Patents by Inventor Eric D. Getzschman
Eric D. Getzschman 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: 11161398Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen, James A. Robertson, Ronald Manzanares, George C. Stickles
-
Publication number: 20210331565Abstract: A retractable sliding/folding slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to an open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
-
Publication number: 20210309084Abstract: A roofing system for a Jeep type multiple row seating Jeep type SUV having a parallel separated longitudinal support beam structure extending roll cage with rear ends of the longitudinal support beams inclined to a belt line of the vehicle, the system including a rear rigid portion extending transverse of the vehicle, a cloth portion forward of the rigid portion covering at least a front seating row of the vehicle being openable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: BESTOP INC.Inventors: John Larson, David A. Smith, Eric D. Getzschman, Tommy L. Knight
-
Patent number: 11135906Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes a one-piece casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. The casting forms a frame. At least one panel insert is selectively connected from the interior of the vehicle outward by a plurality of rotary attachment features to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of reinforcement features to add structure and rigidity, while reducing weight, to the side door assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
-
Patent number: 11135905Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes a front casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. A rear casting is also provided for latch connection of the vehicle door assembly to the vehicle. An extrusion and/or extrusions connect the front and rear castings providing a side door assembly that is extremely light, enhancing the ability of the driver to enjoy the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: BESTOP, INCInventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
-
Patent number: 11084359Abstract: A retractable sliding/folding slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to an open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Bestop Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
-
Publication number: 20210237546Abstract: A retractable overhead assembly for a vehicle having a retractable cover under tension and an integrated stiffening rod that includes attachment features to selectively connect to a windshield area. The retractable system is self contained within an extrusion keeping the overall package size small and the installation/removal simple. The retractable cover creates a sun shade over the vehicle front cockpit and/or rear passenger area when deployed, and is retractable to a stowed position. The retractable overhead assembly is installable under any hard or soft top assembly configuration, and does not impede use or operation of the hard top or soft top assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, William H. Haberkamp, Michael Beltowski
-
Patent number: 11021046Abstract: A retractable overhead assembly for a vehicle having a retractable cover (912) under tension and an integrated stiffening rod that includes attachment features (916) to selectively connect to a windshield area. The retractable system is self contained within an extrusion keeping the overall package size small and the installation/removal simple. The retractable cover creates a sun shade over the vehicle front cockpit and/or rear passenger area when deployed, and is retractable to a stowed position. The retractable overhead assembly is installable under any hard or soft top assembly configuration, and does not impede use or operation of the hard top or soft top assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, William H. Haberkamp, Michael Beltowski
-
Publication number: 20200406818Abstract: An accessory lighting assembly for vehicles. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one attachment portion for selectively attaching the assembly to the vehicle wherever lighting is desired. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one integrated lighting portion for selectively providing lighting to the interior of the vehicle. The accessory lighting assembly incorporates a grab handle for attaching to the at least one attachment portion for allowing a vehicle occupant a grip/handle for grabbing onto inside of the vehicle when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Rick H. Troeger, Jose N. Vigil, George C. Stickles, Ronald Manzanares, Eric D. Getzschman
-
Patent number: 10793064Abstract: An accessory lighting assembly for vehicles. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one attachment portion for selectively attaching the assembly to the vehicle wherever lighting is desired. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one integrated lighting portion for selectively providing lighting to the interior of the vehicle. The accessory lighting assembly incorporates a grab handle for attaching to the at least one attachment portion for allowing a vehicle occupant a grip/handle for grabbing onto inside of the vehicle when desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Rick H. Troeger, Jose N. Vigil, George C. Stickles, Ronald Manzanares, Eric D. Getzschman
-
Publication number: 20200276894Abstract: A process for manufacture of a custom pattern soft top for a vehicle. First, a printable marker sheet which matches the size for forming the layout of a plurality of sown together parts of a soft top for a vehicle is provided. Thereafter the design is printed onto the marker sheet in orientations on each individual part of said plurality of sewn together part such that the design on each part is configured and laid out to match the orientation of the pattern for that part on the vehicle. The parts of the top with the designs are then cut and assembled a final top which results in the design being displayed on all parts in proper orientation when installed on a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: BESTOP INC.Inventor: Eric D. Getzschman
-
Publication number: 20200207190Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes an upper door half incorporating a unique outer panel coupled to or integrally formed with a structural portion. Soft goods are operably coupled to the structural portion of the upper door half. The side door assembly includes a one-piece casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. The casting forms a frame. At least one panel insert is selectively connected from the interior of the vehicle outward by a plurality of rotary attachment features to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of reinforcement features to add structure and rigidity, while reducing weight, to the side door assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp, Stephen J. Lewis
-
Publication number: 20200189367Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen
-
Publication number: 20200180411Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen, James A. Robertson, Ronald Manzanares, George C. Stickles
-
Patent number: 10603994Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen
-
Publication number: 20200079192Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for a vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes a one-piece casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. The casting forms a frame. At least one panel insert is selectively connected from the interior of the vehicle outward by a plurality of rotary attachment features to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of reinforcement features to add structure and rigidity, while reducing weight, to the side door assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
-
Patent number: 10583720Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen, James A. Robertson, Ronald Manzanares, George C. Stickles
-
Publication number: 20200016966Abstract: A top for a Jeep type vehicle is provided having a rear cargo area and parallel spaced roll bars. The top includes parallel spaced apart C pillars, each C pillar including front and rear vertical columns, the rear columns having a perpendicularly connected seat belt pass-through. The C pillars also have bottom plates connecting the front and rear columns that extend beyond the rear column. A top plate connects the front and rear columns together. The C pillars include pivotally connected sealing plates for sealing a top end of a rear door, the sealing plates being connected to the roll bars. A vertical rear window extending between said C pillar rear columns is provided, the rear window having a cutout portion for allowance of passage of a seat belt therethrough. A fabric cover providing a top deck extends over said front and rear seating portion of said vehicle and also covers the C pillars. A tonneau cover is provided for covering the rear cargo area providing a flat surface enclosure over the cargo area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
-
Publication number: 20200001692Abstract: A retractable sliding/folding slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to an open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
-
Publication number: 20200001693Abstract: A soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes front side rails pivotally connected to rear side rails. A plurality of fabric control bows with control linkages provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A first and second gas strut are attached to the rear side rails to assist lifting and controlled motion as the top is moved between a closed position and open sunroof position, as one strut is fully loaded and compressed while the other strut is fully loaded and open, for lift assist and dampening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite