Article Carriers Patents (Class 280/769)
  • Patent number: 5836605
    Abstract: A improved trailer for transporting large round coil stock. The trailer includes a platform having opposed front and rear portions and a pair of opposed sides, and a frame fastened to the platform and cooperatively supported by axles, wheels and suspension equipment. The frame has at least two parallel beams interconnected by cross beams and a plurality of brackets attached at spaced intervals along the length of the parallel beams. Each bracket includes a support member having an opening adapted to receive a removable post. A cross piece block is positioned between the coil stock and two or more removable posts which are inserted within the opening at equal distances from a front portion of the trailer to restrain forward movement of the coil stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Keith Bowling
  • Patent number: 5782016
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus is disclosed for mounting under a body of a truck. The apparatus includes a table having a forward and a trailing end. The forward end is pivotally secured to the body of the truck. The arrangement is such that the table is permitted to pitch relative to the body of the truck. A bearing is secured to the table and is disposed between the forward and the trailing ends. A mold board scraper is disposed below and supported by the table with the mold board scraper being rotatably secured to the table by the bearing. A hydraulic cylinder secured to the mold board scraper rotates the scraper relative to the table and an actuator pivots the table for controlling the pitch of the table and the mold board secured to the table so that scraping of snow, ice and gravel regardless of the level thereof relative to the truck is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Feller, Kevin J. Davis
  • Patent number: 5765868
    Abstract: A portable accessory container for mounting on a supporting structure, such as a rear wall of a hand-drawn wagon. The container comprises a receptacle portion for carrying articles and an attachment or mounting portion for attachment to a supporting structure, such as a vertical wall. The receptacle portion is preferably an open-top structure having a horizontal bottom wall and four vertical side walls, which may be either slatted or imperforate. The attachment or mounting portion may comprise either a pair of spaced hooks or an inverted U-shaped sheet attached to the receptacle portion. Either hooks or an inverted U-shaped sheet are adapted to extend over an upper edge of a rear wall of a hand-drawn. A container assembly comprising a container mounted on a wagon provides appreciably more storage space for articles than does the wagon alone. Various modifications and improvements are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Jon E. Ventrone, Terri L. Ventrone
  • Patent number: 5718301
    Abstract: A self-propelled golf cart has a cart body which effectively defines a chamber in the rearward portion of the body; the chamber has first and second side walls generally opposed to each other; each of the side walls has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough which respectively communicate with tubular members which are within the chamber and generally between the side walls; and golf clubs are respectively inserted into and through the apertures as to result in the shafts of such clubs extending into respective ones of the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Paragon Classics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hansford R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5692779
    Abstract: A trailer with easy change axles is disclosed. Such trailer comprises a frame fabricated of tubular steel having parallel side rails and parallel front and rear rails with a transverse stabilizing rail extending from side rail to side rail adjacent to the rear rail. The frame also has a forwardly extending triangular coupling component extending forwardly from the front rail. Arcuate leaf springs extend downwardly from the frame and are coupled thereto on opposite sides of the stabilizing rail. A tubular rear axle support with a hollow rectangular configuration and opposite ends is secured at upper extents to lower extents of the leaf springs. The rear axle support has horizontal apertures extending therethrough adjacent to the opposite ends. A forwardly extending hitch member with a rearward end is secured to the front rail of the frame. A rearward region is secured to the forwardmost portion of the coupling component with a forward end with a vertical aperture extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Waitus L. Hedgepeth
  • Patent number: 5653366
    Abstract: A safety box is adapted for use at any suitable location; however, it is designed especially for use in an automotive vehicle, and more specifically in a rented auto. An anchor member (perhaps a massive nylon block) is bolted to the floor of the vehicle or to another suitable stationary structure. The bottom of the box has a cavity which slips over and captures the anchor member, thus securing the box to the automotive vehicle floor or the like. A sliding door panel is located on the top of the box. In the back of the box, a sliding latch bar is completely enclosed within a vertical bore through the box wall. A spring biases the latch bar to a raised position where its lower end is outside the cavity. A closing of the lid pushes the latch bar downwardly and into the cavity, which traps the anchor member within the cavity to prevent a theft of the box. The closed lid, and therefore the trapped anchor member, is locked with a single key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Tony Liserre
  • Patent number: 5642844
    Abstract: A tree stand carrier for an ATV comprised of a U-shaped support comprised of a pair of vertical supports and a horizontal support joined at lower ends of the pair of vertical supports. Each of the pair of vertical supports has an outwardly extending edge portion thereby forming a vertical chamber. The horizontal support has an upwardly extending edge portion thereby forming a horizontal chamber. The U-shaped support is securable to an ATV for transportation of a tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Roger Rector
  • Patent number: 5516017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 5489112
    Abstract: A support mounting unit is provided for mounting a transportable cart or like apparatus to a vehicle so as to provide an easy method of transport for an apparatus. The mounting unit includes a mounting means for securing the invention to the rear bumper of a vehicle, a top and bottom clamping jaw for securing the cart to the mounting unit, and an automatic locking mechanism. The top jaw of the invention is attached to a main body portion by means of hinges on each side of the body portion. The top jaw can then be moved from a nominally horizontal closed position to an angled upwardly open position. Thus, once a lower attachment bar secured to the transportable apparatus has been placed in the lower U-shaped bracket, the apparatus is rotated and the upper attachment bar pushes the top jaw into the open position. The attachment bar can now be secured in the U-shaped bracket embedded in top jaw, and the top jaw can return to a closed position where the locking bolt automatically secures it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce Warrington, Tom Dula
  • Patent number: 5489110
    Abstract: A hitch rack is described which cooperates with a hitch receiver on an automotive vehicle to enable a recreational or sporting article to be carried at the rear or front of a vehicle. The hitch rack includes a foot engagement bar for operating a cinch enabling the article support structure of the rack to be moved between a transportation and an inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Donn S. Van Dusen
  • Patent number: 5439152
    Abstract: An extendable carrier rack comprising a pair of L-shaped base legs, each base leg having a horizontal outer side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween; a pair L-shaped extension legs, each extension leg having a horizontal inner side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween with the lower free ends of the extension legs each coupled with a separate free end of a base leg; a pair of L-shaped bottom rails with one bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate base legs and the other bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate extension legs, whereby the base legs, extension legs, and bottom rails define a pedestal having a base section and an upwardly extended legged section adapted to be placed in and secured to a vehicle; and a pair of u-shaped holding legs with each holding leg having a top rail and a pair of inner exten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Samuel Campbell
  • Patent number: 5439151
    Abstract: A cargo carrier for a vehicle includes a frame having an elongated front jaw, a U-shaped rear jaw having a first end pivotally attached to one end of the front jaw along a vertical pivot axis. The second end of the rear jaw is releasably secured to the other end of the front jaw so as to enclose a space between the closed jaws. The carrier further includes a hitch tongue for releasably cantilevering the frame to the vehicle. A container for cargo is releasably secured to at least one of the frame jaws and has a base portion which extends into the space between the jaws and an upper portion which protrudes from the jaws in the closed position. The container has at least one catch/holddown mechanism disposed below an outwardly protruding ledge on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5419131
    Abstract: The mobile machine is provided with a power unit containing a prime mover and a hydraulic system connected thereto for supplying power to hydraulically operated machine parts. The power unit includes a number of components and is mounted at a support frame. Either the entire power unit as such or selected ones of its components are arranged for displacement between a first or operative position and a second or displaced position in which free access is provided to the power unit as such or its selected components for maintenance and/or repair operations. Also, those parts of the machine, which are hidden behind the power unit or its selected components in their first or operative position, become accessible in the second or displaced position of the power unit or selected components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Werner Doppstadt
  • Patent number: 5397147
    Abstract: A vehicular work table apparatus comprising a vehicular work table apparatus coupleable to a hitch chassis of a vehicle comprising of a pedestal formed of a rod, the rod including a base end, a support end, and a intermediate location defined between the base end and the support end, the rod further including a support segment and a base segment, the support segment extending upwards from the intermediate location to the support end, the base segment extending from the intermediate location to the base end, the base end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle's hitch chassis to place the pedestal in an upright configuration. A plate coupled to the support end of the pedestal to define a table top, with the pedestal and table top defining a table. A means for coupling the table to a vehicle to place the table in a stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Arthur W. Ducharme, David W. Carson
  • Patent number: 5368209
