Carrier Attached To Truck Bed Portion Of Vehicle Patents (Class 224/403)
  • Publication number: 20040074940
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted for use with outer body surfaces of a vehicle that are curved or non-parallel to one another. The article carrier includes a pair of non-linear slats that are secured in spaced apart relation to one another on the outer body surfaces. A cross bar supporting assembly has a pair of connecting members that support a cross bar at its outermost ends. The connecting members are secured to slider members, and the slider members are adapted to be secured to the slats. The connecting members are secured to the outermost ends of the cross bar and each have bores that enable the outermost ends to be gradually received therewithin as the cross bar is moved along portions of the slats where the distance between the slats decreases, thus effectively shortening the cross bar. Conversely, this coupling enables the length of the cross bar to be effectively lengthened to accommodate increases in the distance between the slats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Milton J. Antonick, Donald R. Potter
  • Patent number: 6722541
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted for use with outer body surfaces of a vehicle that are curved or non-parallel to one another. The article carrier includes a pair of non-linear slats that are secured in spaced apart relation to one another on the outer body surfaces. A cross bar supporting assembly has a pair of connecting members that support a cross bar at its outermost ends. The connecting members are secured to slider members, and the slider members are adapted to be secured to the slats. The connecting members are secured to the outermost ends of the cross bar and each have bores that enable the outermost ends to be gradually received therewithin as the cross bar is moved along portions of the slats where the distance between the slats decreases, thus effectively shortening the cross bar. Conversely, this coupling enables the length of the cross bar to be effectively lengthened to accommodate increases in the distance between the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: JAC Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Milton J. Antonick, Donald R. Potter
  • Publication number: 20040062629
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading and un-loading a recreational vehicle from a truck. The truck has a front and rear and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a vehicle receiving ramp and a lifting means engaged with the underside of the ramp. The lifting means is mounted to the rear of the truck and is selectively operable to arcuately move the ramp between a lowered position that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and a raised position that is parallel with the longitudinal axis. The ramp is longitudinally mobile in the raised position between a foremost and rearmost position and is selectively lockable in the foremost and rearmost positions using a locking means. To load the recreational vehicle, the ramp is preferably locked in the rearmost longitudinal position and placed in the lowered position for receiving the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jake Edward Kelly
  • Publication number: 20040050889
    Abstract: The cargo management device (24) includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame may be made of multiple frame portions that are attached to each other using hinges or other like mechanisms. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor (18). The cargo management device (24) also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the two opposing sidewalls (12,14) of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor (18) so that the articles being stored may he suspended from the frame or organized using netting and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Russell P. Shafer, Jr., Martin Burke, Robin Hoot, Richard N. Svenson, Christopher Gattis
  • Patent number: 6705656
    Abstract: A pull-out load platform truck cargo beds. The load platform has a frame with a base, a plurality of outriggers that extend therefrom, and a pair of rails that are aligned with the base. The outriggers and the rails are adjustable and have ends that are configured and arranged to engage surfaces of a truck body in a non-invasive manner, so that when the load platform is installed in a cargo bed of a truck, the base is prevented from moving relative thereto. A deck, onto which cargo may be placed, is operatively connected to the frame and movable relative thereto, preferably in a constrained manner. When the deck is pulled out relative to the frame so that it extends partially beyond the end of the base in a cantilever fashion, the deck is prevented from tipping by the operative connection between the frame and the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Cyril N. Keller
  • Patent number: 6695375
    Abstract: A toolbox system for pickup trucks that provides toolboxes or storage units are equipped with a guide track receiving a plurality of rollers to allow them to be extended out of the tailgate of the truck bed for easy access. The invention can be used with or without a bed cap. The guide track and rollers, similar in appearance and design to a heavy duty drawer slide system, is mounted on each side of the bed near the top edge of the bed area. The toolbox or storage system with drawers, conventional in design, then moves along the gide track. The toolbox or storage system may then be moved from its stowage position behind the cab area, by releasing a locking mechanism and sliding the toolbox to the rear of the bed. There, tools and other items can easily be removed without climbing into the bed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Dean Alan May
  • Patent number: 6679408
    Abstract: The rack for mounting to a vehicle includes horizontal upper and lower cross members. A pair of downwardly disposed mounting posts are mounted on opposite ends of the upper cross member. Where the truck is a pickup truck having a cargo box, the posts fit downwardly into the post holes in the side walls of the pickup truck box. At least one wheel clamp assembly is mounted, at it's an upper end, to the upper cross member and mounted at its lower end to the lower cross member. Each wheel clamp assembly includes first and second opposed facing parallel vertical clamp members defining a wheel receiving space therebetween sized for snug mating on either side of a wheel disposed between the clamp members and the cross members. The clamp members each have laterally aligned apertures therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: David Mark Thomas, Albert Carl Riddle
  • Patent number: 6676182
    Abstract: A device extends the storage bed of a vehicle and creates a storage receptacle at multiple locations on top of the storage bed. Adjustable length side walls are pivotally attached to an end wall to form an open top box. Two walls pivotally attached to each other and to the end wall allow formation of a storage receptacle when desired. The adjustability of the side walls permits the open top box, whether it is used to extend the storage bed, create a storage receptacle on top of the storage bed or both, to make optimal use of the storage space between the wheel wells of the vehicle and its raised tailgate, as well as to make optimal use of the additional storage bed space created by lowering the tailgate. Storage receptacles created by the open top box may be subdivided into multiple smaller storage receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Todd M. Fitts
  • Patent number: 6669067
    Abstract: A readily attachable and removable hanger for suspending flexible bags such as plastic grocery bags filled with groceries and other items, for transport in a vehicle. The bag hanger includes a plurality of shaped hooks and is engageable with a portion of the vehicle for use when transporting filled grocery bags, but which may be quickly removed when not in such use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: William E. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20030230608
    Abstract: A holder and method of use are provided for storing a ball mount having a stem and a ball supported on the stem in a ball hitch in which the stem is slidably received within a receiver supported on a vehicle. The holder includes a pocket for slidably receiving the stem therein and mounting means for mounting the pocket on a supporting surface of the vehicle, for example a side wall of a truck box. The use of a pocket with suitable mounting means for mounting to a supporting surface of the vehicle while securing the stem of a ball mount therein provides proper storage for ball mounts which are not in use. The result is that potentially damaging or annoying sliding movement of the ball mounts within a moving vehicle can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne E. Henry
  • Patent number: 6648152
    Abstract: A chain saw holder for supporting and selectively locking a chain saw to a vehicle such as a trailer, truck, van, etc. The holder includes a cutter bar retaining portion for frictionally engaging the chain saw cutter bar and a handle retaining portion for selectively receiving and capturing the chain saw elongate front handle. A stop member is selectively moveable along an elongate arm for selective placement over the U-shaped section and capturing the chain saw handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Novae Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Bermes
  • Patent number: 6637793
    Abstract: A truck rack with a platform mounts over a pickup bed and within a pickup canopy, leaving a generally unobstructed view through the pickup rear window. The a platform is supported above the cab rear window in its store position but lowered on one end for loading as the other end pivots on a rack frame. To minimize valuable space within the canopy above the window, the platform locates in store position between upper frame members. Supporting legs are length adjustable to position the frame and platform above the rear window. Sleeves mountable to a truck bed side have a hole through the sleeve receives a frame leg. Each leg has a plurality of holes matching the sleeve hole. To select a preferred leg length in positioning the upper frame and platform above the rear window, a bolt passes through a selective leg hole aligned with the sleeve holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Joshua Krause
  • Patent number: 6626478
    Abstract: A tailgate extender allows a pickup truck bed to be compartmentalized whenever the tailgate of the pickup truck is in the lowered position. A first extension member has a pair of hingedly attached panel members such that one of the panels is hingedly attached to a side of the bed. A second extension member has another pair of hingedly attached panel members hingedly attached to the opposing side of the pickup truck bed. In the extended position, the two extension members unfold and abut one another over the tailgate and are secured to each other in order to form a walled pickup truck bed. The two extension members may also be opened in an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Minton
  • Patent number: 6588720
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a holder for a portable water cooler, which holder is designed to be mounted onto the inside of the side of a bed of a pickup truck. The water cooler holder has a cylindrical container-like member which securely holds the water cooler therein which member is mounted onto a frame which pivots from a first downward position to a second upward position so that the water cooler can be accessed from the outside of the bed of the pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Revette
  • Publication number: 20030094471
    Abstract: A cantilevered member mounted at a first end to the base and extending cantilevered from the base to an opposite second end, opposite to the first end, and a cross-member mounted to the second end of the cantilevered member, the cross-member having opposite first and second ends. The cantilevered member may be releasably pivotally mounted to the base so as to be selectively angularly positionable relative to the base. A rigid first arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the first end of the cross member. A rigid second arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the second end of the cross-member. The first and second arms are parallel to the cross-member and mounted for sliding and pivoting in a plane parallel to a plane containing the cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Arliss McNalley
  • Patent number: 6561399
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable container holder assembly that attaches to the sidewall of a pickup box above the fender well, for holding one or more liquid containers. The adjustable container holder assembly is best suited for square jugs with the opening and handle on the top, where such jugs are fabricated from plastic. The container holder assembly holds the containers above the bed of the box in an area that is of limited use due to obstruction by the fender wells. The placement of the container holder assembly adjacent to the sidewall provides easy access to the containers from outside the pickup box. The rack also protects the containers from damage by other implements that are often transported in the box bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Loren E. Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 6557917
    Abstract: A rack is easily positioned on and fixed to the sidewalls of the open box of a pick-up truck having a truck cab, the rack incorporating a pair of raised supports and interconnected frame members each positioned above the plane of and fixed to the upper free end of one of the truck box side walls, and a shelf spanning the width of the truck box and pivotally connected to the frame members, the shelf being optionally movable between a first or lowered position, wherein it supports a load, while allowing space therebelow in the truck box for the storage of large articles, and a second or raised position, wherein it provides a barrier for protecting the truck cab from damage while allowing full access to the truck box for the transport of tall articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Brian T. Colcombe
  • Patent number: 6557918
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removeably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. At least one of the side and center walls defines a mating surface extending along at least a portion of the upper margin thereof. In addition, the lid defines a corresponding mating surface that is adapted to cooperate with the mating surface defined on at least one of the side and center walls to removeably retain the lid relative to side and center walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Plastech Engineered Products
    Inventors: Marc Iafrate, Robert Bastuba
  • Patent number: 6554342
    Abstract: A storage structure configured to be mounted to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the storage structure comprises a frame having a pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel and a wall panel attached to the side, top and bottom panels so as to define an interior region of the frame, at least one tool securing device attached to the wall panel wherein the tool securing member is configured to allow tools to be removably secured thereto, and at least one door panel movably attached to the frame. The door panel is movable to a closed position so as to prevent access to the interior region and to an opened position to allow access to the interior region. The door panel is configured to allow viewing of substantially the entire interior region when the door panel is in the closed position. The storage structure further includes a device for attaching the storage structure to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott A Burnett
  • Patent number: 6540123
    Abstract: A bed extender apparatus adapted for use with a pickup truck bed to functionally enlarge the useable cargo area within the truck bed when a tailgate is in a lowered position. The bed extender includes a center wall which is pivotably mounted to an inner surface of the tailgate, and which can be pivoted into an upright position once the tailgate is moved into a lowered position. A pair of end walls are pivotably secured to opposite ends of the center wall. Each end wall can be pivoted out to a position extending perpendicular to the center wall once the center wall is in its raised or operative position. Each of the end walls can then be secured to an associated one of the vertical walls of the pickup truck bed. A principal advantage of the bed extender is that the end walls and center wall each include a plurality of members which, when the end walls are folded against the center wall, form an extremely compact arrangement which takes up virtually no appreciable cargo space within the pickup truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald L. Muñoz, James W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6536640
    Abstract: A device that can be put between the wheel wells in the bed of any pickup truck. The device features a plurality of adjustable tubular molded pieces in the shape of a rectangle to allow pickup truck owners to carry cargo within the bed. Additionally, incorporated with the device is an attachment having a cuff at each end and being adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Gloria J. Gent, Kim D. Kresta
  • Patent number: 6533337
    Abstract: A truck bed extender with one or more extendable ramps. The bed extender includes an extending rail having a truck end and a free end. The truck end is coupled to a trailer hitch receiver and the free end includes a bottom trailer hitch receiver. A support assembly is coupled to the extending rail receiver proximate the free end. The support assembly includes a rear T-shaped support member. The ramps are pivotally and slideably coupled to the support assembly proximate the rear T-shaped member. A locking bar is configured to secure the ramps at an angle between and including substantially horizontal and substantially vertical with respect the truck bed, and engages the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Mike Harshman, Brian Harshman
  • Patent number: 6523730
    Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a ladder to the roofrack of a vehicle. The locking assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a movable shaft slidably disposed in a channel defined in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a handle, a sheave attached to an end of the handle, and a bias spring connected between the mounting bracket and the handle, the spring biasing the handle so that the sheave extends through an elongated opening in the channel to engage the moveable shaft in order to prevent further sliding movement through the channel. The locking assembly can be adjusted to accommodate any size of ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Kent Anderson
  • Patent number: 6516983
    Abstract: A cargo supporting device supports cargo within a vehicle compartment in more than one position. The cargo supporting device includes at least one moveable panel having a cargo supporting surface. The moveable panel moves from a first position that is relatively distant from a cargo access point to a second position that is closer to the cargo access point. The moveable panel effectively brings one or more cargo items closer to an individual to make them more readily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Sotiroff, Roch Joseph Tolinski, Charles Berry Hopson, George Rene Chene, Simon Blair Dobson, Enrico Fin
  • Patent number: 6513688
    Abstract: A bed extender apparatus for use with a truck bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The bed extender includes a center wall having a pair of uprights at opposite ends thereof. A pair of end walls are pivotably coupled to the uprights and can be folded down over the center wall when the bed extender is not in use, or attached to sidewalls of the truck bed to place the bed extender in a bed extending configuration. The center wall is secured to an inside surface of a tailgate of the vehicle by a pair of mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies allow the bed extender to be quickly slidably detached from the truck bed when not needed. The bed extender can also be installed within the truck bed to provide an article restraining function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald L. Muñoz, James W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6505764
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly for releasably securing cargo to a pickup truck is provided. The pickup truck has a bed and a pair of side rails extending above the bed with each rail having an inside surface and an outside surface. The cargo carrier assembly comprises a center bar member having a first end and a second end, a first bar member slidably receiving the first end of the center bar member, and a second bar member slidably receiving the second end of the center bar member. An attaching mechanism for releasably securing the first bar member to a first side rail of the pickup truck and for releasably securing the second bar member to a second side rail of the pickup truck. A cargo receiving mechanism is releasably securable to the first bar member for receiving predetermined cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Wesley H. Vining, James Shorb
  • Publication number: 20030002969
    Abstract: A telescoping bridge crane system arranged to be mounted over a floor of a structure, e.g., a vehicle trailer. The system includes a pair of enclosed mounting tracks for slidably supporting a runway frame. Trucks are located within the mounting tracks to move therein. Each truck includes a hanger. The runway frame also includes two enclosed tracks which are directly supported by the hangers so that they are located beside and parallel to the mounting tracks. A bridge section is mounted between the enclosed tracks of the runway frame by another pair of trucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Philip E. Risser
  • Patent number: 6491331
    Abstract: An extendable cargo deck for pickup trucks having a rearwardly opening cargo bed bounded by side walls having inwardly projecting rails spaced above the floor of the cargo bed. The cargo deck includes a base and a carriage mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the base. The cargo deck is equipped with one or more upwardly extending holding devices connected to the base for engaging the side wall rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ted-Dan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Fox
  • Patent number: 6481604
    Abstract: A vehicle rack which supports different accessory having mounting pegs on a pickup truck bed is provided. The vehicle rack includes a plurality of retaining arms wherein each of the plurality of retaining arms are received within a stake pocket of the pickup truck bed. The invention further includes a panel and a locking member where the panel is integral with the plurality of retaining arms and may extend along a side wall of the pickup truck. The panel defines a plurality of apertures for receiving the mounting pegs of the at least one accessory. The locking member is moveably affixed to the panel, and has a plurality of obstructions which partial close the openings of the plurality of apertures when the locking member is slid into a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Beene, Kathryn Cohen, Linda Bliss, Lauren Icken, Samuel Ferraro-Pollak, Sreekumar Vijaykumar
  • Patent number: 6467663
