Patents Assigned to Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC
  • Low profile light for article carrier system
    Patent number: 7377674
    Abstract: An article carrier apparatus for a vehicle includes a cross rail interconnected to an exterior surface of the vehicle, a heat sink positioned within the cross rail, and a light source positioned within the cross rail. The light source is thermally connected to the heat sink such that the heat sink will absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by operation of the light source. The cross rail will structurally support an article attached to the exterior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Klinkman, Winston Fowler, Robert H. Miller, Timothy A. Danczuk, Robert E. Burnham, William R. Henderson, Ronald G. Saward
  • Drawbar coupler for an automotive vehicle hitch rack
    Patent number: 5615904
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an automotive vehicle hitch rack and more particularly to a drawbar coupler that provides a connection to a tow hitch on an automotive vehicle. The coupler comprises a drawbar which interfaces with the tow hitch to provide opposed overlapping surfaces, and a tightener which applies force to maintain the opposed overlapping surfaces together. The invention significantly reduces play between the drawbar and the tow hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Donn S. Van Dusen, Douglas P. Gibbs