Carrier Attached To Special Purpose Vehicle Patents (Class 224/401)
  • Publication number: 20030066853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting apparatus which can be used to quickly and easily mount implements and/or accessories to storage racks of all-terrain vehicles (“ATV's”). A slot is provided on the item to be attached to the ATV storage rack. A mounting bracket is provided which has a concave section, a flat section and a bore passing through the flat section. The mounting bracket is positioned so that the concave section is engaged against the lower surface of a tubular member of an ATV storage rack, the flat section of the mounting bracket is in close proximity to the slot on the item to be mounted, and the bore passing through the flat section of the mounting bracket is aligned with the slot. A bolt or other fastener is disposed through said slot and mounting bracket and secured in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Paul Hebert
  • Publication number: 20030047576
    Abstract: A method for mounting an animal container on the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. The container has securement positions adapted to attach the container to the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. There is a hinged door with a securement latch in the front wall of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gary D. Babbitt, Randy Witt, Larry J. Dowen
  • Publication number: 20030038150
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a gun or a bow securely to an all terrain vehicle. . The apparatus has one or more adjustable support arms each having a quick release and lock mechanism. The support arms serve as a way to allow the gun or bow to fit closely to the contour of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ambers F. Williams
  • Patent number: 6502885
    Abstract: Cargo storage apparatus are provided that attach to a tailgate door of an open-air style vehicle and include a housing having a hollow interior portion that serves as a compartment for receiving articles therein. An opening is formed in the housing that allow user access to the compartment. An access door is hingedly coupled to the housing and is movable between a closed position covering the opening and an open position allowing access to the compartment via the opening. A carrying handle may be provided to facilitate portability. Lights may be provided that illuminate inside and outside of the cargo storage apparatus compartment. Cup holders, cargo nets, and supporting hooks, promotional indicia, and thermal insulation may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Jim Gammon, Greg Miller
  • Patent number: 6502728
    Abstract: An accessory type carrier rack extension adapted for easy attachment to existing tubular racks generally provided on all terrain vehicles. The rack is provided in a variety of models to mate with and compliment existing tubular carrier racks and may be provided with flattened expanded metal panels that may be slotted at assembly to fit around any protrusions on the existing carrier rack that may exist but are unaccounted for by the manufacturer. The accessory carrier rack includes a tubular base frame fabricated from bent tubular members and various truss members. Some of the truss members are positioned parallel to the bent tubular members and/or parallel to adjacent truss members in a manner that defines elongated slots for adjustable positioning of the accessory carrier rack relative to an existing carrier racks generally found on ATVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20030000983
    Abstract: A thermally insulated cooler adapted to attach to the front of a motorized golf cart. The cooler having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall wherein the top, bottom and sidewalls are made of flexible, thermally insulating material. The cooler rests on the front face of the golf cart's body and provides a thermally insulated storage area for items. The cooler includes a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting at least one edge of the top wall to a corresponding edge of the sidewall to allow access to the storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Tyrer
  • Patent number: 6494427
    Abstract: A trimmer line carrier for use with a string trimming mower includes a tubular container having an open end for carrying individual strands of replacement trimming line. A removable cap is coupled to the container for selectably covering the open end. The container includes clamps capable of releasably attaching the container to a handle bar of a string trimming mower. A plurality of guide flanges defining respective apertures are positioned longitudinally along the container outer wall to receive a selected strand therethrough. Linear scale indicia and corresponding graduated numerical indicia are imprinted on the container adjacent the guide flanges such that a strand received through the flanges may be measured using the indicia. A cutter is positioned at one end of the container for cutting a strand of trimming line to a desired measured length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Larry B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6484913
