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US-12623523-B2 - Automobile accessory or assembly comprising plural accessories

US12623523B2US 12623523 B2US12623523 B2US 12623523B2US-12623523-B2

Abstract

One disclosed embodiment of an assembly of automobile accessories comprises a ring rack, a roof, and a cargo holder. A particular disclosed embodiment comprises a metal ring rack comprising two side rails, an end, and plural mounting brackets that allow the rack to be mounted to the roof of an existing automobile. A two-tiered, molded fiberglass roof is coupled to the ring rack by hinged mounting brackets. The roof can be positioned in an open or closed position by actuating pneumatic struts. A cargo holder is disclosed that includes two side gates that are coupled to structural rails by hinges that allow a user to access cargo stored in the cargo storage section. A fairing may be coupled to the cargo holder that is oriented at substantially a same angle as an angled end portion of the first section of the roof to facilitate wind deflection. The present disclosure also concerns automobiles to which an after-market ring rack, a roof, a cargo holder, an extension tub, and/or a vehicle body extension framework are attached. For example, an automobile may comprise a rear and rear side vehicle protection system comprising a custom-made bumper, the bumper comprising a step, a coupler for attaching tow ropes or chains, one or more built in storage sections, with each such storage section comprising an access door and door latch, accommodation for vehicle lights, and combinations of such features.

Inventors

  • Glen Pratt

Assignees

  • Glen Pratt

Dates

Publication Date
20260512
Application Date
20220923

Claims (20)

