Carrier Attached To Truck Bed Portion Of Vehicle Patents (Class 224/403)
  • Patent number: 11965622
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system for hanging an article under a structure, the system comprising a structure comprising at least one plank; an article; and at least one bracket comprising a structure engaging portion structured and arranged to contact a top surface of at least one plank; a bottom extension portion structured and arranged to be coupled to the structure engaging portion and having a length that extends below a bottom surface of the plank; and an article engaging portion structured and arranged to be coupled to the article. Also disclosed are methods of hanging an article underneath a structure, and a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Back Porch Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Mark Kasimirsky
  • Patent number: 11926370
    Abstract: A cargo bed extension system includes: a cargo bed; a tailgate configured to pivot to a down position via one or more first hinges, where the tailgate includes: an outer portion having first lateral sides and one or more second hinges; an inner portion having second lateral sides that are disposed adjacent to the first lateral sides when the tailgate is in the down position, where the inner portion is configured to rotate to a vertical position via the one or more second hinges, where the vertical position is approximately perpendicular to the down position; at least one first extension panel configured to move rearwardly and directly contact the inner portion when the inner portion is in the vertical position; and at least one second extension panel configured to move rearwardly and to directly contact the inner portion when the inner portion is in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Blaine D. Christensen, William A. McDonald, Carl J. Zipfel
  • Patent number: 11851111
    Abstract: A rack system that is configured to allow the omission of cross bars. The cross bars can be easily removable and replaceable or can be adjustable along a length of the rack system. In some configurations, the rack system includes at least one side support arrangement comprising a first vertical support and a second vertical support. Two or more side support arrangements can be provided on each side of the truck bed. Pairs of support arrangements on one side of the truck bed can be connected by one or more longitudinal supports. Accessories, such as tool boxes or gas cans, can be connected to the one or more longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Bernhard Leitner
  • Patent number: 11807195
    Abstract: The present invention provides an easy and quick assembled and removable rack system which can have the length and width of the system adjusted. The rack system can be assembled in numerous configurations to carry various load sizes and objects. The inventive rack system includes an expandable front brace, an expandable left and right-side frame, an expandable rear brace, expandable left and right support rails, where the expandable support rails have an inner opening for receiving an inner support rail for added support when the left and right support rails are extended. The inner support rails also have an inner opening for receiving a left and right extension arm which fits inside the inner rail opening and the extension arms can be extended from the rear of the frame for added length and support when carrying longer items of for pulling out a portion of the deck panels to create a work surface area off the back of the truck or rack system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Randy Luckette, Donald R. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 11772728
    Abstract: An adapter for a bike mount including a coupling plate, a first adapter section coupled to the coupling plate, and a second adapter section coupled to the coupling plate. The first adapter section is configured to receive a first bike axle. The second adapter section is configured to receive a second bike axle different than the first bike axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: David Ardmar, Parke Pleasants, Michael Schmidt, Philip Hazeltine, Daniel Karlsson, Mark Thibadeau, Eric Hassett
  • Patent number: 11654978
    Abstract: A rack assembly configured to mount to sidewalls of a truck bed can include a pair of side rails defining a support surface positionable over the sidewalls and at least one cross rail having a first end, a second end, a first length extending between the first and second ends, and one or more channels extending along a portion of the first length. In some embodiments, each of the pair of side rails includes at least a first mounting station. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends of the at least one cross rail can secure to one of the first mounting stations of the pair of side rails such that, when the at least one cross rail is secured to the pair of side rails at the first mounting stations, the at least one cross rail is transverse with respect to the pair of side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 11641955
    Abstract: A portable advertising platform system for store front, street side and indoor promotions. The platform can elevate signs and products above obstacles. Items are fastened at their tops only allowing them to freely swing; wind resistant. This rugged, lightweight platform is made from plastic or aluminum and consists of several joints interconnected by square shaped insert tubes; thumb screw fastening. Tubes can couple together to form longer members. Joints can rotate 90 degrees to create perpendicular branches. The platform consists of a lower cart with several vertical mounts, supporting an upper web with multiple tiers and overhanging arms. The platform can substantially stretch horizontally, vertically and in width providing numerous configurations. The 4 leg levelers telescope multiple feet both horizontally and vertically to level the cart on rough uneven terrain. Leg levelers also act as durable brakes; friction with ground. Detachable large 8 inch wheels swivel for easy maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Roy John Weis
  • Patent number: 11634085
    Abstract: The present invention provides an easy and quick assembled and removable rack system which can have the length and width of the system adjusted. The rack system can be assembled in numerous configurations to carry various load sizes and objects. The inventive rack system includes an expandable front brace, an expandable left and right-side frame, an expandable rear brace, expandable left and right support rails, where the expandable support rails have an inner opening for receiving an inner support rail for added support when the left and right support rails are extended. The inner support rails also have an inner opening for receiving a left and right extension arm which fits inside the inner rail opening and the extension arms can be extended from the rear of the frame for added length and support when carrying longer items of for pulling out a portion of the deck panels to create a work surface area off the back of the truck or rack system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventors: Randy Luckette, Donald R. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 11541948
    Abstract: A truck rack, including rack components and rack accessories, to support cargo over a bed of a truck, and methods of constructing, assembling, mounting, adjusting, and using the truck rack. An illustrative truck rack comprises a tower and a base. The tower may have a foot and an upper end portion. The upper end portion may be configured to support a crossbar. The base may be configured to mount the tower on an upper wall region of a truck bed. The base may include a deck on which to support the foot and at least one securing device to secure the foot on the deck. In some examples, the at least one securing device may include a clamp configured to engage opposite edge regions of the foot. In some examples, the clamp may be configured to urge the opposite edge regions downward toward the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Condon, Ashley Hoch, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 11511675
    Abstract: A ladder carrying device for a vehicle is equipped with a frame element (3) assigned, in its operative conditions (O) to be fixed above the vehicle (V). This frame element (3) is connected to a support member (9) for at least one ladder (S). The frame element (3) is provided with at least two longitudinal edges (13) at least approximately or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (V) and mutually and rigidly connected by at least one transversal element (15) a portion of which interposed between, and distant from, said longitudinal edges (13) carries at least one longitudinal stationary pivot (19) connected to a first end of a swinging body 21 whose opposite and second end is connected, by means of a longitudinal mobile pivot (23), to an oscillating element (25) connected to the support member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: Aldo Gentili, Ernesto Gentili
  • Patent number: 11459037
    Abstract: A modular utility rack including a pair of opposing front top rails; a front cross member arranged between the pair of opposing front top rails and connected to each top rail of the pair of opposing front top rails; a second cross member arranged between the pair of opposing front top rails and connected to each top rail of the pair of opposing front top rails; a pair of opposing rear top rails; a rear cross member arranged between the pair of opposing rear top rails and connected to each top rail of the pair of opposing rear top rails; a pair of front legs; a pair of rear legs; and a pair of opposing bed rails, wherein each leg of the pair of front legs may be attached to a front top rail and to a bed rail and each leg of the pair of rear legs may be attached to a rear top rail and a bed rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: High Speed Welding, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Foreman
  • Patent number: 11279421
    Abstract: A pickup full of gear doesn't have to be a jumbled mess. A modular, lightweight load-carrying system is custom engineered to fit directly to each make and model of pickups using the existing OEM mounting points in the bed. The rack systems allow pickup operators to keep gear organized, easily accessible, and secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Puteo, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Hoogendoorn, Conner Schramm, Nicholas Niemeyer, Matthew Thompson, Parker Freeman
  • Patent number: 11124247
    Abstract: A modular universal non-invasive retractable/extendable storage system for a bed of a vehicle, said system including: a. a storage component and b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Sosco Ltd.
    Inventors: Lance Ernie Sosnowich, Alan Victor Doner, Larry Milan Nash
  • Patent number: 11117628
    Abstract: Apparatus (102) for connecting an object (104) to a part of a vehicle (106), the mounting apparatus (102) including two or more of a first mechanism (108) adjustable in a direction substantially parallel with respect to the left-right axis of the vehicle, a second mechanism (110) adjustable in a direction substantially parallel with respect to the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle, and a third mechanism (112) adjustable in a direction substantially parallel with respect to the vertical axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Aluminum Industries Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Matthew Keen, Robin Norman
  • Patent number: 10773758
    Abstract: An interface system is described herein for attaching one or more objects to a truck bedside includes a top plate integrated with a top portion of the truck bedside, a plurality of female connector tubes attached to the top plate and extending into a volume between the top portion of the truck bedside and a wheel well of the truck bed, and a locking bar assembly. A plurality of male connector tubes attached to the one or more objects can be inserted into the female connector tubes and secured to the female connector tubes using the locking bar assembly that can be locked in a locked position by a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: L & M IP
    Inventor: Mark D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10703295
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a bicycle having wheels and a frame relative to a cargo bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate, spaced sidewalls and a front wall. The apparatus comprises holders for associating with the spaced sidewalls and adapted for engaging one of the wheels of the bicycle. The apparatus further includes a support for associating with the front wall to support the frame of the bicycle. The holders and support may be height-adjustable to accommodate a variety of bicycle shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonatan Leff Yaffe, Carlos Emilio Merino, Luis Manuel Garcia, Pedro Montoya
  • Patent number: 10617904
    Abstract: Machine for gymnastic exercises comprising a sliding rail (3), a carriage (4) installed in a sliding manner on the sliding rail (3), a first pulley (21) and a second pulley (22) installed on the carriage (4) and rotatable in an idle manner around respective axes of rotation, a gripping element (6), cable traction means (16) comprising a first cable branch (a) and a second cable branch (b) provided with respective and separate connection ends (17) attached to the gripping element (6). The first cable branch (a) and the second cable branch (b) wind at least partly around the first pulley (21) and respectively the second pulley (22) to define first return segments (23) comprised between the gripping element (6) and respectively the first pulley (21) and second pulley (22), and second return segments (24) that extend one on a first side (25) and the other on a second side (26), opposite the first side (25), of the carriage (4) and substantially parallel to the sliding rail (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: AKUIS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mattiarmando Chiavegato, Alessandro Englaro
  • Patent number: 10576799
    Abstract: Vehicle hitch adapter comprising a height adjustment post comprising a plurality of pairs of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures; a mounting box surmounting the post; a pitch lock system comprising a pitch box having spaced apart pitch plates defining a chamber therebetween for an inferior end of the post to pass therethrough with a pair of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures contained within the chamber and the pitch plates comprising a set of spaced apart vertically extending angled end obround shaped slots having a lower surface end defining an at rest position and an upper surface end angled to form a shoulder surface defining a potential energy state; and a pin extending through the obround shaped slots and the apertures contained within the chamber wherein the pin is supported on the shoulder surface in the potential energy state during loading and on the lower surface end during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: RESCUE 42, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy E. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10518820
    Abstract: An apparatus for extending a vehicle bed includes a tailgate having first and second retractable members adapted for being recessed within the tailgate and for projecting therefrom in an extended position when the tailgate is lowered. A removable support is provided for connecting with the first and second retractable members in the extended position for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may comprise a ladder supported by the tailgate. The ladder may assume a lowered position for use in stepping onto the tailgate using the retractable members as handles and a raised position substantially aligned with the retractable members for extending the vehicle bed. The removable support may also comprise a cross bar that connects with the retractable members to form the bed extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Robert Spahn, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 10471901
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, an upper panel, a lower panel, a pair of side panels, and a tie-down bracket. The internal panel extends from the upper panel to the lower panel and between the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed. The tie-down bracket is secured to an exterior of one of the side panels. The tie-down bracket defines a C-channel that extends along the exterior of one of the side panels from the upper panel toward the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Stephen William Gallagher, Colleen Marie Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10065567
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo area at least partially defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall and a floor cooperating with and extending between the first and second sidewalls. At least one tie down member is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls. An auxiliary storage unit having a housing and a mounting bracket extending from the housing is removably secured to the at least one tie down member. The auxiliary storage unit is adjustable about the mounting bracket between at least a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Garrison, Nicole T. Bickley, Michael J. Briskey
  • Patent number: 10029741
    Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9751468
    Abstract: A bracket system is provided that is adapted to be interconnected to a vehicle roof rack. The bracket system may include a plurality of supports for receipt of one or more tools, such as shovels, axes, or high lift jacks. The bracket system is selectively interconnected to a portion of the vehicle rack and includes a retainer plate that secures the maintains a position of the tools on various support provided by the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Badillo
  • Patent number: 9650002
    Abstract: A tank fixing apparatus includes: a first band including a first fixed portion fixed to a support member supporting a tank, a first pressing portion extending from the first fixed portion and pressing the tank toward the support member, and a first distal end portion extending from the first pressing portion and not fixed to the support member; an urging portion giving a pressing force for the first band; a first fixing portion fixing the first fixed portion to the support member; a second band including a second fixed portion fixed to the support member or the first band, a second pressing portion extending from the second fixed portion and pressing the tank, and a second distal end portion extending from the second pressing portion and not fixed to the support member; and a second fixing portion fixing the second fixed portion to the support member or the first band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9616818
    Abstract: A mounting device is provided including a bracket to be attached to the vehicle, and a locking pin for locking the high lift jack to the bracket. The bracket includes a front vertical body portion formed, and from which the pin protrudes frontward. The bracket further includes a rear attachment body portion for securing the bracket to the vehicle. The bracket can include at least two nut and bolt sets for securing the high lift jack to the bracket. An upper nut and bolt set including a nut and a bolt can pass through an upper bolt hole of the front vertical body portion, and a lower nut and bolt set including a nut and a bolt can pass through a lower bolt hole of the front vertical body portion. The locking pin can pass through the high lift jack and allow a lock to be coupled to a lock hole in the locking pin that protrudes frontward from the high lift jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Mauricio Zambrano
  • Patent number: 9539958
    Abstract: An assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel having first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material is provided. The core has first and second portions positioned between the outer layers. The second outer layer is bonded to the core by the second sheet by press molding. The first outer layer includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by the first sheet by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form a mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer. A component is mounted to the flange to pivot with the flange. A living hinge allows the flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBAL IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 9254791
    Abstract: An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or disassembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Glen Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9022265
    Abstract: An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Glen Wolfe, Russell Gatenby
  • Patent number: 8985415
    Abstract: A rack for holding a wheeled vehicle within the bed of a pickup truck includes a frame and an upper arm and a lower arm attached to the frame. The upper and lower arms are movable with respect to one another to allow a wheel of the bicycle or other vehicle to be inserted or removed from the arms. The frame may be adjustable to snugly retain it within the bed of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Heininger Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Heininger
  • Patent number: 8979157
    Abstract: The removable enclosure for the rear of a vehicle provides additional storage space or cover for the open rear end of a vehicle, such as an open tailgate of a pickup truck or the open hatch of an SUV. The removable enclosure includes a housing having at least one sidewall and an upper wall defining an open lower end and an open front end. An internal frame is disposed within and supports the housing. The internal frame includes at least one elastic cord extending laterally across the housing. A pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports each extend from an upper edge of the front end of the housing to a lower edge of a rear face of the at least one sidewall. The at least one elastic cord is secured to, and extends between, the pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Charles R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140326763
    Abstract: A cargo holding apparatus configured to secure cargo in a pickup truck cargo bed and facilitate unloading of the cargo therefrom is provided with a holding frame having cross members forming a top and a bottom of the holding frame; and side support members forming a left side and a right side of the holding frame, where the cross members being joined to the side support members at each end; a strap secured to each side support member, the strap being dimensioned to extend at least a length of the cargo bed; and a clamping member disposed and a left and a right side vertical walls of the cargo bed at a position nearest a lift gate of the cargo bed, each of the straps being fed through respective clamping members, the respective clamping members securely holding each strap when in an engaged aspect and allowing each strap to slide unrestricted when in a disengaged aspect
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Richard H. Ferriggi, JR.
  • Patent number: 8857880
    Abstract: A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Nicholas Kalergis, Daniel P. Cousino, Frank Victor Bonello
  • Patent number: 8840166
    Abstract: A slidable cargo area floor liner and cargo management device for a vehicle, and in particular, it is a substantially flat, rectangular sheet of material which is independent of the vehicle, which slidably moves on the floor of the cargo area of the vehicle and may be completely slidably removed from the vehicle. In addition, the device also provides protection to the floor of the vehicles cargo area, organizes cargo, and secures cargo through the use of a plurality of openings and tie down points integrated into the device. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies the cargo area of a vehicle without attaching itself to the cargo area or vehicle frame. The liner is equipped with a set of handhold openings that can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the vehicle to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: SlideLiner, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David S. Derbes, Jeffrey D. Buck
  • Patent number: 8839998
    Abstract: A rack replaceably attached only to a pair of side walls of a cargo bay of either a pickup truck or an off-road utility vehicle, and carries at least one chainsaw without having to conceal the at least one chainsaw. A base is replaceably attached only to the pair of side walls of the cargo bay of either the pickup truck or the off-road utility vehicle. A pair of end carriers are disposed at ends of the base, respectively, and replaceably carry a non-working end of each of the at least one chainsaw, respectively, without having to conceal the at least one chainsaw. A central carrier is disposed midway between the ends of the base, and replaceably carries a working end of each of the at least one chainsaw without having to conceal the at least one chainsaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan A. R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8833621
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a pickup truck can swing from a raised position to a lowered position for loading and retrieving a ladder. The ladder rack includes an upper support section attached with a hinge to a lower support so that the assembly that the ladder attaches to can swing to a horizontal, lowered position. This allows the person installing the ladder, or whatever is being transported such as pipes, canoes, kayaks, and the like, to remain outside the truck box to install and attach the ladder. The ladder can then be rotated upwards with the assistance of a hydraulic cylinder to the travel position and locked in to place with a wire lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Louis Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 8814015
    Abstract: Cargo carrying systems for attaching to a vehicle's cargo area, including a number of cross supports, the adjacent edges of two cross supports creating a storage compartment in which various storage containers are suspended, each cross support having a first and a second leg, each leg being separated from one another by a central member coupled to the top of each leg with a coupler, the bottom of each leg having a mounting bracket for attaching to the vehicle, the legs of adjacent cross supports being joined by a connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Heath Gier
  • Patent number: 8794493
    Abstract: Providing a transporting system for a bicycle with a bicycle support bar that includes securing the bicycle with both wheels still attached to the bicycle and in an upright position while traveling to your destination, in the back of a pickup truck bed. The bicycle support bar Securing system has an anchoring member of nuts and bolts that attach to the truck bed inside and under the truck bed rail. Once secured this will allow you to secure your bicycle by using the velcro straps that are attached and wrap around your bicycle frame to secure it into place. With the bicycle support bar this will allow you to travel with your bicycle fully in tacked in an upright position in the back of your pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Glenn Cauley, Michelle Gwynn
  • Patent number: 8776778
    Abstract: A tailgate barbeque grill for use in the bed of a pickup truck. The grill slides along rails and is stored in the front portion thereof for transport and is positioned in the rear portion and lowered for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Mario Brown
  • Publication number: 20140183237
    Abstract: An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Glen Wolfe, Russell Gatenby
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Publication number: 20140117062
    Abstract: A crossbar system for a truck bed and methods of mounting a crossbar system to a truck bed are disclosed. In some examples, the crossbar system may include two towers, each coupling an end portion of a crossbar to a truck bed wall. Each tower may include a crossbar housing having a clamp device for securing the crossbar housing around a selected location along the crossbar, and a coupling mechanism configured to secure the crossbar housing to the truck bed. The crossbar housing may have a ledge portion configured to sit on an upper surface of the truck bed wall. The coupling mechanism may include a hook member configured to removably engage the ledge portion of the crossbar housing; and an over-center lever that is operable between open and closed positions, which may cause a bridge piece to move between unclamped and clamped positions. The coupling mechanism may include a plurality of alternate bridge pieces, each configured to engage a different truck bed rail structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventor: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
  • Patent number: 8668124
    Abstract: An adjustable width headache rack capable of accommodating the widths of multiple pick-up truck vehicles and mounting thereon including a frame member having an upper load bar and a lower cross bar each extending between two upright members spaced a distance from one another. Leg members extend from each upright member in a rearward direction on top of bed rails of the pick-up truck. The leg members have a sleeve portion which slidingly engages the lower cross bar thereby enabling width adjustment. Screen members are interchangeable within the truck rack frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Neil J. Kennedy, Andrew James Hughes, John Laverack, Douglas B. Winner
  • Patent number: 8668125
    Abstract: A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Daws Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140061265
    Abstract: A mounting device including one or more longitudinal support members slidably coupled to said longitudinal support member, and at least one pinch bracket, said pinch bracket having at least one elongated portion, said elongated portion at least partially disposed inside the lateral support member. The pinch bracket may be disposed around one of the longitudinal support members and formed so that a portion is the same shape as the longitudinal support member and fits over the exterior of the longitudinal support member. The support members may be formed from extruded plastic or extruded metal and include a support structure for holding the bracket in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Mendonça
  • Patent number: 8662366
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle having a cab and a cargo area behind the cab. The rack has two front and two rear upwardly extending legs affixed to the cargo area proximally to and distally from the cab, respectively. Two side sections extending between longitudinally adjacent front and rear legs, respectively; and front overhang sections extending from the front legs, respectively, over and displaced above the cab. The sections each including an upper bar assembly, a lower bar and an attachment for attaching the sections to an adjacent leg. Each of the attachments has a plate and fasteners, the upper bar assemblies and lower bars being end abutting against one or more plates, being fixed to the plates and being displaced from one another at the plates. The plates extend between the upper bar assemblies and the lower bars and outwardly beyond each. The fasteners of the attachments are received by a plate and an adjacent leg beyond the upper bar assembly and the lower bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dudley DeZonia, Rodney Monroe, Marc San Paolo
  • Publication number: 20140034694
    Abstract: Vehicular mounted load carrier racks can include a lock cover to shroud an operator-engageable portion of a clamp device from unauthorized access in an installed and locked position. The operator-engageable portion can secure and release the clamp device to and from a surface such as a vehicle. The locking cover can be mounted in an installed and locked position on the clamp device to shroud the operator-engageable portion of the clamp device from unauthorized access in the installed and locked position. The locking can comprise a cover body and a lock. The cover body can have perimeter walls defining a receiving cavity within which the operator-engageable portion of a respective clamp device is located in the installed and locked position of the cover body on the clamp device. The lock can be coupled to the cover body. The lock can have an engagement portion transitional between locked and unlocked configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: John R. Laverack, Steven Robert Perry
  • Publication number: 20140034693
    Abstract: A height adjustable load carrier rack for a vehicle including a base member and an upright leg is disclosed. The base member can be mountable on a vehicle. The upright leg can be configured to be variously coupled to the base member at discrete locations along a length of the upright leg. Additionally, the upright leg can have a demarcated portion including a plurality of position labels, each label can signify individual ones of a plurality of discrete position settings of the upright leg relative to the base member. The base member can be configured to alternately engage with each of the plurality of the discrete locations along the length of the upright leg for height setting the load carrier rack in dependence upon user-selection among the position labels of the demarcated portion of the upright leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Steven Robert Perry
  • Publication number: 20140027483
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a beam assembly that has a first end and a second end. At least one of the ends is biased axially outward and compressible axially inward. Each of the ends has a common interface configured to be supportable by the opposing side walls of the vehicle so that the beam assembly is supported at both of the first and second ends by the walls and extends over a floor of a vehicle, with said at least one of the ends compressed axially inward. The beam assembly can be used as a bed divider, to provide two-tier loading, and as a ladder rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bonner, Brent T. Deep, Scott D. Tonks, Sherry L. Quijano, Anthony E. Johnson, Christopher D. Rauser
  • Patent number: 8636182
    Abstract: A device for movably mounting a storage container in relation to the storage bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a container support frame with a mounting member configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup truck storage bed, and a lift arm having a first end coupled to the container support frame for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second end configured to be coupled to the storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The second end of the lift arm is movable along an arcuate path about the first pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storage container is disposed between the side rails and an extended position in which the storage container is disposed above a side rail. The storage container is pivotable about the second pivot axis to maintain an upright orientation in the stowed and extended positions, providing a variety of convenient access and storage options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Gordon
  • Patent number: 8590879
    Abstract: A work table. The work table can include a horizontal support panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, a raised edge projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the support panel and disposed substantially at the perimeter thereof, a pair of outer beams projecting downwardly from the lower surface of the support panel, each outer beam having a plurality of slits defined therein, a central beam projecting downwardly from the lower surface of the support panel, the central beam having a plurality of slits defined therein, and a plurality of fastening straps, each fastening strap receivable within a slit of the plurality of slits, the fastening straps adapted to couple the work table to a railing of an aerial lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Randall G. Eastwood