1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed toward a system for readily interchanging body parts for customizing the appearance of most any vehicle. In particular, the present system provides a number of pieces, which can be used singularly or in conjunction with one another by the individual user of a particular vehicle to create a custom look each and every time the vehicle is operated.
2. Background Information
America's $250 billion automotive aftermarket industry includes a number of popular aftermarket products for domestic and foreign cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. From wheel covers to stylized body parts, it is clear that Americans enjoy the ability to express their individuality by the customization of their automobiles. In fact, aftermarket vehicle body parts themselves are readily and commercially available for various applications.
The prior art for aftermarket-type vehicle body parts includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,595,575, 5,984,401, 5,931,522 and 5,879,045 among others. While these devices fulfill their respective, particularly claimed objectives and requirements, the aforementioned prior art fails to disclose a system for readily changing and customizing a vehicle, as claimed in the present invention.
First U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,575 issued to Morris on Jul. 22, 2003 and entitled “Protective and Decorative Vehicle Body Panels,” is an aftermarket kit comprised of protective and decorative vehicle body panels for attachment to existing vehicle body structures. Although this kit works well for permanent or semi-permanent attachment of protective and aesthetic body panels, Morris does not provide either a lowered-ground effect or customization that is readily convertible or changeable on a day to day basis through easily attachable and detachable parts.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,401 issued to Hannah, provides an aftermarket kit comprising protective, metallic paneling for the entire exterior surface of the vehicle. Although, it appears that Hannah works well for its intended purpose, protection of a vehicle in off-road conditions, Hannah also does not provide for an aesthetic ground lowered effect that can be removed, replaced and interchanged on a daily basis.
A third relevant piece of prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,522 issued to Roskey. Roskey provides for a kit comprised of flexible, magnetic protective members that can be cut to size and placed on the existing paneling of a vehicle. Again, no provision is made for a ground lowering effect that can be easily interchanged or removed on a daily basis.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,045, issued to Logan on Mar. 9, 1999 and entitled “Vehicle Body and Fender Extension System,” is a vehicle extension system that permanently mounts on the fenders and rocker panels of a vehicle. However, unlike the proposed invention, the application of Logan provides extensions merely to fenders and rocker panels of a vehicle in a permanently affixed configuration, which clearly would not allow for readily interchangeable customization of any particular vehicle.
In view of the limitations associated with the prior art, a substantial need exists for an inexpensive but durable system of vehicle body parts that can alter the appearance of a vehicle, including a lowered ground effect, and that can be easily installed, removed, or replaced whenever an altered customization is desired. The present invention, through a novel combination of component parts, provides such a system.