Receptacle Patents (Class 224/404)
  • Patent number: 11964703
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle has a frame, a motor, a plurality of ground engaging members and a cargo box connected to the frame. The cargo box having a floor, a front wall, a left side wall and a right side wall. An inner panel is connected to one of the left and right side walls of the cargo box. The inner panel defines a side storage space on an outer side of the inner panel. An outer panel is removably connected to the inner panel. The outer panel covers the side storage space. The outer panel has an outer periphery, and an integrally formed portion of the inner panel extends outside the outer periphery of the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Stephane Veillette, Didier Dubois, Igor Krucko, Jean-Philippe Crepeau, Thierry Cotnoir
  • Patent number: 11872961
    Abstract: A collapsible trunk for use with a vehicle having a wheel well. The trunk comprises a base wall and a side wall pivotally connected thereto. The side wall extends from the base wall and terminates at an upper edge. The side wall and base wall collectively define a storage cavity. The base wall and the side wall each have an expandable portion conformable to the wheel well in response to placement of the base wall and the side wall over the wheel well. The trunk is selectively transitional between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the base panels overlap each other, and in the deployed configuration, the plurality of base panels are co-planar to each other. The upper edge of the side wall moves away from the base wall as the trunk transitions from the collapsed configuration toward the deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11738627
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a vehicle includes at least two panels configured to collaboratively form a container. The at least two panels extend laterally when connected to a tonneau of the vehicle. A first panel is movable between an open position and a closed position to gain access to an interior space defined by the container. In the closed position, the first panel extends parallel to a floor of the tonneau. A second panel is selectively placed in a cover or a storage position. In the cover position, the second panel extends parallel to the floor to collaboratively cover at least part of the tonneau. In the storage position, the second panel extends perpendicular to the first panel in the closed position. The first and second panels collaboratively form the container when the first panel is in the closed position and the second panel is in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Fournier, Hugo Martin, Maxime Dumont, Pierre-Luc Robillard, Michel Bourassa
  • Patent number: 11654977
    Abstract: A cargo rack for a utility task vehicle that includes a cargo bed that is fastenable to a bed of a utility task vehicle and side supports that are fastenable both to the cargo bed of the cargo rack and to the utility task vehicle. The cargo rack has an up position and a down position when fastened to the bed of the utility task vehicle. The side supports are fastened to the cargo bed and to the utility task vehicle when the cargo rack is in the up position, but the cargo bed is fastened to the bed of the utility task vehicle without the side supports when the cargo rack is in the down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Omega Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell K. Roberson, Jeremy T. Brogdon, Stanford S. Austin
  • Patent number: 11414022
    Abstract: Described is a truck toolbox-bed cover interface constructed to seals the cargo area of a vehicle between a truck bed cover and a storage container, where the truck toolbox-bed cover interface does not obstruct access to the handles on the back side of a storage container. Some implementations can include a toolbox integrated with a truck toolbox-bed cover interface, a bedcover integrated with a truck toolbox-bed cover interface, and a complete integrated assembly including a toolbox, a bedcover, and a truck toolbox-bed cover interface. Some implementations can include a toolbox with a cooler rail or a tactical rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: James Harrison Johnston
  • Patent number: 11358534
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a collapsible storage system that may be mounted in a fixed position and attached to the vehicle using its tailgate without the use of any tools. The collapsible storage system may be used to securely store items in the bed of a pickup truck while in use and may be collapsed into a configuration that reduces the amount of space in the truck bed that the storage box occupies while it is not in use. The collapsible storage system may be mounted a diverse array of different trucks and other vehicles having tailgates and may be installed and uninstalled without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TruckStash, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Gardner
  • Patent number: 11325659
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cargo moving system for moving storage units from the front of a truck bed to the rear and back again. The disclosed product is made of two components, a rail system, and a customizable storage unit. In a pickup truck embodiment, the rail system sits on top of vertical rails disposed on or in a pickup truck bed that can run from the cab to the tailgate. A storage unit sits on the rails or tracks and is moved by a motorized or manual transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Richard K Mannone
  • Patent number: 11292532
    Abstract: An extendible truck bed storage assembly for accessing contents of a truck bed from a rear thereof includes a box, which is sized so that the box is removably insertable into the bed with opposed sides of the box being positioned proximate to the tire wells. The box has a top and a front, which are open. A ridge is engaged to a bottom of the box and positioned therein adjacent to the front. A tray is positioned in the box and is selectively extendible from the box through the front. A set of slats is engaged to a lower face of the tray with each slat being perpendicular to opposed edges of the tray. A user can lift and pull on the forward end of the tray to selectively extend is to access articles positioned thereon. The slats engage the ridge to prevent the tray from sliding until lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: David Heinzelman
  • Patent number: 11273770
    Abstract: A tool storage enclosure for rollback vehicles has a front wall frame member which extends the length of the storage enclosure. This frame member has a cut out, center opening. The framework also comprises first and second lateral frame numbers which extend from opposite sides of the front wall member and the length the width of the enclosure. A plurality of partition frame members extend perpendicularly to the front wall member and parallel to the lateral frame members, the partition frame members establishing a central compartment and lateral compartment. The central compartment is configured to enclose the spooled cable winch of the rollback vehicle and the center opening is configured to allow cable from the winch to extend out a center opening. A hinged protective cover plate overlays the enclosure framework. Connector tabs are provided to attach the enclosure to the bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Louis W. Cappuccio
  • Patent number: 11230237
    Abstract: A vehicle toolbox including a housing assembly, a drawer assembly, a bucket assembly and a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The housing includes a housing into which a drawer of the drawer assembly is received and stored. The drawer includes rails and roller wheels that help to facilitate the retraction and expansion of the drawer from the housing. The drawer is separated into compartments to provide better organization to a user. The bucket assembly includes a removable bucket that includes bucket compartments for organizing of the tools as well. There is at least one removable container received within the removable bucket. The at least one removable container helps to provide additional organization. The removable bucket may be removed from the drawer and carried to a necessary location. The removable bucket maintains the tools organized and readily available to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Darrell Sanderson
  • Patent number: 11208156
    Abstract: An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcement/ and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: ALTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan J. McKinney, Austin Graham, Kyle E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11142263
    Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11110963
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary storage compartment comprising a floor, a back wall that extends upward from the floor, and a front wall that extends upward from floor opposite the back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls disposed at opposing ends of the front wall and the back wall. The front wall is defined by a back side of a seating structure of a vehicle in which the auxiliary storage compartment is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Jhant, Matthew Baekelandt, Christopher Furman
  • Patent number: 11046161
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle cargo bed includes at least one first airflow passage extending between a first side of the tonneau cover and a second side of the tonneau cover opposite the first side, and at least one second airflow passage separate from the first airflow passage and extending between the second side of the tonneau cover and at least one side of the tonneau cover other than the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott Louis Frederick
  • Patent number: 10960941
    Abstract: A vehicle shown herein is a side by side powersports vehicle having a utility bed recessed in the rear body portion below an upper surface, the utility bed forming a stepped portion relative to the rear body portion and having a maximum lateral width greater than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, and a minimum width less than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, whereby a spare wheel may be stored on the stepped portion of the utility bed. As shown herein, the utility bed is defined as a removable tub, which can be removed from the rear body portion. The utility bed has defined troughs in a floor thereof angled rearwardly wherein the utility bed has drains which drain away from any heat source of the vehicle. The seats of the vehicle allow longitudinal movement and tilt capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Endrizzi, Tristan M. Hipps, Garth H. Bracy, Anthony J. Kinsman, Jerome J. Rubatt, Blake A. Anderson, Dennis J. Lutz
  • Patent number: 10850670
    Abstract: A removable roller tray for use in a pickup truck bed, wherein the tray comprises a base and a handle arranged on an edge of the base. The tray further comprises a plurality of notches arranged on a top surface of the base and a plurality of rollers arranged on a bottom surface of the base. The tray further comprises at least one lanyard connected to a side edge of the base on a first end thereof and a surface of the pickup truck on a second end thereof. The removable roller tray may allow for easy removal of items stored near the front of the pickup truck bed by allowing the removable roller tray to roll out to a predetermined position on the bed and extended tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Lotis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Lovins, Paul H. Dunstan
  • Patent number: 10793078
    Abstract: A storage container having a low volume profile shipping configuration is provided. The storage container includes a senior portion and a junior portion. The senior portion includes a wall defining a first internal cavity. The junior portion includes a plurality of junior wall sections configured to be assembled together to define a second cavity. The junior portion is configured to be coupled to the senior portion when the storage container is in an assembled configuration. The plurality of junior wall sections are configured to be disposed within the internal cavity of the senior portion in an unassembled configuration when the storage container is in the low volume profile shipping configuration, wherein the assembled configuration has a larger volume profile than the low volume profile shipping configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: DEE ZEE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Schuling, Mike Moyer
  • Patent number: 10766429
    Abstract: A selectively openable and closable, outdoor storage bag that is at least water-resistant includes a body portion made of a flexible, waterproof, bag material, the bag material comprising a plurality of waterproof welded seams that define a predetermined shape of the body portion and an opening, the body portion defining an interior space within the body portion; a closure mechanism joined to the body portion by a welded seam proximate a periphery of the opening, the closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening and provide a seal that is at least water-resistant when the opening is closed; a flap of the bag material that extends from the body portion and covers the closure mechanism; and a plurality of anchor points attached to an exterior surface of the body portion, wherein the body portion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is at least water-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: LOAD LUGGER, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Dooling, Julie A. Dooling
  • Patent number: 10752153
    Abstract: A vehicle bed includes a vehicle body; and a foldable bed frame disposed inside the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon Orlando Medina
  • Patent number: 10703400
    Abstract: A motorized vending cart includes a drive base, one or more drive motors mounted to the drive base and configured to rotate a plurality of wheels, a thermally insulated container mounted to the drive base, a power inverter mounted to the drive base, and a battery bank mounted to the drive base. The battery bank includes one or more batteries and is in electrical connection with the one or more drive motors and the power inverter. A vending cart body is mounted to the drive base and at least partially surrounds the thermally insulated container and the one or more drive motors. A control panel is electrically connected to and configured to control the one or more drive motors. An appliance is mounted to the vending section of the vending cart body and electrically connected to the power inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: MAGEC, LLC
    Inventor: David E. Michalski
  • Patent number: 10668870
    Abstract: A storage drawer assembly capable of fitting to a vehicle. The drawer assembly comprises a primary space frame having at least a front wall, side walls and at least one intermediate wall between the sidewalls together defining compartments therein. The compartments are each capable of receiving and retaining there within a drawer mounted on a runner to enable the drawer to slide in and out of one said compartments. The frame is arranged to enable the drawers when open to extend beyond the periphery of the vehicle. The primary space frame receives and retains cladding forming a rear, top and bottom walls; wherein the bottom wall includes fixation apertures which receive fasteners which secure the drawer assembly to a vehicle tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Paul Furniss
  • Patent number: 10661842
    Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Mark P. Birka, Michael A. West
  • Patent number: 10647241
    Abstract: A caddy for a pickup truck having a truck bed. The caddy including a body member and at least two elongate members securing the body member with respect to an interior of the truck. The body member having a bottom wall positionable on a floor of the truck bed, a forward wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall across the truck bed, and a pair of sidewalls positionable along lateral sides of the truck and each connected to the bottom and forward walls. The at least two elongate members are of a plurality of elongate members with an elastic length. Each of the at least two elongate members extends upwardly from a lower position at the interior of the truck toward a higher position at the corresponding one of the sidewalls. The elastic length of each of the at least two elongate members is stretched between the lower and upper positions, thus pulling the body member toward the floor of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Floyd Davis
  • Patent number: 10569687
    Abstract: The tailgate caddy is an apparatus used to organize items during a celebration. The tailgate caddy is configured for use with a pickup truck. The tailgate caddy mounts in the pickup truck. The tailgate caddy organizes and stores items used during outdoor celebrations located proximal to the pickup truck. The tailgate caddy provides electrical power for use in proving power to electrically powered devices associated with the outdoor celebration. The tailgate caddy comprises a bed liner, a tailgate liner, a living hinge, and a plurality of saddlebags. The living hinge attaches the bed liner to the tailgate liner. The plurality of saddlebags attach to the bed liner. The bed liner rests on the bed. The tailgate liner rests on the tailgate when the tailgate is in a horizontal position. Each of the plurality of saddlebags hangs over a sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Atiba Jones
  • Patent number: 10549700
    Abstract: An accessory support for a vehicle cargo area includes a guide assembly adapted to provide vertical and lateral adjustability and at least one support member slidably carried by the guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a first pair of guide rails each including one or more vehicle z-axis oriented guide channels and a second pair of guide rails each including one or more vehicle y-axis oriented guide channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonatan Leff Yaffe, Carlos Emilio Merino, Todd John Mueller, Pedro Montoya, Luis Manuel Garcia
  • Patent number: 10464492
    Abstract: A tonneau for use with a pick-up truck bed includes a frame for attachment over the truck bed and a cover configured on top of the frame to protect the contents of the bed. The tonneau further includes a slidable cargo basket configured at the rear of the pick-up truck bed for enabling easy cargo access. The cargo management basket includes a plurality of slidable panels that are foldable allowing users to easily access the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Reliable Engineered Products, LLC
    Inventors: Randy W. Linn, Joseph T. Kolwick, Thomas P. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 10464466
    Abstract: A cargo securement system is disclosed and includes a track securable to a fixed mounting location within a cargo area. A slidable mount is movable along the track and securable at different positions along a longitudinal length to provide different securement positions adaptable to the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Keith Allen Godin, Gregory Hagedorn, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Kevin Preuss
  • Patent number: 10457192
    Abstract: A load securing bag for a pickup truck comprises a cuboid-shaped bag made of durable weather-resistant material having a single gusset about the side edges of the bag. When not in use, the gusset is secured by a fastening device. There is a plurality of straps which are secured to the bag with each strap having a hook at the distal end of each strap. A bag cover made of nylon webbing also has a plurality of straps having a hook at the distal end of each strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Coralee Heimstra
  • Patent number: 10427615
    Abstract: An assembly includes a body with a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis. The assembly additionally includes a cargo area coupled to the body. The cargo area has a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced from each other along the lateral direction. A first fixation point is disposed on the first sidewall. The first fixation point has a first aperture with a first central axis generally parallel to the vertical axis. A second fixation point is disposed on the second sidewall. The second fixation point has a second aperture with a second central axis generally parallel to the vertical axis. The assembly further includes a removable cargo storage device with a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a first post cooperable with the first aperture, and the second end is provided with a second post cooperable with the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark T. Traxler, John K. Quinlan, Yul Alvarado, Kevin J. Storck, Joseph Moroni
  • Patent number: 10407111
    Abstract: A customizable cargo bed system for a vehicle includes a plurality of adjoining surfaces, with at least one surface of the plurality of adjoining surfaces including at least one recessed portion. The system also includes at least one accessory panel structured to be removably attachable to the at least one surface along the at least one recessed portion. The at least one accessory panel is structured to support at least a portion of an object to be positioned in the cargo bed when the at least one accessory panel is attached to the at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Ryan C. Harris
  • Patent number: 10232690
    Abstract: An enclosure system for open-top vehicles is described. The enclosure system may include a top system coupleable with an open-top vehicle, the top system forming a top surface among a rear gate of the open-top vehicle, a first side of the open-top vehicle, a second side of the open-top vehicle, and a wall system, the top system, the wall system, the first side, the second side, and the rear gate of the open top-vehicle forming an enclosure. In some implementations, the top system may include top frame members, rigid surfaces, and a removable top panel. The wall system may be coupled with the top system and include a rigid wall extending between the top system and a floor of the open-top vehicle, the wall system separating the enclosure from a passenger area of the open-top vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Diabolical LLC
    Inventor: Alan K. Huggett
  • Patent number: 10173609
    Abstract: The truck toolbox and cooler is a storage chest. The truck toolbox and cooler is configured for use in a vehicle commonly referred to as a pickup truck. The pickup truck is further defined with a bed, a sidewall, and a wheel well. The truck toolbox and cooler is configured to mount by the sidewall of the bed over the wheel well. The truck toolbox and cooler is an insulated structure. The truck toolbox and cooler comprises a thermal shell and a storage insert. The thermal shell forms the insulated exterior shell of the truck toolbox and cooler. The storage insert is a rigid structure stored within the thermal shell. The storage insert converts the interior space of the thermal shell into a space suitable for use in storing hand tools or portable power tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: William Grimes
  • Patent number: 10040490
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a floor cooperating with the first and second sidewalls to at least partially define a cargo area. A cargo system is provided on an upper surface of at least one of the first and second sidewalls of the storage compartment. The cargo system includes at least one rail disposed on and extending longitudinally along an upper surface of one or more of the first and second sidewalls, the at least one rail having an elongate rail body including one or more slots provided therein. At least one support mechanism including at least one member is adjustably positioned on the rail body between a stored position wherein an inner surface of the at least one member at least partially covers the rail body and a deployed position wherein the inner surface is positioned to receive and support one or more items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Schlaupitz, Kyle Zidek, Peter C. Baron, Scott Parish, Keith C. Berry, William J. Majewski
  • Patent number: 10022016
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes a plurality of modules, which may be interchangeable. The modules may include a removable storage tray, a cutting board, a grill, a refrigeration unit, a television, or speakers. The grill may include a grill base with control elements, at least one flame element, at least one heat spreader positioned over the flame element, and a grill grate positioned over the heat spreader. The tailgate may include removable or rotatable lids to cover the modules. A layer of insulation may be positioned around the grill base. The tailgate may include a funnel and a removable tray to collect debris from the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Streett, Justin Malone
  • Patent number: 10005501
    Abstract: An active bed cover system having at least one deployable panel and at least one actuator. The deployable panel extends and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract within the tailgate and/or cargo bed liner allowing for access to the bed and improved usability and aesthetics. The active bed cover provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 10000159
    Abstract: A storage bin system is provided for a motor vehicle. That storage bin system includes a first cargo compartment sidewall having a first storage cavity with a first rearwardly oriented access opening. Further, the storage bin system includes a first removable storage bin received and held in the first storage cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristin Ann Hellman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Artur Sakarian, Joshua Greiner
  • Patent number: 9994259
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides vehicle that includes an auxiliary storage compartment. In various embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment includes a front wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls and a back wall that is disposed laterally between the sidewalls. The auxiliary storage compartment additionally includes a floor disposed between the front wall and the back wall. In various embodiments, at least one of the sidewalls comprising an access door movable between an Open position, wherein access to the auxiliary storage compartment is provided via the open access door, and a Closed position, wherein the closed access door defines the respective sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Jhant, Matthew Baekelandt, Christopher Furman
  • Patent number: 9956868
    Abstract: A storage container is provided having improved mounting assemblies for connection to the bed of a transport vehicle such as a truck or trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Daws Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Harrison, Harold Clinton Daws, II
  • Patent number: 9937869
    Abstract: A vehicle-bed storage box includes a container having an interior volume, an interface plate disposed within a vehicle-bed sidewall that selectively receives the container against the vehicle-bed sidewall and over a vehicle-bed wheelhouse, the interface plate including a securing recess and an interface bracket extending from at least one sidewall, the interface bracket including a rotating mechanism operable between a plurality of rotational positions, including an engaged position and a secured position when the interface bracket is received by the interface plate, the engaged position being defined by the rotating mechanism being free of engagement with the securing recess and further defined by the interface bracket being at least partially operable within the interface plate, and wherein the secured position is defined by the rotating mechanism being engaged within the securing recess and the interface bracket being substantially free of movement within the interface plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski
  • Patent number: 9919660
    Abstract: A modular side lining for a motor vehicle includes a fastener, a first lining member including a first surface along an edge of the first lining member and at least one receiver for receiving the fastener, and a second lining member including a second surface along an edge of the second lining member. The second surface abuts the first surface to form a split line, and an extension extending from the second surface has at least one hole for receiving the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Edward Barrow, Jason Dilley
  • Patent number: 9868403
    Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle storage containers, methods for making and methods for using vehicle storage containers, and motor vehicles with utility storage containers. Disclosed, for example, is a utility storage container for a motor vehicle. The utility storage container includes a container basin that attaches to the vehicle body and stows within the vehicle's cargo compartment. The container basin includes multiple sidewalls projecting from a base to cooperatively define a basin opening. An articulated door assembly includes a first door segment pivotably coupled to the container basin to transition the door assembly between a closed position, whereat the door segments cooperatively cover the basin opening, and a full-open position, whereat the door segments uncover the opening. A second door segment is pivotably coupled to the first door segment to transition the door assembly between the closed position and a half-open position, whereat the second door segment partially uncovers the basin opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Pulleyblank, Randy S. Bugbee
  • Patent number: 9868480
    Abstract: A vehicle having a power-source configured to propel the vehicle via power-source torque, a driven wheel configured to receive the power-source torque, and a vehicle body structure. The vehicle body structure includes a wheelhouse configured to extend over the driven wheel and also defines a locating feature. The vehicle further includes an integrated weight element configured to engage the locating feature and a fastener configured to fix the integrated weight element to the vehicle body structure either proximate to or directly to the wheelhouse. The vehicle can be configured as a truck, wherein the vehicle body structure includes a truck bed incorporating the wheelhouse and the integrated weight element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Michael A. Faucett, Jr., Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Patent number: 9821720
    Abstract: A slideout truck bed cover and shelving assembly for storing and easily accessing items kept in a truck bed. The slideout truck bed cover and shelving assembly includes a cover assembly including a cover member adapted to slide upon and extend from a truck bed; a shelving assembly depending from the cover member; and a storage assembly adapted to be disposed in the truck bed for holding and storing items with the cover member removably disposed over the storage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Burton Thomas McCauley
  • Patent number: 9796456
    Abstract: A pop up storage system for a boat having an opening formed in a deck includes a cabinet beneath the opening in the deck. A drawer is mounted for vertical sliding movement into and out of the cabinet and defines a storage compartment movable between an open position and a closed position. A motion assistance arrangement extends between the cabinet and the drawer, and is configured for assisting in movement of the drawer relative to the cabinet between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Zarn, Kenneth D. Skillings, Terrance Weller
  • Patent number: 9758199
    Abstract: A cargo box for a pickup truck includes a bed and a pair of sidewalls connected to opposing longitudinal sides of the bed. Each of the sidewalls has an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel has a wall portion, a lower portion, and an upper portion connected to the inner panel to join the inner and outer panels together. At least one brace is disposed in one of the sidewalls and includes a first flange connected to the upper portion, a second flange connected to the lower portion, and a third flange connected to an interior surface of the wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua R. Hemphill, Robert Reiners, John Comiez
  • Patent number: 9718415
    Abstract: A tool box housing is configured to be removably installed upon a combination rail system and mounting board, which itself is configured to mount within the cargo area of a vehicle, such as an SUV or pickup truck. The tool box housing and rail system with mounting board are configured to provide a separate, readily accessible and protected storage area for electrical units, or other items, which may be conveniently accessed using trays that slide relative to the tool box housing. The tool box housing is configured to mount to the rail system using quick release fasteners/receptacles or convention bolt/nut pairs, so that the tool box housing may quickly/easily be removed and interchangeably replaced with a flat floorboard housing, which protects the rails when the tool box housing is not utilized, and furthermore restores the floor of the vehicle to a more storage friendly state for transporting larger items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Squicciarini
  • Patent number: 9682664
    Abstract: A pocket formed by an open-topped compartment. At least one receiving compartment for holding a flat, portable electronic video display unit, particularly a tablet computer is formed in the container. Further, at least one elastic pretensioning element is located in the at least one receiving compartment, the pretensioning element whose direction of action is directed against the flat, portable electronic video display unit, particularly against the tablet computer transverse to the insertion direction of the flat, portable electronic video display unit, particularly of the tablet computer in the receiving compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bettzuege, Toralf Keydel, Andreas Markhardt
  • Patent number: 9604677
    Abstract: An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcement/ and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. McKinney, Kyle E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9527454
    Abstract: A truck storage system may include a deck configured to span substantially a total width of a truck bed, four support feet, each support foot situated at a respective corner of the truck bed and configured to support the deck, and a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the truck bed between the support feet and configured to support the deck. Alternatively, the truck storage system may be configured to span approximately half a total width of a truck bed, and include two support feet situated in corners on a same lateral side of the truck bed, and a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the truck bed between the support feet and an opposing side of the truck bed not spanned by the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DECKED, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Raymond Smith, Jake Peters, Lance Meller, Mike Hattrup, Dylan Rothwell, Shaun Christopher Muston, Jeffrey Samuel Hopkins
  • Patent number: 9487248
    Abstract: A tonneau cover is provided for a pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes a body having a vehicle forward end and a vehicle rearward end. Further, the tonneau cover includes a collapsible storage assembly that depends from the body and has at least one rearwardly opening storage compartment accessible through an open tailgate of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Buckhalt, Venkatesh Krishnan, Vikas Bhatt, Ravikumar Ranganathan