Convenience net having substantially rigid end rods

Abstract

A convenience net for use in a vehicle includes first and second rods, each having a first and a second end. The first and second rods are substantially rigid. A first cord extends between the first ends of the first and second rods, and a second cord extends between the second ends of the first and second rods. A mesh extends between the first and second rods and between the first and second cords. First and second attachment members are operatively connected to the first and second rods, respectively, and disposed between the first and second ends thereof. The first cord may be formed from an elastic material, and the second cord may be formed from a substantially inelastic material. A third cord may extend between the rods, and the mesh may extend between the rods and between the second and third cords, forming an envelope.

1 . A convenience net for use in a vehicle, comprising:
 a first rod and a second rod, each having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and second rods are substantially rigid;   a first cord extending between said first ends of said first and second rods;   a second cord extending between said second ends of said first and second rods;   a mesh extending between said first and second rods and between said first and second cords; and   a first attachment member operatively connected to said first rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, and a second attachment member operatively connected to said second rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, wherein said first and second attachment members are configured to engage receptacle elements on the vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The convenience net of  claim 1 , wherein said first cord is formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The convenience net of  claim 2 , wherein said second cord is formed from a substantially inelastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The convenience net of  claim 3 , further comprising a third cord, extending between said first and second rods, wherein said third cord is substantially parallel to said first cord. 
     
     
         5 . The convenience net of  claim 4 , wherein said mesh further extends between said first and second rods and between said second and third cords, such that said mesh forms an envelope. 
     
     
         6 . The convenience net of  claim 5 , wherein said third cord is formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         7 . The convenience net of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a first webbing strap disposed about said first rod; and   a second webbing strap disposed about said second rod, wherein said first cord, said second cord, said third cord, and said first and second attachment members and are operatively attached to said first and second webbing straps.   
     
     
         8 . The convenience net of  claim 7 , wherein said first and second attachment members are one of hooks or clips, and said first and second attachment members are configured to latch to ring-shaped receptacle elements on the vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The convenience net of  claim 8 , wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed within the middle one-third of said first and second rods, respectively, as measured between said first and second ends of said first and second rods. 
     
     
         10 . The convenience net of  claim 8 , wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed substantially equidistant from said first and second ends of said first and second rods, respectively. 
     
     
         11 . The convenience net of  claim 10 , wherein said first and second rods are substantially straight and substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         12 . The convenience net of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second rods are formed from fiberglass. 
     
     
         13 . A convenience net for use in vehicles, comprising:
 a first rod and a second rod, each having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and second rods are substantially rigid;   a first cord extending between said first ends of said first and second rods;   a second cord extending between said second ends of said first and second rods;   a third cord extending between said first and second rods, wherein said third cord is substantially parallel to said first cord and disposed between said first and second cords;   a mesh extending between said first and second rods and said first and second cords and further extending between said first and second rods and said second and third cords; and   a first attachment member operatively connected to said first rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, and a second attachment member operatively connected to said second rod and disposed between said first and second ends thereof, wherein said first and second attachment members are configured to engage receptacle elements on the vehicle.   
     
     
         13 . The convenience net of  claim 12 , wherein said first and second attachment members are disposed within the middle one-third of said first and second rods, respectively, as measured between said first and second ends of said first and second rods. 
     
     
         14 . The convenience net of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a first webbing strap disposed about said first rod; and   a second webbing strap disposed about said second rod, wherein said first cord, said second cord, said third cord, and said first and second attachment members and are operatively attached to said first and second webbing straps.   
     
     
         15 . The convenience net of  claim 14 , wherein said first and third cords are formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         16 . The convenience net of  claim 15 , wherein said second cord is formed from a substantially inelastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The convenience net of  claim 16 , wherein the convenience net includes only two attachment members.