Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and in particular, systems and methods for securing objects to vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicle racks for carrying cargo on the exterior of a vehicle take various forms and are widely known. Examples of such racks may include luggage racks, recreational equipment racks (e.g., bike racks, ski racks, etc.), tools racks, etc. Generally, the racks are secured to the vehicle via, for example, a hitch receiver provided at the rear of the vehicle or directly mounted to the roof, rear gate, doors, and/or other panels of the vehicle. 
     However, current vehicle racks have disadvantages. For example, if a vehicle rack is specifically designed to carry bicycles, these racks are commonly not adaptable for other loads. Therefore, a completely different vehicle rack would be required for each type of loads. Another drawback of current vehicle racks is the damages caused when the racks strike an obstacle (e.g., tree, brush, road signs, etc.). The rigid design of current vehicle racks causes parts of the racks to deform and/or break, leaving the rack unusable and/or the cargo unsecured during transport. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides techniques for securing objects to vehicles that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems. 
     In some embodiments, a system for securing an object to a vehicle is provided. The system may include a first and a second standoff apparatus that may be configured to support an object. In some embodiments, each of the first standoff apparatus and second standoff apparatus may include a recoilable device and a connector for coupling the recoilable device to the object. The first standoff may also include an anchor coupled to the vehicle, a support arm coupled to the anchor, and a cable coupled to the support arm, wherein at least the cable supports the weight of the object. In some embodiments, recoilable device may be configured to flex in response to an impact on the object and return the object to a first original position in the absence of the impact. 
     In other embodiments, an apparatus for securing an object to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus may include, a recoilable device, a connector for coupling the recoilable device to the object, an anchor coupled to the vehicle, a support arm coupled to the anchor, and a cable coupled to the support arm, wherein at least the cable supports the weight of the object. The recoilable device may be configured to flex in response to an impact on the object and return the object to a first original position in the absence of the impact. 
     The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an adaptable, flexible mount that secures various objects to vehicles. The system and method may accommodate various types of loads (e.g., objects) while minimizing an impact on the object and the mount when an obstacle strikes 
     Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example vehicle with multiple standoff configured to secure one or more objects to the vehicle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates standoffs securing an object to a vehicle in further detail, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrate an example supported standoff for securing an object to a vehicle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 2C  illustrate an example unsupported standoff for securing an object to a vehicle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1A through 2C  wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example vehicle  100  with multiple standoffs configured to secure one or more objects to the vehicle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of this disclosure, vehicle  100  may include any device or structure for transporting people and/or objects. In some embodiments, vehicle  100  may be a self-propelled vehicle. In other embodiments, vehicle  100  may be motorized vehicle or a vehicle being towed by animals or an engine. 
     Example vehicles may include, but is not limited to, land vehicles (e.g., cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, tractors, military vehicles, emergency response vehicles, etc.), watercraft vehicles (e.g., boats, rafts, ships, barges, submarines, etc.), and/or aircraft vehicles (e.g., helicopters, airplanes, hot air balloons, etc.). 
     Standoff  102  and  104  may be coupled to vehicle  100  and may be configured to secure one or more objects to vehicle  100 . The objects may include, for example, armor, camouflage, sensors, mirrors, lights, equipment (e.g., ladders, tools, emergency carriers, ropes, nets, etc.), solar panels, traffic signs, and/or other objects that may need to be transported on the exterior of a vehicle. As an example,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate standoff  102  and  104  securing a netting around vehicle  100 . The netting may serve to repel rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) or other similar artillery. However, any suitable object(s) may be coupled to vehicle  100  using standoffs  102  and/or  104 . While  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show netting around most of vehicle  100 , it is noted that the netting and standoff  102  and/or  104  may be coupled to any suitable portions of vehicle  100 . Additionally, standoff  102  and/or  104  may secure multiple objects on vehicle  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , standoff  102  and/or  104  may secure multiple nettings panels on vehicle  100 . Each netting panel may be secured to an entry or opening of the vehicle, allowing access to the entry or opening. It is noted that  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate one example of standoff  102  and  104  used to secure objects to a vehicle. Other suitable vehicles and objects may also be used based on the implementation. 
     In some embodiments, standoff  102  and/or  104  may provide a flexible mount that returns to an original position after being struck by obstacles (e.g., trees, brush, road signs, etc.) during operation of the vehicle. In particular, standoff  102  and/or  104  may strike an obstacle, temporarily swing out of position, and subsequently spring back into the original position, which may minimize or eliminate the damage to the object and/or standoffs during the impact. In some embodiments, standoff  102  may be configured to support the weight of object  106  and standoff  104  may be configured to aid standoff  102  during an impact by moving object  106  towards the vehicle. Details of standoff  102  and  104  are described below. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates standoff  102  and  104  securing object  106  to vehicle  100 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that while  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate object  106  as a netting, other objects may be secured to vehicle  100  using standoff  102  and/or  104 . It is also noted that while  FIG. 2A  illustrates both standoffs  102  and  104 , certain implementations may use only one type of standoff, either standoff  102  or standoff  104 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more standoffs  102  may be positioned at a top portion of object  106  to support the weight of object  106  using a cable that is held taut across an end piece and a support arm. One or more standoffs  104  may be positioned at a bottom portion of object  106  and may aid standoff(s)  102  in moving object  106  during an impact. Once supported by standoff  102  and/or  104 , object  106  may be spaced apart from vehicle  100  by an offset such that when object  106  comes into contact with an obstacle, standoff  102  and/or  104  may swing to one side and rebound back to an original position. The offset between object  106  and vehicle  100  may vary depending on the size, weight, and/or other factors of object  106 . 
     In one embodiment, if an obstacle strikes object  106 , standoff  102  and/or  104  may swing towards vehicle  100 . For example, if an obstacle strikes object  106  from the right-hand side, standoff  102  and/or  104  may bend in the direction of arrow  110  and drawing object  106  closer to the vehicle, thereby minimizing the impact of the obstacle on object  106  and/or standoff  102  and  104 . Once the obstacle has passed, standoff  102  and/or  104  may automatically reposition object  106  by swinging in the opposite direction of arrow  110 . In some embodiments, standoff  102  and/or  104  may reposition the object to an original position, e.g., position of object  106  prior to the running into the obstacle. Details of standoff  102  and  104  are described below in  FIG. 2B and 2C  respectively. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an example standoff  102  for securing object  106  to a vehicle  100 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, standoff  102  may be configured to support the weight of object  106 . Standoff  102  may include anchor  201 , support arm  209 , recoilable device  211 , end piece  213 , cable  215 , a coupler  217 , and connector  223 . In some embodiments, standoff  102  may be coupled to a top portion of object  106 , although standoff  102  may couple to any portions of object  106  depending on the implementation. 
     Anchor  201  may be coupled to vehicle  100  via a base  202  and mounting holes  203 . In some embodiments, bolts are screwed into mounting holes  203  to affix anchor  201 . Alternatively, base  202  may be soldered or welded to vehicle  100  or other suitable attachments may be used. In some embodiments, base  202  may be integral to vehicle  100  and may be made of aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, other metals or metal alloy, and/or compounds. 
     Anchor  201  may include a stanchion  205  that protrudes from anchor  201  and couples to support arm  209  via, for example, a male-female connector. Support arm  209  of standoff  102  may be configured to engage with recoilable device  211  to affix standoff  102  to vehicle  100 . Support arm  209  may be made of a metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, etc.), a metal alloy, a plastic, a resin, and/or other combination of materials. Support arm  209  may also be a casting, molding, and/or machining. In some embodiments, support arm  209  may be shaped to work in association with cable  215  to support the weight of object  106 . For example, support arm  209  may project in substantially an upright position to support the weight of object  106 . 
     Anchor  201  may also include pin  208  that may be used to couple support arm  209  to anchor  201 . Pin  208  may be a quick-release pin that may allow standoff  102  to quickly be removed from anchor  201 . In the same or alternative embodiments, anchor  201  may include a bolt that may be used to couple support arm  209  to anchor  201 . 
     Recoilable device  211  may be coupled to support arm  209  and may be a non-compressible spring device, a rigid, yet flexible piece of rubber or similar material that bends and subsequently recoils. In some embodiments, recoilable device  211  may be configured to support some of the weight of the object  106  when object  106  is coupled to standoff  102 . Once object  106  is secured to stanchion  102 , recoilable device  211  may be configured to bend in response to hitting an obstruction in the direction impact. As object  106  is being struck by the obstruction, recoilable device  211  may draw object  106  closer to vehicle  100  and upon passing the obstruction, recoilable device  211  may rebound, hence returning object  106  to an original position. 
     End piece  213  of standoff  102  may be configured to couple to recoilable device  211  and may be configured to secure object  106  via, for example, connector  223 . In some embodiments, end piece  213  may be made of a metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, etc.), a metal alloy, a plastic, a resin, and/or other combination of materials. 
     Cable  215  coupled to support arm  209  and end piece  213  may be configured to provide a tension for recoilable device  211  when secured to support arm  209  and end piece  213 . In some embodiments, cable  215  may include one or more wires, ropes, chains or other material that may be held taut across support arm  209  and end piece  213 , thereby supporting the weight of object  106 . In some embodiments, cable  215  may be a tailgate cable, although other cables are contemplated. 
     It is noted that while  FIG. 2B  illustrates a cable, other components may also be used. For example, a rigid arm with pivots, a flexible rod, and/or other components are contemplated. 