    Abstract: A rectilinear frame mounting a floor within the frame includes a first mounting tube extending from the frame relative to a forward leg of the frame, with the rear leg of the frame integrally mounting a second mounting tube orthogonally oriented relative to the first mounting tube permitting ease of storage of the frame by the second mounting tube or use of the frame by use of the first mounting tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Norman L. Hill
  • Patent number: 5303795
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a pair of hinged storage compartments with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a floor are pivotally attached to the motorcycle fairing generally midway between the front and rear wheels, forward of the seat, rearward of the steering column and substantially adjacent and on opposite sides of the engine in order to promote a stabilizing influence and maintain aerodynamic balance for the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Buell Motor Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Buell
  • Patent number: 5299832
    Abstract: A pair of clamps for supporting the rear fender of a motorcycle. Each clamp has two portions, one portion having a curved member extending therefrom, and both portions having recesses formed in each portion that, when the portions are brought together and aligned, form a channel dimensioned to grip the motorcycle frame securely just behind and below the seat. The curved members follow the rear fender upwardly and rearwardly from the frame and are bolted thereto with spacers between the fender and each curved member. Additional support and stability is obtained by one or more members that run from one curved member to the other under the seat transversely to the curved members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignees: Ted L. Price, Mike Garvey
    Inventor: Ted L. Price, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5267748
    Abstract: A vehicle tool platform apparatus adapted for use with and attachment to a work type truck having a rear tailgate or a van with rear doors, said truck or van having a rear trailer hitch. A vehicle tool platform apparatus comprising a flat tool platform, elongated angle support bar having one end secured to the bottom surface of the tool platform and the other end adapted to be received and secured in the rear trailer hitch. A work tool, such as a vise, bench grinder or saw, is secured to the top surface of the tool platform. The angle and length of the support rod is designed so that the plane of the tool platform is at a height generally level with the floor of the van or the bed of the truck to which the work platform apparatus is to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Charles F. Curran
  • Patent number: 5251947
    Abstract: A chain box mountable beneath a load bed adjacent to one edge thereof. The chain box includes a upwardly opening mouth and an interior rearwardly tapering internal chamber which receives a chain through the open mouth and rearwardly moves and inwardly stacks the chain. The free end of the chain engages the box at the mouth for withdrawal of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: Gene E. Kirila, II, James S. Lapikas
  • Patent number: 5243928
    Abstract: First and second cargo racks are mounted on opposed sides of the cockpit entry opening on a kayak deck to mount cargo relative to the kayak structure when limited cargo space is available within the kayak. The first and second racks include pairs of rail members mounted to supporting posts to fixedly secure the rails relative to the deck of the kayak member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: David E. Brenaman
  • Patent number: 5213364
    Abstract: A golf club holder and dispenser used in combination with and mounted on a golf cart in order to securely retain a plurality of golf clubs in a stored position within a housing mounted transversely on the rear of the golf cart with the clubs being movable in a circular path to enable a desired club to be positioned for easy access and removal for use by a golfer and easy replacement. The holder and dispenser includes a pair of spaced circular club supporting members having a plurality of notches in the periphery thereof receiving the shafts of the golf clubs with the notched circular members being rotatably driven by a switch controlled reversible DC motor. The golf clubs are retained in position by a centrally disposed circular member of lesser diameter then the circular club supporting members and located intermediate the circular club supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Dana L. Theckston
  • Patent number: 5147077
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes an engine unit disposed below a main tube extending rearwardly from a head pipe and a seat detachably mounted upon a seat rail extending rearwardly from a rear end of the main tube. The motorcycle is also provided with a storage box container or compartment disposed at an upper central portion of the body frame of the motorcycle and comprising a storage box body having a rear portion supported upon the seat rail so as to be pivotable upwardly and rearwardly by a first hinge mechanism and a front portion secured to the main tube. A lid member is disposed for opening and closing the storage box body and is pivotable upwardly and forwardly by a second hinge mechanism. The storage box body has its rear portion disposed so as to be overlapped by a front end portion of the seat and is pivotable body is upwardly to a position disposed rearwardly of the first hinge so as to have a substantially upright attitude with respect to the seat rail when the seat is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Nakajima, Toshimasa Miyabe
  • Patent number: 5127560
    Abstract: A storage box equipment of a motorcycle is disposed at substantially an upper central portion of a body frame of the motorcycle and comprises a storage box body having an upper portion defining an opening and having a rear portion supported to the body frame to be openable by a first hinge mechanism, a lid member for opening and closing the opening of the storage box body by a second hinge mechanism and a lock mechanism mounted to the storage box body for locking the lid member. The lock mechanism includes a pair of strikers which are engaged with a pair of hook disposed on the lid member and includes a solenoid which is attached to a base plate secured to the storage box body. The second hinge member is disposed at a front end portion of the storage box body and comprises a lever and a spring members. The lid member may be reinforced with a reinforcing member disposed on the side of the lid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Miyamoto, Mitsuya Tachibana, Shinji Nakajima, Munenori Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 5127561
    Abstract: A motorcycle is equipped with a storage box disposed at a substantially upper central portion of a body frame for accommodating a helmet. The storage box comprises a storage box body having an upper opening and made of two box halves which are composed of synthetic resin. The storage box body is attached to the body frame at one end to be upwardly swingable and is secured at the other end to the body frame through an attachment bracket. A lid member is pivotally secured to the storage box body to be upwardly swingable to open or close the opening of the storage box body. The storage box body is hinged by a first hinge mechanism disposed at an outer surface of the storage box body, and the lid member is hinged by a second hinge mechanism disposed at an inner surface of the storage box to be upwardly swingable to open or close the storage box body. The lid member is locked by a lock mechanism disposed at an inner surface of the storage box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5116096
    Abstract: A rigid pickup truck cargo supporting V shaped frame comprises necessary structural members to hole it in a V shape and to allow its narrow end frame work to be coupled to the rear of a pickup truck, below the cargo bed level, per the pickup truck's standard type trailer hitch coupler bail. The wider portion of the V shaped frame extends a number of feet rearward in a slight upward slope away from the pickup truck's rear end. A long member attached crossways at the wide end of the V shaped frame provides a cargo load carrying surface. The V shaped frame is supported and made laterally stable by a square like frame which can be attached crossways at any of several points along the more forward or more narrow section of the V shaped frame. The square like frame extends up vertically from the V shaped frame to the lowered pickup truck tailgate. The long horizontal upper member of the square like frame rest on the lowered pickup truck tailgate for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: George F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5069481
    Abstract: A golf cart club rack device and method for carrying and securing a set of golf clubs on the rear portion of the golf cart. The rack has a horizontal upper panel having selectively spaced holes with vertical plastic tubes for positioning the clubs in a selective order. The rack also has a horizontal lower panel having similarly spaced recesses vertically aligned below the holes and tubes for holding the tubes at the bottom thereof. Quick-connect grip connectors adjustably connect the horizontal upper panel to two, rear-mounted, vertical, L-shaped posts. A two-piece transparent plastic cover is hinged to the horizontal upper panel and is latched to an upper extension of the two L-shaped posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: William M. Strange
  • Patent number: 5038983
    Abstract: A cargo carrier for use on the outside of a vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver includes a tub, a rigid bracket for supporting the tub, and a pair of tail lights on the rear of the tub. The bracket is adapted at the lower end for insertion into the receiver for supporting the carrier without attachment to the bumper or frame of the vehicle. At the upper end, a rigid, flat plate is connected to the bracket for supporting and stabilizing the tub. The bracket is shaped to position the container elevated above the height of the receiver and spaced rearwardly apart from the vehicle to accommodate a spare tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Louis H. Tomososki
  • Patent number: 5018651
    Abstract: A load carrying apparatus that attaches to the existing square tube trailer hitch or receiver of a vehicle which does not need to be affixed to the towing vehicle by its bumper and which may also have an affixable swivel wheel, loading ramps, and tie downs to tie down a load and which may be used as a tilting or dumping device which may be tilted or dumped to either side or the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Albert B. Currey
  • Patent number: 5009350
    Abstract: A retainer assembly can be clamped to a support crossbasr, such as is provided by a vehicle roof rack, and is able to retain an elongated member, such as an extension ladder, on the roof rack without the use of tools, clamps, tie-downs, etc. Each retainer assembly has a vertically-extending body, a transversely-extending part and a downwardly-extending retainer portion forming a retainer hook, the transversely-extending part being enclosed in a resilient sleeve. The ladder edge is inserted under the retainer hook while in an elevated attitude and then rotated downwards so that the edge rises up in the hook and compresses the sleeve, whereupon the ladder is held securely by the compressed sleeve between the retainer hooks and the cross-bars. The procedure is reversed to remove the object. The transversely extending part is adjustable vertically along the body, and the retainer portion is adjustable horizontally to accommodate ladders, etc. of different cross-sectional sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventors: John M. Schill, William C. Schill