    Abstract: An article support bracket that will securely mount to an upwardly extending portion of a handlebar of an all terrain vehicle and that will extend upwardly from the mounting connection between and around vehicle components also attached to the vehicle handlebars, to provide a support extending above outwardly and rearwardly extending portions of the handlebar that will acommodate an article holder for an elongate article such as a long gun, tool or another piece of equipment in position extending across the vehicle handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20020148868
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container device includes a top ring having a cavity through which a container can be inserted and a downwardly extending vessel adapted to the top ring in order to encircle the container. In addition, a pair of straps extends upwardly from the top ring to encircle the environmental object enabling the vessel, attached to the top ring, to swing back and forth under the influence of gravity when the environmental object shifts to a downward angle, thereby keeping the vessel in an upright position. The support straps also are adjustable in length to allow for the several different types of environmental objects known today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Diane Marie Dion-Bildstein, Dean Edward
  • Publication number: 20020148867
    Abstract: An accessory type carrier rack extension adapted for easy attachment to existing tubular racks generally provided on all terrain vehicles. The rack is provided in a variety of models to mate with and compliment existing tubular carrier racks and may be provided with flattened expanded metal panels that may be slotted at assembly to fit around any protrusions on the existing carrier rack that may exist but are unaccounted for by the manufacturer. The accessory carrier rack includes a tubular base frame fabricated from bent tubular members and various truss members. Some of the truss members are positioned parallel to the bent tubular members and/or parallel to adjacent truss members in a manner that defines elongated slots for adjustable positioning of the accessory carrier rack relative to an existing carrier racks generally found on ATVs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Patent number: 6461095
    Abstract: An ATV lift and carry apparatus for lifting heavy objects upon the rack member mounted to an ATV. The ATV lift and carry apparatus includes a main support assembly being adapted to be securely attached to an ATV; and also includes a hitch mounting member being adapted to adjustably attach to a hitch of the ATV; and further includes a rack support member being pivotally mounted to the hitch mounting member; and also includes a rack member being pivotally attached to the rack support member and being adapted to be supported upon the ATV; and further includes a lift assembly for lifting objects upon the rack member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: David P. Puska
  • Patent number: 6457618
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) mounting bracket assembly that is adapted to mount to the rear deck of an ATV and to hold a scabbard or gun case outwardly of either side or the rear of the vehicle and in position to allow a tong gun to be easily inserted into or withdrawn from such scabbard or gun case includes a universal mounting plate to be secured to an ATV deck, a support plate extending upwardly from the universal mounting plate and outwardly from the vehicle and a holding plate carried by the support plate and capable of being tipped to insure proper angular mounting of a scabbard or gun case fixed to the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20020134808
    Abstract: A crutch and cane holder attachment for attaching to the rear vertical surface portion, below the seat and preferably just above a rear deck, of a motorized wheelchair-scooter, of the type used to transport a disabled person. Such motorized wheelchair-scooters are typically provided in grocery stores and other retail establishments for use by disabled persons. The adjustable crutch and cane holder will accommodate storage of crutches or canes regardless of the angle of attachment of the holder to the motorized wheelchair-scooter or the slope of the wheelchair seat-back. This adjustability provides that the crutches will not hit the user in the head or interfere with the seat-back when utilizing a seat that swivels. The low mounting height provides for a minimal distance above the floor that the crutches or cane must be lifted to accommodate storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Gallagher, Edith A. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6425510
    Abstract: A storage box apparatus (10) for use in combination with the rear rack (13) of an ATV (11) for transporting tree stands (15) and other hunting accessories and equipment to a remote location. The apparatus (10) includes a storage box unit (12) having a front portion attached to the rear rack (13) of the ATV (11) such that the rear portion of the storage box unit (12) is suspended in cantilever fashion from the rear of the ATV (11). The rear portion of the storage box unit (12) is provided with an article carry channel (22) and a carry channel cover (24) having at least one elongated support leg (26) slidably disposed in the rear portion of the storage box unit (12) for accommodating tree stands (15) having different dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Terry Wayne King
  • Publication number: 20020070255
    Abstract: Cargo racks for use with all terrain vehicles (“ATV's”) are disclosed. The racks have a generally horizontal base and upwardly extending vertical side walls which, together with the base, form a cargo area. One or more of the upwardly extending vertical side walls are hinged at the base, and can open in an outward direction to form a lift gate. When such a lift gate is in a lowered position, support chains or arms are not required to ensure that the lift gate remains fully extended. When closed, the lift gate is latched in place to prevent inadvertent opening of the lift gate. One or more of the vertical walls, including the lift gate, can be completely removed from the rack as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Paul Hebert, Raymond Phillip Hebert, Raymond Philip Hebert
  • Patent number: 6394327
    Abstract: A two part locking system for a push-broom preferably for use in the trucking industry, the first part A being mounting bracket with means for being fixedly attached to a desired site; such as on the rear panel of the cab, generally along the driver's side thereof, or to the tractor trailer in any suitable and accessible location thereon; and the second part B being a coupling piece that is attached to the push-broom at its wooden surface base containing the bristles and also to the handle of the broom, extending longitudinally up the broom handle from the broom base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Mietlicki
  • Publication number: 20020060232
    Abstract: A system and associated methods which may be used to adjustably secure to an all terrain or other vehicle for transport hunting, fishing, and utility equipment, and the like are presented. In several embodiments, a system and methods involving cables, pivot arms, a lever and an elastic cord for compressibly securing between at least one set of biased posts disposed towards opposite ends of a support member are provided. Additionally, a system and associated methods for axially retaining a secured item are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Big Horn Manufacturing
    Inventors: Brian Stenger, John T. Durand
  • Patent number: 6382484
    Abstract: A gun-mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further providing adaptability to a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, an interchangeable pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate, and an interchangeable bracket member attached perpendicular thereto adapted to receive the barrel portion of the gun boot. The bracket member, having an elongated opening for receiving the barrel portion of the gun boot, is provided with a polymeric edge molding and allows the barrel portion of the gun boot to extend therethrough to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its bar latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Patent number: 6378748
    Abstract: A carrier system for an associated vehicle is shown having mounting structure for mounting the carrier system to the vehicle; the carrier system is shown with a coupler which is effective for in turn connecting to various cargo carrying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Larry E. Cox
  • Patent number: 6371344
    Abstract: A device for holding tire chains which differs from the prior art in that it features double doors that open widely with only 5″ of clearance above the chain hanger. Other chain hangers have only one door that requires a significant amount of clearance to open or a removable door that gets left behind or falls off if not properly secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Eugene W. Gros
  • Publication number: 20020017542
    Abstract: An advertising ski paraphernalia basket is securely mounted in non-rotatable relation to a safety bar of a chair ski lift. The basket includes one or more surfaces on which is placed indicia, usually advertising. The advertising is preferably replaceable, making the basket a site for third party paid advertising exposed to a captive audience that produces a continuing revenue source. The chair ski lift safety bar is moveable in an arcuate path between a passenger safety position whereat the safety bar is disposed forwardly of an apex balance point in blocking relation in front of the chair portion of the chair ski lift, and an entry-exit position whereat the safety bar is disposed above and rearwardly of the chair portion of the chair ski lift and rearwardly of the apex balance point. The basket comprises a floor suitable for receiving ski paraphernalia, and walls extending upwardly from the floor about the periphery thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Morris William Hunt
  • Patent number: 6332639
    Abstract: A rear trunk for a vehicle having a rear wall which is inclined with respect to a bottom portion of the trunk such that it overhangs the bottom of the trunk. The opening of the trunk may be narrower than the bottom of the trunk without requiring complicated manufacturing steps. The body of the trunk can be formed in this shape as an integral piece by blow molding. An inner member can be included which divides the interior space of the trunk body into separate compartments, and may be blow molded integrally with the trunk body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Tanaka, Toshinori Nakano, Terunari Saiki
  • Patent number: 6322123
