Patents Assigned to Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
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Patent number: 9669689Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
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Publication number: 20120251228Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
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Patent number: 8205844Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved connector assembly for attaching objects to supports. The connector assembly has both a male connector and a female connector capable of being removably attached to each other. The male connector includes an engagement portion that extends from a contact surface and a support structure for attaching to an accessory. The female connector includes a hooked portion that extends from a female contact surface and receives the engagement portion of the male connector. Once connected, the male contact surface and the female contact surface may contact each other. The female connector may be attached to a structure, such as a wall, a free standing structure, or other attachment structure. Further, the male connector may be connected at various locations along the female connector, providing flexibility to attach the male connector at more than one location.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Erickson, Charles J. Steffens
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Publication number: 20100219658Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
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Patent number: 7735881Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
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Publication number: 20090146449Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: STEFFENS ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
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Patent number: 7380806Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface. The ribs are relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform. The ribs are relatively tall in the non-step portions flanking the step portion. The ribs define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Craig C. Mulder
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Patent number: 7334807Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface, the ribs define a plurality of channels between the ribs. The ribs may be relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform, and may be relatively tall in the flanking portions flanking the step portion. The ribs may further define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics. A pair of end caps may be provided to cover the ends of the extrusion. The ends caps include openings aligned with the channels to allow fluid flow through the channels and the openings and into an environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Mulder, Charles J. Steffens
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Publication number: 20080018074Abstract: A vehicle step tube having a one-piece extruded body and a one-piece extruded step tread slidably interfitted together. The tube is fabricated of aluminum, and the step tread is fabricated of plastic or rubber. The step tread and the body are of substantially the same length so that the step tread provides a continues non-skid surface along the entire upper surface of the step tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: STEFFENS ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott A. Currie, Christopher P. Hilton
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Publication number: 20070267841Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface. The ribs are relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform. The ribs are relatively tall in the non-step portions flanking the step portion. The ribs define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: STEFFENS ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Craig Mulder
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Patent number: 7195299Abstract: A storage box for a cargo bay of a vehicle including a conveyor on which items, e.g., tools and materials, are stored. The conveyor is actuatable to move the items in a pre-selected direction, preferably toward the side or rear of the vehicle cargo bay to provide easy access to the items. In another aspect, the storage box includes fold-out shelving. The shelving includes multiple panels hinged together. A first panel is hingedly connected to an intermediate panel, which is hingedly connected to a second panel, which is pivotally connected to the storage box. The panels are operable in (a) a collapsed mode, where the panels fold substantially vertically against one another, and (b) an extended mode, where the first panel moves outwardly to a substantially vertical position and the intermediate and pivot panel pivot downward to a substantially horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
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Patent number: 7168721Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface. The ribs are relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform. The ribs are relatively tall in the non-step portions flanking the step portion. The ribs define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Craig C. Mulder
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Patent number: 7052071Abstract: A latching and locking system for a cover for the cargo bed of a vehicle having a tailgate. The system includes a cover latch, a first manual operator for releasing the cover latch, and a second automatic operator for automatically releasing the cover latch if the tailgate is moved to its closed position when the cover is closed and locked. The system includes a single cable interconnecting the latch and the first and second operators. The second operator carries a movable tailgate latch. Finally, the system includes a single lock operatively connected to both the first operator and the tailgate latch.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Mulder, John M. Arend
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Patent number: 7036861Abstract: A storage box for a cargo bay of a vehicle including a conveyor on which items, e.g., tools and materials, are stored. The conveyor is actuatable to move the items in a pre-selected direction, preferably toward the side or rear of the vehicle cargo bay to provide easy access to the items. In another aspect, the storage box includes fold-out shelving. The shelving includes multiple panels hinged together. A first panel is hingedly connected to an intermediate panel, which is hingedly connected to a second panel, which is pivotally connected to the storage box. The panels are operable in (a) a collapsed mode, where the panels fold substantially vertically against one another, and (b) an extended mode, where the first panel moves outwardly to a substantially vertical position and the intermediate and pivot panel pivot downward to a substantially horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
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Patent number: 6565141Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck including at least first and second parallel cargo bay panels hingedly mounted to a frame member spanning the cargo bay of the pickup. The cover includes a unique clamping bracket for attaching the frame member to the side rails of the pickup. A curved wind seal member is mounted on the top of the sides of the bed and includes a first seal mounted between the edge of the panels and the wind seal member, and a second seal mounted between the bottom surface of the panels and the wind seal member. The wind seal is mounted to a stake pocket of the truck with a universal stake-pocket mounting nut. The cover further includes lock mechanism recessed below the top surface of the cargo bay panel so that a key in the lock mechanism is below the top of the cover. The lock mechanism includes universal lock catch adjustable on two axes to hold the cover in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
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Patent number: 6527330Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck including at least first and second parallel cargo bay panels hingedly mounted to a frame member spanning the cargo bay of the pickup. The cover includes a unique clamping bracket for attaching the frame member to the side rails of the pickup. A curved wind seal member is mounted on the top of the sides of the bed and includes a first seal mounted between the edge of the panels and the wind seal member, and a second seal mounted between the bottom surface of the panels and the wind seal member. The wind seal is mounted to a stake pocket of the truck with a universal stake-pocket mounting nut. The cover further includes lock mechanism recessed below the top surface of the cargo bay panel so that a key in the lock mechanism is below the top of the cover. The lock mechanism includes universal lock catch adjustable on two axes to hold the cover in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
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Patent number: 6520559Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck including at least first and second parallel cargo bay panels hingedly mounted to a frame member spanning the cargo bay of the pickup. The cover includes a unique clamping bracket for attaching the frame member to the side rails of the pickup. A curved wind seal member is mounted on the top of the sides of the bed and includes a first seal mounted between the edge of the panels and the wind seal member, and a second seal mounted between the bottom surface of the panels and the wind seal member. The wind seal is mounted to a stake pocket of the truck with a universal stake-pocket mounting nut. The cover further includes lock mechanism recessed below the top surface of the cargo bay panel so that a key in the lock mechanism is below the top of the cover. The lock mechanism includes universal lock catch adjustable on two axes to hold the cover in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
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Patent number: D612561Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Charles J. Steffens
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Patent number: D637782Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Charles J. Steffens
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Patent number: D645630Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Roger L. Erickson