Removable Carrier Collapsible For Storage Patents (Class 224/314)
  • Patent number: 12115942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vehicular roof top platforms that can be used to carry cargo as well as to enable individuals to stand thereupon. More specifically, the disclosed device relates to vehicular roof top platforms which are assembled from modular components enabling a great degree of control in regard to configuring the fore/aft size and width of such carriers. Furthermore, the present invention discloses roof top cargo platform which enable such platforms to be mounted parallel to the overall horizontal planar surface of a vehicle's roof despite such roofs presenting varying fore/aft as well as inboard/outboard curvature at the peripheral portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 11877637
    Abstract: A light-weight, easily portable luggage combination is described. The combination comprises a garment bag and a general purpose bag and optionally a utility bag, wherein the garment bag and general purpose bag may be reversibly secured together or used separately if desired. The combination provides for a first interior space in the garment bag so that hanging clothes can be stored in the garment bag and a second interior space in the general purpose bag so that other items (for example, clothing, shoes, accessories, and toiletries) can be stored separately from the hanging clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: RJH CREATIVE SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P Davis, Rashmi Jain Hudson
  • Patent number: 11872960
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a roof rack assembly for use with a vehicle and related methods. The roof rack assembly can include a plurality of attachment assemblies with gutter inserts configured to extend within rain gutters of a vehicle. The attachment assemblies can also include clamps that are configured to at least partially wrap around a frame of the vehicle. The roof rack assembly can be attached to a vehicle without drilling and can be adjustable such that it is compatible with various vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Gauci
  • Patent number: 11780376
    Abstract: The vehicular sanitary product dispenser comprises a storage structure, a compartment, and a vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a headliner. The compartment is formed in the headliner. The storage structure rotates into and out of the compartment. The storage structure forms a console used to store, dispense, and distribute personal protective products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Kate Russell
  • Patent number: 11535166
    Abstract: A custom roof top cargo carrier kit is disclosed that enables an end user to assemble and mount a cargo carrier demonstrating a desired custom length suitable for a variety of roof top mounting. The carrier utilizes multiple side rail segments in a wide range of predetermined lengths enabling assembly of cargo carriers having a wide range of fore/aft length while, at the same time, enabling the kit to be packaged in a relatively compact form. The custom roof top cargo carrier utilizes tubular shaped side rail segments joined via centrally placed assembly studs aligned with the longitudinal axis of each segment so as to form complete side rails. This means of affixation provides a solid butt joint yielding increased resistance to forces that ordinarily cause failure of prior art side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 11485431
    Abstract: A spare tire support device for providing extra support to an existing spare tire mounted to a vehicle tailgate. The support device is mounted to the vehicle body/frame or existing tow hitch receiver and is positioned under the spare tire to aid in supporting the load thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ONE-T LLC
    Inventor: Brian Mathews
  • Patent number: 11433799
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop platform mounting system includes a platform adjuster device that is configured to mount to a vehicle. The platform adjuster device includes a ball joint that rotatably connects a corner of a support platform to the platform adjuster device to adjust an angle of the corner of the support platform relative to a roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 11351926
    Abstract: A vehicle crossbar assembly includes a crossbar. The crossbar has a first part and a second part that are movably attached to each other. The first part is configured to be supported to a first roof rack component of a vehicle. The second part is configured to be supported to a second roof rack component of the vehicle. The first and second parts are movable with respect to each other between an installable state and a storage state. The first and second parts extend from one another when in the installable state. The first and second parts are folded with respect to each other in the storage state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Raghu Chervu
  • Patent number: 11312312
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a roof rack fixing structure, used to fix a roof rack on a car top. The roof rack fixing structure includes a frame case with an opening; a first fastener; a second fastener; and a knob rod. With the implementation of the present invention, the roof rack fixing structure is firmly combined with the roof rack; more than one combining positions provided by the second fastener to be adaptive to various cars; and the position of the first fastener complies with the width of the roof rack rods on the car with no risk of loosening from it; moreover, with further implementation of an anti-theft lock, the roof rack fixing structure can be locked and secured and the risk of driving due to movement or loosening of the roof rack fixing structure is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FORMOSA SAINT JOSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 11299104
    Abstract: A universal crossmember assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a roof and first and second rails attached to the roof. The assembly includes a crossbar having first and second ends along an axis. The assembly further includes a first clamp mechanism engaged with the first end for securing the crossbar to the first rail. The assembly further includes a second clamp mechanism engaged with the second end for securing the crossbar to the second rail. Each clamp mechanism includes at least first and second jaws having an associated one of first and second rail gripping surfaces for gripping one of the rails when an actuator is moved to an actuated position. Each clamp mechanism further includes a biasing mechanism capable of urging the first jaw away from the second jaw when the actuator is moved to a non-actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DUS Operating Inc.
