Project-retract (tie Piece)* Patents (Class 410/111)
  • Patent number: 11919455
    Abstract: A trunk structure for a vehicle improves retainment performance of goods to a vehicle body in a cargo net, and improves flexibility of the layout of a trunk board. The trunk structure includes a trunk board, a hook member attached to the trunk board to which a cargo net covering goods can be locked, an interior member which constitutes an inside surface of a trunk, and an engaged portion of the interior member which the hook member can engage, the engaged portion restraining movement of the trunk board in an up-down direction when the engaged portion is engaged with the hook member. The hook member is switchable between an engaged state where the hook member engages the engaged portion and a non-engaged state where the engagement is released, and retains the engaged state by locking the cargo net to the hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Ishii, Keita Miyamoto, Takafumi Kawaura, Shumpei Kuwamura
  • Patent number: 10703252
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a support, having a plurality of receivers, a key, including a tongue that may be inserted into one receiver of the plurality of receivers and a locking mechanism releasably securing the key to the support and the tongue in the receiver. A first point of a strap is captured between the tongue and the receiver and extended over the cargo to be transported. A second key is then inserted into a second receiver to secure a second point of the strap and thereby hold the cargo in position on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Patent number: 10519012
    Abstract: A billet fairlead with a front surface, a recess, with a recess perimeter shape and a fairlead extending through the front surface. The billet fairlead is paired with a towing end with a towing end perimeter shape that is substantially the same as the recess perimeter shape such that the towing end is removable and receivable into the recess for storage in one orientation only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: ADDICTIVE DESERT DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventor: Jared A. Hare
  • Patent number: 10369920
    Abstract: In a combination of a securing eye, which has a fastening portion and an eye portion, and a holding plate, the fastening portion includes a first fastening part, which incorporates the eye portion, and a second fastening part. The first fastening part has a fastening element which can be brought into a positive connecting effect with the holding plate by a rotational and/or translational mounting movement of the first fastening part. The second fastening part can be fastened to the holding plate and, in the fastened state, prevents the positive connection between the first fastening part and the holding plate from being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Albert Sbongk
  • Patent number: 10093220
    Abstract: A tie down cleat assembly includes a cleat body having a mounting lug, a first receiver, a second receiver and a third receiver. The multiple receivers provide versatility, enhancing the functionality of the cleat for tie down purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Michael A. Musleh, Joseph Myszka, Aaron Bradley Johnson, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 8956094
    Abstract: A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert, Francis Smidler
  • Patent number: 8794886
    Abstract: A cargo tie down includes a retainer and a shackle. The retainer includes a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end and a flange extending radially outward from the proximal end of the barrel. The shackle includes an arcuate portion merging into a distal end of a first leg and a distal end of a second leg and a necking portion extending between a coupling end and an interface end. A hinge including a pin extends through the shackle and the distal end of the barrel. A proximal end of the first leg and a proximal end of the second leg are separated by a first width. The coupling end spans the first width and joins the proximal end of the first leg to the proximal end of the second leg. The width of the necking portion decreases as it extends from the coupling end to the interface end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Nett, Justin W. Schrank, Robert M. Hathaway, James P. Warner
  • Patent number: 8662804
    Abstract: A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert, Francis Smidler
  • Patent number: 8613578
    Abstract: A hidden tie down provides a round collar that is inserted into a like-sized round aperture formed in a planar surface. A cap and cap mount are attachable to the collar at the outer face of the surface. A fastener secures the collar to the surface at the inner face of the surface. Two opposing bushings are disposed within the collar to retain each end of a hook loop within them. The hook loop includes a round lid that closes off a like-sized round opening in the cap such that, in one position, the lid closes off the cap opening and creates a substantially flush surface across the cap. In another position, the hook loop extends outwardly from the cap opening to provide an attachment structure. Each bushing includes a detent to retain the hook loop in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald M. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8388286
    Abstract: A tie-down eye for a cargo space of a motor vehicle has an annular loop pivoted on a mount that is formed with a journal part wrapped around a portion of the loop, and the mount and the loop are secured in a frame element fixed in a floor of the cargo space. The loop, which serves for attachment of securing straps, retaining ropes, retaining nets, or similar load-securing elements on or against the cargo surface can pivot between a nonuse position recessed in the frame element and use position projecting upward therefrom. The mount is formed with a cutout in its journal part wrapped around the loop, and a projection extending radially from the loop extends through this cutout and bears against an inner peripheral edge of the cutout when in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gebr. Kemmerich GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Niklas, Oliver Bongen
  • Patent number: 8282326
    Abstract: A tie down for securing objects in an aircraft having a roller tray can comprise a tie-fitting, a carriage, and protruding elements. A carriage can include at least one side wall with protruding elements extending from the side wall of a carriage to cooperate with a roller tray. The protruding elements removably secure the tie down to a selected location along the roller tray. A restraint extending from an object can be removably secured to a tie down. The tie down being vertically insertable and removable by hand operation and without the use if tools or mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Samantha Jo Krostue, Peter William Barfknecht, Justin Daniel Williams
  • Patent number: 8079793
    Abstract: A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert, Francis Smidler
  • Publication number: 20100284758
    Abstract: A tie down for use on a load bearing surface includes a cup-shaped housing, a mounting block, a cylindrical fastener assembly, and at least one bail. The mounting block and cylindrical fastener assembly is rotatably mounted in the cup-shaped housing. The mounting block and cylindrical fastener assembly allow for rotation of the at least one bail above the plane of the load bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Tam Le
  • Patent number: 7811036
    Abstract: A load anchor has a support 103 with an upper surface. A tongue 105 with an aperture 113 for receipt of a tie down strap is pivotable relative to the support 103 from a first position wherein the tongue 105 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the support 103 to a second position extending above the support so that the aperture 113 is exposed. The load anchor may have a lever arrangement 111 accessible through the aperture 113 in the tongue when the tongue is in the first position, so that downward force applied to part of the lever arrangement 111 through the aperture 113 pivots the lever arrangement 111 which lifts the tongue 105 from the first position. The tongue 105 may be pivotally connected relative to the support member 103 by an integrally formed shaft or shafts 107.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: HGW Trustee's Limited
    Inventor: Barry Douglas Armour
  • Patent number: 7780384
    Abstract: A hook attaching unit in accordance with the invention is constituted by a hook member which is rotatably attached to an end portion of a base plate, a bolt with a flange inserted to a bolt insertion hole of the base plate, and a resin cover member in which a cover body is connected to an annular basement portion. Since the hook member, the cover member and the bolt are integrally assembled, it is not necessary to install the bolt separately in the work field and then install the cover member after attaching the hook, and as such, the workability at the time of fastening is improved. Further, since the cover member invisibly covers the bolt head portion, improved safety and outer appearance is obtained. The hook attaching unit can be also utilized for attaching a seat belt anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Katou, Katsunori Arai
  • Patent number: 7651305
    Abstract: A retractable fitting assembly may include a cover that is rotatable around a first axis between closed and open positions, and a fitting that is rotatable around a second axis between closed and open positions. The first and second axes may be spaced apart and generally parallel. The direction of rotation of the fitting from the closed position to the open position may be opposite the direction of rotation of the cover from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position of the cover and the open position of the fitting, at least a portion of the cover abuts the fitting to thereby hinder rotation of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric R. Boyd, Mark A. Heinrichs
  • Patent number: 7537423
    Abstract: A device has a chain fitting which is connected to the floor of a transportation vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer. The chain fitting has a cap on one end thereof, which is installed in a mating aperture formed in the vehicle floor. The side rail has an aperture opposite the floor aperture, this aperture having a smaller diameter than the floor aperture. A side rail is installed along an edge of the floor, tis side rail having an aperture positioned opposite the aperture in the floor and having a smaller diameter than the floor aperture. The cap is installed on the top side of the floor with a short chain piece attached thereto running through the aperture with a second cap at the lower end which is secured to the lower end of the chain. A length of securing chain is attached to the chain fitting, this securing chain being attached to cargo to be restrained. The cap is partially beveled along its contact surface with the floor and engages the sides of the aperture in the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Abato, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7476070
    Abstract: A device consisting of a short chain fitting is linked to the floor of a transportation vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer. The chain fitting has a cap on one end thereof, which is installed in a mating aperture formed in the vehicle floor. The cap is installed on the top side of the floor with a short chain piece attached thereto running through the aperture with a second cap at the lower end which is secured to the lower end of the chain. A length of securing chain is attached to the chain fitting, this length of chain running substantially vertical to the floor and attached to cargo to be restrained. The cap is partially beveled along its contact surface with the floor and engages the sides of the aperture on the top part of the floor. The cap itself and the beveled surface thereon facilitate detachment of the chain fitting when so required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph L. Abato, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7462006
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening arrangement for lashing brackets in the floor of a cargo hold of an aircraft. In this case, a plurality of channels that extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, together with transverse profiles or frames lying under them, form a grid-like floor framework. The frames and the channels extend in each case preferably such that they are uniformly spaced apart and parallel to one another. A lashing bracket is pivotably accommodated in the at least one channel. The connection between the lashing bracket, the channel and the frame can be performed with two half-barrel nuts, which are arranged in the region of a thickening of the web of the frame and into which two screw bolts are screwed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: AIRBUS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herrmann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20080260487
    Abstract: A family of anchor devices that include a back plate mounted behind a mounting surface with a flange mounted in front of the mounting surface and generally a ring or hook carrier member that engages an anchor ring or a hook. In several embodiments the carrier can rotate without axles pins or the like allowing the load to align the device in a direction of maximum convenience and strength. A first embodiment provides a rotating ring in a recessed retaining cup that provides for maximum flexibility. A second embodiment provides a rotating ring in a clip carrier in a raised mounting flange. A third embodiment provides a swivel insert hook carrier that can rotate. A fourth embodiment includes a ring that engages a notch in a raised carrier. Fifth and sixth embodiments provide attachments for one or multiple hooks in a fixed-mounted, non-rotating flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Andre' Grasso
  • Patent number: 7431548
    Abstract: A housing assembly for housing a restraint device is provided. The housing assembly may be recessed into a floor or a wall of a building or a vehicle. The restraint device may be a retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Acton, Jeffrey A. King
  • Patent number: 7390155
    Abstract: A tie down or strap anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides a housing that can be mounted flush with a deck, floor or the like. A connector removably attaches to the housing by depressing a piston downwardly. When not in use, the connector is removed and a spring urges the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Carroll Diaz, Robbins Marshall Claypool, Jr., Lawrence Crochet, Jr., Mark A. Danos
  • Patent number: 7201550
    Abstract: Various load items, such as freight pieces or passenger seats are to be secured to the loading floor of a transport conveyance. For this purpose a lashing device is constructed for a lashing function performed by a tiltable lashing bail or a latching function performed by a mounting rail profile cooperating with an interconnecting or interlocking element when the lashing bail is in a recessed position in a housing to which the lashing bail is journaled and in which a mounting member (7) carrying the mounting rail profile (8) is secured. When the lashing bail is in a raised, active position the mounting rail profile is in an inactive state and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Borrmann, Guenter Vogg
  • Patent number: 7182560
    Abstract: A swing up post is provided for attachment to a banding anchor used for securing a load-retaining band on a deck. At least one ear is provided having a respective aperture for receiving a bolt used to rotatably secure the at least one ear to a support surface associated with the deck. A retaining portion is connected to the at least one ear to retain the banding anchor. An end plate is provided at the end of the retaining portion which retains the banding anchor on the retaining portion. In a load retaining position, the swing up post is in a swung up position and in a storage position the swing up post is in a hung down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 7134819
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly includes a housing configured to receive a pair of bails. A cross-bar and post are used to rotatably connect the bails to the housing. The pair of bails can be identical to allow a strap to be cinched to the housing. Alternatively, the bails can be shaped differently, for example, to center a strap within the bail or to facilitate the use of multiple straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: A.L. Hansen Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Charles Bullock, William S. Hansen, II
  • Patent number: 6955511
    Abstract: Method of installing a retractable anchor device on a surface. The method includes forming at least one opening in the surface, at least one of fixing, attaching, fastening and removably securing the mounting part to the surface, and ensuring that the U-shaped member is movable between the extended position and the retracted position. The U-shaped member moves from the extended position to the retracted position when the U-shaped member experiences the predetermined external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: John Preta
  • Patent number: 6935602
    Abstract: The present invention provides a security chain anchor which comprises: a base plate that is bolted or otherwise securely fastened, in use, to a fixed surface such as, for example, a floor or wall; and a loop-bearing member having a rigid loop mounted thereto to receive a tether, wherein the loop is pivotally mounted to the loop-bearing member and the loop-bearing member is rotatable relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Frank James Hardie
  • Patent number: 6918721
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an assembly for securing cargo to a cargo bed. Specifically, the invention relates to a cargo tie-down for mounting in the cargo deck of a vehicle. The recessed cargo tie-down includes a housing recessed within the cargo deck of a vehicle, an anchor defining an aperture secured within the housing, and a tie-down ring having a nominally circular portion and at least one nominally straight portion compatible with flat metal banding. According to the exemplary embodiment, the tie-down ring is attached to the recessed housing through the aperture in the anchor such that the tie-down ring may be rotated along its periphery within the aperture such that either the nominally circular portion or the nominally straight portion is within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Allen C. Hedeen, Peter D. Breyer
  • Patent number: 6908269
    Abstract: A dynamic cargo restraint system has a stationary hook member mounted in a bezel for engagement with a second movable hook member that is stored in a second bezel. The movable hook member is attached to a cord that is engaged with a retraction mechanism housed within the corresponding wall of the cargo area to retract the cord for automatic storage when the movable hook member is not in use. The movable hook member can be threaded through the handles of grocery bags before being attached to the stationary hook member to support the grocery bags in an upright orientation. The hook members and the bezels can be formed in a variety of shapes, and are stored substantially flush with the walls of the cargo area. The stationary hook member can be pivoted within it's bezel to project outwardly therefrom for engagement with the movable hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Youngs, Curt Aumiller, Chelsia Ka Po Lau, Nicholas Waskul, Richard Beck
  • Patent number: 6869260
    Abstract: An anchorage has two members, one fixed the other at the end of a strap or other element to be secured, which hook together and which can then be manipulated so that there is virtually no chance of separation, particularly when there is a pull on the strap. One member, usually the fixed one, may be a stud of mushroom form while the other may be a D-shaped plate with the curved periphery extended out of the plane of the plate to form a U-shaped channel that can hook onto the head of the stud. But formations on the head and on the plate, or a wall around the stud, allows full engagement only in one direction, while after that mutual rotation through at least 90° makes the hooked member captive to the stud. The stud may be biased by its weight or a spring so that its head is normally lowered against the mouth of a socket, but is shaped so that it can be wedged up by the hook member as that is offered up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: C. N. Unwin Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Leslie Mason
  • Publication number: 20040265088
    Abstract: Various load items, such as freight pieces or passenger seats are to be secured to the loading floor of a transport conveyance. For this purpose a lashing device is constructed for a lashing function performed by a tiltable lashing bail or a latching function performed by a mounting rail profile cooperating with an interconnecting or interlocking element when the lashing bail is in a recessed position in a housing to which the lashing bail is journaled and in which a mounting member (7) carrying the mounting rail profile (8) is secured. When the lashing bail is in a raised, active position the mounting rail profile is in an inactive state and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Carsten Borrmann, Guenter Vogg
  • Patent number: 6783313
    Abstract: A concealable buckle apparatus includes a panel, a locking element, a shaft and a buckle. The panel includes a recess and a margin formed about the recess. The recess includes a bottom and a wall projecting from the bottom and two slots extending from the bottom to the wall. The locking element includes a concave first portion, a convex second portion extending from the first portion, a concave third portion extending from the second portion and a fourth portion extending from the third portion. The fourth portion of the locking element is secured to the bottom of the recess. The shaft is put between the locking element and the bottom of the panel. The buckle includes two lateral portions inserted through the slots and secured to the shaft and a central portion formed between the lateral portions. The buckle is concealed in the recess when the shaft is retained in the first portion of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6764259
    Abstract: Retractable anchor device includes a mounting part which is securable to a surface and a generally U-shaped member to which a tension member can be secured. The U-shaped member is slidably mounted to the mounting part and including a first end and a second end. A retracting system is included that causes the U-shaped member to move to a retracted position when the U-shaped member experiences a predetermined external force sufficient to disengage the locking system. The retracting system has at least one of (a) first and second biasing mechanisms wherein the first biasing mechanism biases the first end towards the retracted position and the second biasing mechanism biases the second end towards the retracted position, or (b) an actuator, wherein the actuator moves the U-shaped member towards at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: John Preta
  • Patent number: 6712569
    Abstract: A rope tie has a cylindrical housing contiguous to a base, with a first bore, a second bore, and a shoulder section contained in the housing and a first groove and a second groove inset along the second bore. A post is movably disposed in the base and consists of a first columnar section, a second columnar section, and a second shoulder section. A spring is seated between the second shoulder section and the first shoulder section, a check section is situated at one extremity of the post, and a hitch hole is formed through the first columnar section. As such, the check section is capable of engaging the first groove or the second groove, thereby enabling the re-positioning of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Ming-Fang Wang, Yin-Shu Yang
  • Patent number: 6669418
    Abstract: A device is mounted in the deck of a truck for catching a cargo-locating rope and is formed of a base, a top plate, and a rope-catching plate. The base is mounted in a mounting hole of the deck. The top plate is fastened with the top of the base. The rope-catching plate is slidably located in a receiving slot of the base such that the locating balls of the rope-catching plate are retained in first locating recesses of guide grooves of the base at the time when the rope-catching plate is pulled out of the base to catch the cargo-locating rope. When the rope-catching plate is pushed back into the base, the locating balls of the rope-catching plate move along the guide grooves to locate in second locating recesses of the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6637992
    Abstract: A retractable snap ring structure includes a snapping hook, a clamping seat, a receiving box, a bottom housing, a fixing plate, an upper washer, a lower washer, a vehicle body, a spring, and a small-sized spring. The hook portion of the snapping hook may be protruded outward from or retracted into the vehicle body by a simple pressing action, thereby facilitating the user using the retractable snap ring structure. Thus, when the snapping hook is not in use, the hook portion of the snapping hook may be retracted and hidden in the vehicle body, thereby preventing the hook portion of the snapping hook from protruding outward to hurt the people, and thereby increasing the lifetime of the snap ring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent Chang
  • Patent number: 6533512
    Abstract: The present inventive relates to a quick-detachable device for attaching ropes thereto, including a first rope with a hooked end and a second rope with a plain end. The device includes a hollow body having a front opening, a clasp and a chuck both received in the hollow body. The clasp has a ring operable to be turned outward from the front opening of the body for hitching the first rope thereto, while chuck has a first jaw and a second jaw operable to be moved outward from the front opening through the ring for holding the second rope therebetween. In addition, a first actuator is provided for controlling the outward turn of the ring of the clasp from the front opening, and a second actuator is provided for controlling the outward movement of the jaws of the chuck from the front opening. The actuators have respective buttons available from a front face of the hollow body for operating the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6523800
    Abstract: An article-positioning board includes a board body provided on top surface with a plurality of through holes respectively having a comparatively large diameter at the bottom side and a relatively small diameter on the topside for receiving a same-shaped insert member. Each insert member has a recess formed in an upper portion, and each recess has a holding space extending outward oppositely in one inner side for receiving the lateral rods of the clasp. Thus, when ropes (elastic or not) pass through and are fastened on the clasps preset in direction, non-plane articles of different shapes and sizes can duly be positioned firmly and quickly, no matter where they are placed on the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: L&F Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mu-Chaun Hsu
  • Patent number: 6468009
    Abstract: A pop-up tie down device includes a body member having an attachment member for securing the body member to the stake hole of a side wall in a vehicle carrier. The anchor member includes a cavity which holds a pop-up tie down device. The pop-up tie down device is movable from a retracted position within the cavity to an extended position wherein a portion of the tie down device protrudes from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Elwell, James L. Worrell
  • Patent number: 6464437
    Abstract: A tie down mechanism includes an elongated tie down post and a hollow stake post having a hollow shaft adapted to fit in the stake pocket. The hollow shaft includes an aperture therein for slidably receiving the tie down post. Expander block assemblies secure a portion of the hollow shaft in the stake pocket. A spring is operably located between the stake post and the tie down post for yieldingly biasing the tie down post to extend relative to the stake post. The tie down mechanism further includes a cam groove and follower interconnecting the tie down post and the hollow shaft. The cam groove and follower allow the tie down post to be held in a retracted position or released into the extended position when needed without the use of exposed levers or hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 6390744
    Abstract: A tie down anchor is attachable to the tailgate of a pickup truck for securement of a cargo strap thereto, the anchor having a plate member that has a first face that abuts the inner face of the tailgate and a second face. A first opening is disposed within the plate member while a pair of channel members extend outwardly from the first face of the plate member in generally parallel fashion, each channel having a pair second openings disposed therein. A leg member having at least two sections disposed on different planes is slidably disposed within the pair of channels while a pair of studs are each received within one of the pair of second openings and an opening located on the leg member and registerable with the pair of second openings for securing the leg member within the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Todd Parkins
  • Patent number: 6296163
    Abstract: A substantially flat-shaped board type carrier (8) is placed on a carrier frame mounted on the front and/or rear of a straddle type four wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The carrier surface (8A) on which baggage is placed is provided with numerous lateral anti-slip projections (8e) that are parallel to one another and expand outward. Of the parts comprising the carrier frame, at least the front main frame and rear main frame are made of pipe and support the carrier by being fitted into the fitting grooves formed by the ribs on the bottom surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jiro Kitao, Takeshi Usui, Hideyoshi Kosuge, Kazuhiro Maeda, Fumio Mizuta, Toru Minami
  • Publication number: 20010010786
    Abstract: A pop-up tie down device includes a body member having an attachment member for securing the body member to the stake hole of a side wall in a vehicle carrier. The anchor member includes a cavity which holds a pop-up tie down device. The pop-up tie down device is movable from a retracted position within the cavity to an extended position wherein a portion of the tie down device protrudes from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: James P. Elwell, James L. Worrell
  • Patent number: 6231285
    Abstract: A pop-up tie down device includes a body member having an attachment member for securing the body member to the stake hole of a side wall in a vehicle carrier. The anchor member includes a cavity which holds a pop-up tie down device. The pop-up tie down device is movable from a retracted position within the cavity to an extended position wherein a portion of the tie down device protrudes from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Elwell, James L. Worrell
  • Patent number: 6149361
    Abstract: A securement device for securing an item in position. A member has an elongate slot along its length and has configured openings at intervals along the length of the slot. Cords are stored on or in the member. A neck portion of the head end of the cord is movable along the slot and into any one of the configured openings. A desired length of cord is withdrawn through the configured opening and attached to an item to secure an item in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Schrader Dane Corporation
    Inventor: Darren Schrader
  • Patent number: 6149359
    Abstract: A wheelchair anchor for use in a vehicle is movable between a retracted position in which it takes up a relatively small amount of floor space within the vehicle and an extended position in which it provides a plurality of anchor points to which one or more wheelchairs may be secured. An elongated track plate is secured to the floor of the vehicle so that it extends transversely to the direction of vehicle motion, and a beam assembly made up of three beams telescopingly engaged with one another is slidable along the track plate between a retracted position adjacent a first end of the track plate and an extended position wherein the beam is slid toward the opposite, second and the track plate. The distal end of the beam assembly is securable to the track plate adjacent the midportion of the track to maintain the beam assembly in the retracted position adjacent the first end of the track, and is alternatively securable to the track adjacent the second end to maintain the beam assembly in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Edgardo Cardona
  • Patent number: 6138975
    Abstract: An anchored tie-down ring that mounts in or on a concrete surface to which a movable object can be secured. One embodiment includes a generally U-shaped ring with a hollow cylindrical crossbar that sits within a cavity in a block mounted flush with a concrete surface. One end of each of a pair of legs fits into the crossbar and acts as a bearing on which the ring pivots. The legs extend through the block into the concrete as an anchor. Another embodiment includes a generally U-shaped ring that is pivotally mounted in a block. Anchor bolts extend through holes in the block into the concrete surface. A rounded cover is secured to the block, denying access to the anchor bolts, and includes a cavity so that the ring lays horizontally within the cover when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 6139235
    Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Vander Koy, Todd Krzanowski
  • Patent number: 6065917
    Abstract: A tie-down anchor is provided for strapping cargo to a cargo bed. The tie-down anchor includes a receptacle member, which in turn includes a base and a mounting flange secured to the base. The mounting flange is mounted to the cargo bed in alignment with a mounting hole in the bed. A strap-receiving member is disposed in the receptacle member supported on the base for floating rotary and pivotal movement. The strap-receiving member includes a base leg having a length greater than the diameter of the mounting hole and an extension fixed to the base leg to create an opening for receiving the strap. The extension is narrower than the mounting hole so that the extension may pass through the mounting hole and extend above the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas Allan Shambeau, Loren Fredrick Hansen
  • Patent number: 6050763
    Abstract: A utility hook for a pick-up truck is provided. Every Pick-up truck has some sort of bed or cargo carrying area. Typically, the bed is bound by sidewalls that include a vertical exterior wall, a horizontal top portion and a short overhang section. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for a base disposed below and attached to the horizontal top portion and between the vertical exterior wall and the short vertical overhang. An attachment structure is pivotally attached to the base via a pivot pin. Attachment structure includes an orientation section and a cargo engagement section disposed on opposite side of the pivot pin. The attachment structure is capable of pivoting such that it is disposed vertically above a plane formed perpendicular to the bottom edge of the short vertical overhang. A stop is also provided to contact the orientation section in order to hold the attachment structure in a defined orientation with respect to said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Swailes