Patents by Inventor Charles J. Steffens

Charles J. Steffens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9669689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Publication number: 20120251228
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Patent number: 8205928
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Steffans Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Patent number: 8205844
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Erickson, Charles J. Steffens
  • Publication number: 20100219658
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Patent number: 7735881
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Publication number: 20090146449
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: STEFFENS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Patent number: 7334807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Mulder, Charles J. Steffens
  • Publication number: 20080018074
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: STEFFENS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott A. Currie, Christopher P. Hilton
  • Patent number: 7195299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
  • Patent number: 7036861
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
  • Publication number: 20040155082
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
  • Patent number: 6565141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: 6527330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: 6520559
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: 6454337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: 6422635
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Scott P. Crossman
  • Patent number: D612561
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Charles J. Steffens
  • Patent number: D637782
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Steffens
  • Patent number: D645630
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Roger L. Erickson