Patents Assigned to Utilimaster Corporation
  • Patent number: 9387805
    Abstract: Illustratively, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes an entrance to an interior compartment. A step assembly is located adjacent the entrance of the vehicle and includes at least one step and at least one riser. The at least one riser is attached to and substantially perpendicular to the at least one step. The step assembly also includes an opening that allows access behind the step assembly. A lid is provided that includes a hinge to allow selective movement of the lid between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in the step assembly. A securement is attached to the underside surface of the lid to hold the lid to the step assembly. This securement, however, does not extend upward from the top surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Glen R. Helmuth, Paul Rine
  • Patent number: 8997656
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Terry W. Kessler, Travis W. Elliott, Richard D. Eichstedt
  • Publication number: 20120256443
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cargo vehicle that includes a body with operator cabin and enclosed cargo area sections. The cargo area is located behind the operator cabin and includes at least one swing door hingedly attached to the body of the cargo area. The door is configured to swing open and closed via a hinge attached to both the swing door and to the body. When the swing door is open a longitudinal gap is formed between the body and the swing door. A longitudinally extending closeout panel is located over at least a portion of that longitudinal gap and coupled to both the swing door and body inside the cargo vehicle. The closeout panel is configured to fold to the interior of the cargo vehicle when the swing door is closed and expand when the swing door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: UTILIMASTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: PAUL A. RINE, ROD R. RODRIGUEZ
  • Patent number: 7757615
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a shelf assembly is provided. The shelf assembly includes a shelf panel, pivot mount, and an over-center extension/retraction assembly. The shelf panel is coupled to the vehicle and is movable between stowed and use positions. The pivot mount is coupled to the shelf panel and to a wall located on the vehicle. The shelf panel pivots with respect to the pivot mount between the stowed and use positions. The over-center extension/retraction assembly is coupled to the pivot mount and is engagable with the shelf panel to assist moving the shelf to at least the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, Eugene A. Dylewski, II, John E. Knudtson
  • Patent number: 7219950
    Abstract: A vehicle door assembly is provided. The door assembly is located on vehicle and includes at least first and second doors each movable between open and closed positions. A door slide assembly is coupled to the vehicle and comprises a traversing segments assembly. The traversing segments assembly includes first and second segments which are movable in first and second directions. The first door is coupled to the first segment and the second door is coupled to the second segment. Movement of the first door causes movement of the first segment in the first direction which causes movement of the second door in the second direction between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, Eugene A Dylewski, II, John E Knudtson
  • Patent number: 6398283
    Abstract: A vehicle having a movable cargo tray apparatus for the floor of the vehicle is provided. The apparatus having a base, bearing, a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails, and at least one stop. The stop selectively engages the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Knudtson, David L. Ash, DeRay G. Steffensen, Gene A. Dylewski, Nevin L. Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6062975
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a vehicle to pressurize the cargo area of the vehicle including a duct mounted adjacent the top wall of the vehicle cab with a first end in flow communication with an opening in the front wall of the vehicle, and a second end in flow communication with the cargo area of the vehicle. An adjustable damper is disposed within the duct adjacent the first end. The damper is adjustable between a closed position and an opened position to adjust the amount of air flow through the duct. The center portion of the duct includes a plurality of apertures to direct a portion of the air flowing through the duct into the cab. The lower wall of the center portion includes a plurality of diagonal channels to collect water and direct it to a drain adjacent the first end of the duct. A fan is mounted within the duct to provide air flow into the cargo area when the vehicle is not moving. A filter is also mounted within the duct to prevent dust and particulate matter from entering the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Knudtson