Patents by Inventor Chris Sautter

Chris Sautter 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).

  • Publication number: 20240083533
    Abstract: A rack adapter for bicycle fenders, including a tubular body having a first flange at a first end, and a second flange at a second, opposing end. A convex portion extends between the first and second flanges, the convex portion having an upper surface shaped to engage a wheel clamping member of a bicycle rack. The tubular body further includes a concave portion having a lower surface contoured to engage a wheel of a bicycle, and an inner passage defined between the convex portion and the concave portion. The inner passage extends through the tubular body from the first end to the second end and is configured to receive a fender of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Charles Kraeuter, Jason Attfield Sagen, Craig DeAmbrose
  • Publication number: 20230100902
    Abstract: A rack adapter for bicycle fenders, including a tubular body having a first flange at a first end, and a second flange at a second, opposing end. A convex portion extends between the first and second flanges, the convex portion having an upper surface shaped to engage a wheel clamping member of a bicycle rack. The tubular body further includes a concave portion having a lower surface contoured to engage a wheel of a bicycle, and an inner passage defined between the convex portion and the concave portion. The inner passage extends through the tubular body from the first end to the second end and is configured to receive a fender of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Charles Kraeuter, Jason Attfield Sagen, Craig DeAmbrose
  • Publication number: 20220089097
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20200317139
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 10780837
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a pair of longitudinal support assemblies. Each support assembly is configured for mounting on a crossbar secured across the roof of a vehicle, and includes a stationary base and an extendable rail. Each rail is moveable between a first position in which the rail is substantially coextensive with the base, a second position in which the rail extends significantly beyond the end of the base, and a third position in which the rail pivots downward adjacent a side of the vehicle. Each rail also has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a loading arm pivotably connected to the distal end portion. The loading arm is moveable between a collapsed position parallel the rail and an extended loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Scott A. McFadden, Ashley Hoch, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 10583784
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20200062187
    Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Victor Rogers, John Mark Elliott, Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 10543771
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a platform to a vehicle rooftop is disclosed. The assembly includes a rail mounted on a bottom side of the platform, having a linear track. A clamp assembly is slidably mounted in the linear track, and is configured to grip a crossbar. The clamp assembly includes a fixation device configured to stop movement of the clamp assembly in a selected position along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Publication number: 20190217786
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 10279747
    Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Victor Rogers, John Mark Elliott, Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 10150423
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20180222397
    Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Victor Rogers, John Mark Elliott, Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Publication number: 20180162288
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a pair of longitudinal support assemblies. Each support assembly is configured for mounting on a crossbar secured across the roof of a vehicle, and includes a stationary base and an extendable rail. Each rail is moveable between a first position in which the rail is substantially coextensive with the base, a second position in which the rail extends significantly beyond the end of the base, and a third position in which the rail pivots downward adjacent a side of the vehicle. Each rail also has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a loading arm pivotably connected to the distal end portion. The loading arm is moveable between a collapsed position parallel the rail and an extended loading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Scott A. McFadden, Ashley Hoch, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 9868402
    Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Yakina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Victor Rogers, John Mark Elliott, Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Publication number: 20170349080
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a platform to a vehicle rooftop is disclosed. The assembly includes a rail mounted on a bottom side of the platform, having a linear track. A clamp assembly is slidably mounted in the linear track, and is configured to grip a crossbar. The clamp assembly includes a fixation device configured to stop movement of the clamp assembly in a selected position along the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 9694757
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop system for carrying boards, such as SUP boards, may include a support unit having an elongate body, a self-adjusting strap slidably attached to the body, and a load-assist roller. A lockable cam buckle for securing the strap may be included at one end portion of the unit, and a paddle carrier may be included at another end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Jason A. Sagen, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20170036613
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20160362053
    Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Victor Rogers, John Mark Elliott, Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 9381866
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 9376063
    Abstract: A carrier that mounts to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a pair of arms to support a bicycle. Each arm may include one or more securing devices each including a strap to contact a frame region of a bicycle and a pair of buckles to fasten the strap over the frame region. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mount for a vehicle hitch. The mount may include a pair of user-actuated coupling members, such as a wedge member and a retractable retainer, each configured to attach the mount to the hitch. One of the coupling members (e.g., the retainer) may serve as a backup for the other coupling member to improve safety. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mast that is releasable for backward pivotal motion away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Hein, Richard Jeli, Chris Sautter