Patents by Inventor Marcus Niemela

Marcus Niemela 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: 20240109494
    Abstract: An accessory support includes a support frame for attachment to a vehicle, upper and lower support rails coupled to the support frame, and an accessory engaged with both support rails. The accessory, for example a stair, a platform, a storage device, or the like, is repositionable along the support rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11938873
    Abstract: A repositionable toilet system for a bathroom or water closet of an RV, camper, boat, or other portable living quarter, allows for a dry bath (including a shower stall that can be somewhat isolated from the toilet) without permanently sacrificing otherwise useful floor space within the living quarter. The toilet is supported on a moveable platform that is repositionable between a stowed position in which the toilet is inside of the shower stall and a deployed/extended position in which the toilet is outside the shower stall. The moveable platform may be locked at the stowed or deployed position during travel or during use of the living quarter. The toilet may be fully self-contained, refillable, and emptyable, or the toilet may be plumbed into the water supply and waste collection system of the RV or camper, such as with flexible supply and drain lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11840197
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable accessory for a vehicle includes an access platform or landing for accessing a portion of the vehicle. The accessory is removably coupled to the vehicle. The access platform may be pivotably operable between a stowed configuration for travel and a deployed configuration that provides access to the vehicle. A deployable step or set of stairs nest under or inside of the body of the access platform and slideably deploy from the access platform to provide additional access to reach the access platform. The stairs are returned to a nested configuration for travel. The set of stairs may also pivot during deployment to improve vertical access to the access platform. The accessory includes a storage unit for storage and support of various equipment, tools, and accessories. A piece of equipment, such as a generator, can be securely mounted on top of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20230373579
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport vehicle, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11713089
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20230132547
    Abstract: An accessory support platform is provided for supporting a removable accessory, e.g. a stair system or cabinet, adjacent to a vehicle or portable living quarter, such as a truck-bed mounted camper. The accessory platform includes a support frame for coupling the platform to the truck camper. The support frame supports or suspends a support rail system from the rear portion of the truck camper. The rail system includes an upper support rail and a lower support rail that is suspended below and apart from the upper rail. The removable accessory may be coupled at one of or between both of the upper and lower support rails. The removable accessory is preferably readily repositionable relative to the upper and lower support rails. A coupling bracket and/or hanger secures the removable accessory to the rail system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11638411
    Abstract: A deployable corral system for any upright wall, including a wall of a transport trailer, provides a readily deployable corral along the trailer, and is readily stowable along the trailer in a retracted configuration for travel. The corral includes a pair of spaced-apart and extendable corral rails with a pivoting cross-rail extending from the distal end of each extendable corral rail. When the extendable corral rails are extended the cross-rails are spaced from an exterior side of the livestock trailer, and when the extendable corral rails are retracted the cross-rail is positioned near an upright wall of the trailer. The deployable corral system optionally includes a manual deployment assist system to assist a user during deployment and stowage of the corral. Additional features may include a deployable shade awning, a deployable trough, and extendable vertical support stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Cole S. Stout
  • Publication number: 20230064596
    Abstract: A repositionable toilet system is provided for a bathroom or water closet of an RV, camper, boat, or other portable living quarter to provide a dry bath without permanently sacrificing otherwise useful floor space within the living quarter. The bathroom system includes a shower stall and a repositionable toilet. The toilet is supported on a moveable platform that is repositionable between a stowed position in which the toilet is inside of the shower stall and a deployed/extended position in which the toilet is outside the shower stall. The moveable platform may be locked at the stowed or deployed position for safety and security purposes during travel or during use of the living quarter. The toilet may be fully self-contained, refillable, and emptyable or the toilet may be plumbed into the water supply and waste collection system of the RV or camper, such as with flexible supply and drain lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11420547
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a vertical raising and lowering mechanism or lift system configured to move the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift includes a pivot arm system coupled to a sidewall of the trailer and a lift assist mechanism, such as a linear actuator, to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The elevator system includes a supply platform pivot actuation mechanism to adjust the angle of the platform relative to the pivot arm during stowage and deployment of the system. The elevator system may be fitted to various types of vehicles to store and transport various materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson, Cole S. Stout
  • Patent number: 11419427
    Abstract: A convertible furniture system or futon includes a convertible frame assembly that is mountable in an interior space and is deployable between a bench configuration and a flat, bed configuration. The frame assembly includes a back frame and a bottom frame that are pivotably coupled together and coordinate to form either the bench configuration that provides a user an upright seat or the bed configuration that provides the user a flat, substantially horizontal bed to lie down on. A user can maneuver the system from the bench configuration into the bed configuration and vice versa. The system may be installed inside of various interior living quarters, including inside of mobile vehicles. The system includes various support elements mounted to the interior space, the support element may be selectively engaged to support the system in the bed or bench configurations and during deployment and stowage of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Terry L. Lahti, Marcus Niemela
  • Patent number: 11414317
    Abstract: A movable storage system provides a repositionable storage location for livestock tack, including saddles and blankets. The system is particularly well suited for horse trailers and other types of transport trailers. The system includes a pivotably movable upright panel or wall that is fitted with horizontal storage arms or shelves for supporting various equipment and tack. The system can be repositioned at different angular positions relative to the upright stationary walls of the trailer, as desired. The system includes hinges coupling one side of the storage system to the trailer to provide a vertical pivot axis about which the system is pivotable. Latches are provided to secure the system at a desired angular position within the trailer. Storage compartments and gates may be included with the storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventor: Marcus Niemela
  • Publication number: 20220185168
    Abstract: A convertible furniture system or futon includes a convertible frame assembly that is mountable in an interior space and is deployable between a bench configuration and a flat, bed configuration. The frame assembly includes a back frame and a bottom frame that are pivotably coupled together and coordinate to form either the bench configuration that provides a user an upright seat or the bed configuration that provides the user a flat, substantially horizontal bed to lie down on. A user can maneuver the system from the bench configuration into the bed configuration and vice versa. The system may include an actuator, such as a spring mechanism or motorized linear actuator. The system includes various support elements mounted to upright walls and the support elements may be selectively engaged to support the system in the bed or bench configurations and during deployment and stowage of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Terry L. Lahti, Marcus Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20210253418
    Abstract: A movable storage system provides a repositionable storage location for livestock tack, including saddles and blankets. The system is particularly well suited for horse trailers and other types of transport trailers. The system includes a pivotably movable upright panel or wall that is fitted with horizontal storage arms or shelves for supporting various equipment and tack. The system can be repositioned at different angular positions relative to the upright stationary walls of the trailer, as desired. The system includes hinges coupling one side of the storage system to the trailer to provide a vertical pivot axis about which the system is pivotable. Latches are provided to secure the system at a desired angular position within the trailer. Storage compartments and gates may be included with the storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventor: Marcus Niemela
  • Publication number: 20210169229
    Abstract: A convertible furniture system or futon includes a convertible frame assembly that is mountable in an interior space and is deployable between a bench configuration and a flat, bed configuration. The frame assembly includes a back frame and a bottom frame that are pivotably coupled together and coordinate to form either the bench configuration that provides a user an upright seat or the bed configuration that provides the user a flat, substantially horizontal bed to lie down on. A user can maneuver the system from the bench configuration into the bed configuration and vice versa. The system may be installed inside of various interior living quarters, including inside of mobile vehicles. The system includes various support elements mounted to the interior space, the support element may be selectively engaged to support the system in the bed or bench configurations and during deployment and stowage of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Terry L. Lahti, Marcus Niemela
  • Publication number: 20210146842
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable accessory for a vehicle includes an access platform or landing for accessing a portion of the vehicle. The accessory is removably coupled to the vehicle. The access platform may be pivotably operable between a stowed configuration for travel and a deployed configuration that provides access to the vehicle. A deployable step or set of stairs nest under or inside of the body of the access platform and slideably deploy from the access platform to provide additional access to reach the access platform. The stairs are returned to a nested configuration for travel. The set of stairs may also pivot during deployment to improve vertical access to the access platform. The accessory includes a storage unit for storage and support of various equipment, tools, and accessories. A piece of equipment, such as a generator, can be securely mounted on top of the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20210031665
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a vertical raising and lowering mechanism or lift system configured to move the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift includes a pivot arm system coupled to a sidewall of the trailer and a lift assist mechanism, such as a linear actuator, to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The elevator system includes a supply platform pivot actuation mechanism to adjust the angle of the platform relative to the pivot arm during stowage and deployment of the system. The elevator system may be fitted to various types of vehicles to store and transport various materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson, Cole S. Stout
  • Publication number: 20200331548
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20200305386
    Abstract: A deployable corral system for any upright wall, including a wall of a transport trailer, provides a readily deployable corral along the trailer, and is readily stowable along the trailer in a retracted configuration for travel. The corral includes a pair of spaced-apart and extendable corral rails with a pivoting cross-rail extending from the distal end of each extendable corral rail. When the extendable corral rails are extended the cross-rails are spaced from an exterior side of the livestock trailer, and when the extendable corral rails are retracted the cross-rail is positioned near an upright wall of the trailer. The deployable corral system optionally includes a manual deployment assist system to assist a user during deployment and stowage of the corral. Additional features may include a deployable shade awning, a deployable trough, and extendable vertical support stands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Cole S. Stout
  • Patent number: 10568297
    Abstract: A livestock living quarter for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides livestock stalls and mangers inside the trailer. The living quarter includes at least one stall for a livestock animal, the stall defined by a chest wall, an interior wall, and a front wall set parallel to the interior wall. A second stall may be provided, with the interior wall of the first stall providing a divider wall between the first and second stalls, and acting as a front wall of the second stall. The stall divider may be pivotable to allow for entry of a livestock animal into the stall. A manger is disposed in front of the stall for storage of feed that is accessible to the livestock animal in the stall. Optionally, a water trough is accessible at the manger, and other spaces may provide living quarters or facilities for an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Charles Hallstrom
  • Publication number: 20200000057
    Abstract: A livestock living quarter for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides livestock stalls and mangers inside the trailer. The living quarter includes at least one stall for a livestock animal, the stall defined by a chest wall, an interior wall, and a front wall set parallel to the interior wall. A second stall may be provided, with the interior wall of the first stall providing a divider wall between the first and second stalls, and acting as a front wall of the second stall. The stall divider may be pivotable to allow for entry of a livestock animal into the stall. A manger is disposed in front of the stall for storage of feed that is accessible to the livestock animal in the stall. Optionally, a water trough is accessible at the manger, and other spaces may provide living quarters or facilities for an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Charles Hallstrom