Combined With Rack Or Receptacles Patents (Class 224/42.13)
  • Patent number: 11577660
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier is provided, including: a hanging assembly and at least one carrying assembly. The hanging assembly includes a first engaging portion. The at least one carrying assembly is rotatably and transversely disposed on the hanging assembly and includes a frame configured for a vehicle to be disposed thereon, a movable rod and a second engaging portion connected with the movable rod. The movable rod is movable in a longitudinal direction of the frame to drive the second engaging portion to move relative to the first engaging portion between a locking position and a release position. When the movable rod is axially moved relative to the frame and drives the second engaging portion to move from the locking position to the release position, the frame is swingable relative to the hanging assembly between a carrying position and an inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: YOTTA INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stella Huang
  • Patent number: 11345419
    Abstract: An electric vehicle may include a body; a spare tire disposed in a rear portion of the body; and a brace fixed to the body, extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction, and supporting the spare tire from below. The brace may include a front end fixed to the body, a rear end fixed to the body at a position rearward of the front end, and a bent portion located between the front end and the rear end. The bent portion of the brace is located above a straight line extending between the front end and the rear end of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Okamura, Iwao Furukawa
  • Patent number: 10710650
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a spare tire mount on a vehicle, particularly for use on pick-up trucks and similar vehicles having an open cargo area. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spare tire mount which is held at an angle within a cargo bed area of a pick-up truck in which can be moved to an elevated position to allow for greater utilization of the cargo area of a pick-up truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Shannon Cassell
  • Patent number: 10259508
    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: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Bernhard Leitner
  • Patent number: 10150520
    Abstract: A spare tire retainer includes a plurality of studs fixed to and extending from one surface of a supporting wall. A tire is assembled to a wheel that defines a plurality of holes that are adapted to receive the plurality of studs. A clamp is assembled to the plurality of studs to secure the wheel to the supporting wall. The plurality of studs may be weld studs that are welded to the supporting wall. The plurality of studs may each define a notch in one side and the clamp may be received in the notches when the clamp is assembled to the studs. A container for a set of tools used to replace a tire is disclosed that may be assembled to the wheel. A plurality of clips is disclosed for securing the container to the wheel. The clips engage a rim of the wheel radially inside the tire. The container may be assembled to the wheel after the clamp secures the wheel to the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Kaleb Jalpa, Nicole Pamela Herrera Gutierrez, Eva Talia Huerta, Federico Emilio Mejia Barajas, Jorge Adolfo Miranda Nieto
  • Patent number: 10137839
    Abstract: A utility tray is provided for mounting in the cargo area of a vehicle, in place of the pre-existing vehicle floor. The assembly comprises a frame assembly, disposable within the cargo area, the frame assembly comprising a U-shaped frame and a plurality of frame support members, connected to the frame and engageable to the vehicle, for securing the frame to the vehicle. A cover is disposed along the upper surface of the frame assembly to form a false floor, defining a cover front portion, extending across the frame front end portion and a portion of the side members and a cover rear portion extending across the frame rear end portion and a portion of the side members. The cover rear end portion is translatable from a first closed position to a second open position, to facilitate access to the tray and a lower cargo area below the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Iddea California, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Edward Kelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10046708
    Abstract: A system to vary the angle of rotation between two surfaces is presented herein. One general aspect of this system includes a horizontally-oriented fixed surface. The system also includes a planar surface rotatably connected to one side of the fixed surface and configured to substantially cover the fixed surface. The system also includes a raising apparatus affixed to the fixed surface, the raising apparatus operatively connected to the planar surface, the raising apparatus operatively connected to the planar surface, where, based on the amount of downward force being applied to the planar surface, the raising apparatus lowers a portion of the planar surface in relation to the fixed surface so as to reduce the angle of rotation between the planar surface and fixed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Lina Peralta Orta
  • Patent number: 9950676
    Abstract: A utility rack system which may be secured to a vehicle to allow a wide range of attachment functions. The utility rack system generally includes a base frame, a mounting member, an adjustment member, and one or more adjustable legs. The mounting member may be utilized to secure the base frame a vehicle, such as through use of a towing hitch. The base frame is pivotally secured to the mounting member such that it may pivot with respect thereto. The adjustment member is utilized to adjust and lock the base frame into various positions with respect to the mounting member. The adjustable legs may be secured beneath the frame. The present invention also includes a wide range of attachments which may be removably secured to the base frame for supporting various items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Tony John Cergnul
  • Patent number: 9707904
    Abstract: A receptacle for attachment to a rim is disclosed, being primarily used to store wheel lug nuts into said receptacle for storage and transportation of lug nuts with their associated wheels. The receptacle comprises a lid, a container and a securing pin. The container secures the wheel lug nuts, while the lid fastens onto the container to secure its contents, and meanwhile the securing pin secures the lid onto the container and ultimately onto the rim of the wheel, such that the wheel lug nuts are easily stored with the rim. This procedure is primarily performed before the winter or summer seasons, or when the wheels are changed for wheel leasing purposes or the transportation of wheels with their associated lug nuts, to ensure that the wheel lug nuts are never misplaced or lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Francis, Donald Francis
  • Patent number: 9302717
    Abstract: A truck bed extension is configured to connect to a right striker post and a left striker post on a truck having a tail gate. The truck bed extension has a tail gate attachment plate, mechanically coupled to the tail gate. A back plate is rotationally connected to the tail gate attachment plate with a first back plate hinge assembly, a second back plate hinge assembly, a third back plate hinge assembly and a fourth back plate hinge assembly. Right and left plates are rotationally connected to the back plate with two plate hinge assemblies. A right plate bracket is attached to the right plate and configured to receive the right striker post. A left plate bracket is attached to the left plate and configured to receive the left striker post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Terry James Rude
  • Patent number: 9049924
    Abstract: A deployable table for an external spare tire assembly is an apparatus that provides a user with a fold-out shelf while the apparatus is attached to the spare tire assembly or provides the user with a table while the apparatus is detached from the spare tire assembly. The apparatus includes an adapter mount, a dual compression clamp, a central hub, a table frame, a table top, and foldable legs. The adapter mount allows the apparatus to detachably attach to the external spare tire assembly. The central hub is connected normal to the table frame, which is used to support the table top. The table top has a stationary portion and a fold-out portion that is used as the shelf. The foldable legs collapse within the table frame or can extend when the apparatus is used as a table. The dual compression clamp connects the central hub to the adapter mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Dan C. Larimer
  • Patent number: 8984706
    Abstract: A window washer system for a vehicle may include a fluid reservoir and a nozzle. The fluid reservoir may be disposed on an exterior side of a tailgate of the vehicle and may be adapted to store a quantity of window washer fluid. The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and may be operable to deposit the window washer fluid onto a rear window of the vehicle. The window washer system may be disposed proximate a spare tire carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: John S. Kargilis
  • Patent number: 8777070
    Abstract: A spare tire carrier is provided. The spare tire carrier includes a mounting assembly and a support assembly that cooperate to carry a spare tire. The mounting assembly is configured for releaseably connecting the spare tire carrier to a vehicle. The support assembly is configured for supporting the spare tire regardless of whether the spare tire has a rim or is rimless. The spare tire carrier may also include a hinged bracket that allows the spare tire carrier to be placed in a down position to allow the driver to access engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: JF Products, LP
    Inventors: Joseph S. Moore, Frank Bruno
  • Patent number: 8690033
    Abstract: A tank assembly is configured for attachment to a mount of a tire carrier of a vehicle. The tank assembly includes a hub reservoir and a flange reservoir. The hub reservoir radially surrounds a central axis and is configured for connection to, and being supported by, the mount of the tire carrier. The flange reservoir extends radially from the hub reservoir about the central axis. The hub reservoir and the flange reservoir cooperate to define a cavity which is configured for holding a volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Streetcar ORV LLC
    Inventor: David Harriton
  • Patent number: 8550315
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: David M. Houser, Adrian J. Purvis, Bhaskar Avutapalli
  • Patent number: 8387839
    Abstract: A rack for mounting on a spare tire assembly of a vehicle includes a mounting plate engagable to a spare tire mounting bracket of the vehicle, and a mast connected to the mounting plate in a substantially vertical position. The rack also includes a shoulder member connected proximate a top end of the mast and mountable proximate the top end of the mast using a connector at more than one position along a horizontal axis relative to the mast. A hub assembly is connected to the shoulder member, and a pair of arms are connected to the hub assembly that are configured to carry one or more bikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder
  • Patent number: 8371485
    Abstract: A spare tire holder and installation for a vehicle is provided. To this end, the spare tire holder includes, but is not limited to a mount that can be pivoted downward in the tail region underneath the car body. The mount can furthermore be pivoted about a pivot joint. To this end, an actuating mechanism holds the mount in a locked position and releases the mount such that it can be pivoted into a pivoted position. In this case, the vehicle has a reduced vehicle overhang between the rear wheel axle and the tail. Two swing arms are furthermore arranged to both sides of the mount. The swing arms feature double-jointed hinges with two pivot joints per hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stephan Rosenplänter
  • Publication number: 20130026199
    Abstract: A tank assembly is configured for attachment to a mount of a tire carrier of a vehicle. The tank assembly includes a hub reservoir and a flange reservoir. The hub reservoir radially surrounds a central axis and is configured for connection to, and being supported by, the mount of the tire carrier. The flange reservoir extends radially from the hub reservoir about the central axis. The hub reservoir and the flange reservoir cooperate to define a cavity which is configured for holding a volume of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: David Harriton
  • Patent number: 7703791
    Abstract: A fifth wheel cover comprises a shell arranged to span over the fifth wheel plate of a tractor trailer chassis. The shell has a continuous, circular, peripheral edge to which a continuous band of elastomeric material is integrally joined about the full periphery for retaining the shell on the fifth wheel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Varjassy
  • Patent number: 7533789
    Abstract: A spare tire mounting apparatus includes a mounting including a male hitch coupler and a female hitch coupler that are attached together. The male hitch coupler may be extended into and secured to the receiver hitch. A pole is attached to and extends upwardly from the mounting. The pole has a front side and a back side. The pole has a break therein such that a first portion and a second portion are defined. The first portion abuts the mounting and is hingedly coupled to the second portion. The hinge is positioned on the front side of the pole. A rod for removably receiving a tire is attached to the pole and extends outwardly away from the front side of the pole. The rod is positioned on the second portion of the pole. The rod is threaded and a threaded locking member is selectively positionable on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen J. Seely, Sally J. Seely
  • Patent number: 7389898
    Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagon AG
    Inventors: Holger Riemer, Frank Babel, Oliver Burnus
  • Publication number: 20080067200
    Abstract: A spare wheel cover comprising: a vaulted external panel having an external side and an internal side, said external panel comprising: a first opening at the top thereof; and means for attaching holding straps; and a circular band for covering the circumference of the wheel, wherein the internal side of said external panel is adapted to be mounted against the wheel and wherein said means for attaching are adapted to hold straps, said straps wound around said wheel and said cover and wherein said vaulted external panel and said wheel define a storage volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Arnon Bernshtein
  • Patent number: 7331494
    Abstract: A bike carrying rack for use with a wheeled vehicle includes a main frame, a mounting member mounted on the main frame and has two ends each movably mounted in a respective one of the first mounting tube and the second mounting tube of the main frame, and two support members each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the first upright tube and the upright tube of the link of the main frame. Thus, the bike carrying rack is both available for the back tire located at the right side and the left side of the rear portion of the wheeled vehicle, thereby enhancing the versatility of the bike carrying rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Huang
  • Patent number: 6913304
    Abstract: A dual-compartment storage apparatus is a toolbox system for pickup trucks with a recessed receiving zone in the middle, wherein a wheel of a motorcycle to fit into the receiving zone and allows the entire motorcycle to fit in into the truck bed. Additionally, the tool box provides tie-down points to secure the motorcycle during transport and prevent it from moving about. Finally, a storage compartment across the back of the box holds a collapsible ramp to allow the motorcycle to roll into and out of the bed with a minimum of effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Neil R. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6910669
    Abstract: A bracket adapted to fit through a wheel of a spare tire for a vehicle is provided. The bracket includes a first plate portion, a first member, a second plate portion, and a second member. The first plate portion has at least two stud holes formed therethrough and arranged in a pattern corresponding to a wheel-stud pattern for at least one vehicle. The first member extends from the first plate portion. At least part of an exterior surface of the first member has a cylindrical shape. The first member has a first threaded portion. The second member extends from the second plate portion. The second member has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is adapted to mate with the second threaded portion. The bracket may be includes in a kit, wherein the kit includes a container holding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Gates, Monte Morrish
  • Patent number: 6783039
    Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Robert G. Zum Mallen, Derik Thomas Voigt, Kerry Stephen McClure
  • Patent number: 6777044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fabric object and a method of making the coated fabric object, including a vase, container or furniture panel, the object having an outer fabric wrapping with a sewn seam and drawstring to tighten the seam around the neck of the object, an inner fabric collar applied and fitted to the opening of the object, after which a clear resin coating is applied to the fabric, causing the fabric to become stiff as the resin hardens, permanently bonding the fabric to the object to which it is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Daniel Andre Jeandemange, Philippe Manuel Poma
  • Patent number: 6761293
    Abstract: A support for a spare tire for the tailgate of an automobile. The support is configured to receive an anchoring disk of the spare tire and is positioned in the thickness of the tailgate between an internal lining panel turned toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an external body panel, so that the spare tire is flush with the extension of the external panel. The support is carried by an internal tubular frame of the tailgate that carries the hinge and locking mechanisms of the tailgate on the body shell structure, and to which the internal lining and external body panels are anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: RENAULT
    Inventor: Patrice Vasseur
  • Publication number: 20040031826
    Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Robert G. Zum Mallen, Derik Thomas Voigt, Kerry Stephen McClure
  • Patent number: 6547300
    Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle having a floor panel, a pocket provided on the floor panel for accommodating a spare tire assembly therein and a seat disposed above the pocket includes a reinforcement member hingedly connected with the floor panel and covering at least a part of the opening of the pocket for preventing the spare tire assembly from moving, a seat fixing section provided on the reinforcement member for detachably fixing the seat, and a seat belt anchoring section provided on the reinforcement member for anchoring an end portion of a seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Watanabe, Jun Chida
  • Patent number: 6502886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects in a vehicle. The device consists of an essentially trough-shaped holding container. The aim of the invention is to make the device more secure and more user-friendly. To this end, the holding container consists of a frame-type fixing part which can be fixed inside the vehicle, and at least one part-container which can be removed from the fixing part to form an access opening in the area of a part for accommodating a spare wheel on the vehicle side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John Bleau, Tamas Karacsonyi, Mike Dearman
  • Patent number: 6336671
    Abstract: A jack storage assembly is provided for use in conjunction with an automotive vehicle having a wheel well for storage of a spare tire and in which the wheel well includes a bracket over which the spare tire is positioned. The assembly includes a bucket which is adapted to contain a jack, and the bucket is detachably secured to the bracket so that the spare tire is sandwiched in between the bucket and the wheel well. The cover is then positioned over the spare tire while a fastener is detachably secured to the bucket such that the cover is sandwiched in between the fastener and the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Hugo Leonardi
  • Patent number: 6334543
    Abstract: The instant invention is a foldable plastic container consisting of accordion type pleats, a top having a circular depression for filling/emptying the container, a folding handle fastened to the top, and a telescoping nozzle which may be nested and contained in the cover or expanded for pouring a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Abbondandolo
  • Patent number: 6250524
    Abstract: A spare-tire fastening structure is for fastening a spare-tire 1 to a support member (bracket 2) in a spare-tire receiving section. The fastening structure comprises a nut member 5 and a bolt member 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: T. Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6189749
    Abstract: A device for fixing a flat tire (30) in an automobile which has an accommodating space (5) behind a bucket seat (1) in which the bucket seat is accommodated which has been folded, comprises: a flat tire fixing threaded member (34); a vehicle body screw hole (20) which is located near the front edge of the accommodating space (5), and is threadably engaged with the threaded member (34); and a bracket (40) which has a first screw hole (42) which is threadably engaged with the vehicle body screw hole (20), and a second screw hole (44a) with which the flat tire fixing threaded member (34) is threadably engaged. In the case where the bucket seat is folded and accommodated, with the vehicle body screw hole 20 set in alignment with one of the bolt holes of the flat tire (30) the latter (30) is fixedly secured to the vehicle body screw hole (20) by means of the threaded member (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sato, Yasuyuki Shibata, Kazuhiko Maruyama