Racks Patents (Class 296/3)
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Patent number: 7513548Abstract: Load storage enhancement apparatus for a truck having a rear storage platform or bed, the combination comprising two extension walls that have generally horizontally stored positions over the platform and generally upright extended positions projecting above opposite sides of the platform, framework attached to the walls in their upright positions, the framework including members extending laterally and supported by the walls at locations spaced both lengthwise and widthwise of the upright walls, the members blocking tilting of the walls, and mechanism resisting pivoting of the walls in upright positions. Elongated carrier structure is adjustably movable between extended position over a truck cab, and retracted position over the truck bed, to be locked in either or both of such positions. Carrier structure guides on the walls move with the walls between upright and lowered positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
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Patent number: 7503135Abstract: A mobile sign carrier that mounts on a vehicle receiver hitch and method of use are provided. The mobile sign carrier has a base, a vertical piece and two cross pieces that fold down to form a cross shape. Four sliding brackets are provided, each having permanently attached a square, flat piece, which sliding brackets are mounted one each on each of the cross pieces and one each on the first end and the second end of the vertical piece. The sliding brackets are positioned and secured by means of a fastener to accommodate signs of different sizes. The mobile sign carrier provides a securing device for use on a vehicle with a tailgate. Safety chains further secure the vertical piece to the trailer hitch. A strobe light and night reflective tape are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: William Estill Chafin
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Patent number: 7497493Abstract: A carrying rack for transporting sporting or work equipment over a pickup truck bed while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials is disclosed. The carrying rack utilizes the space above the pickup truck bed so the pickup truck bed may be enclosed with a tonneau. The carrying rack incorporates tracks which are easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck bed. The carrying rack tracks allow for uprights and cross members to be attached when in use. The carrying rack is mounted to the pickup truck bed so the tonneau cover may be rolled up without removing the cross members or uprights. The location of the cross bars and uprights on the carrying rack can be adjusted along the length of the carrying rack tracks, thus allowing for attaching equipment such as bicycle carrier, ski carrier, cargo basket, ladder, or other types of equipment. In some embodiments, the lateral position of the tracks can be varied as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Geneva Group of Companies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Thiessen, John M. Enga
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Patent number: 7494169Abstract: A cargo support apparatus for a truck bed includes a forward support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the front wall of the truck bed and a rear support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the tailgate. The forward and rear support assemblies include respective horizontal support members for supporting cargo above the truck bed. The forward and rear support assemblies may be capable of assuming stowed and deployed configurations independently of each other. The support assemblies can include telescoping members for elevating the horizontal support members. Raised stop members may be included to prevent cargo from sliding from the horizontal members.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventor: Ben K. Collins
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Publication number: 20090026784Abstract: A rack for pickup trucks configured to carry cargo above the truck bed. The rack is easily installed on and removed from the truck without requiring drilling or other modifications to the truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing lightweight materials. The rack has a pair of rack assemblies that each comprise a span member, a downwardly disposed engaging member attached to the span member, a leg member engaged at its upper end with the engaging member, a gusset member interconnecting the span, engaging and leg members and an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the rack to the truck bedrails. One span member is partially received in the other span member to form an interconnected span member. Preferably, for added strength, the engaging member is outwardly inclined and configured to be received inside the tubular upper end of the inwardly inclined leg member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
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Publication number: 20090026783Abstract: A truck rack system comprising at least two T-bars, a means for storing the T-bars and a means for connecting the T-bars to the truck at different locations and at different positions to create a rack and to facilitate towing. The means for storing the T-bars comprises a pair of sleeves for each T-bar attached to the bottom of the truck on left and right sides. The elongate portion of the T-bar is tightly received in the pair of sleeves for storing. The means for connecting the T-bar to create the rack comprises holes on front and rear bumpers of the truck for connecting the T-bars vertically.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Armen Shagbazyan
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Publication number: 20080309107Abstract: A skeleton or frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo vehicle with a load bearing support system for supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces. The frame comprises at least two side portions comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames for mounting various panels (e.g., a roof, floor, wall, door, window, sunroof, refrigerator unit, air conditioner unit, etc.) and accessories (e.g., a shelf, drawer, bin, cabinet, platform, cot, sliding rack, bucket, bench and the like).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: William Taylor
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Patent number: 7464977Abstract: An elevating cargo support assembly configured to extend across and between a top portion of the two opposite sidewalls of the bed on a pickup truck comprising: i) a central cargo support member having a track extending along its lower side portion between its opposite end portions; ii) two slides positioned within, and carried by the track; iii) two pivoting arms, each having an inner end portion hingably and slidably attached to a different one of the slides in the track extending along the cargo support member, and each having an outer end portion hingably carried by the top portion of one of the sides of the bed on the pickup truck; and, iv) releasable slide lock to releasably lock each of the slides and a corresponding one of the pivoting arms in an opposite end portion of the central cargo support member to thereby maintain the central cargo support member in an elevated position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Inventor: Brent A. Price
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Patent number: 7464976Abstract: A vehicle bed storage device may include a rotatable beam. The beam is comprised of a pair of aligned tubular members. The beam is rotatable between a first position in which the storage device defines a vehicle bed divider and a second position in which the storage device defines an overhead storage rack. Rotatable joints connect the beam to the vehicle bed and allow the beam to be rotated between stops at the first position and the second position. At least one clamp maintains the aligned orientation of the tubular members of the beam. A sleeve based mounting interface may be applied to the tubular members of the beam to facilitate mounting various objects to the beam. Alternatively, a clamp-based mounting interface may be applied to the beam to facilitate mounting various objects to the beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: 89908, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Smith
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Publication number: 20080265600Abstract: A system and method for loading one or more vehicles onto the cargo bed of a transporting vehicle such as a pickup truck or trailer is presented. The system includes a supporting located at the front of the cargo bed above the plane of the cargo bed and one or more ramps. The ramps and the supporting are adapted to connect to and remove from each other such that the ramps are secured inside the cargo bed at an angle above the plane of the cargo bed of the transporting vehicle. This system provides additional clearance and storage space in the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment where the transporting vehicle is a pickup truck, the supporting also functions as a headache rack or a ladder rack. A method of using this system to load one or more vehicles is also presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: James Anthony Barker
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Patent number: 7434858Abstract: A rack for transporting planar sheets of material includes permanent members made of a hollow tube that is perpendicularly affixed to the bed bottom at a point adjacent to one of the bed side walls. The permanent members are also affixed to the horizontal flange by a clamp. Also provided are vertical, removable members each having two vertical posts held in a parallel relationship to each other by one or more spacers affixed near a top portion. The two vertical posts are spaced far enough apart as to straddle one of the bed side walls. The two vertical posts include a shorter inboard post and a longer outboard post. The shorter inboard post fits snuggly within one of the permanent members and the longer outboard post has a foot extending outwardly and away from the vehicle at a bottom end distal from the spacers.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventors: John A. Lastinger, Gregory Stabile
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Publication number: 20080211247Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Peter Tarquinio
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Publication number: 20080203750Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2004Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicants: RENAULT S.A.S., THULE SWEDEN ABInventors: Arnaud Premartin, Olivier Veuillot, Hans Odin, Joakim Persson
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Patent number: 7390044Abstract: Disclosed is a lighted truck bed rail for use with a truck. The lighted truck bed rails is formed from a tubular member made from a straight central member having end ports and a pair of curved end members that may be connected to the end ports of the straight central member. As a result, a rigid light source such as a neon bulb assembly may be inserted into and secured within the straight central member via one of the end ports. A plurality of light transmitting apertures are provided in the side wall of the straight central member so that the lighted truck bed rail enhances the appearance of the associated truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventor: Juan Marquez
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Publication number: 20080143133Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Christopher B. Nichols
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Publication number: 20080129067Abstract: The present invention provides a folding convertible truck apparatus comprising first and second side panels which in turn comprise respective first and second collapsible support members, and in which the side panels comprise inner and outer edges wherein said outer edges are pivotally attached to longitudinal surfaces of lateral truck bed sides by rolled edge means.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2004Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Antonio Santiago Rios
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Publication number: 20080122236Abstract: An exterior article carrier system for a vehicle includes a load carrier rack mountable to a roof a vehicle. An air deflector portion located adjacent a forward end of the rack extends between two side members for directing an apparent flow of air with respect to the rack as the rack is moved by the vehicle. At least one, and preferable two spacially separate light sources can be mounted within a single enclosure defined by the air deflector portion of the rack for casting radiant visible light in a direction forward of the vehicle to render objects in that direction visible. Bach light source can be located between the two side members and below uppermost edge of the air deflector portion of the roof rack. A rear portion of each light source can be concealed behind the air deflector portion of the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Blake Peterson
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Patent number: 7377570Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with an elongated wheelbase has a rear-mounted receptacle for receiving one of a plurality of interchangeable modular components, such as a passenger seat, a cargo container, a cargo rack, a flatbed or a workbench. The modular component has an electrical connection and a mechanical connector on an underside thereof which has hooks and posts for engaging, respectively, a transverse rod and sockets. A latching mechanism locks the modular component to the rear of the vehicle. Accordingly, the modular component is selectively releasable to easily and quickly interchange one modular component with another.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Pierre Rondeau, Jeannot Belanger, Auger Guillaume, Mathieu Audet
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Publication number: 20080100075Abstract: An overhead rack for a pickup truck is provided, comprising a pair of mounts for connecting to respective sides of the pickup tuck; a cross-bar; and a pair of tubular upright posts, each of the posts supporting a respective end of the cross-bar and being mounted to a respective one of the pair of mounts; wherein a cross-section of each of the upright posts at its bottom end portion is elongated and has its long axis oriented in a first direction substantially parallel to the respective one of the pair of mounts, and the cross-section of each of the upright post at its top end portion is also elongated and has its long axis oriented in a second direction substantially parallel to that of the cross-bar, the first and second directions being generally perpendicular to one another; wherein each upright post also has a transitional portion extending between its top and bottom end portions, the transitional portion having a cross-section that transitions gradually and continuously between the bottom and top end porType: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: Thomas E. DERECKTOR
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Publication number: 20080054665Abstract: A structural joint is formed between the upper frame rail, which bends downwardly to define a generally vertically extending portion, and a generally fore-and-aft extending lower frame rail that can increase bending resistance without sacrificing crash energy management of the horn section of the lower frame rail. The structural joint is reinforced with a crushable tubular reinforcement member formed in a clamshell configuration that includes a forwardly extending support arm positioned beneath the horn section to lower the center of gravity of a downwardly angled horn section to prevent premature bending thereof when encountering crash energy from a frontal impact. The horn section is formed in a pre-folded configuration to enhance the crash energy management of the horn section. The tubular reinforcement provides a double cell structural configuration adjacent the structural joint to provide a crushable structural joint that enables an effective management of crash energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Ridha Baccouche, Tim Mouch, Michael Azzouz, Parameswararao Pothuraju, Viktor Kostrominov
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Patent number: 7338110Abstract: A shelving system for a cargo vehicle is provided. Free-standing substantially vertical upright support members not attached to the walls of the cargo area of a vehicle are secured at their bottom ends to the floor of the cargo area of a vehicle and are horizontally spaced apart. The top ends of the upright support members may be secured to ribs in the roof of the vehicle or to separate transverse support members parallel to the roof. Shelves are vertically adjustably attached to the upright members. The upright and/or transverse support members may be provided with telescoping portions so as to be adjustable in height/length.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: Donald Eckloff
