Racks Patents (Class 296/3)
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Patent number: 8550527Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
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Publication number: 20130257075Abstract: A modular apparatus and system for supporting and attaching of loads to a vehicle, permanently or temporarily installable on vehicles, particularly on side walls of pick up truck beds, and also work trucks, and vans, in a variety of configurations for adapting to different loads, and providing a multitude of discrete attachment points for ratcheting straps and the like for securing the loads. Also utilizes elongate channels configured for receiving various embodiments of rails, each rail including an elongate array or pattern of attachment slots configured and operable for attachment of fittings or locking or latching mechanisms for securing items for supporting and securing loads. Also can incorporate an upstanding rack structure utilizing upstanding support elements mounted on or in connection with the sidewalls with or in place of the rails, and optional cross members configurable variously for supporting loads in a variety of arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Rick Riley
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Publication number: 20130229025Abstract: Disclosed is a roof rack for carrying cargo items with a pickup truck. The device comprises a load bar for supporting cargo items, a pair of telescoping uprights attached to the load bar, and a pair of mounts attached at a first end to the telescoping uprights, and to the side rails of the pickup truck at a second end. The load bar, telescoping uprights, and mounts are movable from an extended position to a folded position. This allows the uprights to be extended for use when carrying cargo items, and folded down for storage. The rack permits a user to transport large items with a pickup truck without requiring use of the pickup bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: Abram Johnasen
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Patent number: 8523128Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventor: Brian Palermo
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Patent number: 8500183Abstract: A wall liner system for installation within the cargo space of a van or other utility vehicle is provided. The system includes an inner panel configured to conform to and contact an inner surface of the vehicle side wall, an outer panel covering the inner panel, at least one article holder on the outer panel for stowing articles, and at least one connector fastening together the holder, the outer panel and the inner panel. The outer panel can be configured to cover and conform to the configuration of wheel wells and other components of the vehicle which protrude into the cargo space. The inner panel can comprise a rigid plate and the outer panel can comprise a less rigid moulded plastic panel, with the connector being configured to transfer substantially all of the weight of the holder onto the more rigid inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Malley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Terrence Malley, Steen Gunderson, Erin Cooke, Joseph Laurie Chavarie
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Patent number: 8474767Abstract: A tie-down bar apparatus and method for securing Cargo onto the bed of trailer or full-size, mid-size, or small pick-up truck comprising an adjustable telescoping support bar having a main body and two ends, the main body of the telescoping support bar has at least one tie-down ring is connected to the main body for securing one or more pieces of cargo including recreational vehicles, the main body of the telescoping support bar has two elongated arm which are positioning inside each end of the main body, to create the telescoping effect so that the support bar can be adjusted to match the size of the width of a vehicle's bed. Wherein a user will install said pair of connectors to the vehicle thereby securely attaching said telescoping support bar to the bed of vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Bike Tite, Inc.Inventor: John Nicholls
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Publication number: 20130093203Abstract: A ladder rack for a pickup truck can swing from a raised position to a lowered position for loading and retrieving a ladder. The ladder rack includes an upper support section attached with a hinge to a lower support so that the assembly that the ladder attaches to can swing to a horizontal, lowered position. This allows the person installing the ladder, or whatever is being transported such as pipes, canoes, kayaks, and the like, to remain outside the truck box to install and attach the ladder. The ladder can then be rotated upwards with the assistance of a hydraulic cylinder to the travel position and locked in to place with a wire lock pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Mark Louis Burkhardt
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Patent number: 8403191Abstract: A mounting rack for mounting a ladder to a pickup truck. The pickup truck has a pickup truck bed defining a passenger side wall, a driver side wall, a front end side, and a tailgate side. The mounting rack includes a first mounting structure configured to support a first end of the ladder and a second mounting structure moveable between a storage position and an operating position. The second mounting structure is configured to support a second end of the ladder when in the operating position and abut the first mounting structure when in the storage position. The mounting rack also includes a first docking assembly configured to affix the second mounting structure to the passenger side wall and the driver side wall on the tailgate side of the pick-up truck bed when the second mounting structure is in the operating position, and a second docking assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventor: James C. Russo