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a storage compartment for the rear end of a speciality vehicle is provided. The storage compartment has a primary compartment that is slidably mounted to the vehicle body. Sub-compartments are pivotally connected to the side walls of the primary compartment. The sub-compartments are pivoted from a closed position wherein the sub-compartments overlie a base portion of the primary compartment to a open position wherein the sub-compartments are pivoted on a pivot connection to a position wherein they are outboard of the base. A deck lid is provided to enclose the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Grant Garrison, Jeffrey M. Nowak, Thomas Scott
  • Patent number: 6305590
    Abstract: An article of luggage for a sport vehicle, such as a snowmobile or a motorcycle, includes a bag having at least one strap for releasably securing the bag to the sport vehicle, and a map pouch which is releasably attached to the bag. The releasably attached map pouch may include at least one strap which allows the map pouch to be secured to the sport vehicle independent of the bag. The combination tank bag with releasably attached map pouch provides the operator of the sport vehicle with an opportunity to secure the bag to the sport vehicle with or without the map pouch releasably attached to the bag, and allows the map pouch to be secured to the sport vehicle without the bag, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Specialty Sports Limited
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6296163
    Abstract: A substantially flat-shaped board type carrier (8) is placed on a carrier frame mounted on the front and/or rear of a straddle type four wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The carrier surface (8A) on which baggage is placed is provided with numerous lateral anti-slip projections (8e) that are parallel to one another and expand outward. Of the parts comprising the carrier frame, at least the front main frame and rear main frame are made of pipe and support the carrier by being fitted into the fitting grooves formed by the ribs on the bottom surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jiro Kitao, Takeshi Usui, Hideyoshi Kosuge, Kazuhiro Maeda, Fumio Mizuta, Toru Minami
  • Patent number: 6267253
    Abstract: A logistics rack has a common core with a top end and a bottom end, an interchangeable upper interface adapter releaseably coupled to the top end, and an interchangeable lower interface adapter releaseably coupled to the bottom end. The upper and lower interface adapters may be readily changed to allow the logistics rack to be utilized on a variety of space vehicles or modules. The common core includes a plurality of stowage bays in which logistics bags are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Spacehab, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Jellicorse, Frank Thomas Eichstadt
  • Patent number: 6250529
    Abstract: A method for mounting an animal container on the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. The container has securement positions adapted to attach the container to the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. There is a hinged door with a securement latch in the front wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Gary D. Babbitt, Randy Witt, Larry Dowen
  • Patent number: 6199734
    Abstract: A bowholder for supporting an archery bow on a fixed or movable structure, and particularly adapted for supporting an archery bow on a cargo carrier rack or the like of a motor vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV), includes an elongated tubular frame member supported on spaced-apart support blocks which are mountable on a cargo carrier rack by releasable fastener assemblies. The frame member supports spaced-apart U-shaped bow limb support brackets which are mounted for pivotal movement on the frame member and are connected to pivot levers which, in turn, are connected to opposite ends of an elastically stretchable strap member. Opposite ends of the pivot levers form handles for rotating the U-shaped brackets against the bias of the elastic strap member to receive and release opposed limbs of an archery bow disposed in the U-shaped brackets, respectively. A fitted fabric cover includes an elastic hem and drawstrings for securing the cover tightly over the bowholder with a bow supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Paul H. Meeks
  • Patent number: 6189753
    Abstract: A carrier rack for use primarily on a watercraft. The carrier rack has a preferably two resilient, elastomeric cradles adapted to receive an object to be carried. The cradles are adapted to be mounted on an outside surface of the watercraft, most preferably the gunwales. A plurality of attachment straps are used to mount the carrier rack to the watercraft. An adjustable cradle-strap wraps around the cradle and causes the elastomeric cradle to conform partially to the shape of the object to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bombardier, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kalhok, Pierre Rondeau
  • Patent number: 6179180
    Abstract: A carrier accessory which is releasably attachable to the support rack of an off-road or other recreational vehicle includes a frame having a plurality of substantially circular members, each sized to retain a cylindrical article such as a bucket or pail. The frame further includes releasable attachment members which allow the accessory to clamp onto an existing support rack, the circular members being cantilevered from the accessory frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: John F. Walker
