rod312so that when the nut314is rotated, the hook portion310and the base rod312move axially relative to one another. The base portion312is securely adhered to a strap316. The strap316is securely adhered to the underside of the upper foam layer204, for example, with an adhesive material.

The rigid, curved strap216is adhered to the underside of the upper foam layer204with adhesive material. The rigid, curved strap216is substantially rigid and curved to engage an edge of the automobile's hood. The rigid, curved strap216may be virtually any substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic.

The tuck flaps218are flexible pieces of material that can be fit into the seam between the hood and a side panel of the automobile. In the illustrated implementation, three tuck flaps are provided approximately evenly spaced apart from one another.

In a typical implementation, the ornament102can be coupled to the hood of an automobile with its hook204coupled to a rear edge of the hood (i.e., the edge that is closest to the windshield), the metal strap204coupled to a forward edge of the hood and the tuck flaps208tucked into a side edge of the hood (e.g., between the hood and automobile's side panel). Once tucked, the tuck flaps212may be secured under the hood using, for example, hook-and-loop type connective material (e.g., Velcro™).

Referring again toFIG. 2, the weighted element208is sandwiched between the upper204and lower206foam layers. The illustrated weighted element208is substantially rigid, planar and “E”-shaped. The rigid element214can be made of, for example, Plexiglas, compressed wood, thin gauge sheet metal or any other material that has more weight than the other layers inFIG. 2.

In general, the weighted element208provides weight to the ornament102, particularly along an unsecurable side of the ornament102. In the implementation ofFIG. 3, for example, the unsecurable side of the ornament102is the side308that does not include any fastening elements. The weighted element is designed and positioned to help keep the unsecured side of the ornament102from lifting off the hood of the automobile in an undesirable manner.

In a typical implementation, the weighted element208would be positioned so that it is at least somewhat close to the unsecured side of the ornament102. An example of this is shown inFIG. 4, which shows the weighted element's208position, when assembled, relative to the lower foam layer206. In the illustrated example, the weighted element208is positioned so that its longest side220is about flush with the side222of the lower foam layer204that corresponds to the unsecurable side of the ornament102. In a typical implementation, the upper foam layer206is approximately the same size as the lower foam layer206and is positioned so that its outer edges substantially align with the corresponding outer edges of the illustrated lower foam layer204.

The three legs224of the weighted element208extend across part of the lower foam layer's206width. In a typical implementation, such as the one shown inFIG. 4, the legs224extend only partially across the lower foam layer's206width. In a typical implementation, the legs extend less than half-way across the width. This helps to save material and associated costs.

As illustrated, the weighted element208is substantially centered in a lengthwise direction relative to the lower (and upper) foam layer204. Although lengthwise centering is not required, it may be desirable to maximize the weighted element's208ability to prevent the unsecured side of the ornament from lifting off of the hood.

The illustrated weighted element208has a lengthwise dimension that is shorter than the corresponding lengthwise dimensions of the upper and lower foam layers. This is because the hood of automobiles typically is somewhat curved in from back to front and the rigid weighted element208(at least typically) is substantially flat. If the weighted element208were too long, this could cause problems with its ability to mate against the contoured hood. Therefore, the length of the weighted element208is short so that any differences between its contours and the hood's contours will have minimal, if any, negative impact. In general, however, as long as differences in contour are minimal, the weighted element may be made as long as possible. In a typical implementation, the lengthwise dimension of the weighted element208is between 30% and 90% of the lengthwise dimension of the upper and/or lower foam layers.

The thickness of the weighted element can vary based on the type and unit weight of the material used. However, the thickness typically is in the range of ⅛ inch to 1 inch.

Referring again toFIG. 2, beneath the lower foam layer206, is a rigid layer210. In some implementations, the rigid layer210is substantially more rigid than each of the top layer202, upper204and lower206foam layers204, and the bottom layer212. It is generally desirable, however, that the rigid layer210has some degree of flexibility as well so that it can conform, at least partially, to the contours of the hood (or other surface), to which the ornament102is coupled. In the illustrated implementation, the rigid layer210has about the same length and width as the upper204and lower206foam layers.

The rigid layer210can be plastic, metal or any other substantially rigid material. In one embodiment, the rigid layer may be polyvinyl chloride or imitation leather. The rigid layer210can be sewed to the top layer202at peripheral edges thereof. This forms a substantially enclosed space containing the upper204and lower206foam layers and the weighted element208. If sewn, openings are left to allow the fastening elements to extend outward from the substantially enclosed space.

In some implementations, the bottom layer212is a fabric-like, fusible interface that can be ironed, for example, onto the bottom the of the rigid layer210. The bottom layer212typically is non-magnetic. Being non-magnetic, the smooth lower surface of the bottom layer212does not pick-up or attract magnetic materials, such as pieces of metal or the like that might otherwise scratch the car if it ended up below the lower surface.

The bottom layer212also provides a barrier between the rigid layer210and the surface of the automobile. It has been noted that certain rigid layer materials (e.g., vinyl), if placed in contact with the surface of an automobile, could melt and cause discoloration and staining of the surface. The presence of the bottom layer, in some implementations, can prevent this problem.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the automobile100ofFIG. 1with an additional ornament402that partially covers a center portion of the hood.

The centrally-positioned ornament402ofFIG. 5is substantially similar to the ornament discussed above (i.e., ornament102), however, the centrally-positioned ornament402ofFIG. 5includes two unsecured sides. The sides of the centrally-positioned ornament402, therefore, include no tuck flaps. Fastening elements are provided only at the upper side (near the windshield) and the lower side (near the grill).

Moreover, since there are two unsecured sides, in a typical implementation, there are two weighted elements, one near each unsecured side.

For example, a variety of materials, beyond those explicitly mentioned herein, can be used for the various components of the ornament. The style, shape, color, etc. of the ornaments can vary greatly.

The fastening elements used can vary in type and arrangement. Additionally, the fastening elements can be adhered to other layers, such as the lower foam layer or to the rigid layer. Moreover, each side of an ornament may include any number or any combination of fastening elements.

Some implementations include a fastening element that includes a strap (e.g., a metallic strap) secured (by an adhesive material, or with a pin or the like) to the body of the ornament. The strap can have a series of holes. Twine or other stringy material can be tied (or otherwise secured) to the strap, for example, through one or more of the holes. A hook (e.g., a metallic or rubber hook) can be secured to a distal end of the twine. In such implementations, the hook would be adapted to engage a feature under the vehicle's hood, trunk, or other surface.

In some implementations, such as in an implementation that is intended to cover an entire hood of an automobile, a fastening element (or fastening elements) may be provided on every side of ornament. Moreover, since such an implementation would have no unsecured sides, the weighted element that normally is placed near the unsecured sides may be dispensed with.

The shape of the weighted element can vary considerably. For example, instead of being E-shaped, the weighted element could be F-shaped, L-shaped, O-shaped or have any other shape. In addition, the weighted element could be substantially rectangular or square.

Any number of t-pins or other securing devices may be provided to help hold the upper and lower foam layers together. In some implementations, no such securing devices may be provided and, instead, the upper and lower foam layers may be held together using only an adhesive material. Additionally, in some implementations, the upper and lower foam layers may be held together simply by virtue of the top layer and rigid layer pushing the upper and lower foam layers together.

The arrangement of layers relative to one another may be changed. Additionally, in certain implementations, one or more of the layers may be dispensed with entirely.

The ornaments may be provided for use with any kind of moving object including, for example, other vehicles, such as boats, helicopters, planes, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. Moreover, the ornament can be sized and shaped to fit over any part of a vehicle (e.g., the front hood or the trunk of a vehicle). Indeed, ornaments may be sold as sets that include, for example, matching or complementary ornaments—one for a vehicle's hood and the other for a vehicle's trunk. A variety of possible combinations are possible.

Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.