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Patent number: 8388038Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided that has a frame with first and second side members spaced from one another in a lateral direction of the accessory. The first side member carries first and second apertures that are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction of the accessory and are both oriented in the lateral direction. The frame includes a plurality of cross members that extend in the lateral direction, and a first end that is attached to both the first and second side members. The first end at least partially defines a channel that extends in the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Daniel K. Hastings
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Patent number: 8348331Abstract: A structural attachment system for a cargo management system is fully integrated into the cargo bed side walls of a pick-up truck so that the only feature that is different than a standard pick-up is an array of holes along the top of the cargo bed side walls. The cargo management system also includes a wide range of different pick-up truck cargo bed mounted accessories that incorporate structural hooks that are adapted to be retained and released by the structural attachment system. Additionally, the structural attachment system provides a single point, simple method of retention and release via an actuation handle at the rear most point of the pick-up truck cargo bed. The configuration of the structural attachment system allows significant structural retention forces to be transferred from the accessories into the pick-up truck cargo bed side walls via the structural hooks.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Multimatic Inc.Inventor: Laurence J Holt
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Publication number: 20120313393Abstract: A tailgate accessory drill-less adapter for connecting a tailgate accessory to a tailgate portion of a pick-up truck includes an elongated body having a first side, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge having a tailgate latch bolt slot transverse to the first side edge and through the elongated body, the slot positioned a predefined distance from the bottom edge, and an offset hook anchor having a hook portion and a hook body portion, the offset hook anchor connected to the first side adjacent to but spaced from the second side edge where the hook portion is adjustably extendable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: LOCK N LOAD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Thomas A. Tardif, Douglas J. Lambert
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Patent number: 8322582Abstract: A cargo carrier kit for a truck comprises a plurality of first rail sections for joining end to end to provide a first side rail. The cargo carrier also includes a plurality of second rail sections for joining end to end to provide a second side rail having a separation from the first side rail and a parallel relationship thereto. A forward load bar, supportable on the first side rail and the second side rail provides a connection over the cab of the truck, between the side rails. The cargo carrier kit also includes mounting blocks for releasable attachment of at least a first load bar and at least a second load bar to provide cross members connecting the side rails and positioning the first and second load bars respectively over the mid-section and rear of the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Joseph Flaherty
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Publication number: 20120256436Abstract: The combination of a cargo carrying vehicle and a deck panel. The cargo carrying vehicle has a storage space and a plurality of parallel elongate load beams in the space. A lower surface of the deck panel engages each of the first and second elongate load beams. The body has a plurality of discrete components depending from the lower surface that are abuttable to the load beams to thereby limit shifting of the deck panel. The upper surface has at least a first opening and the lower surface has at least a first complementary projection. A second deck panel, the same as the first deck panel, can be stacked on the first deck panel so that a corresponding at least first projection on the second deck panel extends into the at least first opening to maintain the first and second deck panels in a predetermined stacked relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Howard T. Knox, Paul W. Baker
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Patent number: 8191744Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a load carrier mountable on a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes an elevating structure arranged between a base portion and a load supporting portion. The elevating structure is adapted to expand and contract between raised and lowered configurations. The elevating structure includes two substantially upright members, each of which is slidably moveable relative to the other for establishing the raised and lowered configurations. A fixing device is provided for releasably fixing the two sliding members one to the other. The fixing device includes a blocking member that is insertible in aligned receivers, one each of the aligned receivers being formed in each of the two sliding members for preventing expansion and contraction of the elevating structure. The fixing device further includes a take-up arrangement that is configured to press one of the two upright members against the other thereby forming a releasable friction fit therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Aidan Petrie, Michael Vieira
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Patent number: 8191952Abstract: A device that can be modulated by being extended or retracted: to form a structure for protective and transport purposes at the rear of a motor vehicle and at the height of its cab roof; or to fold partially vertically and partially horizontally behind the front seats.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Malik Mokhtari, Lucie Mokhtari, legal representative, Emmanuel Mokhtari, legal representative
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Patent number: 8162367Abstract: A rack with retractable drawers for the bed of a pick-up includes a rack adapted to be supported by the side wall; a drawer brace held by the rack above the truck bed; and a drawer attached to the drawer brace. The drawer extends from and retracts into the rack so as to be accessible from outside of the truck bed. One or more drawers may extend out the sides of the pickup or out the tail gate area.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Dale Raymond Kuklok
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Patent number: 8157312Abstract: A modular storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system includes an adjustable frame having a plurality of first posts, a plurality of second posts, a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts, and a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts. The first posts and second posts are each secured to a curved member. The modular storage system is attached to a rail on an interior of a vehicle. Various off-the-shelf storage components can be used with the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Knaack LLCInventors: Richard Chase Bliss, Jr., Ajay Dhananjay Utpat, Harishchandra Dahatonde
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Patent number: 8113563Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an exposed cargo area, and a cargo rack pivotably attached to the body for rotational movement between a deployed position and a stowed position. When in the deployed position, a crossbar portion of the cargo rack is disposed above the cargo area to support cargo. When in the stowed position, the crossbar portion is concealed to provide uninterrupted access to the cargo area from above.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert F. McCann, Alessandro Zezza, Bob Thomas, Julius Q. Bernardo
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Patent number: 8113562Abstract: An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Jon E. Skoglun
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Patent number: 8033586Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided that is configured for attachment to a vehicle. The accessory includes a first end on a frame. The first end defines a front side wall that has a pair of ears and a first cut-out section. A tire is configured for being disposed within the first cut-out section so that a center portion of the front side wall is configured for engaging a crown of the tire. The ears are located vertically above the center portion of the front side wall when the tire engages the center portion of the front side wall. A second end is located at an end of the frame opposite from the first end and is configured differently from the first end.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventor: Daniel K. Hastings
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Patent number: 7976090Abstract: A fire truck equipped with a moveable side mounted fire truck hose bed, including: a fire truck chassis; a fire hose bed mounted onto a side of the fire truck chassis; and a mechanism for moving the hose bed between a lowered deployed position and an upper storage position.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Central States Fire App LLCInventors: Robert George Sandness, Scott M. Obbink
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Patent number: 7971919Abstract: Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturer's specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Vertanen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Vertanen
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Patent number: 7959200Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable lift assembly for a flatbed vehicle such as a pickup truck. The adjustable lift assembly includes an extendible vertical member located at each corner of a vehicle flatbed. A frame is attached to an upper portion of each extendible vertical member. The frame rises and lowers with extension and retraction of the extendible vertical support members. Each extendible vertical member is placed through a respective support collar. The support collars support and maintain the extendible vertical members parallel to each other when the vehicle moves. The present adjustable lift assembly is lightweight and provides stable elevated support for a flatbed vehicle with little or no impediment to the storage area of the vehicle flatbed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Trevor Voglmayr
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Publication number: 20110127790Abstract: An automatic modulatable device that forms a high structure at the rear of a motor vehicle or that retracts to behind the front seats. The invention relates to a transport and protection device of structure that can be modulated to: form a structure in which all of the elements are connected to constitute a linkage so that it can be modulated solely by applying pressure, with its high frame damping the forces generated by the energy from the load in the event of a front impact, and that folds vertically and horizontally to behind the front seats to form protection for the cab. This structure is made up of a central support (14) that can oscillate (3) to rest on rear supports (18) that are hinged (4), by unfolding a high frame (10) that bears (23) on itself and on a stationary support (7) on which its slides and oscillates (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Malik Mokhtari, Lucie Mokhtari
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Patent number: 7946457Abstract: A truck rack (10) for a bed (14) of a pickup truck (12) in which a pair of opposing front supports (18) and a pair of opposing rear supports (20) attach at respective lower ends to the bed of the pickup truck, with the rear supports (18) each having a leading edge and a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the respective leading and trailing edges and the front supports (20) each have a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the trailing edge of the front support, with a pair of opposing side rails (22) that attach to respective front and rear supports, and interconnect by forward, intermediate, and rear transverse members (28) extending between and attached to the opposing side rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Jerry Dixon Kramer
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Patent number: 7905531Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a roof rack to a sunroof for a vehicle may include an outer sunroof frame covering at a first end thereof a sunroof actuating unit and being coupled at a second end thereof to a side outer panel, and/or a mounting member formed at the second end of the outer sunroof frame and coupled to the roof rack.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jae Han Park
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Patent number: 7854460Abstract: A receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework includes at least one coupler mounted thereon. The coupler enables the main framework to be joined to one or more auxiliary frame pieces that contain at least one coupling member that mates with the coupler of the main framework. The coupler may also be used for joining a variety of seating and cargo units to the main framework.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, Ryan Hughes, Douglas Wolter, Tim Michalke, Ronald G. Solberg
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Patent number: 7841637Abstract: A mounting kit for a truck rack for a 2005 and later Toyota Tacoma® and other trucks having composite truck beds, which mounting kit has a pair of mirror image front brackets attachable to the truck frame, a pair of mirror image rear brackets attachable to a rear vertical beam of the truck, and two side rails of a truck rack having mirror image attachment points for connection the each of the four in toto front and rear brackets.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Truck Racks By Rack-It, IncInventors: Gary L. Jones, William De Masters
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Patent number: 7758091Abstract: A collapsible ladder rack system for use on pickup truck or similar vehicle. The rack system includes housings, main arms, material arms, extension arms, and supporting braces. The housings are secured to the rails. The hinged main arms rise vertically and are locked into place by braces. The hinged material arms rise horizontally and lock into place with braces. The extension arms telescope out of two of the material arms and insert into the empty material arms and lock into place. When the ladder rack is no longer needed, the steps are reversed so that the other rack components collapse into the housings on the bed rails. Accessory components can be mounted on the rack to enhance the capabilities of the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Inventor: Donny Allen McCall
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Patent number: 7757916Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a load carrier mountable on a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes an elevating structure arranged between a base portion and a load supporting portion. The elevating structure is adapted to expand and contract between raised and lowered configurations. The elevating structure includes two substantially upright members, each of which is slidably moveable relative to the other for establishing the raised and lowered configurations. A fixing device is provided for releasably fixing the two sliding members one to the other. The fixing device includes a blocking member that is insertible in aligned receivers, one each of the aligned receivers being formed in each of the two sliding members for preventing expansion and contraction of the elevating structure. The fixing device further includes a take-up arrangement that is configured to press one of the two upright members against the other thereby forming a releasable friction fit therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Aidan Petrie, Michael Vieira
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Patent number: 7753615Abstract: Long load racking system for vehicles, adjustable runners horizontal and vertical with telescoping members—both single rail, double rail; and trombone shaped; multi-functional, split and corner couplings with accessible transverse to coupling base friction adjustments, ramping ground to bed and bed to elevated locations.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Donald G. Sprague
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Patent number: 7753425Abstract: Load carrier mountable above a bed structure of a vehicle having an upper surface and an internal bed rail system is disclosed. The load carrier broadly includes an upright base support member, an internal rail clamping assembly, and a clamp adjustment assembly. The upright base support member rests upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure and connects with the internal rail clamping assembly. The upright base support member has a first clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure. The rail clamping assembly is releasably securable to the internal bed rail system and includes a second clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the internal bed rail system. The clamp adjustment assembly positionally adjusts the first clamping surface with respect to the second clamping surface between clamped and unclamped positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Ted Niedziela, William Fortune, Kevin Harris
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Publication number: 20100116577Abstract: An enhanced mobility device is disclosed. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps attach to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Dick Bixler, Nancy Cudney
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Publication number: 20100096872Abstract: A cargo system for use within the cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo system has an elongated crossbar and at least two brackets for supporting the crossbar while it spans the cargo area. The brackets may adapt a roof top storage rack for use in the cargo area or bed of a truck. The brackets may engage standard truck bed components such as D-rings, deck rails, and cleats to secure the cargo system. The cargo system may be positioned anywhere in the cargo area depending upon the positions, i.e., sidewall or bottom, of the supports for the brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventor: Gregory Ralph Brogdon
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Publication number: 20100072237Abstract: A rack for pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles that is configured to carry cargo above the truck bed or roof of the vehicle. The rack is easily installed on and removed from the vehicle without requiring drilling or other modifications to the vehicle and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing lightweight materials. The rack comprises a span member and a pair of rack assemblies that support the span member. The span member has dual mounting crossbars that are configured with different cross-sections to support different types of accessory attachments utilized to support specific cargo on the rack. The rack assemblies each comprise a leg member, a span clamp assembly to clamp the upper end of the leg member to the span member and a clamping assembly that clamps the lower end of the leg member to the bedrails, accessory tracks or cargo rails of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
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Patent number: 7641251Abstract: A collapsible truck rack that can be assembled and disassembled easily without the use of tools. The rack can be stored in the interior periphery of the truck bed so as not to appreciable diminish the capacity of the truck bed for the placement therein of items to be transported. The rack does not increase the profile of the vehicle when in the collapsed position and therefore reduces drag during transport. An X-load is added to reduce shift of the load during turns. An optional brace can be bolted to the top surface of the periphery of the truck bad. An optional canvas cover can be used to cover the collapsed rack to secure and protect the rack when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Goorgen Stepanians
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Publication number: 20090322111Abstract: A vehicle rack system including a framework including a driver's side portion, a passenger's side portion and a front portion extending therebetween. The driver's side and the passenger's side portions being triangular in configuration and having a lower frame piece for mounting to a side bed of a vehicle and a downwardly sloping upper frame piece. The upper frame pieces of the driver's side portion and the passenger's side portion may diverge in a rearward direction from the front portion. The system includes a covering for providing a sheltered environment for the vehicle's cargo bed. The covering includes driver's side and passenger's side panels that are removably insertable into the side portions. The covering also includes a cover spanning between the driver's side portion and the passenger's side portion. It is contemplated that the driver's side portion may be constructed as a mirror image of the passenger's side portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: BOOMERANG ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Christopher E. Fischer, Daniel A. Estoque, Jessica L. Fischer
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Patent number: 7631916Abstract: An overhead rack for vehicles which pivots for ease of loading and unloading large elements thereon. The rack extends above the length of the vehicle having multiple fixed support post and interengaging pivoting support post with a power activation cylinder for movement thereof. Once deployed to the side of the vehicle, a load can be attached and the pivoting material receiving rack portion is pivoted upwardly above the roof and bed of the vehicle and secured in place on the multiple fixed support post assemblies for horizontal orientation and vehicle movement transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Tracy Coleman
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Patent number: 7604282Abstract: An adapter rail for attaching a rack to a side wall on a pickup bed. The adapter rail includes a top rail, a side rail extending from the top rail, and a mounting track attached to the top rail. The mounting track is adapted to engage an adapter on the rack.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Spencer, Kelly Kneifl
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Patent number: 7591497Abstract: A utility trailer for transporting and processing lumber, pipe and other materials. The utility trailer includes a trailer frame for carrying the materials and a workstation is pivotally mounted on the trailer frame for processing the materials. The workstation is pivotal between a folded configuration adjacent to the trailer frame for storage and/or transport and a deployed, functional configuration extending from the trailer frame. One or more lockers or cabinets may be provided, with both interior and exterior access. A removable gate may also close the rear end of the utility trailer and a pair of ramps are stored in ramp housings on both sides of the utility trailer for deployment at the rear of the utility trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Bradley W. Johns
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Patent number: 7581917Abstract: Overhead cargo rack apparatus for pickup trucks is described and includes an electromechanical actuator jack mounted onto a tiltable cargo platform and the electromechanical actuator jack actuated by a reversible switch connected to a circuit breaker connected to the pickup truck battery to tilt the tiltable cargo platform, and cargo mounted on the cargo platform and the cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon balanced on a fulcrum and the tilting raising the front end of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to then lower the rear of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to be in a loading or unloading mode and as an alternate the tilting action can be done manually by pulling downward the rear end of the tiltable cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon, and the electromechanical actuator jack in disconnect mode, when the tiltable cargo platform with cargo loaded thereon is balanced on the fulcrum mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventor: Daniel A. Depagter
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Publication number: 20090200820Abstract: Many attempts have been made to create tent campers for pickup trucks but this is the first to create a lumber rack for a pickup truck that has the look and appeal of a lumber rack and which can be quickly converted to the framework of a tent camper that is exceptionally large and roomy providing off the floor sleeping areas as well as over the cab storage areas without additional framework which must be stored separately from the lumber rack framework.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Ernest Franklin Smith, JR.
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Publication number: 20090195006Abstract: This invention provides a retractable, pivotable, slidable, and removable horizontal bar device designed for containing a cover to shield the rear compartment of an automobile from view. The bar also provides for securely holding in place conventional plastic bags when such bags, filled with groceries or other items, are being transported in a vehicle, maintaining the bags in an upright, suspended position on or above the floor of the interior trunk or cargo compartment of an automobile. A pair of the bars and holding systems may be used to further provide a detachable and removable cross support bar and dual covers to cover the entire rear compartment of an automobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Stephen T. Lim
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Patent number: 7568748Abstract: A pickup truck cargo rack is designed for easy mounting to and removal from a truck bed. The cargo rack is adjustable such that cargo support members may be raised to carry large items such as boats, kayaks, lumber, pipe, etc. The cargo support members may also be lowered such that they are spaced only a small distance above the outer side edges of the truck bed enclosure. The lower position of the cargo support members may be used when only small items are to be carried or when it is desired to have the bars essentially out of the field of view of a driver looking at the rearview mirror.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Peter Tarquinio
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Publication number: 20090189403Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable lift assembly for a flatbed vehicle such as a pickup truck. The adjustable lift assembly includes an extendible vertical member located at each corner of a vehicle flatbed. A frame is attached to an upper portion of each extendible vertical member. The frame rises and lowers with extension and retraction of the extendible vertical support members. Each extendible vertical member is placed through a respective support collar. The support collars support and maintain the extendible vertical members parallel to each other when the vehicle moves. The present adjustable lift assembly is lightweight and provides stable elevated support for a flatbed vehicle with little or no impediment to the storage area of the vehicle flatbed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Trevor Voglmayr
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Publication number: 20090160205Abstract: Disclosed is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles, which is transversely mounted between side bars provided on opposite sides of a roof in such a way as to move between the side bars, and uses one wire to provide a simple structure. The cross bar includes locking pins, a wire, and a handle. The locking pins are provided on opposite ends of a bar body in such a way as to be elastically ejected out and be selectively locked to side bars. The wire is provided in the bar body and couples the locking pins to each other. The handle is provided between the locking pins to hold the wire and is constructed to be elastically restored to an original state thereof after the handle is rotated, so that, when the handle is rotated, the wire is wound to retract the locking pins into the bar body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, ECO-PLASTIC CORPORATIONInventors: Han Young Kim, Chang Tae Lee
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Patent number: 7533921Abstract: An improved extendable tailgate for a vehicle with a cargo bed has an upright position and a horizontal position. With the tailgate in the upright position there is a hinged lower edge and an upper edge. The tailgate has a tailgate frame that has a substantially rectangular shape, a width and a height similar to a factory supplied tailgate. There is at least one hollow vertical member extending from the lower edge to the upper edge of the tailgate frame, and an extendable portion approximately the width and the height of the tailgate frame that has at least one vertical member that telescopes from within the hollow vertical member between a retracted position and an extended position. With the extendable tailgate in the extended position, the extendable portion essentially doubles the height of the tailgate.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Inventor: Richard Ferrell
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Patent number: 7530614Abstract: A pickup truck accessory comprising a first L-shaped assembly that can be removeably attached to a first side of a pickup truck bed, a first tubular member attached to the first L-shaped assembly, a second L-shaped assembly that can be removeably attached to a second side of the pickup truck bed, a second tubular member attached to the second L-shaped assembly, and a rack assembly slidably disposed along the first tubular member and along the second tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Christopher B. Nichols
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Publication number: 20090096236Abstract: The present invention comprises various embodiments of a rack that is adapted for the bed of a pickup truck for securing ramps, ladders and the like. The rack comprises two spaced apart vertical support members. Each vertical support member comprises two spaced apart U-support assemblies. Each of the resulting four U-support assemblies are independently and slidably adjustable relative to the other U-support assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the slidable adjustment capabilities of the U-support assemblies comprises infinite adjustability. Thus, the present invention allows for securing ramps, ladders and the like having varying widths.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Ronald Hawley
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Patent number: 7513726Abstract: A tailgate protector (1) having a structural frame (3) combined with a plurality of spaced protrusions (2). The structural frame (3) is sized and shaped to mount to the upper edge of a closed vehicle tailgate, such that the protrusions (2) perpendicularly extend above the upper edge of the tailgate. Material being transported by the vehicle and supported by the tailgate upper edge is placed on the structural frame (3) within the spacings between the protrusions (2). The structural frame (3) acts to protect the surface of the tailgate edge, while the protrusions (2) restrict the side to side movement of the transported material. Thus, the tailgate protector (1) effectively provides a quick and convenient means for securing the transported material while protecting the tailgate edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: Donald Vincent Comiskey, Jr.