Carrier Having Structure To Facilitate Loading (e.g., Rollers, Tracks, Angled Sides, Etc.) Patents (Class 224/310)
  • Patent number: 11945409
    Abstract: The vehicle roof cargo carrying system includes front and rear subsystems affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle roof. Each subsystem includes an extrusion guide rail slidably engaging a sliding block. Each sliding block includes a translational actuator for side-to-side movement across the vehicle roof, and an elevation mechanism. The elevation mechanism includes a primary arm and secondary arm, wherein the primary arm first end pivotably attached to the sliding block and the primary arm second end hingeably attach to a first end of a secondary arm. A second end of the secondary arm is attached to a cargo-platform bracket. The primary and secondary arms are reversibly moveable from a folded position wherein the secondary arm is nested within the primary arm, and an unfolded position wherein the secondary arm extends from the primary arm. The primary arm pivots relative to the sliding blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: MECHANEN LTD.
    Inventors: Adrian Bica, Doru Serban
  • Patent number: 11945412
    Abstract: A vehicle roof top bicycle carrier and lifting apparatus has a roof rack with a power bike lift assembly pivotally secured thereto. Multiple interlinked pivoted linkage elements have a bike receiving boom extension pivotally secured to the roof rack. A remote-control power lift cylinder pivotally engages the linkage elements deploying the lift boom for lifting and attach bike to the roof rack for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Lawrence James Brusselback
  • Patent number: 11878660
    Abstract: An articulated roller assembly for a bent bar comprising an articulated roller configured to spin relative to the bent bar. The bent bar generally comprises at least one bent portion and at least one straight portion. The articulated roller is designed to be fitted over the bent portion of the bar to be positioned on the at least one straight portion of the bar where it spins freely. The articulated rollers comprise a series of cylindrical rigid bushings surrounded by a flexible, deformable sleeve. The bushings have an inner diameter and length such that the articulated roller can be fitted over the bent portion of the bar. In some examples, the inner diameter and length of the bushings are a function of the outer diameter of the bent bar and the radius of the bend in the bent portion of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Suspenz, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11827183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier installed on the roof of a vehicle such as a car or SUV and to a lifting multi-joint roof carrier for a vehicle, which is used to easily load or unload an object on or from a vehicle roof. The present invention relates to a lifting multi-joint roof carrier for a vehicle, which is vertically movable up, rotatable, etc. in a process of loading or unloading cargo, to allow an object to be smoothly loaded or unloaded and have a structure with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Nam Ho Yun
  • Patent number: 11760270
    Abstract: A roof cargo box system for transporting an article on a vehicle includes a roof cargo box and a roof cargo box carrier for mounting on a vehicle. The box includes a flexible shell for accommodating the article to be transported. The roof cargo box defines a longitudinal axis and has at least three frames which extend in respective planes transversely to the longitudinal axis. The frames are configured to receive the flexible shells spanned thereon. A scissors mechanism pulls the frames into a predetermined spaced relationship to each other along the longitudinal axis. The carrier for mounting a roof cargo box on the vehicle includes a first attachment unit for mounting on the vehicle and a second attachment unit for attachment to the roof cargo box. The roof cargo box carrier also includes a separable mechanism for rotating the attachment units relative to each other by at least 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Viktor Rakoczi
  • Patent number: 11752946
    Abstract: Proposed is an automotive holder for fixing a bicycle and a rooftop tent, the automotive holder enabling a rooftop tent to be installed in a folded state and being able to hold a bicycle in an unfolded state at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Jeong Suk Kang
  • Patent number: 11713089
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11623699
    Abstract: A system for an articulating truck bed platform may include an overhead rack slidably attached to an extendible horizontal platform. The platform may be rotatably connected to a distal beam such that it may be rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise to level the platform. The proximal end of the platform may also be movable upwardly and/or downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: AMERICAN ADVENTURE LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Brit Mansell
  • Patent number: 11623578
    Abstract: Systems are provided for storing and retrieving objects such as ladders. The systems can include a carriage, and a trolley mounted on the carriage for holding the object and moving the object linearly in relation to the carriage, so that the object can be stowed in locations such as on the roof of a fire engine or other emergency vehicle, or the roof of a stationary structure. The systems can further include a handle assembly that permits a user to move the trolley while the user is standing on the ground. The handle system is configured to secure the trolley in a stowed position, and allows the user to release the carriage from its stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 11590900
    Abstract: A ladder rack for supporting a ladder on a vehicle. The ladder rack comprises a supporting arrangement anchored only along a single edge area of a rooftop, the supporting arrangement comprising a first load-bearing member entirely extending over the rooftop within an edge of the rooftop and a second load-bearing member extending substantially parallel to the first load-bearing member with a lateral offset, outside the rooftop and away from the edge of the rooftop. A ladder-supporting arrangement holds the ladder and connects to the first load-bearing member and to the first load-bearing member for supporting a weight of the ladder. The remainder of the rooftop surface is exempt of any member and is free for other purposes. The ladder is held on a side of the vehicle with an offset to be able to open a sliding door on the same side of the vehicle as the ladder rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Techno-Fab 9000 Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Cote
  • Patent number: 11577799
    Abstract: A loading system for a vehicle includes a buggy for transporting cargo and a mounting assembly for loading the buggy onto the vehicle. A buggy frame has an elongated member. The mounting assembly is configured to be connected to the vehicle and has a sliding rail configured to slidingly receive the elongated member of the buggy frame to allow the buggy to slide along the sliding rail. The sliding rail has a first portion and a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first portion such that, when the mounting assembly is connected to the vehicle, the first portion extends generally horizontally and the second portion extends downwardly from the first portion. The second portion is configured to slide the buggy upwards onto the vehicle. The first portion being configured to slide the buggy generally horizontally into a loaded position on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Poirier, Charles Roy, Alexandre Tardif
  • Patent number: 11541822
    Abstract: A vehicle roof storage device is provided. The device is formed of a body and a slider rack. The slider rack is moveable between a stowed position for driving, and an extended position angled downward and contacting the ground. In the extended position, a user can easily load and unload the device without having to lift items overhead to load on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Sampou
  • Patent number: 11383652
    Abstract: A carrying mechanism for a vehicle carrier is provided, including: a frame, a slide rail, and a pivot mechanism. The frame includes a holding surface and a receiving groove extending along a longitudinal direction of the frame. The slide rail is slidably disposed within the receiving groove and movable along the longitudinal direction. The pivot mechanism includes a first pivoting portion disposed on the frame and a second pivoting portion disposed on the slide rail, and the first pivoting portion is connected with the second pivoting portion. A vehicle carrier is further provided, including the carrying mechanism as described above, further including: a hanging member and at least one sub-frame. The hanging member is connected with the carrying mechanism. The at least one sub-frame is connected with the hanging member and has a third pivoting portion removably connected with the second pivoting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: YOTTA INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stella Huang
  • Patent number: 11325538
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a roof rack system including a rotating mechanism allowing roof-mounted objects to be slid off of a vehicle's roof and lowered via rotation to a more accessible height in a controlled or powered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Talem Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Schweitzer, Greg Bastien
  • Patent number: 11186216
    Abstract: A cargo hauler for hauling cargo that includes a rack assembly with a stationary frame and a tilting frame pivotally connected to the stationary frame, a rail assembly detachably connected to and extending rearwardly from the tilting frame, a carriage assembly including a carriage frame configured for supporting the cargo, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured for tilting the tilting frame relative to the stationary frame, and for towing the carriage assembly from the ground over the rail assembly and onto to the tilting frame, and for lowering the carriage assembly from the tilting frame over the rail assembly and onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: John M. Kretler
  • Patent number: 11110868
    Abstract: A raising and lowering device for support of load, where the raising and lowering device includes a first beam, a second beam, and at least one profile element. Each of the first and the second beam is connected to the at least one profile element through at least one strut. One end of each strut is supported through a slide and pivot connection and an opposite end of each strut is supported through a pivot connection. The device further includes at least one synchronizing element rotatably supported at each end of the at least one profile element. The at least one synchronizing element extends in a loop substantially around the entire length of the profile element, to which at least one synchronizing element each of the first and second beams, via a bracket, is connected to such that the first and second beams are movable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position of the raising and lowering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HPG AS
    Inventors: Helge Åsteson Dimmen, Pål Bierman Jørgensen, Teo Raanaas Tandberg, Jens Harald Seiertun, Martin Gudem Ringdalen
  • Patent number: 10800340
    Abstract: This disclosure details multi-function cargo management systems for managing and securing cargo on vehicles. An exemplary vehicle cargo management system includes a first configuration (e.g., a tie down assembly) for securing a cargo item within a cargo space (e.g., truck bed, trunk, frunk, etc.) of the vehicle, and includes a second configuration (e.g., a roof rack assembly) for securing the cargo item on the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Mayville, James Brian Slemons, Tim Farmer
  • Patent number: 10717392
    Abstract: A rack system configured to be mounted onto a side of a vehicle for carrying a container, the rack system having: bracket arms having: a top mounting hole; arm plate mounting holes; arm clamp mounting holes; mounting blocks having: a center block hole; outer block holes; a mounting plate having: inner plate holes; outer plate holes; clamps having: clamp center holes; each mounting block being configured to be mounted onto the vehicle via a first securing means through the outer block holes; each upper arm end being configured to be mounted onto the mounting blocks via a second securing means through the top mounting hole; each bottom arm end being configured to be mounted onto the side via a third securing means through the clamp center holes; and the mounting plate being configured to be mounted onto the bracket arms via a fourth securing means through the outer plate holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Adam Engelke
  • Patent number: 10668865
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a roof rack system including a rotating mechanism allowing roof-mounted objects to be slid off of a vehicle's roof and lowered via rotation to a more accessible height in a controlled or powered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Talem Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Schweitzer, Greg Bastien
  • Patent number: 10647262
    Abstract: A rooftop cargo carrier having a rack that can be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle and on which a linear rail is disposed, along which linear rail a support structure for an object to be transported can be moved between a transport position, in which the support structure is disposed above the linear rail, and an intermediate position, in which the support structure is disposed on the side as an extension of the linear rail. The configuration comprising the linear rail and the support structure can be pivoted between the intermediate position and a loading position, in which the linear rail and the support structure are disposed at a blunt angle relative to the rack. The rooftop cargo carrier also includes a retainer that allows joint pivoting movement of the linear rail and the support structure relative to the rack only after the intermediate position has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SORTIMO INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Müller, Jonas Baumeister, Thomas Unger, Bernd Merkle
  • Patent number: 10632934
    Abstract: A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed includes a frame for attachment over the truck bed and a cover configured on top of the frame to protect the contents of the bed. The tonneau further includes a slidable toolbox having a hinged lid that is configured at the rear of the pick-up truck bed for enabling easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Reliable Engineered Products, LLC
    Inventors: Randy W. Linn, Joseph T. Kolwick, Thomas P. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 10518730
    Abstract: A shock absorber to be mounted on a vehicular exterior side of a trim member includes a plate member having a plate surface and to be mounted on a vehicular exterior surface of the trim member such that the plate surface of the plate member is along the vehicular exterior surface of the trim member, and at least two or more shock absorbing members that are arranged on a vehicular exterior surface of the plate member to be spaced from each other along the plate surface of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuzou Ideta, Keisuke Urano
  • Patent number: 10479416
    Abstract: The invention comprises an overhead storage rack for vehicles. The invention may further comprise a rack with a first surface and a second surface that have different altitudes. The invention may even further comprise an overhead rack for utility vehicles with a cab and a bed. The invention may even further comprise an overhead rack that includes a hoist system. The invention may even further comprise a collapsible stand for mounting atop the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jonathon David Martin
  • Patent number: 10391916
    Abstract: Improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389, Cargo Handling System, are desirable in order to tilt either the lower or upper extendable assembly independently or together to facilitate proper cleaning and to increase options for tilting, hauling, loading, and unloading purposes. The Extendable Tilt Assembly System is created by adding a tailgate guide assembly and modifying the guide assembly, the lower extendable assembly and the upper extendable assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Martin P. Ferkul
  • Patent number: 10343581
    Abstract: A hoist mechanism for loading an object onto a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include an affixed roof rack having at least two transverse bars. The hoist mechanism includes: a horizontal bar and a vertical lift mechanism. The horizontal bar is affixable to a transverse bar, is hollow, and has an open end. The vertical lift mechanism is removably mate-able with the horizontal bar and includes: a vertical mast; a boom joined to the upper end; an insert bar fits into the open end, located away from the boom, and is releasably affixed in the horizontal bar; and a lift wire with a grapnel at a distal end, the lift wire running between the end of the boom and down the vertical mast. Wherein after the horizontal bar and insert bar are is affixed to the vehicle, the object is attached to the grapnel and hoisted onto the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Ralph L. Leonard
  • Patent number: 10239461
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a carrier using a roof bar 10 installed on a roof of a vehicle, the apparatus including: one or more guides 20 which are installed on the roof bar 10, and each have a spool shape and a guide groove 22; multiple rings 30 which are movably installed on rods 62 of one or more carrier supports 60 of a carrier 50 installed on a trunk lid of the vehicle, in which the one or more carrier supports 60 serve to support a load and rotate in conjunction with an operation of opening and closing the trunk lid, each of the multiple rings 30 has a groove 32 which is engaged with the guide 20 on the roof bar in a state in which the trunk lid is closed, and the groove 32 is separated from the guide 20 when the trunk lid is opened; and bolts 40 which are coupled to the rings 30 by a threaded engagement and penetrate the rings 30, respectively, in which the bolts 40 are tightened to fix the rings 30 so that the rings 30 are not moved after the rings 30 are moved to adj
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Il Shik Yoon, Jun Chan Yoon
  • Patent number: 10242519
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one vehicle function of a vehicle assembly having a vehicle and a roof rack which is mounted on a roof of the vehicle, wherein a communication link is produced between the roof rack and the vehicle, wherein at least one piece of information comprising the mounting state of the roof rack is transmitted to the vehicle via the communication link, and wherein the piece of information is taken into account in the control of the at least one vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventor: Toni Nagler
  • Patent number: 10189418
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack having a first cross member and a second cross member. A first roller coupled with an outboard end of the first cross member. A second roller coupled with an outboard end of the second cross member. A first arm in rolling engagement with the first roller. A second arm in rolling engagement with the second roller. A drive tube rotatably coupled with the first and second cross members. A first pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the first pivot arm rotatably coupled with the first arm. A second pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the second pivot arm rotatably coupled with the second arm. The first arm including a base member. The base member having an aperture disposed through a surface thereof. A first linear actuator disposed in the base member, wherein a portion of the first linear actuator is disposed through the base member aperture. A first bracket disposed on a surface of the base member. The first bracket coupled with the first linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Adrian Steel Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Willis
  • Patent number: 10166930
    Abstract: A cargo supporting and restraining system is disclosed for use within a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may have a pair of support rails fixedly secured to opposing interior wall surfaces of a pair of sidewalls of a vehicle cargo area. A load bar assembly may be used which has a generally U-shaped frame, and which is supported for sliding movement and adjustable positioning along the support rails. A locking system may be associated with the load bar assembly for locking the load bar assembly at a desired longitudinal position along the support rails. A cargo box assembly may also be provided which is removably secured to the load bar assembly. A locking assembly is operably associated with the cargo box assembly for locking the cargo box to the load bar assembly to prevent removal of the cargo box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita
  • Patent number: 10166932
    Abstract: A device for mounting a bicycle, regardless of the positioning of the top cross-bar, to a bicycle rack, the device includes a bicycle attachment member, a mounting member, and a connection member. The bicycle attachment member is dimensioned to cooperate with a seat positioning member of the bicycle to secure the bicycle attachment member to the seat positioning member. The mounting member extends at an angle relative to the bicycle attachment member. The connection member connects the bicycle attachment member to the mounting member, wherein the bicycle is maintained in level position on the bicycle rack during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Woelfling
  • Patent number: 10131289
    Abstract: An adjustable cargo rack for a vehicle includes a mount for connecting the cargo rack to a vehicle. The cargo rack includes a rack arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the mount by a pivot shaft. The rack arm is selectively pivotable between a loading position, in which the rack arm extends outboard an outer perimeter of the vehicle and a generally upright first travel position. A cargo support bracket is detachably connected to a distal end of the rack arm. An orientation of the cargo support bracket is adjustable between a first support bracket orientation and a second support bracket orientation. The orientation of the cargo support bracket relative to the rack arm and a location of the pivot shaft relative to the vehicle remain substantially constant when pivoting the rack arm between the loading position and the first travel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Ryan C. Harris
  • Patent number: 10086882
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle sawhorse adjustable assembly that comprising of an adjustable wing structure operably adapted to provide a support to a plurality of logs in a longitudinally extended direction on a rear end of a cargo bed extension of a vehicle, a plurality of legs to provide an adjustable height using a plurality of holes in a vertically upward direction to the adjustable wing structure, a removable hitching unit to provide a base support to the adjustable wing structure in an adjustable horizontal direction and a hinge mechanism to connect the hitching unit with the plurality of legs and the adjustable wing structure. Further, the user can mount the assembly as an extension of a cargo-bed of a vehicle and insert structural material into the receptacles of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph G Scherer, Cindy L Scherer
  • Patent number: 10053021
    Abstract: Retaining and securing means for load carrying modular platform to a top railing on a vehicle's roof. Said retaining means are a pair of spaced apart longitudinal members linked by transversally spaced crossbars. All crossbars have a constant area cross section, resting on small columns projecting upwardly from said longitudinal members. The platforms are secured between pairs of crossbars having a portion of bottom surface bounded by opposite sidewalls with transversely aligned pairs of recesses, with profiles complementary to the crossbar's intercepting said bottom surface, forming a longitudinal slot. The width of each crossbar is greater that the width of each recess, while the width of the slot is greater that the width of said column. The upward portion of each platform defines engagement and retention means for the individual load to he conveyed on each of said platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Raul Arnaldo Cabiche, Ivana Andrea Pereyra
  • Patent number: 10040402
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop bicycle carrier and lifting apparatus for vehicles has a roof rack with a pneumatic lifting spring urged pivoted boom assembly interconnected by multiple pivot linkage thereto. A bike clamp is adjustably positioned on the extended boom assembly for selectively securing a bike to be lifted and secured on the roof rack for transport in vertical upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence James Brusselback
  • Patent number: 9969335
    Abstract: A vehicle load assist device and methods of making and using the same is described. According to one embodiment, the vehicle load assist device includes at least one support arm having a substantially open space between two ends configured to accept a corner of a vehicle, at least one wheel assembly, at least one slide, and at least one harness. The wheel assembly is coupled to the support arm and is a pivot point for loading an item onto a vehicle. The slide is coupled to one end of the support arm and configured to slide on a surface of the vehicle. The harness is coupled to the slide and configured to couple to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Ian Putnam
  • Patent number: 9944234
    Abstract: A removable apparatus being configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle which enables an individual to load and unload a canoe atop a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base which is adapted to rotate 360-degrees perpendicular of horizontal of the vehicle and includes a tube which is adapted to lock upright or pivot downwardly 30-degrees away from vertical of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a mechanism to position a receiving device configured to mate to a device mounted to the canoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Myka LLC
    Inventor: Frederick J Weber
  • Patent number: 9937088
    Abstract: An automatic device for storing wheelchairs behind vehicles is provided. The wheelchair storage device is configured to mount to the exterior of a vehicle on the vehicle's roof rack. The storage device includes a horizontal and vertical arm, that when activated by a motor, uses a series of motors and gears to move a wheelchair attached to the vertical arm to the rear of the vehicle. A storage platform is further provided that receives and secures the wheelchair behind the vehicle. The motors of the storage device may be powered by the vehicle's engine, and a remote may be provided for user control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Store-Easy, LLC
    Inventors: Charlotte Guertler, Alaric D'Souza, Rachel Milgrom, Thomas Hong, Yu Xiao, Sam Nadell
  • Patent number: 9925909
    Abstract: A universal propane tank transport bracket including a universal adapter having parallel first and second plates, a first receiver parallel to the first plate, and a second receiver at angle to the first plate, the first and second plates adapted to clamp around tie down structure, an elongate post having a perpendicular leg adapted to be received in the first receiver or the second receiver, a collar lockable along a length of the elongate post, and an adjustable strap attached to the collar, the adjustable strap adapted to capture a propane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: John Byham
  • Patent number: 9914403
    Abstract: A bracket is provided having a shaft with an upper end for mounting an optical warning device and a platform supporting a lower end of the shaft. The platform is fixed to a side of a truck bed so that the upper end of the shaft extends from the shaft to position the optical warning device at a height higher than the cab of the truck. The bracket freestands mounts the optical warning device since the optical warning device stands alone or on its own foundation provided by the attachment of platform to side of the truck bed, free of support or attachment to any other part of the truck. The platform may be attached by a support member mounted in a stake pocket present along the side of the bed of the truck, or by one or more clamp members to the side of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: STAR HEADLIGHT & LATERN CO., INC.
    Inventors: J. Douglas Richardson, Michael A. Barbato
  • Patent number: 9796340
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a motor vehicle similar to what is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,268, but differing therefrom in that the top surfaces of the stationary bar member and the movable bar member are coplanar and in a side-by-side relationship when the load being carried is atop the vehicle's roof rather than being stacked, one-above-the-other, as in the prior art. As such, the ladder rack of the present invention exhibits a reduced height profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ROM Acquisition Corporation
    Inventor: Rashid Bharucha
  • Patent number: 9796342
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier system for a vehicle may include guide rails disposed at a lower portion of a bumper back beam, a carrier part provided with a panel part and side portions extending from both sides of the panel part to the guide rails to move along the guide rails, a first driving part connected to the guide rails to move the carrier part along the guide rails, an expansion support part installed between the side portions of the carrier part to support a loaded bicycle, a second driving part installed at the carrier part to be connected to the expansion support part and expandably deploy the expansion support part, and a control unit controlling the first and second driving parts and sequentially controlling the first and second driving parts to draw out the carrier part and then performing an expansion deployment operation of the expansion support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Young Yoon, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim
  • Patent number: 9694757
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop system for carrying boards, such as SUP boards, may include a support unit having an elongate body, a self-adjusting strap slidably attached to the body, and a load-assist roller. A lockable cam buckle for securing the strap may be included at one end portion of the unit, and a paddle carrier may be included at another end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Jason A. Sagen, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 9587405
    Abstract: The portable folding ramp facilitates transfer of large, heavy objects that cannot be conveniently hand carried up and down inclines (steps, etc.). The portable folding ramp includes one or more ramp members (preferably two, and perhaps three) that attach removably to a folding crossmember. The crossmember includes an elongate slot with a series of short positioning slots extending transversely therefrom. Each ramp member includes a pin at its upper end, with the pin installing removably in the elongate slot. The pin (and its ramp member) is then positioned along the elongate slot to the desired positioning slot to set the lateral spacing between ramps. The apparatus is folded for storage by (a) retracting the telescoping ramp(s), (b) folding the crossmember back upon itself, (c) positioning the ramp(s) attachment(s) at the extreme ends of the crossmember, and (d) pivoting the ramp(s) to align with the crossmember. A storage container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Hebah A. Alhazza
  • Patent number: 9526932
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for retaining a suction hose on top of an emergency vehicle which includes a support carriage slidably movable with respect to a tilting assembly secured to the emergency vehicle. In this manner, the hose mounting area is movable between a lower position for placement of the hose in the hose receiving area or removal therefrom to a storage position upwardly in engagement with respect to saddle supports, and an end member attached to the top of the vehicle spatially disposed from the tilting mechanism to facilitate holding of the hose in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 9457728
    Abstract: A roller load assisted roof-top carrier for elongate articles such as kayak boats. The roof-top carrier includes a space frame having at least a U-shaped portion, the legs of which are each slidingly mountable to each of a front and back cross bar of a vehicular roof rack. In this manner, the space frame translates unitarily relative to the vehicular roof rack. Forward and back cross members are provided that are mounted upon the space frame, the front cross member carrying a pair of kayak saddles, each faced with a friction inducing material for discouraging slippage between a secured kayak and the space frame and the back cross member carrying a pair of guide panels, each faced with a slip inducing material for encouraging slippage between a kayak being loaded on or unloaded from the space frame. A roller can be mounted on a back portion of the space frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Frederick G. Murray, Kevin W. Harris
  • Patent number: 9371041
    Abstract: A load carrier foot for attaching a load carrier bar to a vehicle and a roof rack having the load carrier foot. The load carrier foot includes a body having a support surface, where the support surface is adapted to rest against a first portion of the vehicle, and a bracket having an aperture adapted to grip about a second portion of the vehicle. An attachment arrangement provides a clamping force between the support surface of the body and the bracket. The bracket includes an aperture adapted to permit the attachment arrangement to be positioned between two positions to enable an easy mounting and dismounting of the load carrier foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Almhill, Jonas Poulsen, Markus Nordangård
  • Patent number: 9327653
    Abstract: A roof rail (1) for a motor vehicle, having at least one rack bar (3) and having at least one support element (24) which is fixed to the rack bar (3) for bridging a spacing which is formed between the rack bar (3) and the roof of the motor vehicle and for fixing the roof rail (1) to the roof of the motor vehicle, and having at least one cover (11) for the support element (24), wherein the rack bar (3), support element (24) and cover (11) are formed as separate components. There is provision for at least one end region (6) of the rack bar (3) to be in the form of a bent portion (7) whose front end (8) forms a roof application end (9), for the support element (24) to be in the form of an extrusion component (56) and for the support element (24) and cover (11) to be located at least partially in the region of the bent portion (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: HANS UND OTTMAR BINDER GMBH OBERFLÄCHENVEREDELUNG
    Inventors: Stefan Sirrenberg, Hans Binder, Ottmar Binder
  • Patent number: 9254792
    Abstract: An equipment storage and retrieval system retrieves equipment from the back of pick-up trucks and other cargo carrying vehicles. A guide rail and a frame with attached rollers and equipment hold-downs, platforms or carts allow for easy access, retrieval, and storage of equipment in the bed of a vehicle. A frame extends out the back of a pickup for access to equipment, and folds into a vertical position for improved use of the pickup bed. A brake system prevents locks the sliding frame in place until the brake is released by a brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Patton, Kurt Barats
  • Patent number: 9162629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendable vehicle rack arrangement (10) comprising a first and a second load carrier foot (3, 4) and comprising a stationary part (12) attached to said first and second load carrier foot (3, 4) and a displaceable part (11). The stationary part (12) is pivotally connected to at least one of the load carrier feet (3, 4). The extendable vehicle rack arrangement (10) is advantageously an extendable vehicle top rack arrangement. The present invention provides for a solution which effectively reduces or neutralizes the intrinsic forces which can be imparted to an extendable vehicle rack arrangement during or after attachment to a vehicle, thereby providing an easier extension of the displaceable part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Patent number: 8998047
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a hitch-mounted telescopic rack and its operation, the rack could be comprised of a vertical telescopic tube assembly having an inner tube movably received within a hollow outer tube, the hollow outer tube having a hitch attachment end while the inner tube has an attachment end that connects to a top tube assembly that movably supports one or more rollers perpendicularly to the vertical telescopic tube assembly; wherein the hitch attachment end is reversibly received by a trailer hitch of an automotive vehicle to vertically orient the vertical telescopic tube assembly and place the rollers in a horizontal position distal from the trailer hitch, the one or more rollers moving an object relative to a rear edge of a top of the automotive vehicle as well as supporting the rear overhanging portion of the object that is placed on the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Thomas DeMers, James Kevin Redmond