Apparatuses and methods for a removable structural support
OwnerJennifer G. Brameinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for supporting items from a conveyance (e.g., an automobile, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, and/or camper) for washing and/or drying suitable items. Such systems include bracket(s) that are rigidly attachable to a portion (e.g., a bumper) of the conveyance. Support rod(s) is/are removably attachable to each bracket and extend away from the portion of the conveyance to which the bracket is rigidly attached. Support line(s) is/are attached between the support rods, such that the items supported from the support line(s) are spaced apart from each other to allow for washing, such as using a stream of water, and/or drying, such as using a forced or naturally occurring flow of air around and/or through each of the items.
Claims18
An apparatus for supporting one or more items in an air flow from a conveyance, the apparatus comprising:
- first and second brackets that are each configured for rigid attachment to a portion of the conveyance;
- first and second support rods that are removably attachable to the first and second brackets, respectively, and extend away from the portion of the conveyance;
- and
- at least one support line attached between the first and second support rods, the at least one support line being configured such that the one or more items are supported from the at least one support line in a manner such that each of the one or more items is substantially spaced apart from others of the one or more items to allow the air flow around and/or through each of the one or more items;
- wherein the first bracket comprises:
- a coupling portion configured for at least partial insertion within a first end of the portion of the conveyance;
- an attachment portion configured to receive the first support rod therein;
- and
- a flange that is positioned between the coupling portion and the attachment portion, such that the attachment portion is separated from the coupling portion by the flange to extend beyond the first end of the portion of the conveyance;
- and
- wherein the second bracket comprises:
- a coupling portion configured for at least partial insertion within a second end of the portion of the conveyance, wherein the second end is opposite from the first end;
- an attachment portion configured to receive the second support rod therein;
- and
- a flange that is positioned between the coupling portion and the attachment portion, such that the attachment portion is separated from the coupling portion by the flange to extend beyond the second end of the portion of the conveyance.
A method of supporting one or more items in an air flow from a conveyance, the method comprising:
- rigidly attaching first and second brackets to a portion of the conveyance;
- attaching a first support rod to the first bracket in a removable manner, such that the first support rod extends away from the portion of the conveyance;
- attaching a second support rod to the second bracket in a removable manner, such that the second support rod extends away from the portion of the conveyance;
- attaching at least one support line between the first and second support rods;
- placing the one or more items for support from the at least one support line, such that each of the one or more items is substantially spaced apart from others of the one or more items to allow the air flow around and/or through each of the one or more items;
- at least partially inserting a coupling portion of the first bracket within a first end of the portion of the conveyance;
- at least partially inserting a coupling portion of the second bracket within a second end of the portion of the conveyance, wherein the second end is opposite from the first end;
- receiving the first support rod within an attachment portion of the first bracket;
- and
- receiving the second support rod within an attachment portion of the second bracket;
- wherein the first bracket comprises a flange that is positioned between the coupling portion of the first bracket and the attachment portion of the first bracket, such that the attachment portion of the first bracket is separated from the coupling portion of the first bracket by the flange of the first bracket and such that the attachment portion of the first bracket extends beyond the first end of the portion of the conveyance;
- and
- wherein the second bracket comprises a flange that is positioned between the coupling portion of the second bracket and the attachment portion of the second bracket, such that the attachment portion of the second bracket is separated from the coupling portion of the second bracket by the flange of the second bracket and such that the attachment portion of the second bracket extends beyond the second end of the portion of the conveyance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.