  • Patent number: 4989767
    Abstract: A cooler for releasably mounting on the front end of a motorized cart, such as golf carts. In one preferred mode, the cooler is mounted on the inside front portion of the cart and comprises a multi-sided enclosure having coplanar side walls with a shape resulting in the rear wall and bottom wall that are substantially coplanar with the cowling and floorboard respectively. A hooked plate member provides one method of securing the cooler to the cart; a toe plate at the bottom also secures it. In an alternate mode, the cooler attaches to the outside front portion of the cowling and has a bottom wall that is coplanar with the cowling while the top wall is horizontal; the cooler is attached with a planar hooked member. Both modes of the invention can utilize rubberlike or other preshaped members to place between the cooler and the cart to allow for additional universal adaptation of the coolers to various carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Vernon D. Buschbom
  • Patent number: 4957228
    Abstract: A removable cargo carrier for van-type vehicles, in which the vehicle includes a body, a rear bumper, a rear door assembly and a groove between the perimeter of the door assembly and the van body, includes a cargo box having a number of walls defining an enclosure with a door for providing access to the enclosure. The cargo box is attached to a mounting frame which includes a pair of spaced apart elongated vertical members having rubber caps at the bottom of the members for abutting engagement with the bumper of the van. A lateral flexible strap is connected between the vertical members and the cargo box with a bracket attached at each of its free ends for connection to the door assembly at portions of the groove between the vehicle body and the door assembly at the opposite sides of the door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel R. Balka
  • Patent number: 4948169
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for flatbed trailers includes a storage box which swings out to the side from beneath the trailer bed for loading and unloading. When in an up, traveling position, a lip on the front of the storage box engages a flange of the trailer side rail to support the front of the box, while a U-shaped frame connected to the trailer framework provides support beneath the rear of the box. Two arm members are pivotally mounted between the trailer framework and the sides of the box, and support the box while not in the up position. The pivotal attachments of the arm members to the box are located so that the box is unbalanced with the front biased downwards. Curved rail members, supported by the trailer framework, engage rollers attached to the rear of the box to control its upward movement. Dual-acting air cylinders are pivotally attached between the trailer framework and the arm members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Amundson
  • Patent number: 4946193
    Abstract: Utility vehicles having four wheels, one or more seats, a steering column and a forward mounting power unit. The devices are shown to be either two of four wheel drive. Extending from behind the rear wheels to a position behind the steering column, a flat floor provides substantial storage area. When two seats are employed, the driver seat is displaced to one side of the vehicle and racks extend fore-and-aft in the same plane. The passenger's seat back may be lowered to further define that plane. The engine is mounted directly between the front wheels for compactness and protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshio Oka
  • Patent number: 4930697
    Abstract: A shopping basket for a stroller (B) has a box-like body (7) of a square cross-section made of a fine mesh or a flexible cloth which is easily foldable. A bottom plate (8) is secured at its periphery to the lower end of the body. The box-like body has such a size and depth that it can be attached to the underside of a seat portion (61) of the stroller by holder straps (9). The bottom plate is foldable in half or in thirds in the direction of the width of the stroller such that, when the stroller body is folded up, the bottom plate is in turn folded. Thus, the shopping basket can be folded in a compact manner while attached to the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Combi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Takahashi, Yoshiyasu Ishii, Hiroaki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4930799
    Abstract: A tiltable trailer is disclosed having a wheel-mounted chassis with a frame element (3) pivotable between a horizontal travelling position and a backwardly-downwardly inclined position. The frame element (3) has longitudinal guide (12, 12') along which a basic frame (2) is displaceable, the basic frame being included in each of a plurality of different add-on units forming a series, and, locking device (16) for securing, at least in the travelling position, the basic frame (2) to the pivotable frame element (3), the trailer further having a winch (23) by means of which the basic frame (2) can be hauled up on the inclined frame element from a position behind the frame element to a position coinciding with that of the frame element, in which latter position the locking device can secure the basic frame to the frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Systemvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anund Pihlstrom, Bernt Pihlstrom
  • Patent number: 4906039
    Abstract: An equipment carrier for a vehicle having a dump box and a tailgate framed by a pair of vertical stake pockets includes a carrier portion with a generally L-shaped cross section including a vertical rear wall joined to a horizontal floor, the rear wall having side edges framed by vertically projecting supports, each support having a laterally projecting pivot pin, and a bumper member secured to the back wall to separate the carrier portion from the tailgate of the vehicle, the carrier also including a pivot bracket portion having a pair of L-shaped pivot members, each member having a leg portion adapted to be inserted into one of the stake pockets, and a rearwardly extending portion having a slot adapted to pivotally retain one of the pivot pins of the carrier portion therein, and further having a keeper pin for retaining the pivot pins within the slots. As the dump box of the vehicle is raised, the carrier portion is lowered so that the floor rests on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Cushman, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Broman
  • Patent number: 4906015
    Abstract: A utility rack is designed for attachment to class II type trailer hitches mounted adjacent the rear bumper of a vehicle. The utility rack is designed to provide additional storage and transportation space to modern down-sized vehicles. The utility rack has a mounting bar which terminates in a straight portion having a free end dimensioned for insertion into a class II type trailer hitch. The mounting bar has an upwardly inclined portion having an end which terminates at an elevation substantially above the trailer hitch. An upwardly opening V-shaped transverse support strut and a vertical support column are connected to the mounting bar and support a rectangular platform having a horizontal steel mesh surface. A pair of tail lights are mounted in steel reinforced guards on a rear edge of the platform. A conventional wire harness is utilized to connect the tail lights to the vehicle electrical system. The utility rack may be utilized for transporting game animals and a wide variety of other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventors: Colan L. LaCroix, Alan E. Tewksbury
  • Patent number: 4846499
    Abstract: Devices for supporting an LPG tank bracket between overhead guard rear pillars of an LPG fork lift. Each supporting device comprises a mounting member which is removably mounted around the rear pillar and a member for supporting one end of the tank bracket, the supporting member being welded on the mounting member. Therefore, the LPG tank bracket can be supported between the pillars, even if the rear pillars are not specially designed for an LPG fork lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akira Izumi, Ichiro Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 4844490
    Abstract: In a fire truck having a central hose bank and outwardly protruding cabinets containing emergency equipment, an improved ladder rack is utilized. A frame having a plurality of protruding tines at each end is utilized. The tines are connected by a crosspiece which is integral to the frame. The rack pivots about a hinge mounted to one of the side edges of the frame at the crosspiece on the back of the tines. In the upwardly pivoted position the tines are directed to the sides of the truck. A ladder placed within the tines is thus trapped between the truck sides and tine crosspiece. In the lowered position, the fork section rack pivots about the forward edge of the cabinet at the juncture between the tines and the crosspiece. The fork mount pivots until the tines are parallel with the side edges of the cabinet. The ladder may be readily removed at a lowered disposition for immediate use at an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Richard E. Kohler
  • Patent number: 4844528
    Abstract: A removable, rear mounted storage trunk for vehicles is adapted for mounting relative to a rear bumper of a vehicle. The trunk includes a structural undercarriage which supports the trunk from below and an overhanging portion which extends beyond the structural undercarriage for rest and support upon the rear bumper of the vehicle. The storage trunk further includes retractable wheeled legs which are capable of being extended when the trunk is removed from the vehicle for mobile positioning of the trunk to a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: S. Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 4815764
    Abstract: A carrying device is described for attachment to a baby stroller of the type which is foldable and which includes upper and lower crossmembers exposed on the back of the stroller. The carrying device includes a flexible sheet material (such as fabric) and one or more pocket members. The first end of the device is attached to the upper cross member. The device extends around the lower crossmember and is attached at its second end to the back of the stroller between the upper and lower crossmembers. The pocket members are accessible from the back of the stroller. The carrying device does not have to be removed in order to recline or fold the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Dianne M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 4809891
    Abstract: A motorcycle luggage rack for attachment behind the rear of a motorcycle having a rear wheel axle with the luggage rack having a platform for holding luggage and the platform having means for attachment to the rear of a motorcycle with the platform having a top surface located at approximately the same distance from the ground as the axle of the motorcycle rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Michael C. Patrin
  • Patent number: 4798409
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper for releasably holding an attachment comprises a first face facing upwardly, a second face facing away from the vehicle body, and first and second accessory engaging members including first and second cylindrical surfaces interrupting the first bumper face and spaced from each other longitudinally of the first bumper face. An accessory for releasably engaging the bumper comprises a base plate having a base plate face that faces downwardly and engages the bumper, and first and second bumper engaging elements including first and second cylindrical surfaces interrupting the first base plate face and spaced from each other longitudinally of the base plate face for releasably interengaging the first and second accessory engaging members of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Inventor: Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 4770440
    Abstract: A combinaion utility attachment and support stand for conventional riding lawn mowers which includes a vertically oriented frame that is attached to the rear end of the lawn mower so as to extend perpendicularly to the length thereof and which supports an upper load carrying receptable having a pivotable rear wall which is generally vertically aligned in parallel relationship with the frame when in a closed position and a lower load support shelf wherein the load support shelf is pivotable into substantially flush engagement with the frame thereby creating an elongated platform with the rear wall of the load carrying receptable upon which the lawn mower may be supported on its end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Glyn F. Lander
  • Patent number: 4744590
    Abstract: A removable attachable suspended trailer device for providing additional luggage capacity for vehicles on a temporary basis. The suspended trailer is constructed of light weight material providing a frame to which are attached a number of parallel strength members. The central strength member attached to the frame also has a means for connecting the frame to the towed vehicle. The suspended trailer additionally includes retractable support legs which are held in the upright position while the device is being towed so that nothing touches the ground from the trailer when the trailer is in use. When the towing vehicle is stopped, the legs are placed in the downward and locked position and the suspended trailer is disconnected from the towing vehicle. The provision of wheels on the legs of the device enables the loaded suspended trailer, when unattached, to be rolled to any desired location for convenient unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Larry J. Chesney
  • Patent number: 4634145
    Abstract: A truck trailer bridge assembly for use with a truck trailer having at least a first area directly supported by at least one axle and a second area directly supported by at least one axle, the bridge assembly comprises a base portion extending from the truck trailer first axle area to the truck trailer second axle area, a plurality of support beams generally extending from the truck trailer first axle area to the truck trailer second axle area, a central plate supported by the support beams, a first end angled plate supported by the support beams, a second end angled plate supported by the support beams, and a lift engagement support plate secured to the support beams and adapted for engaging a mechanical lift so that the bridge section may be positioned as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Inventor: Gilbert Humpe
  • Patent number: 4593786
    Abstract: A low profile support for releasably mounting a portable power supply on a vehicle chassis. The support comprises a framework adapted to be secured beneath the vehicle chassis so as to dispose the power supply between the longitudinal frame members of the chassis. The lowermost member of the framework is a closed tubular frame which may provide an oil reservoir for the lubrication system of the power supply. In one embodiment, the support is extended to provide for suspension of a fuel tank therein. In another embodiment, a chassis mountable fuel tank separate from the power supply support is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: John Tate
  • Patent number: 4593840
    Abstract: A load carrying unit includes a load carrying portion having a pair of wheels lockably raisable and lowerable in relation thereto. The load carrying portion may be connected to a vehicle by means of a standard ball-and-socket hitch used in conjunction with a cantilever arm. Once the hitch and arm have been connected to the vehicle, the wheels may be raised and the load carrying portion slid toward the vehicle to reduce the cantilever stress on the arm. The load carrying portion and the vehicle may be driven as though there were no trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Peter A. C. Chown
  • Patent number: 4580650
    Abstract: A main body of an industrial truck is formed with mounting bracket sections to which an instrument assembly and counterweight for a tractor and a mast assembly and counterweight for a forklift truck are selectively mountable, so that the industrial truck serves as the tractor and the forklift truck. Additionally, a top panel having an operator's seat is mounted on the main body in a manner to be turnable end for end in accordance with the intended purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4522420
    Abstract: Structurally integrated equipment is selectively, individually or conjointly detachably attachable to a three-wheeled vehicle for preventing rearward tipover, carrying cargo, rendering the vehicle waterborne, enhancing travel over snow or providing power takeoff. Supports extending from the framework of the vehicle are adapted to receive and retain with quick disconnect fittings frame elements of the equipment. The frame elements may be adjustable to accommodate load variations and variances of the surface traversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Gerald J. Hannappel