  • Patent number: 6145718
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for securing rifles, archery bows and other camping accessories to the cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle for transport. The apparatus consists of two support brackets which have a bracket pad of resilient material affixed in an opening in the brackets, a support structure for the support brackets and a means for securing the support structure to the cargo rack tubes of the all terrain vehicle. The support structure is comprised of two vertical support bars which are attached on the bottom to a horizontal bottom cross bar which is secured to the cargo rack. A horizontal top cross bar also connects the two support bars and provides added stability to the support bars. A stiffener plate which connects the bottom cross bar and the top cross bar can also be used to further enhance the stability of the support bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Jesse L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6145719
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable gun and equipment case for the safe transportion of guns and equipment. The vehicle mountable gun and equipment case includes an upper cover having a top portion and an upper perimeter wall. The upper perimeter wall extends away from a perimeter of the top portion. Next provided is a lower cover having a bottom portion and a lower perimeter wall. The lower perimeter wall extends outwardly from a perimeter of the bottom portion such that the lower perimeter wall and the bottom portion define a space within the lower cover. The lower cover is hingedly attached to the upper cover. A plurality of clasping means are for releasably securing the upper cover to the lower cover. Also included is an equipment retaining pad having at least one of a shaped cut out. The pad is insertable into the space of sad lower cover. The shaped cut out is for conformably receiving a piece of equipment. A plurality of vehicle attachment means are adapted for attaching the lower cover to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Louis J. Robert
  • Patent number: 6142349
    Abstract: A weaponry holder for an all terrain vehicle includes a planar, rectangular attachment plate having stabilizing bars perpendicularly extending from each comer thereof. The distal ends of each stabilizing bar are outwardly flared allowing a weaponry case to be wedged therebetween. Each of two opposing edges of the attachment plate include one or more loops with a loop on a first side having a strap permanently attached thereto. The opposing end of the strap is removably attachable to the opposing loop to further secure the weaponry case between the stabilizing bars. The plate further includes a securing means for further securing the plate to a cargo rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Melanie Roberson
  • Patent number: 6126052
    Abstract: A canoe carrier system for allowing an individual to easily transport a canoe, kayak or other structure to a remote location with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The inventive device includes a pair of base members, a plurality of support members extending vertically from the base members, a pair of elongated members extending between the support members longitudinally, a pair of cross members attached between the support members traversely to the elongated members, and a plurality of fastener straps secured to the elongated members for surrounding a canoe or kayak. A pair of padding members are secured about cross members for protecting the canoe. A pair of fasteners and clamps are attached to each of the base members for attaching to the front rack and rear rack of the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin S. Toivola
  • Patent number: 6092706
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier which can be used with a camper that is pulled by a towing vehicle. The carrier has a first part which is secured to the top of the camper and which accepts the front wheels of the bikes, and a second part which is secured to the rear bumper of the carrier to secure the rear wheels of the bikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Joel B. Bogan
  • Patent number: 6089428
    Abstract: The invention is a bicycle rack that attaches to the tongue of a tent camper. The bicycle rack is attached to the tent camper with two plates that are placed on the top and bottom of the tongue. Then a bolt is placed through openings in both plates and tightened to the plates against the tongue of the tent camper. The bicycles are supported by posts attached to the top plate over the top of the tongue. The two vertical posts are braced at the top. Extending from the two vertical posts are horizontal rods that the bicycle is placed over to ride upon the rack. Bicycles can be placed on both sides of the rack. When it is necessary to raise the tent camper, the bicycle rack can be moved into a horizontal position so that it will not affect the raising of the tent camper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6056177