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Patent number: 7331623Abstract: A removable canoe transporting rack carries two canoes on the bed of a pickup truck with an upper canoe positioned over a lower canoe. A first rack having a first horizontal member mounts in the front stake wells of the pickup truck. A second rack having a second horizontal member mounts in the rear stake wells. A third rack having an upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member includes an engagement bar insertable into a hitch mount of the pickup truck. The lower canoe is supported by the bed of the pickup truck and the lower horizontal member of the third rack. The upper canoe is supported by the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member and the upper horizontal member of the third rack.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: K & J OutdoorsInventors: James O. Wall, Kyle W. Bomar
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Publication number: 20080030037Abstract: An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: Donald F. Lombardi
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Publication number: 20080023986Abstract: A system for attaching a superstructure to a goods vehicle, provided with a chassis frame having longitudinal main beams (4, 5). Each of these is provided with a beam part (12) extending in a vertical direction with side surfaces (21). The system includes attaching devices (17, 18) associated with the chassis frame, arranged on each main beam, and also attaching devices (30) belonging to the superstructure (11). The attaching device of the chassis frame consists of a longitudinal attachment section (17, 18) attached to each main beam (4, 5) by fixing elements, the attachment sections having a longitudinal vertical fixing part (19) by which the attachment section is permanently attached to one side surface (21) of the respective main beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventors: Hans REGNELL, Jens GUSTAFSSON, Benny LILJEBLAD
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Patent number: 7322499Abstract: Provided is a sports rack configured to be mounted on a truck bed. The truck bed may have a front wall, a rear tail gate and a pair of elongate side walls extending therebetween. Each one of the side walls may have a bed rail. The sports rack comprises a front frame member, a rear frame member and a plurality of channel lengths. The front frame member is disposed adjacent the front wall and extends between the side walls. The rear frame member is disposed over the rear tail gate and also extends between the side walls. The plurality of channel lengths extends horizontally between the front and rear frame members. Each of the front and rear frame members comprises a pair of upright end plates that may be used to mount the sports rack on the bed rails.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Inventor: Ron D. Storer
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Publication number: 20070278810Abstract: A cargo support apparatus for a truck bed includes a forward support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the front wall of the truck bed and a rear support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the tailgate. The forward and rear support assemblies include respective horizontal support members for supporting cargo above the truck bed. The forward and rear support assemblies may be capable of assuming stowed and deployed configurations independently of each other. The support assemblies can include telescoping members for elevating the horizontal support members. Raised stop members may be included to prevent cargo from sliding from the horizontal members.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Ben K. Collins
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Patent number: 7296836Abstract: A truck rack apparatus includes a first support and a second support. Each of the first and second supports includes a first leg, a second leg and an elongated arm extending between and is attached to the first and second legs. The first and second legs each extend away from an associated one of the arms in generally the same direction. Each of the first and second legs has an upper end and bottom end. The arms are positioned adjacent to respective ones of the upper ends. Each of a plurality of securing assemblies is adapted for being releasably securing one of the bottom ends of the legs to one of a pair of inwardly extending lips attached to the side walls of a pick-up bed. The securing assemblies attach the legs to the lips so that the legs extend upwardly from the bed and the arms traverse the bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Zeljko Sabo
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Patent number: 7296837Abstract: 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: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Thule Sweden A.B.Inventors: Ted Niedziela, William Fortune, Kevin Harris
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Publication number: 20070200381Abstract: A cradle is disclosed to provide for secure transportation of construction materials, such as a backsplash, between upper and lower support members, a back member and associated clips.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: John R. Weise
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Patent number: 7258380Abstract: A collapsible pickup bed rack apparatus includes a frame having a first side member, a second side member and an end member attached to first ends of the first and second end members. A perimeter flange attached to an upper edge of the frame is positionable on an upper edge of a pickup bed's perimeter wall. Brackets are attached to the first and second side members adjacent to the end member. A rear support includes a pair of vertical posts each having a bottom end and a top end. A horizontal post is attached to the vertical posts. A front support includes a pair of vertical rods each having a lower end and an upper end. A horizontal rod is attached to the vertical rods. A plurality of couplers releasably couples the front support to the brackets and rear supports to the frame adjacent to the second ends.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: Juan A. Aguilar
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Patent number: 7246839Abstract: A hard tonneau cover with a carrying rack (10) for enclosing a pick-up truck bed (24) consists of a roadside frame (20) and a curbside frame (22) with each frame hinged to a side wall of the pick-up truck bed. Each frame includes a top panel (26) and the frames pivot upwardly and outwardly in a clam shell manner for opening. The carrying rack is formed within the cover by utilizing cargo rack arms (42 and 44) that pivot forward above the truck cab and removable cross bars (52, 54 and 56), positioned between the opened roadside and curbside frames provide means for transporting elongated objects above the pick-up truck cab and bed. A gas spring strut (64) is attached between the roadside and curbside frame and the truck bed for maintaining the frames in an open vertical position. A second embodiment duplicates the forward carrying rack and is located at the rear for carrying extended length articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Donald E. Nyberg
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Patent number: 7243966Abstract: A portable component assembly device for extending the length of the pickup bed for hauling objects longer than the bed of the pickup is adapted to the receiver hitch attached to the rear end of a pickup with a primary support bar inserted within the receiver hitch with a first upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the primary support bar beyond the tailgate to support objects up to ten feet in length with a second upright horizontal support bar connected to the primary bar having a second upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the secondary support bar to support objects longer than ten feet. Each first and second upright horizontal support bar includes a set of adjustable width anchor chocks attached to each support bar, with the second upright horizontal support bar including running lights with brake and turn indicators connected to the vehicle wiring system by a wiring harness.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Lon Wade Sheldon
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Patent number: 7213854Abstract: A vehicle panel stowage system advantageously provides for stowage of a removable vehicle panel on the exterior of the vehicle. The panel can be stowed substantially flush with a stowage rack on the exterior of the vehicle. The stowage system advantageously protects portions of the removable panel from the environment when positioned on the stowage rack.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventors: Christopher C. Dowdey, Robert F. Hunwick, Jr., Marques B. McCammon, Arthur L. MacNee, III
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Patent number: 7210721Abstract: A ladder rack to carry a ladder on a pick-up truck having a front and rear rack mounting openings in a top portion of the side wall of the bed box, comprising: a front and a rear ladder support each having, i) an upright insertion portion sized to be closely received within one of the mounting openings in the pick-up truck; ii) a lateral offset portion carried by, and extending inwardly from a top portion of the upright insertion portion; iii) a mast portion carried by an inner end portion of the lateral offset portion; iv) a lateral ladder carrying portion extending outwardly and upwardly from an upper portion of the mast, so that a ladder resting thereon will slide inwardly thereon to and against the mast; and, v) a ladder retention means extending outwardly over the ladder from a top portion of the mast to prevent the ladder from bouncing off the lateral ladder carrying portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: William Clinton Bell
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Patent number: 7198185Abstract: Provided is a sports rack configured to be mounted on a truck bed. The truck bed may have a front wall, a rear tail gate and a pair of elongate side walls extending therebetween. Each one of the side walls may have a bed rail. The sports rack comprises a front frame member, a rear frame member and a plurality of channel lengths. The front frame member is disposed adjacent the front wall and extends between the side walls. The rear frame member is disposed over the rear tail gate and also extends between the side walls. The plurality of channel lengths extends horizontally between the front and rear frame members. Each of the front and rear frame members comprises a pair of upright end plates that may be used to mount the sports rack on the bed rails.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Xtreme Metal Fab., Inc.Inventor: Ron D. Storer
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Patent number: 7182396Abstract: A structurally independent load bearing support system for use in a cargo vehicle and supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces in addition to the floor of the cargo vehicle. The structurally independent load bearing support system comprises at least two side frames comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical members and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: JDM Ventures, LLCInventor: William Taylor
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Patent number: 7178848Abstract: A utility rack for a vehicle is provided. The utility rack includes a platform, at least one support rail positioned on the platform, and a plurality of storage rails connected to the at least one support rail. The plurality of storage rails have a stowed position generally parallel to the upper surface, and a deployed position generally perpendicular to the upper surface. The plurality of storage rails are arranged to pivot between the stowed position and the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Carl Mather, Todd R Teasdale, Samer Shamon, William E Hughes, Daniel T Griffin, David E Dawkins, Richmond P Thomas
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Patent number: 7152902Abstract: A removable truck bed shelter for use with a truck bed having laterally spaced side ends. The removable truck bed shelter extends between and rests on the laterally spaced side ends to provide shelter to an animal housed in the truck bed. The removable truck bed shelter extends over only a portion of the open truck bed and provides a weather-resistant cover over the portion of te truck bed so enclosed. The removable truck bed shelter may be constructed as an adjustable frame with an attachable cover or as a solid piece of weather-resistant material. When constructed as an adjustable frame, telescoping center portions may be attached to the support members of the frame and include holes wherein a pin may be inserted to lock the frame in position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Russel J. Moen, Wendy Ann Moen
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Patent number: 7128355Abstract: The present invention is a side access hinging truck bed rack. The device pertains primarily to a pickup truck bed rack that allows for easy loading, unloading, and securing of cargo at shoulder level through a rotating hinge mechanism. In the present invention a pair of stationary side rails, both having an inverted U-shape, are fixed parallel to each other upon the upper rims of the longitudinal sidewalls of the truck bed, so that that one of the stationary side rails is above the front wall while the second stationary side rail is above the back tailgate. A hinge at each end of the two stationary side rails pivotally attaches two inverted U-shaped side arm rails. Attached to each of the side arm rails are shelf rack rails. The shelf rack rails rest flatly upon the top of both stationary side rails when in a closed secure position. When the present invention is in this position the side arm rails rest in an upward pointing stance alongside the stationary side rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Inventors: Peter Christian Anderson, Christopher Timothy Liss
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Patent number: 7104429Abstract: A rack device with a height adjustable depending on the cargo carried and the size of the vehicle used. The rack device includes a pair of end portions each comprising a first bar and a second bar coupled to and extending upwardly away from the first bar. A third bar is coupled to and extends away from the second bar. A fourth bar is coupled to and extends upwardly away from the third bar. A fifth bar is removably coupled to and extends between the second bars of each of the end portions. A sixth bar is removably coupled to and extends between the first bar of each of the end portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Zealla Flores
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Patent number: 7104582Abstract: Described is a cargo apparatus (10) including a base (16) having at least one end (30) and at least one side (28), with the at least one end having at least one laterally inside post (20) extending therefrom, and with the at least one side having at least one laterally outside post (18) extending therefrom. At least one end bracket (24) and at least one side bracket (22) are pivotably and translatably mounted to the base, wherein the brackets each have at least one support leg (38, 44) with a mounting end (42, 48). The mounting end pivotably mounts to its respective post on the base between open and closed positions and also translatably mounts to its respective post between an unlocked position distal the post and a locked position proximal the post, whereby the apparatus is collapsible to a closed portable position, and is foldable to a sturdy, open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Robert P. Morrison
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Patent number: 7100961Abstract: A removable truck bed shelter for use with a truck bed having laterally spaced side ends. The removable truck bed shelter extends between and rests on the laterally spaced side ends to provide shelter to an animal housed in the truck bed. The removable truck bed shelter extends over only a portion of the open truck bed and provides a weather-resistant cover over the portion of the truck bed so enclosed. The removable truck bed shelter may be constructed as an adjustable frame with an attachable cover or as a solid piece of weather-resistant material. When constructed as an adjustable frame, telescoping center portions may be attached to the support members of the frame and include holes wherein a pin may be inserted to lock the frame in position.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventors: Russel J. Moen, Wendy Ann Moen
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Patent number: 7090105Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a workpiece adjacent an exterior surface of a vehicle, provides a stationary resting surface mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle and one or more movable clamping bars positioned adjacent to the resting surface. A driving screw moves the clamping bar in a scissors type motion, alternately toward the resting surface, so as to clamp the workpiece, and away from the resting surface so as to release the workpiece, whereby the workpiece may be safely transported by the vehicle. The apparatus may be mounted onto a panel truck, normally adjacent to one or both side panels, or may be mounted on the sides of a pick-up type truck.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventors: Zbigniew Jozef Adamczewski, Ruth Esther Gosey
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Patent number: 7080865Abstract: An integrated operator workspace adapted for incorporation into a mobile computing vehicle. The integrated operator workspace includes a base having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. A first operator computing station is located adjacent to the first longitudinal edge of the base and a second operator computing station is located adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the base. In this arrangement, the first and second operator computing stations are separated from each other by a first predetermined space, which permits unimpeded ingress and egress of the integrated operator workspace by a first user operating at the first operator station and a second user operating at the second operator station.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: John M. Bergeron, Kjetil A. Sevre, Corrine M. St. Jean, Jonathan T. Longley, Joseph C. Spicer, Vidar M. Skjelstad, Carl E. Buczala, Stephen V. Olizarowicz, Shelley Rosenbaum Lipman
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Patent number: 7073835Abstract: An improved bale wagon having at least one bumper member to position the rolling rack at the proper distance from the end of the front load rack of the bale wagon, and to dampen the impact between the front wall of the load rack and the front end of the rolling rack of the bale wagon when the rolling rack returns to the front of the load rack after release of its spring bias.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Stephen W. Jacobs
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Patent number: 7070222Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide bed extender, box extender and step assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding may be aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it may be rotated relative to the tailgate in order to provide the box extender and assist step functions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Multimatic, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bruford, Kian-Huat Tan, Herbert Gruber
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Patent number: 7048483Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to carry two ATVs on a short bed pickup. The platform is designed so that each ATV straddles a side of the bed. ATVs rest almost 10 inches lower than most ATV racks for lower center of gravity and added stability. The wheels drop into an opening that restricts movement from front to back and from left to right. One person can assemble the parts by themselves. ATVs can be driven onto support platform on back of truck on a ramp angled at approximately 30 degrees. Wind resistance is reduced because ATVs are facing forward. Driver can still see behind vehicle through rear view mirror because of space between ATVs. Platform design allows for storage underneath the ATVs. Parts can be integrated for storage in a space approximately 102? long, 24? high, and 24? deep.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Bill Wesley Brown
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Patent number: 7044526Abstract: A sectional 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 has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, P. Lewis Vaughn
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Patent number: 7014236Abstract: A pickup truck bed load carrying rack is described. A pickup truck bed load carrying rack is supported by the bedrails of the pickup truck bed. It is designed to carry items that are too long to fit in the bed of a pickup or to carry items so as to free up space that is needed in the pickup bed. The rack includes two tubular horizontal crossbars (4), two tubular braces (6), tubular brace connecting straps (6a) four tubular vertical supporting braces (8), and braces (12). All of the above are supported by two horizontal brackets (10) which in turn are supported by bedrails (18).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Christopher Lynn Kerns
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Patent number: 6983968Abstract: The headache rack for pickup trucks that supports and secures loads being transported while protecting the rear window from damage and the passengers seated in the cab from harm. The headache rack is adjustable in height in order to accommodate pickup trucks having varying cab heights. Further, the headache rack is provided with internal wiring pathways to safely run wiring from any lights mounted on the uppermost surface of the rack to the pickup truck's electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Blackford Brauer, Atul Saigal, Tony O'Dierno, Wes McReynolds