Having Enclosure Or Cover Means Patents (Class 224/328)
  • Patent number: 11667245
    Abstract: A cargo carrier for the roof top of a vehicle includes a housing, a center module, and an end module, and the center and end modules have a retracted position within the housing. The end module extends away from the center module to expand the cargo carrier in a partially expanded position, while the center module also extends away from the housing, and along with the previously extended end module, forms a fully expanded position of the cargo carrier. A telescoping assembly along with telescoping rails which coordinate to operate simultaneously to move the center module and the end module into the retracted position within the housing, as well as into the partially expanded position, and the fully expanded position outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Tony Neesham
  • Patent number: 11485275
    Abstract: A cover for covering a car or luggage on top of a car is described. The cover is made of a stretchy material such that it can expand to tightly fit the size and shape of a large variety of items or vehicles. Thus, the material composition as well as cover layers are crucial in obtaining the optimal balance of flexibility and protection. In many embodiments securing mechanisms are provided around the base of the cover as well as over the top of the cover to aid in securing the cover over the items or vehicle. In some embodiments a lower cover is provided which sits under items on top of a vehicle and protects the roof of the vehicle from the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: David Chen
  • Patent number: 11246340
    Abstract: A tobacco heater with straight through heating tube, comprising a housing with a replaceable battery and a control PCB board; the housing has a mouthpiece; each side of the housing is hinged with an openable seagull door; inside the door is a heating tube at the middle housing; between the mouthpiece and the tube is an airflow path; inside each door is a compress tool for blocking the tobacco; the tube is electrically connected to the board. An openable seagull door is hinged on both sides of the housing to block the tube formed on the inner side of the door in the housing middle to form a straight through tobacco heating container. Tobaccos can be quickly and easily loaded by opening the doors, and the heater can be powered on when closed doors; opening doors, the tobacco heating residues can be easily and quickly cleaned after using.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Shenzhen Coeus Technology Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gongyun Long, Hong Liu
  • Patent number: 10800338
    Abstract: A storage container has a storage container body and a clip. The storage container body has a bottom surface and at least one side wall. The bottom surface defines a recess. A clip is connected to the at least one side wall. The clip defines a passage having an opened end. The opened end faces toward a bottom of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Roy, Dany Bernier, Didier Dubois, Jean-Philippe Crepeau
  • Patent number: 10745064
    Abstract: A storage caddy comprising: (a) a frame assembly; (b) a mounting assembly connected to the frame assembly, the mounting assembly being configured to attach the storage caddy to one or more walls of a cargo box of a vehicle; (c) one or more anchors connected to the frame assembly; and (d) one or more tie-downs extending from the one or more anchors and being configured to connect to one of the one or more walls, a floor, or both of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: RUGGED LINER, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan DeLong, Jerome Facchinello, Chad Carter, Daniel J. Delaney, Derrick Fair
  • Patent number: 10358097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof box (1). Roof box (1) has a housing with a main cavity (2) for housing sheet material. The housing has front and rear end walls (4,5) and opposing side walls (6). Connection means (20) are provided to connect the housing to a vehicle. An opening (9) is provided through which sheet material can be introduced into the main cavity and one or more rollers (10) may be provided at or adjacent the opening. The side walls may extend outwardly at or adjacent the rear of the cavity. A pair of elongate secondary side cavities (12) and a front wall member may be provided on top of the main cavity to create a loading space therebetween. A rear holding plate may be removably located in one or more sets of slots provided in the elongate secondary side cavities. The elongate side cavities may be extendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Richard Ottaway, Gary Glen Knight
  • Patent number: 9682660
    Abstract: A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle includes a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. A spring-biased strut is operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box and located at an end region of the cargo box. The spring-biased strut includes two arms operatively interconnected for pivotation relative to one another and a biasing spring operatively interposed therebetween. The spring-biased strut is configured to control an assisting force to have a substantially zero magnitude when the lid portion is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Patent number: 9381866
    Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 9120428
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Publication number: 20150021370
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Mark VIKLUND, Vincent BOVE
  • Publication number: 20140361060
    Abstract: Provided is a car top compartment box that includes a cover and a base. The cover includes a tight-fitting top plate layer and a first polymer foam layer and has a cover rim portion. The base includes a tight-fitting base layer and a second polymer foam layer. A concave receiving area is centrally defined at the base. The edge of the base extends outward and bends to form a lip edge portion corresponding in position to the cover rim portion. The car top compartment box is waterproof, lightweight, impact-resistant, thermally insulating, capable of buffering, and opened from the front or any lateral side to ensure the ease of access to items contained therein. The cover and the base are fully separable from each other to facilitate transport and reduce storage and transport space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Shun YANG
  • Patent number: 8905278
    Abstract: A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elliot, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 8905279
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof box 1 for mounting to a vehicle via roof racks 100. The roof box 1 includes a base section 3 mountable to a vehicle roof or roof rack 100 and a top section 2 that is movable relative to the base section 3 to allow the roof box 1 to be opened and closed. The roof box 1 includes no external protruding seam 4 with the seam 4 flush with the exterior of the roof box 1. The roof box 1 also includes a curved seam 4, double skinned top 2 and double acting action hinge 12 design that all combine to provide improved aesthetics, lower weight, reduced aerodynamic drag, better fuel efficiency and equivalent strength, rigidity and loadings to the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hubco Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
  • Patent number: 8905277
    Abstract: A cable transport carrier facility is proposed. The cable transport carrier facility is designed for transport of system cables installed on a medical imaging facility and is able to be installed on the medical imaging facility. The cable transport carrier facility has at least one component which is made at least partly of an organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Maciejewski, Jörg Christopher Stapf
  • Patent number: 8881776
    Abstract: A bicycle bag protects a bicycle while the bicycle is secured to a rack, such as a vehicle bicycle rack. The bicycle bag includes resealable openings configured to allow the bicycle (and bag) to be securely attached to a wide variety of different rack types. Additionally, because there is risk of obscuring the tail lights of a vehicle for rear-mount racks when a bicycle bag is on the bike and the bike on the rack, the bicycle bag includes pockets designed to support a tail-light system that can be connected to the vehicle to provide additional lighting and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gabriel S. Waters
  • Patent number: 8875962
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Patent number: 8851346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle load carrier box (10) attachable to a surface of a vehicle (13) for transporting a load on the vehicle (13). The vehicle load carrier box (10) comprises a base member (20) defining a storage void, a lid (40) pivotally connected to the base member (20) and moveable between an opened and closed position. A flexible safety material is arranged inside of the vehicle load carrier box (10) and adapted to secure the load inside of the vehicle load carrier box (10) by overlapping the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Gunther Fritsche, Andreas Blank, Alexander Emmerling
  • Publication number: 20140173994
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Mark VIKLUND, Vincent BOVE
  • Patent number: 8757457
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140158727
    Abstract: Carrier, such as a cargo box, for a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the cargo box may comprise a bottom portion mountable to a vehicle, and a lid portion that fits together with the bottom portion to form a container for cargo. The container may have a pair of lateral sides opposite each other. The cargo box also may comprise a plurality of hinge-latch members to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion adjacent each lateral side. At least one hinge-latch member adjacent each lateral side may include a hinge, a first latch, and a second latch. The first and second latches may be adjustable individually to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion via the hinge. In another exemplary embodiment, the carrier may comprise a clamp device having a force indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon, Kevin E. Lesley
  • Publication number: 20140097221
    Abstract: A car roof storage compartment includes a bottom member shaped as one half of a clamshell; a top member shaped as the other half of the clamshell, and a closed-end zipper. The edge of the bottom opening of the top member is combined with the bottom member at the position that lower than the top opening of the bottom member by sliding the closed-end zipper, that can prevent rain from entering the car roof storage compartment. The closed-end zipper can be slid in a desired direction in order to change the opening side of the top member. This can increase use convenience. The top member can be separated from the bottom member. Thereafter, the top members and the bottom members can be separated respectively for stacking storage purpose. This has the advantages of facilitating storage, decreasing volume, saving storage space, and decreasing transportation cost for distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 8672198
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box. An expansively directed force is imposed on the lid portion, utilizing the pair of spring-biased struts, during operator induced movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration and thereby assisting the operator to smoothly open the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Patent number: 8662365
    Abstract: A cargo carrier adapted to be removably mounted to a roof of a vehicle includes a body portion and an interior space defined by the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes a lid portion that provides access to the interior space. The lid portion is releasably attachable to the body portion by relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes at least one mechanical fastening assembly slidingly engageable with a complementary fastening assembly, wherein the mechanical fastening assembly prevents relative motion between the lid portion and the body portion. Another embodiment of the cargo carrier includes a lid cover constructed to coact with a space defined by the lid portion and the body portion. The lid cover creates mechanical interference to prevent relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Winston Products LLC
    Inventors: Thaddeus T. Brej, Curtis Patrick Taylor, Robert Schmidt, Winston Breeden
  • Patent number: 8651349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hapro International B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
  • Patent number: 8622266
    Abstract: A load carrier has a flat tray-like body that attaches to a vehicle by load bars. Multiple components may be installed on the tray body in many locations on the tray body, for containing and/or supporting cargo. One component is a cargo container that is captured and locked in one of several possible positions on the tray body. Other components are cargo posts that include one or more upending towers for supporting cargo by capturing generally vertical portions of the cargo between the towers, wherein the cargo posts may be non-pivotal, pivotal, slidable and/or adjustable. Another component is a hooked or curved depending assembly that suspends cargo from the edges of the tray body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael McMillan