  1. 1 . An assembly of automobile accessories, comprising: a two-tiered roof attachable to a top portion of an automobile, said roof comprising a first forward section and a second rearward section, wherein the second section has an increased height relative to the first section; a cargo holder, said cargo holder comprising: a front rail that includes a fairing coupled thereto, the fairing being oriented at substantially a same angle as an angled end portion of the first section of the roof to facilitate wind deflection; an end rail; and two side gates that are coupled to the front rail by hinges to allow a user access to cargo stored in the cargo storage section, the side gates further comprising a spring-actuated latch and a catch and an actuation handle to facilitate moving the sides gates to either in an open or closed position; wherein said first section of the roof defines a surface that, in association with said cargo holder, defines a cargo holding section.
  2. 2 . An attachable roof assembly configured for mounting to a vehicle, the roof assembly comprising: a two-tiered roof structure, comprising: a first forward roof section comprising a cargo holding roof section, the first forward roof section extending from a forward edge disposed proximate to a front windshield of the vehicle when attached to the vehicle, said first forward roof section comprising a planar surface elevated and supported by an angled end section and two side edges, said first forward section having a first roof height corresponding to a height of the planar surface above a bottom surface of said two-tiered roof structure; and a second rear roof section positioned immediately rearward of the first roof section, the second roof section comprising a planar surface elevated and supported by an end section, a rear edge, and two side edges, said second rear section having a second roof height corresponding to a height of the second roof section planar surface above the bottom surface of the two-tiered roof structure, wherein the second roof height is greater than the first roof height, and wherein the second roof section has a longitudinal axis that is equal to or greater than the longitudinal axis of said first roof section; wherein, when attached to the vehicle, the forward edge of the first forward roof section is pivotally coupled to the vehicle, and lift mechanisms are positioned and configured to selectively raise and lower a rear portion of the two-tiered roof structure.
  3. 3 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a cargo holder having a front rail attached to said first forward roof section, the cargo holder further comprising a first side gate and a second side gate, said first side gate having a first end that is pivotally coupled to a first end of said front rail, and said second side gate having a first end that is pivotally coupled to a second end of said front rail, the cargo holder further comprising a rear rail, wherein a second end of the first side gate is releasably attachable to a first end of said rear rail and wherein a second end of the second side gate is releasably attachable to a second end of said rear rail.
  4. 4 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a first spring-actuated toggle secured to said second end of said first side gate, said toggle including a handle and a latch, and said toggle arranged to selectively and releasably engage a first catch formed on said first end of said rear rail.
  5. 5 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 4 , further comprising a second spring-actuated toggle secured to said second end of said second side gate, said second toggle including a handle and a latch, and said second toggle arranged to selectively and releasably engage a second catch formed on said second end of said rear rail.
  6. 6 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 3 , wherein said front rail of said cargo holder comprises a fairing coupled thereto, the fairing being oriented at substantially a same angle as the angled end section of the first section of the roof to facilitate wind deflection.
  7. 7 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 2 , wherein the lift mechanisms are defined as pneumatic struts positioned along opposite lateral sides of the vehicle.
  8. 8 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a U-shaped ring rack comprising: a first side rail, having a first end and a second end; a second side rail having a first end and a second end; an end rail connecting said second end of said first side rail and said second end of said second side rail; and one or more attachment members for securing said ring rack to a top perimeter of said vehicle; wherein said roof assembly opens and closes without interference from said ring rack disposed around the sides and rear perimeter of said vehicle.
  9. 9 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 8 , wherein said ring rack further comprises one or more cutouts formed through one or more of the first side rail, the second side rail, and/or the end rail, said cutouts being configured for attachment of accessories, wherein said roof assembly is configured to be raised and lowered without requiring removal of the accessories attached to the ring rack.
  10. 10 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 9 , wherein said accessories are selected from a group consisting of awnings, tools, and lighting.
  11. 11 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 2 , wherein one or both of the first section and the second section include a plurality of ribs formed in the planar surfaces to increase the strength of the roof.
  12. 12 . An attachable roof assembly configured for mounting to a vehicle, the roof assembly comprising: a roof structure, comprising: a first forward roof section comprising a cargo holding roof section, the first forward roof section extending from a forward edge disposed proximate to a front windshield of the vehicle when attached to the vehicle, said first forward roof section comprising a planar surface elevated and supported by an end section and two side edges, said first forward section having a first roof height corresponding to a height of the planar surface above a bottom surface of said roof structure; and a second rear roof section disposed rearward of the first roof section, the second roof section comprising a planar surface elevated and supported by an end section, a rear edge, and two side edges, said second rear section having a second roof height corresponding to a height of the second roof section planar surface above the bottom surface of the roof structure, wherein the second roof height is greater than the first roof height; and a cargo holder having a front rail attached to said first forward roof section, the cargo holder further comprising a first side gate and a second side gate, said first side gate having a first end that is pivotally coupled to a first end of said front rail, and said second side gate having a first end that is pivotally coupled to a second end of said front rail, the cargo holder further comprising a rear rail, wherein a second end of the first side gate is releasably attachable to a first end of said rear rail and wherein a second end of the second side gate is releasably attachable to a second end of said rear rail; wherein, when attached to the vehicle, the forward edge of the first forward roof section is pivotally coupled to the vehicle, and lift mechanisms are positioned and configured to selectively raise and lower a rear portion of the roof structure.
  13. 13 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 12 , wherein the lift mechanisms are defined as pneumatic struts.
  14. 14 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a U-shaped ring rack comprising: a first side rail, having a first end and a second end; a second side rail having a first end and a second end; an end rail connected to said second end of said first side rail and connected to said second end of said second side rail; one or more attachment members for securing said ring rack to a top perimeter of said vehicle, wherein said roof assembly opens and closes without interference from said ring rack disposed around the sides and rear perimeter of said vehicle.
  15. 15 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 14 , wherein said ring rack further comprises one or more cutouts formed through one or more of the first side rail, the second side rail, and/or the end rail, said cutouts being configured for attachment of accessories, wherein said roof assembly is configured to be raised and lowered without requiring removal of the accessories attached to the ring rack.
  16. 16 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 15 , wherein said accessories are selected from a group consisting of awnings, tools, and lighting.
  17. 17 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 12 , wherein one or both of the first section and the second section include a plurality of ribs to increase the strength of the roof.
  18. 18 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a first spring-actuated toggle secured to said second end of said first side gate, said toggle including a handle and a latch, and said toggle arranged to selectively and releasably engage a first catch formed on said first end of said rear rail.
  19. 19 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 18 , further comprising a second spring-actuated toggle secured to said second end of said second side gate, said second toggle including a handle and a latch, and said second toggle arranged to selectively and releasably engage a second catch formed on said second end of said rear rail.
  20. 20 . The attachable roof assembly of claim 12 , wherein said front rail of said cargo holder comprises a fairing coupled thereto, the fairing being oriented at substantially a same angle as the angled end section of the first section of the roof to facilitate wind deflection.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/247,675, filed on Sep. 23, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD The present application concerns an automobile accessory, or combinations of accessories, for addition to, or for modifying, after-market vehicles, or for installing after-market modifications on vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive vehicles generally including, for example, jeeps and broncos. BACKGROUND Vehicle owners must buy multiple aftermarket items, including assemblies and mounting brackets, in order to mount cargo and accessories to their roof top. This is particularly true for off-road capable vehicles, such as those intended for camping or longer-range expeditions. The need to modify as-purchased vehicles is both expensive and time-consuming for the vehicle owner. These after-market additions also typically decrease the aerodynamics and mileage performance of the vehicle. These problems are compounded if vehicle owners want to use their vehicle as a platform for camping since the vehicle is required to accommodate more uses and equipment. Accordingly, there is a need for after-market automobile accessories that address these deficiencies in currently known products. SUMMARY Certain disclosed embodiments concern an automobile accessory, or an assembly of such accessories, that address deficiencies in currently known products. One disclosed embodiment of an assembly of automobile accessories comprises a ring rack, a roof, and a cargo holder. An exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention concerns a U-shaped mounting rack accessory system (ring rack), a raisable or fixed roof or multiple tiered roof with or without tent (roof), and a vehicle top cargo system (cargo holder). The ring rack typically is constructed from metal, such as steel and/or aluminum, and may comprise two side rails, an end, and plural mounting brackets for mounting the rack to the roof of an existing automobile. The ring rack may comprise plural cut outs to reduce the weight of the metal rack. The roof may be a single-tier roof, but in certain embodiments preferably is a two-tiered roof comprising a first forward section and a second rearward section, wherein the second section has an increased height relative to the first section. Disclosed roof embodiments may comprise a molded fiberglass construction, and optionally one or both of the first section and the second section may include plural ribs to increase the strength of the roof. The first section of the roof, the second section of the roof, or both, may include angled end portions to facilitate wind deflection and increased structural strength. The first section of the roof defines a surface that, in association with the cargo holder, defines a cargo holding section. An exemplary cargo holder comprises a front rail, an end rail, and two side gates. The cargo holder also includes a fairing oriented at substantially a same angle as an angled end portion of the first section of the roof to facilitate wind deflection. The two side gates are coupled to the front rails by hinges to allow a user access to cargo stored in the cargo storage section. The side gates may further comprise a spring-actuated latch and a catch and an actuation handle to facilitate moving the sides gates to either an open or closed position. The front section of the roof is coupled to the ring rack by hinged mounting brackets. Pneumatic struts lift and position the roof in an open position as the roof rotates into position by pivoting about the hinged mounting brackets. The roof optionally may include one or more windows and/or faux windows. In certain disclosed embodiments, the roof includes a forward faux window and a rear faux window. Custom-made bumper accessories also are disclosed that include one or more features useful or desired by a user. For example, the bumper may comprise one or more of a step, a coupler for attaching tow ropes or chains, one or more built in storage sections comprising an access door and a door latch, a one or more after-market lighting accommodations, and any and all combinations thereof. The automobile accessory may further comprise a component or components that extend an automobile body length. These embodiments may, for example, include extenders and an extension tub that is connected to the automobile by the extenders. The extenders and extension tub allow the length of an automobile to be extended to accommodate such as to, for example, lengthen the automobile to increase internal and external cargo area, accommodate cargo and accessory mounting systems, accommodate camping bed bunk and tent, and accommodate a modified roof. A particular disclosed embodiment comprises a ring rack made from steel, aluminum or a combination thereof. The ring rack comprises two side rails, an end, and plural mounting brackets that allow the rack