Patents by Inventor Craig C. Mulder

Craig C. Mulder 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: 7380806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig C. Mulder
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7168721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig C. Mulder
  • Patent number: 7052071
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Mulder, John M. Arend
  • Patent number: 6735794
    Abstract: An ambulance stretcher having a wheeled base (11) supported by foldable leg assemblies (16, 17). Castors (313, 393) are provided on the leg assemblies for providing improved mobility of the stretcher. The front castors (313) are selectively locked by a locking mechanism (30) to either allow the castors to swivel or roll in a single direction. The locking mechanism is accessible on both sides of the stretcher. Activation of the locking mechanism on either side of the frame selectively locks or unlocks both front castors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Way, Craig C. Mulder