Collapsible To Nonuse Position Patents (Class 224/497)
  • Patent number: 8109422
    Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 8087559
    Abstract: A loading apparatus for allowing wheelchair access to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus attaches to the hitch receiver of the vehicle, such as a van, truck or similar vehicle. The apparatus includes three ramp section pivotably connected such that the apparatus does not obstruct vision through the rear of the vehicle but also provides sufficient ground clearance for operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David Medina, Joseph Ryan Cox, Carlos Orozco
  • Patent number: 8070028
    Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seg-Ins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Segeren, Donald Segeren, Jason Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8066162
    Abstract: A modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Jack C. T. Shen
    Inventor: Hung-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 8047412
    Abstract: A load carrier for coupling to a vehicle. The load carrier includes a loading frame and a supporting arch that extends substantially upwardly from and transversely to the loading frame. The supporting arch is divisible into first and second arch parts, each of which arch parts is pivotally coupled to the loading frame such that, when divided, each of the first and second arch parts is configured to be pivoted down to a storage position lying substantially level with the loading frame. The arch parts are configured to be interlocked to each other into an in-use position, in which the first and said second arch parts substantially alone form the supporting arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Renault S.A.S., Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Arnaud Premartin, Olivier Veuillot, Hans Odin, Joakim Persson
  • Patent number: 7992751
    Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable onto a trailer hitch of a vehicle has a two-piece tubular housing having an internal chamber for accommodating link members and rigid bars used to retain the housing in an expanded open position. A hitch bar secured to the housing is adapted to be coupled to the trailer hitch on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Larry L. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7975888
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle is disclosed. The bicycle carrier includes a first support frame structure having a base portion disposed between a pair of support arms configured to carry one or more bicycles, the base portion being configured to contact an upper region of the rear of the vehicle, where the base portion is wider than the distance between the support arms; a second support frame structure having a base portion configured to contact a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; and at least one hub assembly operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 7931177
    Abstract: A storage container for use in a boot of a motor vehicle, which container is fastenable on the lower side of a rear parcel shelf and, for loading, is movable into at least one loading and/or unloading position, and which includes a frame, a supporting surface and at least one essentially inelastic side wall connecting the supporting surface to the frame, wherein the side wall can be deformed, and therefore the height of the storage container can be varied. A module for fitting a storage container in a vehicle is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bohlke, Olaf Bueschgens, Andreas Goebbels, Wolfgang Sitzler, Werner P. Schlecht, Juergen Salewski
  • Patent number: 7900801
    Abstract: A multi-function vehicle-carrying frame includes a chassis, a positioning frame, a connecting rod, two first clasping poles, two second clasping poles, two third clasping poles and a support. The chassis is U-shaped. The positioning frame is reverse U-shaped and inserted into the chassis. An adjustable clipping post is disposed on a top tube of the positioning frame, and both lateral pipes are locked with a movable buffer cushion. The connecting rod is fixed between the lateral pipes of the positioning frame. The first clasping poles are pivotally connected to the lateral pipes of the positioning frame, the second clasping poles are connected to the lateral pipes of the first clasping pole or the positioning frame, and the third clasping poles are connected to the ends of the connecting rod. The support is connected to the lateral pipes of the positioning frame. Thereby, the multi-function vehicle-carrying frame is stable and practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Huang
  • Patent number: 7861903
    Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Brandon Plaschka
  • Patent number: 7854358
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The support holder is movably connected to the base holder to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the support holder extends out from the base holder. A tail light is movably connected to the support holder to be movable between a stored position in which the tail light is stowed in the support holder when the support holder is in the neutral position and a functional position in which the tail light extends out from the support holder and is orientated transversely to the longitudinal vehicle direction when the support holder is in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 7815083
    Abstract: A carrier for bicycles or other objects which is adapted to be mounted in a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The carrier being adapted to pivot downwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to allow for improved access to the rear doors of the vehicle. The carrier including a cantilever mounted handle having a spring actuated locking member for holding the carrier in a horizontal or, vertically stored position, or, when released, allowing the carrier to tilt downwardly. The carrier including bicycle support members is adapted to grip the wheels of a bicycle mounted thereon. The bicycle support members are mounted on transverse members and are laterally adjustable to match the wheel span of a bicycle to be carried. The bicycle support members are adapted to be folded and the transverse members moved inwardly to make the carrier more compact for storage. In an alternative embodiment, a tiltable carrier rack is provided for carrying items other than bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Softride, Inc.
    Inventors: Eivind Clausen, James D Allsop
  • Patent number: 7810685
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
  • Patent number: 7806307
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes a holding column and a support device. The holding column is movable between a horizontal position and an upright position. The holding column is operable for receiving a crank arm of a pedal of a bicycle when the holding column is in the upright position. The support device fixes the holding column in the upright position when the holding column is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Publication number: 20100181357
    Abstract: A collapsible and foldable golf bag carrier which may be collapsed and folded from an operative position to a stowed position for transport. In the operative position, the carrier is mounted at the rear of a vehicle. In the stowed position, the carrier occupies much less space than in its operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Buddy Christianson
  • Publication number: 20100096424
    Abstract: Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Luke Kuschmeader, Brian Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20100089957
    Abstract: A baggage carrier configuration is provided for a vehicle rear having a carrier, which is permanently connected to the vehicle and is movable relative to the vehicle rear from a nonusage position into a usage position, which extends further away from the vehicle rear. At least one object of the present invention is the provision of a baggage carrier configuration, in which a carrier, which is permanently connected to the vehicle and is movable back-and-forth between a nonusage position and a usage position, automatically allows the operation of a vehicle environmental detector and/or a parking aid in the usage position. For this purpose, at least one spacing sensor is provided on the carrier and the spacing sensor is activated in the usage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Armin BARTH
  • Publication number: 20090236382
    Abstract: A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Richard Jeli, Andrew Austin, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder
  • Publication number: 20090120984
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Richard Jeli, Andrew Austin, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder
  • Publication number: 20090120985
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Publication number: 20090120986
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 7434714
    Abstract: A bike carrying rack for an automobile includes a base frame, a support rack, and a pivot mechanism pivotally mounted between the base frame and the support rack and including two first rotation disks each provided with a first engaging face, and two second rotation disks each provided with a second engaging face detachably engaged with the first engaging face of the respective first rotation disk. Thus, the angle between the base frame and the support rack can be adjusted by the elastic effect of the base frame without needing to provide a spring, thereby simplifying the construction of the bike carrying rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Huang
  • Patent number: 7404504
    Abstract: Cargo carriers are disclosed, and more particularly adjustable cargo carriers that may be mounted on a rear of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Publication number: 20080035391
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible luggage rack with a built-in scale. The luggage rack is capable of weighing an item of luggage that is resting on the rack using a scale that is built into a weighing surface of the rack. A housing substantially encloses the scale and is supported by a collapsible frame that will fold alongside the housing into a compact, portable position for easy storage and transport. The scale provides a remote display of the weight that is easily visible while an item of luggage is resting on the rack. Additionally, the weighing surface of the scale is configured to measure the length and width of the item of luggage resting on the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Marie Jewett, Steve Jewett
  • Patent number: 7316339
    Abstract: A cargo carrier has a platform section. A set of foldable wall elements is for location in a first position substantially flat with a support region and in a second position substantially upright relative to the inner cargo support region. There can be two platform sections bolted together to form the overall platform section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Larin Corporation
    Inventor: Shouyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7293681
    Abstract: A rack designed to provide convenient storage of doors optionally removable from “JEEP” style Sport Utility Vehicles. This allows a driver to operate the vehicle with the doors removed and thus free up interior space. The rack is mounted on the rear of the vehicle exteriorly of the rear-mounted spare tire. Mounted securely in the rack, the doors are spaced from the spare tire and are prevented from rubbing each other and the spare tire. The doors are therefore protected from scratches and abrasions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Wills
  • Patent number: 7234618
    Abstract: A collapsible storage container is connected to upwardly extending vehicle structure adjacent to a vehicle support bed. The storage container incorporates interconnected components which facilitate changing the storage container between a non-collapsed configuration and collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Warganich
  • Patent number: 7118016
    Abstract: An equipment carrier, such as a bicycle rack, is adapted for removable mounting to a vehicle and includes a first frame and a second frame interconnected by one or more hubs. The first frame is engaged with the hubs so as to be axially movable relative to the lower frame and the hubs. The first frame defines a forward engagement area adapted for engagement with the rear of the vehicle, and the second frame defines an outer engagement area adapted to engage the vehicle at a location vertically spaced from the forward engagement area. The second frame is pivotably mounted to the hubs for movement between an operative extended position and an inoperative collapsed position. A variable position engagement arrangement is interposed between the hubs and the first frame, for selectively fixing the axial position of the first frame relative to the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 7055725
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a base having a support member that is movable between an operative position and an inoperative position. An engagement member maintains the position of the support member, and is movable between an engaged position and a release position. The engagement member is movable between the engaged position and an intermediate position by a threaded connection with the base, is movable between the intermediate position and the release position by a sliding connection with the base. The shaft includes a threaded section that engages a threaded opening in the base, for providing movement of the engagement member between the engaged position and the intermediate position upon rotation of the engagement member, and an unthreaded section that moves the shaft axially within the opening for moving the engagement member between the intermediate position and the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 7028872
    Abstract: A storage device for a motor vehicle, such as a station wagon, including at least one partially flexible storage bag, which can be firmly secured in the cargo space, wherein each of two opposing sides of the storage bag features a dimensionally stable supporting section extending along at least one entire horizontal length of the side to which it corresponds, wherein the opposing fronts of the supporting sections can be secured, in a detachable manner, in a mounting device in the cargo space, and the dimensionally stable supporting sections are connected to one another by a flexible folding structure that protrudes into at least one floor section of the storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mark Lobanoff
  • Patent number: 7000814
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes two tubes each have a support bar at a first end thereof for supporting bicycles thereon and a positioning member is connected to an inside of a second end of each of the first and second tubes. The extension part from a vehicle is clamped between the two positioning members and a sphere is connected to the extension part. A retaining member is connected between the first and second tubes and includes a collar so as to embrace the sphere. A ring is connected to a first tube and a holding member is pivotably connected to the second tube, the holding member includes a hook portion which is disengageably hooked by the ring. The contact area of the bicycle rack and the extension part and the sphere is large enough to reduce shaking during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chiu-Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 6971565
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes two rods with two plates pivotably connected therebetween and a secure device is connects the two plates. The secure device includes a locking member with a latch which extends through the body of the secure device and is engaged with two aligned apertures respectively defined through the two plates. The locking member is controlled by a lock device so that the latch is not disengaged form the apertures of the plates unintentionally. An operation member is connected to one of the two rods and a locking ring is connected to the other rod so as to be hooked on the operation member to clamp the two clamping members together to securely clamp the spherical receiver between the clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 6938807
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Patent number: 6918520
    Abstract: A spare tire holder device mounted in a hitch receiver and holding the spare tire upright behind the tail gate of a pickup truck. The device is rotatable so the holder maintains the spare tire upright in a normal position and can be rotated away so as to hold the spare tire in a horizontal position to allow opening of the tail gate without removing the mount device from the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Edward Skinner
  • Patent number: 6889880
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo rack is provided with a sill connected to the vehicle, at least one rotatable joint mounted on the sill, and at least one arm coupled to the at least one joint and configured to hold cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfonso E. Albaisa, John Cupit
  • Patent number: 6863198
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of a propane tank for filling includes a clamp assembly that is adapted for attachment to a portion of a sidewall of a pickup truck. A removable assembly is detachably-attachable with respect to the clamp assembly. The removable assembly includes a pivoting plate that is adapted to receive a bottom of a propane tank thereon, and a band assembly that is adapted to secure an upper portion of the propane tank. The pivoting plate is adapted to pivot upward for storage and the band assembly is adapted to pivot downward for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Wyland Darby
  • Publication number: 20040256429
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes two rods with two plates pivotably connected therebetween and a secure device is connects the two plates. The secure device includes a locking member with a latch which extends through the body of the secure device and is engaged with two aligned apertures respectively defined through the two plates. The locking member is controlled by a lock device so that the latch is not disengaged form the apertures of the plates unintentionally. An operation member is connected to one of the two rods and a locking ring is connected to the other rod so as to be hooked on the operation member to clamp the two clamping members together to securely clamp the spherical receiver between the clamping members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 6811067
    Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Noel Mack
  • Publication number: 20040211805
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Patent number: 6772928
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multipurpose activity frame for a vehicle articulating roof rack system including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary top portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, and a rotatable bottom portion operable between a stowed vertical position and an open horizontal position received by the stationary top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ford, Noah Barlow Mass, Noel Ranka, Travis Steven Garland
  • Patent number: 6719347
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base having a surface, a rear panel pivotally attached to the base, and a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in an open position, wherein the locking member is configured to move independently relative to the rear panel and upwardly and downwardly relative to the base, and wherein the rear panel is allowed to pivot when the locking member is moved upwardly and wherein the rear panel is maintained in the open position when the locking member is moved downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Brian Flaman
  • Patent number: 6715652
    Abstract: An article carrier adapted to hold cargo and other articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, a station wagon, or minivan. The article carrier includes a pair of supports which are fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. A cargo supporting structure having a pair of upper coupling links is pivotally and releasably coupled to the supports. The cargo supporting structure includes a pair of main support members which each include a pair of pivot assemblies. The cargo supporting structure is detachably and pivotally secured to a pair of anchor assemblies attached to the liftgate of the vehicle or the bumper of the vehicle. The three pivot points along each side of the cargo supporting structure enable it to be pivoted with the liftgate when the liftgate is lifted and closed such that the article carrier does not interfere with operation of the liftgate. The entire article carrier can be quickly and easily detached from the vehicle for storage when it is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Milton J. Antonick
  • Publication number: 20040056058
    Abstract: A cargo storage system has two panels pivotally mounted above a base frame for rotation between a closed position where the panels are generally co-planar and have inner longitudinal edges adjacent each other, the panels then cooperatively defining a generally flat surface, and an open position where the panels are generally parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The panels are pivotally mounted at opposite ends thereof adjacent outer longitudinal edges thereof. The cargo storage system further has spaced-apart foldable elements between the panels to define storage areas between the foldable elements and the panels. A releasing mechanism is included for releasing the panels from their stored position. A spring or the like preferably then moves the panels to the open position automatically. The panels are connected to each other via an actuator mechanism for movement of the panels in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick T. Ryan
  • 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: 6701913
    Abstract: An apparatus that is selectively attachable to a vehicle, for transporting a cooking device and positioning the cooking device in a desired orientation for cooking that also permits access to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hitch insertion member for insertion into a trailer hitch, a support arm attached to the hitch insertion member, a swing arm attached to the support arm with a locking hinge assembly, a pedestal attached to the swing arm, and a cooking device, for example a barbeque, that is attached to a column that is inserted into the pedestal and that can rotate in the pedestal. The locking hinge assembly has a plurality of locking holes for selective alignment with an angle securing hole in the support arm for locking the swing arm at a selected angle in relation to the support arm by placing an angle locking bar into the aligned holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Freedom Grill, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. LeDuc, Scott C. Salter, Steven J. Caliguri
  • Publication number: 20040020956
    Abstract: A storage device for a motor vehicle, such as a station wagon, including at least one partially flexible storage bag, which can be firmly secured in the cargo space, wherein each of two opposing sides of the storage bag features a dimensionally stable supporting section extending along at least one entire horizontal length of the side to which it corresponds, wherein the opposing fronts of the supporting sections can be secured, in a detachable manner, in a mounting device in the cargo space, and the dimensionally stable supporting sections are connected to one another by a flexible folding structure that protrudes into at least one floor section of the storage bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Lobanoff
  • Patent number: 6676185
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. A pair or partition panels are pivotally attached to the base surface in adjacent spaced apart relationship and are movable between a closed position in face-to-face relation with the base and an open position substantially transverse to the base surface and the rear panel. A handle is connected to the pair of partitions panels that is configured to be grasped by a user to move the partition panels in tandem from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Brian Flaman
  • Publication number: 20030230610
    Abstract: A virtual market making system to allow for demand based pricing of drugs to be utilized by pharmaceutical manufacturers, payors, prescribers, electronic service providers, pharmacy benefit management companies, and other parties involved in the exchange of drugs and their relevant pricing and identification information. The market making system includes the calculation and presentation of the drug pricing information, the drug identification information, as well as the exchange of monies between participating entities in the market making system. In addition, the system allows for informational exchange between the participating entities in order to gauge market demand and adjust price accordingly. The system has the ability to interact with remote and directly connected electronic devices, databases, and information providers. The system also has the ability to interact with online and offline drug information, participating entities, and servicers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Anita Louise Cyr-Hasty, Dersa Rose Cyr
  • Publication number: 20030209582
    Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael K. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6644710
    Abstract: A box container and loading space for a motor vehicle are provided, in which the box container is provided with wall parts that are parallelogrammatically movably mounted around axes parallel to each other relative to one another between a collapsed inoperative position and a mounted or erected operational position, particularly for use in passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Holger Seel, Werner P. Schlecht