     Coupler  217  may be any component or device configured to couple cable  215  to end piece  213 . In some embodiments, coupler  217  may be integral with cable  215 . Alternatively, coupler  217  may be a separate component that attaches to cable  215 . In some embodiments, coupler  217  may include a tab  204  (e.g., a metal eyelet) for attaching to an associated stanchion  206  protruding from end piece  213 . Stanchion  206  and tab  204  may include a “slide and lock” configuration where tab  204  is hooked on to stanchion  206  and placed into a secure position by sliding the tab into a locking position. In the same or alternative embodiments, coupler  217  may include a tab that is secured onto end piece  213  via a bolt (e.g., tightened onto end piece  213  with a ratchet). 
     Connector  223  may any device or apparatus configured to couple end piece  213  to object  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , connector  223  includes multiple eye hooks, e.g., one eye hook is coupled to end piece  213  and the other eye hook is coupled to object  106 . 
     In other embodiments, connector  223  may include a ball and socket, multiple snaps, hooks, or other similar device or apparatus configured to couple object  106  to standoff  102 . 
     In operation, once standoff  102  is anchored to vehicle  100 , standoff  102  may be used to support object  106 , e.g., support the weight of object  106 . In some embodiments, the length of standoff  102  may allow object  106  to be spaced apart from vehicle  100  by an offset such that when object  106  comes into contact with an obstacle, standoff  102  may swing to one side in the direction of impact. When vehicle  100  passes the obstacle, standoff  102  may automatically recoil or rebound back to an original position. 
     In some embodiments, standoff  102  may be used to secure object  106  to vehicle  100 , where standoff  102  may be coupled to a top and bottom portion of object  106 . In other embodiments, standoff  102  may be paired with standoff  104  to secure object  106 . For example, one or more standoff  102  may be used to secure a top portion of object  106  while one or more standoff  104  may be used to secure a bottom portion of the object. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates an example standoff  104  for securing object  106  to a vehicle  100 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Standoff  104  may include anchor  225 , pin  227 , recoilable device  229 , and connector  231 . 
     Anchor  225  may be coupled to vehicle  100  via a base  226  and mounting holes  228 . In some embodiments, anchor  225  may be affixed to vehicle  221  via bolts coupled to mounting holes  203 , soldered or welded to vehicle  100 , or via other suitable attachments. In other embodiments, base  226  may be integral to vehicle  100 . 
     Anchor  225  may also include pin  227  that may be used to quickly remove standoff  104  from anchor  225 . Pin  227  may be a quick-release pin that may allow the device to quickly be removed from anchor  225 . 
     A recoilable device  229  may be an apparatus coupled to anchor  225 . In some embodiments, recoilable device  229  may be a non-compressible spring device, a rigid, yet flexible piece of rubber or similar material that bends and subsequently recoils. In some embodiments, recoilable device  229  may be configured to minimize or reduce the impact on object  106 . As object  106  is being struck by the obstruction, recoilable device  229  may draw object  106  closer to the vehicle. Upon passing the obstruction, recoilable device  229  may rebound, hence returning object  106  to an original position. 
     Connector  231  may any apparatus configured to couple standoff  104  to object  106 . In some embodiments, connector  231  may be a ball and socket connector, hooks (e.g., hook and loop connectors, eye hooks, etc.), snaps, nuts and bolts, Velcro, latches, hinges, and/or other suitable connectors that may couple standoff  104  to object  106 . 
     In operation, after object  106  is secured to standoff  104 , which is secured to vehicle  100  via anchor  225 , standoff  104  may reposition object  106  during an impact. For example, if an obstruction strikes object  106 , recoilable device  229  may bend in the direction of impact, moving object  106  closer to vehicle  100 . Once vehicle  100  passes the obstruction, recoilable device  229  may automatically rebound, returning object  106  to an original position, e.g., the position prior to the impact. 
     Using the methods and systems disclosed herein, problems associated with conventional approaches to secure objects to vehicles are reduced or eliminated. For example, standoff  102  and/or  104  may be used to secure any type of objects to a vehicle using connectors  223  and  231  respectively, thus providing a system that is adaptable to any loads and vehicle types. Depending on the object (e.g., shape, size, weight, etc.) and the vehicle type (e.g., aircraft, motor vehicle, etc.), an appropriate connector coupled to standoff  102  and/or  104  may be used to safely secure the objects. 
     In addition, recoilable devices  211  and  229  may provide some flexibility to reduce the impact of an obstacle and damage to standoff  102  and/or  104 . For example, recoilable devices  211  and/or  229  may be configured to bend in the direction of impact allowing the obstacle to pass with minimal or no damage to standoff  102  and/or  104 . Over time, to maintain standoff  102  and/or  104 , recoilable devices  211  and  229  may be easily replaced compared to convention vehicle racks that need full rack replacement. 
     Although the figures and embodiments disclosed herein have been described with respect to information handling systems, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as illustrated by the following claims.

Technology Category: 2