  • Publication number: 20130320056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle load carrier box (10) attachable to a surface of a vehicle (13) for transporting a load on the vehicle (13). The vehicle load carrier box (10) comprises a base member (20) defining a storage void, a lid (40) pivotally connected to the base member (20) and moveable between an opened and closed position. A flexible safety material is arranged inside of the vehicle load carrier box (10) and adapted to secure the load inside of the vehicle load carrier box (10) by over lapping the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Gunther Fritsche, Andreas Blank, Alexander Emmerling
  • Publication number: 20130264366
    Abstract: A roof box 1 for mounting to a vehicle is described. The roof box 1 includes a clamping mechanism that enables the roof box 1 to be secured to a vehicle via one or more externally accessed actuating handles 5. A crossbar interchangeable clamp shape is also described for linking an accessory item such as a roof box 1 to a roof rack cross bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
  • Patent number: 8387842
    Abstract: A car top carrier incorporating improved dual-functioning hinge/latch mechanisms connected by a drive bar that translates pivotal rotation to open and close the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Elliott, Chris Sautter
  • Publication number: 20130043287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof box 1 for mounting to a vehicle via roof racks 100. The roof box 1 includes a base section 3 mountable to a vehicle roof or roof rack 100 and a top section 2 that is movable relative to the base section 3 to allow the roof box 1 to be opened and closed. The roof box 1 includes no external protruding seam 4 with the seam 4 flush with the exterior of the roof box 1. The roof box 1 also includes a curved seam 4, double skinned top 2 and double acting action hinge 12 design that all combine to provide improved aesthetics, lower weight, reduced aerodynamic drag, better fuel efficiency and equivalent strength, rigidity and loadings to the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
  • Patent number: 8322580
    Abstract: The present invention is a retractable cargo carrying device that can be mounted on the top of a trailer such as a horse trailer. The device is provided underneath with a telescoping rail system that secures to the top of the trailer and to a storage box of the device. This telescoping rail system allows the storage box to be lowered near to the ground so that items can be easily placed in the storage box from the ground. Once the storage box is loaded, it can then be retracted back onto the top of the trailer for transport. The storage box has a pivoting attachment to the telescoping rail system that maintains the storage box in a level position at all times, even when lowering and retracting the box relative to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Billy Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8279588
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic device encloses and supports at least one operational component and includes at least one opening sized to accommodate a mechanical input assembly. The mechanical input assembly includes a feature arranged to receive an input event, at least a portion of the feature exposed at an outside surface of the housing, an operational indicia visible on the exposed portion and having a preferred orientation with respect to the housing, the operational indicial providing an indication of how an operation of the operational component is influenced, and a shaft having a size and shape in accordance with the opening, the shaft attached to the external feature at a first end and an integrally formed self-capturing feature at the second end. The self-capturing feature is inserted into the opening until activated. The indicia is then properly aligned and the mechanical input assembly is locked to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Wey-Jiun Lin, Emery Sanford
  • Publication number: 20120228349
    Abstract: A vehicle rack system including a stabilized cargo box attached to a pair of crossbars. In some embodiments, the stabilized cargo box includes a container defining a long axis and having a bottom portion hinged to a lid portion to form an enclosure to hold cargo. A plurality of clamp devices may mount the container to the pair of crossbars attached to a roof of a vehicle. The bottom portion may include a housing member defining a groove and also may include a stiffening tube disposed in the groove and providing first and second tubular regions that are laterally spaced from each other and that each extend at least generally parallel to the long axis. The first and second tubular regions may be connected to each other by a third tubular region of the stiffening tube that extends at least part way across a nose of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Dave Condon, John Mark Elliott
  • Publication number: 20120193381
    Abstract: Improvements for a carrier configured to be mounted on a roof of a vehicle, including a removable floor cover configured to provide a protective layer on the floor of the carrier and/or to dampen sound produced within the carrier. In some embodiments, the cover may include floor conforming structures such as ribs or apertures, to conform the cover to the floor of the carrier and/or to accommodate mounting structures attached to or integral with the floor of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Castro, Jason Carothers, Steve Rodden, Andrew Austin
  • Patent number: 8220763
    Abstract: A holder comprising a frame support and a covering encasing the frame support. The frame comprises a ductile material which can be conformed to a portion of the shape of an object to be secured in the holder. The holder has one or more flaps. In a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises 2-6, preferably four flaps having a configuration defined by the frame support. One of the flaps serves as an attachment means to secure the holder to a desired structural support. The holder may serve as a holder of a variety of objects such as, for example, cans, bottles, cups, boxes, packages, and tools. The holder may be provided with a feature which allows one or more holders to be used in conjunction with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jack W. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120118926
    Abstract: A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elliot, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20120118927
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box. An expansively directed force is imposed on the lid portion, utilizing the pair of spring-biased struts, during operator induced movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration and thereby assisting the operator to smoothly open the cargo box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Mark VIKLUND, Vincent BOVE
  • Publication number: 20120018474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof box comprising a bottom member (4) including a bottom section (32 and side sections (33) extending upward from said bottom section, where said bottom member is arranged for mounting said roof box on a roof of a vehicle (28), a top member (1) that is movable in relation to said bottom member between an open and a closed position, where said top member includes a top section (30) and side sections (31) extending downward from said top section, where the top member and the bottom member in closed position form a storage space for storing objects inside the roof box. At least one of said side sections (33) of the bottom member (4) and/or the top member (1) include an outer shell (44, 1) provided with a transparent area (34). Further, the invention relates to use of an electroluminescent plate (10) as a shell with integrated light source for a roof box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Joakim Lindberg, Jan Lindberg
  • Patent number: 8096455
    Abstract: Arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box (10) for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box (10) is provided and which has a lid portion (30) releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion (32) of the cargo box (10) for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion (32) is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion (30) is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion (32) of the cargo box (10) during transition between the open and closed configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Publication number: 20110303711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michael McMillan
  • Publication number: 20110186608
    Abstract: Strut designs for assisting opening and closing of a cargo box lid are provided. A strut includes two or more arms biased toward one or more directions by spring devices. Struts may be used on a single side opening box or a dual-side opening box, and may exhibit degrees of symmetrical design and movement for balanced operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott
  • Publication number: 20110174855
    Abstract: An elongate cargo box includes a bottom portion and a lid. The bottom portion has clamps for connecting the box to a pair of crossbars on top of a vehicle. The lid is hinged to the bottom by a latch assembly including multiple latch devices. The lid may have transverse beams fastened to an inner surface of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carothers, Jeff Castro, Dominic D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 7980436
    Abstract: A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Rodden, Jeff Castro
  • Publication number: 20110084103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: HAPRO INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
  • Publication number: 20110084104
    Abstract: The invention relates to automobile roof top cargo carriers. The distinguishing feature of the invention lies in 2 main characteristics: 1) the cargo carrier utilizes an access door, which is an integral part of the body of the unit, in order to open the unit instead of the traditional “clamshell” method of opening currently utilixed by cargo boxes being sold and marketed. 2) the access door is completely removable and doubles as a bench type platform serving the primary function of supporting the user for the purpose of gaining access to the contents of the cargo carrier. The access door readily and easily transforms into a bench like platform and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, or anything the user sees fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip Martin Long
  • Patent number: 7877922
    Abstract: A weather-tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple fishing rods and reels releasably mounted to a vehicular roof carrier rack. When not mounted on a vehicle, the storage device and carrier is manageable enough to be hand-carried and may also serve as a stand for the rods and reels. The storage device and carrier includes a carrier box housing the fishing reels and a portion of the associated fishing rods and an anchor portion for securing the distal ends of the associated fishing rods to the vehicular roof rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Daniel Nelsen
  • Patent number: 7845528
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael McMillan
  • Publication number: 20100155442
    Abstract: A device for fastening a roof rack system contains, as a supporting element, a base plate with two supporting arms which can be respectively pivoted about an axis into an operative position and inoperative position. In the operative position, the supporting arms are vertically oriented in parallel and spaced apart from each other and, in the inoperative position, the supporting arms are folded up into a roof slot facing each other in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Harald Neidlein
  • Patent number: 7740157
    Abstract: A cargo box has a bottom portion and a lid. The lid is hinged to the bottom to allow opening on one or more sides. Operation of opening and closing multiple latches is coordinated by an external handle and internal bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fisher, Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Publication number: 20100116858
    Abstract: A carrier for elongated equipment for sports, such as hockey or the like is arranged to be mounted on a roof transport rack of an automotive vehicle. The carrier is molded from a high impact plastic material and consists of an elongated straight portion integrally attached to an angular offset portion defining an elbow between the two portions. The carrier is mounted to the roof transport rack with the angular offset end facing the rear of the vehicle such that a cover door mounted to the carrier can be pivoted downward to gain access to the interior space of the carrier and hockey sticks may conveniently be loaded into the carrier, handle end first, whereafter the cover member is pivoted to a closed and locked position to contain the hockey sticks within the interior space of the carrier during transporting thus avoiding interference with passengers in the interior portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Foley
  • Publication number: 20100084447
    Abstract: A car top carrier incorporating improved dual-functioning hinge/latch mechanisms connected by a drive bar that translates pivotal rotation to open and close the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John Mark Elliott, Chris Sautter