    Inventors: Imtiaz Syed, Kenneth E. Keck, II, Nadine Pilsner
  • Patent number: 10807540
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a roof and a roof bow. The roof bow is removably coupled to the roof of the vehicle body and includes a cross member and end brackets pivotably attached to opposing ends of the cross member. The end brackets are pivotable between a deployed position in which the end brackets extend outwardly from the cross member and a stowed position in which the end brackets are positioned substantially between opposing ends of the cross member. A length of the roof bow is greater when the end brackets are in the deployed position then when the end brackets are in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Carl Mather
  • Patent number: 10723278
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for mounting on the trunk or rear hatch of a vehicle is described with improved mechanisms for adjusting the components of the rack to fit the rack to different vehicles. The rack is provided with hinge assemblies having releasable latches for quickly releasing the hinges to allow the rack components to be moved with respect to one another, and the latching components back into a fixed configuration during use for carrying a bicycle. The bicycle rack is also provided with inventive support members for holding a bicycle on the rack during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: KUAT INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jordan K. Bowles, Joshua H. Schwartz, Aaron A. Houston, Michael Buis, Luke Kuschmeader
  • Patent number: 10711491
    Abstract: Portable lock mounting assemblies including straps or connectors for securing each assembly to a bicycle or the like. Each mounting assembly having a structure defining a retaining assembly to securely retain a lock and easily release the lock from the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Zuraski, Daniel H. Kindstrand, Donald H. Warren, John D. Fiegener, David B. Miller
  • Patent number: 10618473
    Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for transporting a load. The load carrier includes at least one pivot arm pivotably connected about a pivot axis to a base frame at a pivot connection portion. The at least one pivot arm is pivotable between an operative position and a storage position. The load carrier is adapted to at least partly carry the load when the at least one pivot arm is positioned in the operative position. The load carrier can include a locking mechanism for securing the at least one pivot arm in the operative position and in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Hannes Olaison, Urban Stark
  • Patent number: 10525894
    Abstract: The beach caddy rack insert is an accessory that increases the hauling capacity of a wagon or beach caddy. The beach caddy rack insert may be placed into the wagon and may be retained in place by side walls of the wagon. The beach caddy rack insert may comprise front and rear end sections separated by four detachable longitudinal braces. Cargo may be carried in the wagon by placing the cargo into the wagon between the front end section and the rear end section. Cargo that will not fit into the wagon may be carried by placing the cargo above the wagon on top of the front end section, the rear end section, and/or two of the longitudinal braces. Cargo carried above the wagon may optionally be lashed in place using one or four uprights provided for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth Williamson
  • Patent number: 10279749
    Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle is provided. The roof rack includes at least one roof rail. The roof rail includes a main body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a pivoting mechanism having a pivoting shaft at the first end and a locking mechanism disposed at the second end. The pivoting shaft is configured such that the main body is pivotable about an axis defined by the pivoting shaft, and the locking mechanism is configured to lock and release the second end of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Wang, Helen Zou, Peng Yu
  • Patent number: 10252759
    Abstract: A bicycle stand includes a base, a connection unit and a support unit. The base has first and second arms non-parallel to each other. The connection unit is arranged between the first and second aims. The support unit is detachably mounted on the connection unit and is transformable between a folding position and a using position. The support unit is detached from the connection unit when the support unit is in the folding position. The support unit is attached on the connection unit and is adapted to engage with a spindle in a crank-arm of a bicycle to support the bicycle in an upright position on a surface when the support unit is in the using position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 10035471
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier device for carrying a load, said carrier device is configured for clamping to a trunk of a vehicle and for loading a load thereto for carrying thereof The carrier device comprising: at least one inner part configured for clamping the vehicle trunk, creating an anchor point for supporting an external part; and at least one external part for holding said load, said external part connects to said at least one inner part via at least one anchor connector supported by said anchor point, where said external part includes at least one main support sub-assembly having at least one support element pressed against to the lower bumper of the vehicle and an arc support sub-assembly having an upper arc to be pressed against the upper rear part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Assaph Ziv, Yariv Ziv
  • Patent number: 9931993
    Abstract: An accessory adapter capable of attaching to a cargo accessory management system is shown and described. The accessory adapter may include a body member and a clamping member attached to the body member, where a portion of the cargo accessory management system is capable of being wedgingly secured between the clamping member and body member. The accessory adapter may also include an accessory adapter body selectively attached to the body member, where the accessory adapter body is capable of securing an accessory to the cargo accessory management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Brian Wayne Ward, Gail Rae Matheus, Sean Michael Phillips
  • Patent number: 9815416
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier device for a vehicle may include a carrier portion provided on a lower side of a bumper back beam to slidably move in forward and backward directions to be drawn out from or accommodated in the bumper back beam, and provided with a panel portion and a sliding rail extending from both side ends of the panel portion in the forward and backward directions, an illumination plate disposed on the panel portion of the carrier portion to be rotatable in upward and downward directions and provided with a lamp mechanism that emits light toward the panel portion when being upwardly rotated, an extended support portion disposed on the carrier portion to extend and spread in both side directions of the carrier portion to carry a bicycle thereon, and an illumination mechanism disposed on the extended support portion and configured to move along with the extended support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Hyun Gyung Kim, Jin Young Yoon, Seung Mok Lee, Soo Hyun Hyun
  • Patent number: 9776575
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a main shaft having a spacer, two upper stands mounted on the main shaft and abutting the spacer, two carrying racks mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the upper stands, two lower stands mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the carrying racks, and two end caps mounted on the main shaft and respectively abutting the lower stands. The spacer has two ends each provided with a first ratchet ring. Each of the upper stands has a first mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a second ratchet ring. Each of the carrying racks has a second mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a third ratchet ring. Each of the lower stands has a third mounting ring which has two ends each provided with a fourth ratchet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 9701255
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting to a vehicle having a mounting member connected to a receiver of a vehicle. A frame member is pivotally connected to the mounting member and legs are pivotally mounted to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Kent L. Brown
  • Patent number: 9522635
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier. The bicycle carrier may be configured to prevent contact or damage onto vehicle body accessories such as a spoiler or wing. The bicycle carrier may pivotally engage or mount onto the rear end of a vehicle and preferably has a second upper frame, which may be an additional frame extension and may provide the necessary clearance needed over the vehicle body accessory. The second upper frame may attach to the first upper frame or portion of the bicycle carrier and may be adjusted or rotationally positioned. The bicycle carrier may be configured for all vehicle types such as sedans, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 9156413
    Abstract: A fixing mount of a bicycle carrier contains a support rod of a bicycle carrier, a body, at least one cable tie, a connector, and a retainer. The body includes a large-diameter end, a through hole, and a small-diameter end. The large-diameter end has a first arcuate supporting face, a second arcuate supporting face and a third arcuate supporting face. The small-diameter end has a locking groove, and the body also includes plural locking elements. The connector includes a recess, a convex bottom surface, two coupling tabs, and each coupling tab has a concaved top surface and an aperture. The connector further includes plural first extending pieces, and each first extending piece has a first pore. Between any two adjacent extending blocks is defined a notch. The retainer includes at least one second extending piece and a plurality of pegs, and each extending piece has a second pore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 9150160
    Abstract: A vehicle article may have cross bars that may be nestably secured together on a trunk lid of a vehicle when not in use, and yet quickly and easily attached to elements mounted in roof ditches on the roof of the vehicle when needed for use. In another embodiment the vehicle article carrier includes a pair of pivotally secured support rails that are supported from frame or body structure of the vehicle below and adjacent the rear bumper of the vehicle. The support rails may be pivoted into stowed positions when not needed to hide them from view, and then quickly and easily pivoted out when needed for use. Attachments such as a cargo box or a bicycle carrier may be easily secured to the support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Noel v. Ranka
  • Patent number: 9108574
    Abstract: A rear-mounted bicycle carrying rack for a vehicle is provided, including a base, two supporting racks, two supporting arms, two upper prop racks and a lower prop rack. The two supporting racks and the lower prop rack are pivoted to the base respectively, and the two supporting racks are swingable relative to each other to be V-shaped. The two supporting arms and the two upper prop racks are pivoted to an end of the two supporting racks respectively relative to the base and are behind the two supporting racks. When the two supporting arms swings upward and forward, the upper prop rack is pushed to swing backward, the two supporting arms abut against the two supporting racks to make the two supporting arms and the two upper prop racks extend forward and backward respectively, and the lower prop rack swings backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Shen
  • Patent number: 9053842
    Abstract: A device is provided having a body. The body being made from a flexible material that has an electrical insulating property of at least 1000 volts. A first fastener disposed on a first surface adjacent a first side. A second fastener is disposed on a second surface adjacent a second side, the second surface being opposite the first surface and the second side being opposite the first side. A plurality of straps is coupled to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventor: Paul A. Richardson
  • Patent number: 8978946
    Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) has an elongate load carrying member (213) and a single elongate stay (214) which are hingedly connected to a roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) by a pair of base plates (211). The elongate load carrying member (213) is selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (222, 255) which latches a castellated edge of the elongate load carrying member (213) to a castellated edge of the single elongate stay (214) along a significant portion of the interface between the two components (213, 214) so as to provide a strong support for any loads carried by the roof bar (10). The components (211, 213, 214) forming the roof bar (10) are all relatively thin and the elongate load carrying member (213) and the single elongate stay (214) are arranged to fold flat on the roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) so as to minimize any change in vehicle height when the roof bar (10) is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming, Danny Edward Stanesby, Alicia Agius, Will Farrelly
  • Patent number: 8801073
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carl L. Gray, Jr., Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 8789868
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Sachs, Carl L. Gray, Jr., Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 8757462
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Publication number: 20140144958
    Abstract: A load-carrying device may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. The load-carrying device may include a body having a load-bearing surface and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The arm of the device may be pivotable between a collapsed position and an in-use position. A proximal end of the arm may be operatively connected to the body, and may move toward one end of the body when the arm is pivoted from the collapsed position to the in-use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventor: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
  • Patent number: 8684244
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 8636184
    Abstract: A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Richard A. Allen, Alexander R. Allen
  • Patent number: 8573456
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Swiss Cargo Industries S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Farber
  • Patent number: 8444032
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Publication number: 20130105534
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Swiss Cargo Industries S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Farber
  • Patent number: 8387841
    Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 8220678
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
  • Patent number: 8109422
    Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 8047412
    Abstract: A load carrier for coupling to a vehicle. The load carrier includes a loading frame and a supporting arch that extends substantially upwardly from and transversely to the loading frame. The supporting arch is divisible into first and second arch parts, each of which arch parts is pivotally coupled to the loading frame such that, when divided, each of the first and second arch parts is configured to be pivoted down to a storage position lying substantially level with the loading frame. The arch parts are configured to be interlocked to each other into an in-use position, in which the first and said second arch parts substantially alone form the supporting arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Renault S.A.S., Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Arnaud Premartin, Olivier Veuillot, Hans Odin, Joakim Persson
  • Patent number: 7975888
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle is disclosed. The bicycle carrier includes a first support frame structure having a base portion disposed between a pair of support arms configured to carry one or more bicycles, the base portion being configured to contact an upper region of the rear of the vehicle, where the base portion is wider than the distance between the support arms; a second support frame structure having a base portion configured to contact a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; and at least one hub assembly operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Publication number: 20110024471
    Abstract: Cargo bags that are mountable on a roof or roof rack of a vehicle are provided herein. In some embodiments, a cargo bag may include a container portion constructed at least partially of textile, a strap for securing the container portion to the roof or roof rack, and a structure adapted to provide shape to the container portion regardless of whether cargo is stored within the container portion. The structure may include a semi-rigid elongate member and/or foam padding. Some embodiments may include a pad positioned on a bottom of the container portion to protect the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Golenz, Chris Sautter, John Hoppes, Bill Stephens
  • Publication number: 20110017791
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent BOVE, Kevin BOGOLOFSKI, George RIEHM, Gregor WEAVER
  • Patent number: 7810685
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
  • Patent number: 7798381
    Abstract: A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Serge Moreau, Robert Virtu
  • Publication number: 20090314815
    Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: THE AMERICAN TEAM
    Inventor: Craig Stapleton
  • Patent number: 7434714
    Abstract: A bike carrying rack for an automobile includes a base frame, a support rack, and a pivot mechanism pivotally mounted between the base frame and the support rack and including two first rotation disks each provided with a first engaging face, and two second rotation disks each provided with a second engaging face detachably engaged with the first engaging face of the respective first rotation disk. Thus, the angle between the base frame and the support rack can be adjusted by the elastic effect of the base frame without needing to provide a spring, thereby simplifying the construction of the bike carrying rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Huang
  • Publication number: 20080197162
    Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle is provided, including a side rail and a cross rail. The side rail includes a top surface that defines, at least in part, a maximum height of the side rail. The cross rail is operable to be secured to the side rail in a stowed position and a deployed position. The cross rail is located generally below the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the stowed position, and the cross rail is above the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: John E. Klinkman, John H. Harberts, Gary Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 7404504
    Abstract: Cargo carriers are disclosed, and more particularly adjustable cargo carriers that may be mounted on a rear of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer