Luggage carrier with illumination means
First Claim
1. A luggage carrier for use with a vehicle equipped with electrical wiring, comprising:
- first and second elongated rigid side members, each side member having forward and rearward portions and an outwardly exposed illuminated sidewall in electrical communication with the electrical wiring; and
illuminated turn indicators in electrical communication with the electrical wiring, including at least one pair of indicators at the forward or rearward portions of the first and second rigid side members.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An illuminated roof/luggage rack for automobiles and other vehicles incorporates turn indicators and/or side lights to enhance noticeability and safety. Preferably, the turn indicators are provided on all four corners of the rack structure, and the side lights run the entire length of the side members. Rear-facing braking lights may also be provided, all of which are operated in conjunction with the vehicle'"'"'s electrical system. In one alternative embodiment, rows of lights on either side alternate ON and OFF to attract additional attention by appearing to flicker up and down or to simulate wave sequences. A somewhat different alternative embodiment includes illuminated side lettering or decorations. Such indicia, which may be permanent or changeable, may be used to exhibit commercial or personal messages, for example for HELP or for other announcements. The preferred embodiment also includes convenient electric power outlets disposed at one or more of the four corners of the structure, also interconnected to the vehicle'"'"'s electrical system through an inverter to produce line voltage. Side rails with broad bases are preferably used to reduce load deflection in the event that thin roof sheet-metal is all that is available at the point of mounting attachment. As opposed to self-illumination, a further alternative embodiment instead illuminates the roof of the vehicle itself.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A luggage carrier for use with a vehicle equipped with electrical wiring, comprising:
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first and second elongated rigid side members, each side member having forward and rearward portions and an outwardly exposed illuminated sidewall in electrical communication with the electrical wiring; and illuminated turn indicators in electrical communication with the electrical wiring, including at least one pair of indicators at the forward or rearward portions of the first and second rigid side members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A luggage carrier for use with a vehicle equipped with electrical wiring, comprising:
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first and second elongated rigid side members, each side member having forward and rear end portions and an outwardly exposed sidewall; front and rear transverse members each bridging the side members, thereby forming two forward and two rearward corners where the side and transverse members meet; and illuminated turn indicators in electrical communication with the electrical wiring, including at least one pair of indicators disposed proximate to the forward or corners, and at least one pair of indicators disposed proximate to the rearward corners. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A luggage carrier for use with a vehicle equipped with a source of line voltage, the luggage carrier comprising:
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first and second elongated rigid side members, each side member having forward and rearward portions and an outwardly exposed sidewalls; illuminated turn indicators in electrical communication with the electrical wiring, including at least one pair of indicators at the forward or rearward portions of the first and second rigid side members; and an electrical outlet disposed on at least one of the side and transverse members to supply tie line voltage.
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Specification