Patents by Inventor Anthony Nicholas Smith

Anthony Nicholas Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11999309
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Patent number: 11970217
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11964629
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20240092296
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Publication number: 20230331316
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11724753
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products. Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11713012
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Publication number: 20220396318
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11433953
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20220219633
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Publication number: 20220153197
    Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11332004
    Abstract: A door assembly that includes a pocket having a biasing bore configured to accommodate a biasing member; a bezel attached to the pocket; and a door having a cam and at least one axle. The bezel has at least one axle slot. The at least one axle is received into the at least one axle slot and the biasing member is configured to apply an urging force onto the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20220144079
    Abstract: A door assembly that includes a pocket having a biasing bore configured to accommodate a biasing member; a bezel attached to the pocket; and a door having a cam and at least one axle. The bezel has at least one axle slot. The at least one axle is received into the at least one axle slot and the biasing member is configured to apply an urging force onto the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20220063502
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11260798
    Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11198350
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a convertible sliding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The convertible sliding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a soft cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Carlos Gutierrez, Chris Schumacher, Scott Cover
  • Patent number: 11180100
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Patent number: 11173845
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11142263
    Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20210053520
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, IV