Patents by Inventor John E. Knudtson

John E. Knudtson 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: 20140054916
    Abstract: A composite commercial walk-in van body is constructed via lightweight, composite structures. A composite floor structure having integral logistic tracks are joined to composite sidewalls that include integral rub rails that also integrally formed logistic tracks on an interior thereof. Pigment molded lower body panels that extend beyond the sidewalls are fully replaceable to enhance durability and maintenance of the walk-in van body. A one-piece molded roof eliminates leaks. Any necessary rivets are captured so as to prevent any wet-to-dry surface penetration. An easily accessible washer fluid and brake fluid reservoir aid in the maintenance and operability of the walk-in van body. Such elements contribute to substantial weight reduction, and increase in durability, functionality, and fuel economy of walk-in vans utilizing such a composite body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Spartan Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Knudtson, Timothy F. Marling, Eugene A. Dylewski, II
  • Patent number: 7757615
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a shelf assembly is provided. The shelf assembly includes a shelf panel, pivot mount, and an over-center extension/retraction assembly. The shelf panel is coupled to the vehicle and is movable between stowed and use positions. The pivot mount is coupled to the shelf panel and to a wall located on the vehicle. The shelf panel pivots with respect to the pivot mount between the stowed and use positions. The over-center extension/retraction assembly is coupled to the pivot mount and is engagable with the shelf panel to assist moving the shelf to at least the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, Eugene A. Dylewski, II, John E. Knudtson
  • Patent number: 7219950
    Abstract: A vehicle door assembly is provided. The door assembly is located on vehicle and includes at least first and second doors each movable between open and closed positions. A door slide assembly is coupled to the vehicle and comprises a traversing segments assembly. The traversing segments assembly includes first and second segments which are movable in first and second directions. The first door is coupled to the first segment and the second door is coupled to the second segment. Movement of the first door causes movement of the first segment in the first direction which causes movement of the second door in the second direction between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, Eugene A Dylewski, II, John E Knudtson
  • Patent number: 6487979
    Abstract: A stowable shelf assembly for use in a vehicle. The shelf assembly has a shelf and a bracket. The shelf has a first flange and a brace member each extending outwardly from the shelf. The shelf is also movable between use and stowed positions. The bracket has a second flange and a support, each extending outwardly from the bracket. The first flange of the shelf is located between the second flange and the support. The first flange abuts the second flange, the shelf is carried by the support and the brace member is adjacent the bracket while the shelf is in the use position. Conversely, the first flange is spaced apart from the second flange, the shelf is spaced apart from the support and the brace member is spaced apart from the bracket while the shelf is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Utilimaster
    Inventors: David L. Ash, John E. Knudtson, DeRay G. Steffensen, Gene A. Dylewski
  • Patent number: 6398283
    Abstract: A vehicle having a movable cargo tray apparatus for the floor of the vehicle is provided. The apparatus having a base, bearing, a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails, and at least one stop. The stop selectively engages the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Knudtson, David L. Ash, DeRay G. Steffensen, Gene A. Dylewski, Nevin L. Martin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010035114
    Abstract: A stowable shelf assembly for use in a vehicle. The shelf assembly has a shelf and a bracket. The shelf has a first flange and a brace member each extending outwardly from the shelf. The shelf is also movable between use and stowed positions. The bracket has a second flange and a support, each extending outwardly from the bracket. The first flange of the shelf is located between the second flange and the support. The first flange abuts the second flange, the shelf is carried by the support and the brace member is adjacent the bracket while the shelf is in the use position. Conversely, the first flange is spaced apart from the second flange, the shelf is spaced apart from the support and the brace member is spaced apart from the bracket while the shelf is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: David L. Ash, John E. Knudtson, DeRay G. Steffensen, Gene A. Dylewski
  • Patent number: 6062975
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a vehicle to pressurize the cargo area of the vehicle including a duct mounted adjacent the top wall of the vehicle cab with a first end in flow communication with an opening in the front wall of the vehicle, and a second end in flow communication with the cargo area of the vehicle. An adjustable damper is disposed within the duct adjacent the first end. The damper is adjustable between a closed position and an opened position to adjust the amount of air flow through the duct. The center portion of the duct includes a plurality of apertures to direct a portion of the air flowing through the duct into the cab. The lower wall of the center portion includes a plurality of diagonal channels to collect water and direct it to a drain adjacent the first end of the duct. A fan is mounted within the duct to provide air flow into the cargo area when the vehicle is not moving. A filter is also mounted within the duct to prevent dust and particulate matter from entering the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Knudtson