Patents by Inventor Tavis Lutzka
Tavis Lutzka 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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Publication number: 20240166027Abstract: An arrangement for a tailgate and rear corner window assembly of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a door envelope for pivotal attachment to a vehicle. The door envelope is positioned at a rear of the vehicle. The arrangement includes a rear window assembly having a window frame and a window glass mounted in the window frame. The rear window assembly has a latch that secures a connection with the door envelope. The arrangement also includes at least one rear corner window assembly for connection to the vehicle having a window glass mounted in a window frame. The window frame includes a bottom edge, a top edge, a side portion extending in a longitudinal direction and a rear portion that curves and extends away from the side portion. There is a latch located on an inside surface of the rear portion of the at least one rear corner window assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2022Publication date: May 23, 2024Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. GETZSCHMAN, Charles C. TURNEY, David A. SMITH, Tavis LUTZKA
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Patent number: 11660942Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 11648830Abstract: 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: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: 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: 20220242212Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Publication number: 20220242209Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 11338657Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 11331989Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Publication number: 20220126658Abstract: 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: January 7, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Patent number: 11247542Abstract: 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: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: 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: 20210129644Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 10913338Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Publication number: 20200254860Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Publication number: 20200223297Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 10668795Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Patent number: 10639975Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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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
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Patent number: 10493827Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, Eric J. Hanson
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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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Patent number: 10384588Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly with a top cover connected to a cable tensioning system that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension the top cover. The cable tension system seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and fabric management bows of the assembly in place. The assembly includes a front attachment assembly and rear attachment assembly connected to cables, where the front attachment provides a forward mounting location and seals a front bow to the vehicle. The rear attachment assembly holds the top cover in a closed tensioned state until the cover is opened by an operator. The tonneau cover assembly reduces weight and complexity, while eliminating the need for side rails.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beltowski, George C. Stickles, Rick H. Troeger, Richard Essig, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 10363801Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a tonneau cover assembly that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension the top cover. The tension works to seal out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows of the tonneau cover in place. The tonneau cover access panel holds the rear of the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The tonneau cover access panel assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open position, and, is movable between at least a first open position and the closed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired. The tonneau cover access panel assembly also reduces weight and complexity.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith