Patents by Inventor George C. Stickles

George C. Stickles 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: 11654756
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: 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: 11642944
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: BESTOP, INC
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman
  • Publication number: 20230065651
    Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes a lower body front casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. A lower body 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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
  • Patent number: 11560090
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Bestop Inc.
    Inventors: Rick H. Troeger, Jose N. Vigil, George C. Stickles, Ronald Manzanares, Eric D. Getzschman
  • Publication number: 20220258577
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11345219
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20220105788
    Abstract: A multi-piece door assembly including a first door portion and a second door portion, which are removable to create a partially open-air experience or fully open-air experience. A pin pocket design is provided for selectively attaching the first door portion to a variety of different types of second door portions. A blow-out tab is provided to keep the multi-piece door assembly from blowing outwardly away from the vehicle with the increase of internal pressures at high speeds or crosswind situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Frank A. Borke
  • Publication number: 20220105789
    Abstract: A vehicle arrangement is provided including a vehicle body having at least a partially open top and transverse window with a ferromagnetic frame, a flexible membrane sunscreen cover for at least a portion of the vehicle. A magnetic member connected with the sunscreen cover holds an end of the cover with the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Stickles
  • Publication number: 20220080813
    Abstract: An articulating front top cover assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The articulating portion is operably connected to a frame. An articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over the front vehicle compartment and open position for an open air feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20220055465
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20220024289
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: 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: 11230171
    Abstract: A multi-piece door assembly including a first door portion and a second door portion, which are removable to create a partially open-air experience or fully open-air experience. A pin pocket design is provided for selectively attaching the first door portion to a variety of different types of second door portions. A blow-out tab is provided to keep the multi-piece door assembly from blowing outwardly away from the vehicle with the increase of internal pressures at high speeds or crosswind situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Frank A. Borke
  • Patent number: 11230173
    Abstract: A vehicle arrangement is provided including a vehicle body having at least a partially open top and transverse window with a ferromagnetic frame, a flexible membrane sunscreen cover for at least a portion of the vehicle. A magnetic member connected with the sunscreen cover holds an end of the cover with the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: BESTOP, INC
    Inventor: George C. Stickles
  • Publication number: 20210394594
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp
  • Patent number: 11203257
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20210379972
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to the header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and has a sealing arrangement that engages with the hard top roof portion and existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Publication number: 20210362573
    Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having a soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 11161398
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: 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: 20210323389
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 11135906
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp