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US 5,857,477 AGranted
Portable carport
OwnerMichael Jamesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A portable carport having a frame, a flexible fabric cover, and mechanisms for attaching the frame to the outsides of the wheels of an automobile. Because the frame is secured to the outsides of the wheels rather than beneath the wheels, the frame can be easily attached to the automobile after the automobile is parked. The frame is adjustable for height, width, and length, and can be adapted to cover as much of the car as desired. The wheel attachment mechanisms are also adjustable to fit any size tire. Because of the adjustable features of the invention, it can be used to protect larger vehicles such as trucks, bolts, and mobile homes.
Claims35
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover, said upper frame comprising at least a first longitudinal member, and a second longitudinal member crossing over said first longitudinal member to form an X-shaped frame having four respective legs;
- at least four masts, each having a first end and a second end, with each respective leg being connected to the first end of a respective mast;
- and
- at least four wheel attachment mechanisms, each being connected to the second end of a respective mast, and each being connectable to a respective wheel of the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground.
1 more element
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover;
- at least one mast having a first end connected to said upper frame, and a second end;
- and
- at least one attachment mechanism connected to the second end of said mast, and being connectable to the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground, said attachment mechanism including means for preventing an unauthorized removal of said attachment mechanism.
1 more element
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover;
- a plurality of masts, each having a first end connected to said upper frame, and a second end;
- and
- a plurality of wheel attachment mechanisms, each being connected to the second end of a respective mast, and each being connectable to a respective wheel of the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground, each of said wheel attachment mechanisms comprising:
- a shaft having an end that is placeable against the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- an inner plate fixed to said shaft;
- and
- at least two clamp members connected to said inner plate;
- with at least one of said clamp members being pivotally connected to said inner plate, said clamp members being adjustable to grasp the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- and
- wherein said shaft comprises:
- an outer tube attached to said inner plate, and having a threaded inner surface;
- an inner tube positioned within said outer tube, and having a threaded outer surface in engagement with said threaded inner surface;
- a brace connected to a first end of inner tube, and being movable toward and away from the wheel of the vehicle when said inner tube is rotated relative to said outer tube;
- and
- a removable handle assembly comprising a handle tube, and a handle attached to said handle tube, said handle tube having an end that temporarily engages with a second end of said inner tube at a location within said outer tube, whereby rotation of said handle assembly causes said inner tube to rotate relative to said outer tube.
13 more elements
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover;
- a plurality of masts, each having a first end connected to said upper frame, and a second end;
- and
- a plurality of wheel attachment mechanisms, each being connected to the second end of a respective mast, and each being connectable to a respective wheel of the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground, each of said wheel attachment mechanisms comprising:
- a shaft having an end that is placeable against the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- an inner plate fixed to said shaft;
- and
- at least two clamp members connected to said inner plate;
- with at least one of said clamp members being pivotally connected to said inner plate, said clamp members being adjustable to grasp the respective wheel of the vehicle, wherein each of said clamp members comprises a radial clamp arm connected to a swing arm so as to allow reciprocating movement and pivotal movement between the radial clamp arm and the swing arm.
6 more elements
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover;
- a plurality of masts, each having a first end connected to said upper frame, and a second end;
- a plurality of wheel attachment mechanisms, each being connected to the second end of a respective mast, and each being connectable to a respective wheel of the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground, each of said wheel attachment mechanisms comprising:
- a shaft having an end that is placeable against the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- an inner plate fixed to said shaft;
- and
- at least two clamp members connected to said inner plate;
- with at least one of said clamp members being Pivotally connected to said inner plate, said clamp members being adjustable to grasp the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- and
- an engagement mechanism located within said inner plate and being engageable with said at least one of said clamp members to prevent the pivotal movement thereof.
7 more elements
A portable vehicle cover for shielding a vehicle, comprising:
- an upper frame adapted to receive a cover;
- a plurality of masts, each having a first end connected to said upper frame, and a second end;
- and
- a plurality of wheel attachment mechanisms, each being connected to the second end of a respective mast, and each being connectable to a respective wheel of the vehicle so that the portable vehicle cover is free of contact with the ground, each of said wheel attachment mechanisms comprising:
- a shaft having an end that is placeable against the respective wheel of the vehicle;
- an inner plate fixed to said shaft;
- and
- at least three clamp members connected to said inner plate;
- with at least one of said clamp members being pivotally connected to said inner plate, said clamp members being adjustable to grasp the respective wheel of the vehicle, with one of said clamp members being removably connected to said inner plate.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.