    Abstract: A collapsible storage container for mini-vans and sports utility vehicles having a floor panel, a front wall, a back wall, and a pair of side walls. A partition wall extends between the front and back walls, separating the container into separate compartments. The side walls and the partition wall are hingedly attached to the floor panel and selectively fold flat against the floor panel. The front and back walls are two-piece members, each comprising a top portion and a lower portion. Each upper portion is hingedly connected along a seam to the corresponding lower portion. In turn, each lower portion is attached to the floor panel. The front wall lower portion is hingedly attached to the floor panel and may be lowered forward to allow access to the interior of the container. The container also includes a top panel that covers the contents of the container. Doors in the top panel provide access to the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Schneider
  • Patent number: 6029841
    Abstract: A new waste container attachment for mounting to the handle of a lawnmower. The inventive device includes a frame having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the frame defines a top opening. The bottom portion of the frame has a pair of spaced apart elongate side rails and a cross rail extending between the side rails. Each of the side rails is coupled to the top portion. A container member has a base and a perimeter side wall extending around the base. The perimeter side wall defines an upper opening into the container member. The container member is insertable through the top opening of the top portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: William A. G. Fotherby, John K. Summerhill
  • Patent number: 6021936
    Abstract: A gun mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further provides adaptability of a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, a pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate and a rotatable bar loop, which is fully adaptable to gun boots having a variety of shapes and sizes. The bar loop is provided for insertion of the barrel portion of the gun boot therein to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its latching mechanism. The bar loop, being rotatable, allows the loop to be rotated to more closely conform to the boot's width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Patent number: 6016943
    Abstract: Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as an ATV's, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Johnson, Michael A. Klein, Matthew David Parks, Mark Thomas Karl, Patrick Johnson, Tim Spahr, Jeff Sajna, Craig Andrews, Kenneth Terry Higgins, Robert A. Lowery, Keith D. Ruby, Alton Mitchell, Rhonda L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6015177
    Abstract: A vehicular storage unit transit system (20) is provided for joining a storage unit (32) to a vehicle (30) possessing a cargo area (28) having a forward end (38), an access end (42), a pair of opposing sidewalls (46), and a floor (50) with a pair of wheelwells (56) protruding thereabove between the sidewalls (46). A pair of transit assemblies (22) couple the storage unit (32) to a pair of guidance assemblies (24). A first section (76) of each guidance assembly (24) sustains the storage unit (32) in a first position (36) proximate the forward end (38) and in a first attitude (54) substantially parallel to the floor (50). A second section (82) of each guidance assembly (24) sustains the storage unit (32) in a second position (40) proximate the access end (42) and in a second attitude (66) oblique to the floor (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Raul Tijerina
  • Patent number: 5979972
    Abstract: A folding trailer having an integral cargo platform generally includes a chassis having wheels and a towing hitch, a trailer body attached to the chassis such that a front end of the trailer body faces the towing hitch and the platform attached to the chassis between the front end of the trailer body and the towing hitch. The platform generally includes a substantially flat and substantially rigid core member and a layer of substantially abrasion and weather resistant material positioned on the core member. The platform further includes a first side and a second side and is configured to be attached to the chassis such that the second side contacts the chassis. The first side of the platform has a surface defined by the layer of abrasion and weather resistant material, with the surface shaped to limit movement of cargo received on the first side of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana K. Gehman
  • Patent number: 5957352
    Abstract: A tool holding device designed to be attached to a wheelbarrow contains at least two identical supports attachable to side of a body of a wheelbarrow, each of the supports containing at least one retaining cavity in the form of a U, with interior dimensions larger than the width of the handle of a tool to be held, and which opening is of a width less than the diameter of the handle so that the introduction of the handle into the cavity is achieved by forcing the distortion of a part of the support at the level of the opening, the bottom of the cavity containing an elastic member for repelling the handle towards the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Gares
  • Patent number: 5957351
    Abstract: A storage rack assembly is adapted to be clamped between the two horizontally-spaced longitudinally-extending I-beams of a flat bed trailer, comprising a pair of tray-like end sections each including a pair of parallel horizontally-spaced side walls, a plurality of transverse members that are connected between the side walls to define a lower first storage chamber, and an upper rack device defining a second storage device connected between the upper edges of the side walls at a first end of the end section, the end sections being collinearly arranged with their other ends adjacent each other and connected together on opposite sides of a transverse divider wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gothier
  • Patent number: 5947350
    Abstract: A container-holding device removably attached to an external, rigid support, such as a riding saddle for a horse, wherein the container-holding device prevents spillage of a container held therein in the event that the external, rigid support experiences sudden and substantial movement. The container-holding device is provided with a retaining ring and a plurality of flexible support members extending downwardly therefrom. A base member is attached to the flexible support members at flexible support member ends opposite the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Crepps
  • Patent number: 5911556
    Abstract: The combination, with an ATV, of a lift comprised of two arms and a back bracket being pivotally attached to the ATV and a lift leg with a positive stop spade point at the forward end being mounted inside a center bracket that is pivotally attached to the arms, may be lowered to the ground to receive a load; and, with forward movement of the ATV, the load will be lifted and will slide down against the ATV back rack. After the load is moved upon the ATV back rack, the lift is then set in the retracted position and locked up to the ATV back rack by means of angle brackets attached to the ATV back rack and pins. The locked up position readies the lilt to receive and transport cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Marion Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5906304
    Abstract: A rack that adjustably attaches to an inboard wall panel of a boat for securing water sport equipment in the cockpit of the boat. The device is configured so that the rack adjustably attaches to the inboard wall panel and rests flush against the floor of a boat. The device is designed to secure a variety of water sport equipment so as to protect the water sport equipment, the boat and the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Dominic Baldacchino
  • Patent number: 5887774
    Abstract: The present invention is an exercise fluid bottle which contains a liquid nourishment and which is used by a user during a strenuous physical activity. The exercise fluid bottle includes an integral container formed out of a plastic material and a dispensing cap for retaining and dispensing the liquid nourishment. The integral container has a first portion which is a hollow cylinder with an enclosed end and a partially enclosed end and a second portion which is a hollow cylinder with an enclosed end and a partially enclosed end. The integral container also has a handle portion which is a hollow cylinder which has corrugated ribbing axially aligned therewith so that the user can more comfortably grip the exercise fluid bottle and which is disposed adjacent to the partially enclosed ends of the first and second portions. The dispensing cap is fluidly and mechanically coupled to the enclosed end of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Peter R. Bethune
  • Patent number: 5878929
    Abstract: A device for mounting to the rear rack of an ATV for holding a gun or bow for transport includes a horizontal anchoring member attached the device to the rear rack of an ATV by U-bolts. A corner brace is welded to one end of the anchoring member. The corner brace is provided with a pair of threaded mounting pins which are used to hold a scabbard-type gun boot or a bow adapter for holding a bow. The scabbard or bow is held in place, when mounted on the pins, by threading and tightening a mounting knob on each pin. A bow adapter is made up of a main support member mounted on the mounting pins and secured by the mounting knobs. The support member is provided with a U-shaped bracket and a C-shaped bracket for frictionally holding a bow. A dual mount adapter may be used to mount an additional gun boot or bow adapter. This dual mount adapter includes a mounting plate engaging the mounting pins and secured along with a first scabbard or bow adapter by the mounting knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Barry D. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5855309
    Abstract: Cargo boxes for trailers that support boats, jet skis, motorcycles, off road vehicles and power equipment A first embodiment has ninety degree angled channels in rectangular shape that are bolted to the front of a boat trailer frame or rear bumper of a towing vehicle. A hinged strap fits through the handle on five gallon gas cans or ice chests. One end of the strap is welded to the channels, the second end has a slot for fitting about a loop attached to a front channel. A key/combination padlock inserts through the loop locking the storage container to the channels A second embodiment has an I-Frame formed by two angled channels separated by telescoping adjustable plates wherein the storage containers, or a hinged box can be attached thereon by bolts, and BUNGEE.RTM. cords. The components of the cargo boxes can be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, molded plastic, fiberglass and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mark E. Hallsworth