    Abstract: A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Brett J. Borella, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 6464276
    Abstract: An aerodynamic storage unit is designed for a truck bed with a load floor that extends between a pair of longitudinal side walls. This storage unit has an inner wall which is spaced apart from one of the pair of longitudinal side walls so that a storage space is defined between the inner wall and the side wall. The inner wall member has a lower edge located on the load floor and an upper edge which is joined to the side wall. At least a portion of the inner wall member between the upper and lower edges is outwardly inclined. At least one access opening is provided in the inner wall. A door is located in the access opening. The door has a lower edge which is connected to the inner wall using a hinge, and an upper end. The lower end of the door is closer to the load floor than the upper end of the door. The door operates to open inwardly so that the storage space can be accessed through the opening when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Peter T. Gruich
  • Publication number: 20020145024
    Abstract: A readily attachable and removable hanger for suspending flexible bags such as plastic grocery bags filled with groceries and other items, for transport in a vehicle. The bag hanger includes a plurality of shaped hooks and is engageable with a portion of the vehicle for use when transporting filled grocery bags, but which may be quickly removed when not in such use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: William E. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6454149
    Abstract: The device and method according to the present invention are useful for limiting unwanted movement of lengthy objects being transported by a pick-up truck. The device is comprised of two separate units that are used with each other. There is a first unit that is a cab protection unit. The cab protection unit is removably mountable on a top surface of the cab of the pick-up. The cab protection unit has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and angled load bearing surface that extends between the top surface and the rear surface, and two side surfaces. The bottom surface has a flat portion that rests upon the top of the truck cab. The bottom surface may also include a curved portion that fits snuggly around the rear edge of the cab and against a portion of the rear of the cab. The angled load bearing surface preferably is an angled flat portion with a most preferred angle of 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Moore
  • Patent number: 6454148
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is useful in combination with a cargo compartment or the like of a vehicle, which a cargo floor upon which cargo is carried, a first wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, a second wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, and a corner that is defined by an intersection of the first and the second walls. The cargo container comprises a first partition, a second partition, and a pivot that interconnects the first and second partitions. The first partition has a first end and an opposing second end, with the first end hingedly connected with the cargo compartment, so the first partition hinges between an open position in which the first partition extends generally away from the first wall, and a closed position in which the first partition extends generally along the first wall from the first end to the second end toward the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Lynnwood C. Cook
  • Patent number: 6439634
    Abstract: An external automotive side stowage system including primary and secondary latching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Jensen, David K. Rock, Leon S. Kayser, James L. Turner, Ricardo F. Ibanes
  • Publication number: 20020113106
    Abstract: The vehicle storage box of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional vehicle storage boxes. Featured in the present invention is a vehicle storage box that comprises a base structure; a lid, pivotally connected to the base structure, shaped to enclose the base structure; divider means, pivotally connected to the base structure, for dividing the storage box into two compartments for holding articles; divider coupling means, connected to the divider means and the lid, for releasably coupling the divider means to the lid; and lid coupling means, connected to the lid and the base structure, for releasably coupling the lid to the base structure, and having a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 6422629
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage unit, adapted to be mounted to a floor portion of a vehicle having a sidewall and a wheel well that extends outwardly from the sidewall by a first distance, includes a mounting bracket fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle and a plurality of connecting members that connect the mounting bracket to the floor portion. The mounting bracket has a width that is less than the first distance, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle at a mounting point adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle. The storage unit is provided with a cabinet that is attachable to the mounting bracket, with the cabinet being removable from the mounting bracket and having a width not greater than the first distance. The cabinet is adapted to be mounted adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle, with no portion of the cabinet extending beyond the wheel well of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Geneva Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Polly Sjungels-Butler, Jose Bueno
  • Publication number: 20020092881
    Abstract: The Universal telescope bike rack ie. UNIRAK is of a form to which any person using the invention in the prescribed manner for which it was designed, will not have to remove the front wheel on the bicycle in order to transport in the bed of a pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Cody L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 6398091
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier specifically adapted for use with a pickup truck. The article carrier includes a pair of elongated roof rails adapted to be fixedly secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. Each roof rail has a first portion having a length adapted to extend over the roof of a cab portion of the vehicle, and a second portion adapted to extend down along the rear of the cab portion. A cross member is secured between the second portions of the roof rails. At least one clamping assembly is included which can be clamped to the cross member. The clamping assembly has a pair of posts which are adapted to support the outermost ends of the tines of the front fork of a bicycle once the front wheel of the bicycle is removed. The bicycle can thus be supported in an upright position within the bed of the pickup truck without external fastening cords. The vehicle article carrier further does not take up any appreciable cargo space within the bed area when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Muñoz, Gerard J. Kmita, David D. Egly
  • Patent number: 6390344
    Abstract: A modular hitch mount connection for attaching a tubular carrier structure to a load arm that is inserted in the receiving tube of a receiving type hitch. A tubular seat is provided that has an open end for slidably receiving the support tube in an open end of the seat. Correct positioning of the support tube in the tubular seat produces alignment of holes in walls of the tubular seat with orifices in sidewalls of the support tube. A tensioning bolt inserted through a hole in the seat wall and a corresponding orifice in the sidewall of the support tube screwably engages a threaded nut located inside the support tube to secure the support tube to the tubular seat and in the process reduce play and wobble between them. Further play and wobble may be eliminated from the modular hitch mount connection by further inserting a connecting bolt through a hole in another wall of the tubular seat and a corresponding orifice in the second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Edgerly
  • Patent number: 6386376
    Abstract: The present invention is referred to a packing frame and a system for packing and handling glass sheets. The structure being formed for at least two supporting sections, each supporting section including at least two structural profiles which are connected in the upper part and are separated in the lower part. In lower part of each profile is attached a support profile, in a horizontal position, which is connected to the lower part of the structural profiles, forming a base for each one of the supporting sections. The horizontal profile having a first supporting section and a second supporting section, both supporting section being of a major extent, on each side of the supporting section in order to support a series of glass sheet packages. Each one of the supporting sections being placed in a relation one in front to the other, which are joined by crossing members forming the assembly of the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Vidrio Plano, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Marcial Mendoza-Castillo, Miguel Angel Amado-Aguilar, José Juan Villarreal-Gonzalez, Juventino Cesar Villarreal-Garza
  • Patent number: 6386409
    Abstract: A vehicle storage box includes a lid pivotally connected to a base structure, and a lid coupler to releasably couple the lid to the base structure. The lid coupler has a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position. The lid coupler includes a lid latch, a lid actuator, and a hooking cam coupled to the lid actuator to engage the lid latch while the lid is in an opened position. As the lid actuator is rotated, the lid latch tracks along the hooking cam of the lid actuator while the lid is pulled down. A divider can be pivotally connected to the base structure to divide the storage box into two compartments for holding articles. A single hinge can connect the base structure, the divider and the lid. The lid coupler can include first and second adjustable lid actuators coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 6367673
    Abstract: A sports equipment rack for mounting to a vehicle, the vehicle including a first generally planar surface expanse and a second generally planar surface expanse disposed adjacent the first surface expanse in a concave relation thereto to form a corner. The rack comprises a base, the base including a first surface-contacting portion for supporting the base against the first surface expanse, a second surface-contacting portion for supporting the base against the second surface expanse, and an equipment-supporting portion for supporting equipment on the rack. The rack also includes at least one securing structure coupled to the base, wherein the securing structure is configured to simultaneously urge the first surface-contacting portion against the first surface expanse and the second surface-contacting portion against the second surface expanse to thereby secure the rack to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Smith, Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20020023938
    Abstract: A bed extender apparatus for use with a truck bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The bed extender includes a center wall having a pair of uprights at opposite ends thereof. A pair of end walls are pivotably coupled to the uprights and can be folded down over the center wall when the bed extender is not in use, or attached to sidewalls of the truck bed to place the bed extender in a bed extending configuration. The center wall is secured to an inside surface of a tailgate of the vehicle by a pair of mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies allow the bed extender to be quickly slidably detached from the truck bed when not needed. The bed extender can also be installed within the truck bed to provide an article restraining function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald L. Munoz, James W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6347731
    Abstract: A collapsible truck bed rack for pickup trucks that is formed from four separate frame assemblies that can be installed on a truck or removed in five minutes or less without using tools. A unique means of arranging and fastening the top four corners of an installed rack is employed to create considerable stiffness in the rack corner structure, while permitting flexibility in rack length and width without compromising structural stiffness or strength. For storage, the separate assemblies are collapsible into two or more parts using quick disconnect means and may be packed compactly in a sack for placing in a pickup truck. The rack has a simple configuration, uses no complex parts requiring special machining or molds, and uses standard fastening components. It is therefore economical to manufacture and could be made available to small pickup truck owners at a relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: George W Burger
  • Patent number: 6340106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying rack for transporting sporting or work equipment over a truck bed. The carrying rack utilizes the space above the truck bed so the truck bed may be enclosed with a tonneau or hard shell cover. The carrying rack is mounted to the truck bed so the cover may be removed or raised without removing the entire carrying rack. The carrying rack includes removable cross members that are attached when in use. The removable cross members include mounts for attaching equipment such as bicycles, skis, kayaks, ladders, or other types of equipment. The carrying rack allows the truck bed space to be used for other purposes while transporting sporting or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jason D. Dutton
  • Patent number: 6302280
    Abstract: A blower holder for supporting and storing backpack type blowers on trailers and other vehicles. A shelf is mounted on a support post whereon the blower may rest. A bracket is attached to the post vertically above the shelf and includes hook members at opposing ends. The blower frame or back rest plate sides are selectively received in the hook members thereby sandwiching the blower frame or back rest plate between the hook members. One of the hook members is selectively movable against the blower side and may selectively be affixed along the bracket for sandwiching and retaining the frame or blower back rest plate. A loop is attached to an adjacent post and is adapted to receive and support the blower air pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Novae Corp.
    Inventor: Steven P. Bermes
  • Patent number: 6267427
    Abstract: A pick-up truck cargo bed partitioning system that is indexed to the wheel wells of a pick-up truck includes a planar base configured to lay flat on a floor of a pick-up truck cargo bed generally between the wheel wells of the pick-up truck, and at least one partitioning panel hingedly connected to the base. The partitioning panel is moveable with respect to the base between a first position wherein the partitioning panel is flat on the floor of the pick-up truck cargo bed and a second position wherein the partitioning panel is oriented in an upright position with respect to the floor of the pick-up truck cargo bed to divide the pick-up truck cargo bed into a plurality of compartments. The partitioning system can be easily installed by simply dropping it into the pick-up truck cargo bed with the base portion positioned between the wheel wells, and with the partitioning panel or panels positioned forwardly and/or rearwardly of the wheel wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Ziehl
  • Patent number: 6203087
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage unit, adapted to be mounted to a floor portion of a vehicle having a sidewall and a wheel well that extends outwardly from the sidewall by a first distance, includes a mounting bracket fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle and a plurality of connecting members that connect the mounting bracket to the floor portion. The mounting bracket has a width that is less than the first distance, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle at a mounting point adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle. The storage unit is provided with a cabinet that is attachable to the mounting bracket, with the cabinet being removable from the mounting bracket and having a width not greater than the first distance. The cabinet is adapted to be mounted adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle, with no portion of the cabinet extending beyond the wheel well of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Geneva Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Sandra Lance
  • Patent number: 6152675
    Abstract: This apparatus relates to a portable, fold-up hoist for attachment to a vehicle via a receiver hitch. The hoist has a tongue member for insertion into and securement by the hitch. Pivotally connected to the tongue member is a telescoping vertical support member. On the upper end of the vertical support member is a boom arm, which is both pivotally and swivelably connected to the vertical support member. Thus, the boom arm may be supported perpendicular to the vertical member and swivel around the vertical support member, for example, to move directly above the tongue and to move to be parallel but opposing the tongue. The boom arm may pivot down to be near and generally parallel to the vertical support member for storage. The vertical support member is pivotal on its proximal end from a first (storage) position generally parallel to the tongue member to a second (use) position generally perpendicular to the tongue member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Compton