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).
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Patent number: 10457129Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
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Patent number: 10449843Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20190283552Abstract: A rear window construction for a Jeep type vehicle having a foldable soft top with a window connected with the top is provided. The window is not connected to any frame member of the vehicle. The rear window construction includes a flexible foldable top having means of releasable connection with the frame structure of the vehicle. Additionally a rear window structure is provided. The rear window structure has a heating element for defrosting the rear window structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman
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Patent number: 10414253Abstract: 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: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20190061490Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
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Publication number: 20190054806Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, William H. Haberkamp, Michael Beltowski
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Publication number: 20190009655Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
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Publication number: 20180297456Abstract: 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: April 11, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
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Publication number: 20180215243Abstract: 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: March 12, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20180147981Abstract: 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: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Rick H. Troeger, Jose N. Vigil, George C. Stickles, Ronald Manzanares, Eric D. Getzschman
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Publication number: 20180141419Abstract: 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 3, 2018Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180043757Abstract: 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: October 23, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen
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Publication number: 20170326955Abstract: 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: May 15, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Patent number: 6561561Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman
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Publication number: 20020190536Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman
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Patent number: 6435586Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman
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Publication number: 20010042987Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman