Carrier Attached To Pickup Truck Patents (Class 224/402)
  • Publication number: 20090294497
    Abstract: The invention comprises a combination storage unit and step for a pickup truck, comprising: a) a body, containing an interior cavity for storage of items; b) one or more doors providing access to the interior of the storage body; c) one or more step assemblies mounted to the storage body and located adjacent to one or more of the doors; d) one or more brackets to secure the storage body to the undercarriage body mounts of the pickup truck, wherein the storage unit is mounted in a location between the front axle and rear axle of the pickup truck on one of the driver side and passenger side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: APPOLO MACHINE LTD.
    Inventor: Petar Todorovic
  • Publication number: 20090188957
    Abstract: An outrigger attached to the side of a truck for carrying surveying rods from location to location without disassembly. The outrigger utilizes a standard stake pocket on the bed of the truck and a bungee cord hooking to the underside of the truck chassis. The surveying rods are supported on the outrigger through a receiver plate with a hole where a section of the stake of the surveying rod may be inserted, and a quick release rubber clamp at its highest point. In the middle are plates partially enclosing the surveying rod, and complete enclosure is achieved by way of an insertable wire lock pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: BRIAN P. MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20090173762
    Abstract: A detachable fastening apparatus comprises a base member including a first end adapted for coupling to a truck and a second end being able to be tied by a rope; and a pivot plate member, which is moveable between a first position and a second position, pivotally coupled to the base member between the first and second ends of the base member and selectively positioned in the first position or the second position via a positioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Kun-Chieh Wang, Jung-Chin Liang, David Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090071991
    Abstract: A storage unit is anchored in a truck bed with an attachment system incorporating side modules forming a track for easy pull-out and yet security when moved to a storage position within the truck bed. The storage unit and/or the side modules have recesses and components shaped for function and utility, as well as security and yet easy access. For example, the side modules can include a stationary light, a pull-out spot light, an electrical plug, a storage recess with a lockable cover, and/or a tool-holding recess. The storage unit includes functionally-shaped walls, pull-out containers and drawers, repositionable dividers for the storage recess, a lockable cover, handles to facilitate carriage, wheels for rolling transport, walls with external cable anchors for tying down items, and/or an air deflector/spoiler. The side modules can be releasable for use as a suitcase-like separate unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Publication number: 20090026783
    Abstract: A truck rack system comprising at least two T-bars, a means for storing the T-bars and a means for connecting the T-bars to the truck at different locations and at different positions to create a rack and to facilitate towing. The means for storing the T-bars comprises a pair of sleeves for each T-bar attached to the bottom of the truck on left and right sides. The elongate portion of the T-bar is tightly received in the pair of sleeves for storing. The means for connecting the T-bar to create the rack comprises holes on front and rear bumpers of the truck for connecting the T-bars vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Armen Shagbazyan
  • Patent number: 7481328
    Abstract: An organizer is adapted to store and manage various items in a vehicle. The organizer includes a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls interconnected by a bottom panel with each sidewall having a front face and a rear face. One of the sidewalls is adapted to be oriented towards the driver of the vehicle having an internal support shelf extending inwardly from the one sidewall, and an external support shelf projecting outwardly from the one sidewall. A series of vertically disposed, spaced-apart parallel panels extend completely between the sidewalls at various locations between the front faces and the rear faces of the sidewalls for defining a series of adjacently disposed, open-topped storage compartments for holding the various items in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Larry Van De Wege, I, Pamela Van De Wege
  • Patent number: 7434858
    Abstract: A rack for transporting planar sheets of material includes permanent members made of a hollow tube that is perpendicularly affixed to the bed bottom at a point adjacent to one of the bed side walls. The permanent members are also affixed to the horizontal flange by a clamp. Also provided are vertical, removable members each having two vertical posts held in a parallel relationship to each other by one or more spacers affixed near a top portion. The two vertical posts are spaced far enough apart as to straddle one of the bed side walls. The two vertical posts include a shorter inboard post and a longer outboard post. The shorter inboard post fits snuggly within one of the permanent members and the longer outboard post has a foot extending outwardly and away from the vehicle at a bottom end distal from the spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Lastinger, Gregory Stabile
  • Publication number: 20080054034
    Abstract: A rack which is provided for a pickup truck or trailer: includes brackets which are fastened to any application to carry a 5 U.S. gallon square gas can. There is a bar that slides through the handle of the gas can to be locked in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Rack in Gas
    Inventor: Craig Matthew Winston
  • Patent number: 7207615
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extension device useable to increase the load bearing capacity of a vehicle cargo bed. The vehicle cargo bed extension device includes a rectangular deck attachable to a rectangular open deck frame having a rear beam and a front beam attached by side beams. A support frame having a horizontal attachment post for attaching the support frame to a trailer hitch supports the deck frame. A rear vertical post extends downwardly from the center rear of the deck frame to the rearward section of the horizontal attachment post. A front vertical post extends downwardly from the center of the deck frame front beam to a forward section of the horizontal attachment post, and outwardly inclined side bracing beams extend from the sides of the support beam to the side edges of the deck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jackie St. Romain
  • Patent number: 7000810
    Abstract: The present invention is a tool pouch for mounting on a rear wall of a cab of a truck-like vehicle. The tool pouch has a backing which is preferably nylon or canvas. The front portion of the backing preferably has a plurality of pockets of different sizes and shapes, loops, hooks, T-hooks, clips for holding and storing a number of different tools and accessories in a neat, organized fashion. The tool pouch is attached to the rear wall of the cab by a number of attaching means such as by a groove attachment and mounting hook assembly, a hook and loop fastener attachment, or via a pair of snap fittings. In one embodiment, the tool pouch has support rods for additional support. The backing optionally includes an open space for disposing the pouch over a transmission drive hump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy R. Farmer
  • Patent number: 6966593
    Abstract: A vehicle side panel storage box assembly has a mounting structure, a compartment and a side panel door. The mounting structure is fixedly coupled to a pair of lateral cross frames of a vehicle body and has the side panel door pivotally mounted to the mounting structure. The compartment is fixedly coupled to the mounting structure mounting structure as a modular unit. The side panel door has an exterior surface panel configured and arranged to form an exterior of a vehicle body side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Plentis, William Bowes, Garry Nylander, William Spencer Evans
  • Patent number: 6953181
    Abstract: There is disclosed a universal bracket carrying bicycles, a rack consisting of a base plate, a stanchion fixedly secured to the base plate, a carrying tube having a carrying end and a second end, the second end having a second carrying tube secured thereto and the carrying tube further including a mount tube secured to thereto and extending downwardly therefrom, the mount tube being sized to override and sliding mount on the stanchion of the base plate and be rotatable with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Vodicka
  • Patent number: 6932406
    Abstract: A quick release mounting for a storage box in the bed of a pickup truck. The mounting includes an aid in locating the necessary hole to be bored in the box for mounting; guides in the subsequent placement of the box; and allows a tool-less removal and replacement of the box, when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Truckwerx LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Waye
  • Patent number: 6918520
    Abstract: A spare tire holder device mounted in a hitch receiver and holding the spare tire upright behind the tail gate of a pickup truck. The device is rotatable so the holder maintains the spare tire upright in a normal position and can be rotated away so as to hold the spare tire in a horizontal position to allow opening of the tail gate without removing the mount device from the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Edward Skinner
  • Patent number: 6769583
    Abstract: In vehicles (16) with a trailer receiver (14), a carrier apparatus (10) includes a hitch connect (12) suspended from the trailer receiver (14). A support (20) is attached to the hitch connect (12). A ramp (22) is attached to the support (20). According to one aspect of the invention, ramp (22) includes upper ramp (24) and lower ramp (26). In another aspect of the invention, a trailer receiver brace (58) is connected to the trailer receiver (14). According to another aspect of the invention, a part (30) of support (20) forms a portion of ramp (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Dean A. Gordon, Danny M. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6766913
    Abstract: A supporting device is provided for supporting a saddle on a truck having a truck box with a plurality of stake pockets formed along respective sides of the box. The supporting device comprises a post arranged to be slidably mounted within one of the stake pockets of the truck and a support frame extending laterally outwardly from one side of the post which is suitably arranged to support the saddle thereon. The slidable mounting of the saddle supporting device within one of the stake pockets provides a support for supporting a saddle thereon regardless of where the saddle is being used. The device is thus portable with the truck to provide a suitable supporting surface for a saddle even when away from the stable or related area where the horses upon which the saddle is to be used are normally kept. A suitable bracket may also be provided for supporting the post on a wall or other related supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventors: Irwin Steen, David Steen
  • Patent number: 6705656
    Abstract: A pull-out load platform truck cargo beds. The load platform has a frame with a base, a plurality of outriggers that extend therefrom, and a pair of rails that are aligned with the base. The outriggers and the rails are adjustable and have ends that are configured and arranged to engage surfaces of a truck body in a non-invasive manner, so that when the load platform is installed in a cargo bed of a truck, the base is prevented from moving relative thereto. A deck, onto which cargo may be placed, is operatively connected to the frame and movable relative thereto, preferably in a constrained manner. When the deck is pulled out relative to the frame so that it extends partially beyond the end of the base in a cantilever fashion, the deck is prevented from tipping by the operative connection between the frame and the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Cyril N. Keller
  • Patent number: 6619485
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides for a lockable grass trimmer rack. The grass trimmer rack has inner frames and an outer frame. The outer frame slides vertically with respect to the inner frames to an open position or a closed position. The hooks on one side of the grass trimmer rack have slightly different inner diameters than the hooks on the opposite side of the grass trimmer rack to hold securely the larger diameter and small diameter ends of the grass trimmer. When the grass trimmer rack is in a closed position, the hooks clamp the grass trimmer in place and the equipment rack can be locked to prevent theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: David Mark Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6615973
    Abstract: The present invention is a cart that facilitates the unloading and loading of a toolbox from a vehicle used to transport the toolbox from one jobsite to another. Fundamentally, the cart comprises a support frame, with u-shaped wheel channels atop the frame, and wheel channel ramps pivotally connected to the frame such that the ramps can bridge the cart to a vehicle for loading or unloading a toolbox. The preferred embodiment of the invention has a frame that is rectangular in shape, and comprises vertical support legs connected by a plurality of lengthwise lower and top rails, and a plurality of transverse cross members. The top rails are u-shaped wheel channels that receive the wheels of the toolbox being loaded or unloaded from a vehicle. A pair of wheel channel ramps is pivotally connected to one end of the top rails, and when extended, the ramps can serve to connect the cart to the vehicle. The cart itself is fastened to and sits atop wheels such that the cart easily can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Casey Fritter
  • Patent number: 6561399
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable container holder assembly that attaches to the sidewall of a pickup box above the fender well, for holding one or more liquid containers. The adjustable container holder assembly is best suited for square jugs with the opening and handle on the top, where such jugs are fabricated from plastic. The container holder assembly holds the containers above the bed of the box in an area that is of limited use due to obstruction by the fender wells. The placement of the container holder assembly adjacent to the sidewall provides easy access to the containers from outside the pickup box. The rack also protects the containers from damage by other implements that are often transported in the box bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Loren E. Loosbrock
  • Publication number: 20030080167
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier specifically adapted for use on a roof of a cab of a pickup truck. The vehicle article carrier includes a slidably extendable article carrier sub-system which allows the overall length of the vehicle article carrier to be effectively increased to better support elongated items such as bicycles, kayaks, canoes and virtually any other item having a length such that would make it awkward to support on an otherwise conventional article carrier assembly having a longitudinal length short enough to be secured to the roof of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 6554342
    Abstract: A storage structure configured to be mounted to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the storage structure comprises a frame having a pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel and a wall panel attached to the side, top and bottom panels so as to define an interior region of the frame, at least one tool securing device attached to the wall panel wherein the tool securing member is configured to allow tools to be removably secured thereto, and at least one door panel movably attached to the frame. The door panel is movable to a closed position so as to prevent access to the interior region and to an opened position to allow access to the interior region. The door panel is configured to allow viewing of substantially the entire interior region when the door panel is in the closed position. The storage structure further includes a device for attaching the storage structure to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott A Burnett
  • Patent number: 6520473
    Abstract: A support system for attaching a cooking apparatus to a vehicle is disclosed. The support system includes a support defining an axis between first and second ends. The first end of the support is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The support system further includes a member connected toward the second end of and extending upwardly from the support. Moreover, the support system includes an apparatus for connecting the cooking apparatus toward a free upper end of the member extending upwardly from the support. Such apparatus includes a mechanism for permitting the cooking apparatus to be pivoted to effect leveling of a cooking surface on the cooking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: David Lee
  • Patent number: 6502730
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Danny R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6464276
    Abstract: An aerodynamic storage unit is designed for a truck bed with a load floor that extends between a pair of longitudinal side walls. This storage unit has an inner wall which is spaced apart from one of the pair of longitudinal side walls so that a storage space is defined between the inner wall and the side wall. The inner wall member has a lower edge located on the load floor and an upper edge which is joined to the side wall. At least a portion of the inner wall member between the upper and lower edges is outwardly inclined. At least one access opening is provided in the inner wall. A door is located in the access opening. The door has a lower edge which is connected to the inner wall using a hinge, and an upper end. The lower end of the door is closer to the load floor than the upper end of the door. The door operates to open inwardly so that the storage space can be accessed through the opening when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Peter T. Gruich
  • Publication number: 20020145021
    Abstract: A proximal end portion of a longitudinal base member is affixed to a vehicle trailer hitch sleeve. A distal end portion of the longitudinal base member is connected to an upright support member via a pair of brackets. The brackets pivot rearward to provide access to a vehicle trunk. The bicycle handlebars are mounted in an L-shaped tray integral with a rear edge of the pair of brackets. A padding covers a top portion of the upright support member. The padded upright member has a row of transverse bores. A U-shaped bolt adheres the frame of the bicycle to the padded upright member as the legs of the U-shaped bolt are passed through the bores and locked in place. A lock pin retains the upright member in a fixed position when it is pushed forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Eric R. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6439634
    Abstract: An external automotive side stowage system including primary and secondary latching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Jensen, David K. Rock, Leon S. Kayser, James L. Turner, Ricardo F. Ibanes
  • Publication number: 20020113106
    Abstract: The vehicle storage box of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional vehicle storage boxes. Featured in the present invention is a vehicle storage box that comprises a base structure; a lid, pivotally connected to the base structure, shaped to enclose the base structure; divider means, pivotally connected to the base structure, for dividing the storage box into two compartments for holding articles; divider coupling means, connected to the divider means and the lid, for releasably coupling the divider means to the lid; and lid coupling means, connected to the lid and the base structure, for releasably coupling the lid to the base structure, and having a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 6398091
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier specifically adapted for use with a pickup truck. The article carrier includes a pair of elongated roof rails adapted to be fixedly secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. Each roof rail has a first portion having a length adapted to extend over the roof of a cab portion of the vehicle, and a second portion adapted to extend down along the rear of the cab portion. A cross member is secured between the second portions of the roof rails. At least one clamping assembly is included which can be clamped to the cross member. The clamping assembly has a pair of posts which are adapted to support the outermost ends of the tines of the front fork of a bicycle once the front wheel of the bicycle is removed. The bicycle can thus be supported in an upright position within the bed of the pickup truck without external fastening cords. The vehicle article carrier further does not take up any appreciable cargo space within the bed area when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Muñoz, Gerard J. Kmita, David D. Egly
  • Patent number: 6390344
    Abstract: A modular hitch mount connection for attaching a tubular carrier structure to a load arm that is inserted in the receiving tube of a receiving type hitch. A tubular seat is provided that has an open end for slidably receiving the support tube in an open end of the seat. Correct positioning of the support tube in the tubular seat produces alignment of holes in walls of the tubular seat with orifices in sidewalls of the support tube. A tensioning bolt inserted through a hole in the seat wall and a corresponding orifice in the sidewall of the support tube screwably engages a threaded nut located inside the support tube to secure the support tube to the tubular seat and in the process reduce play and wobble between them. Further play and wobble may be eliminated from the modular hitch mount connection by further inserting a connecting bolt through a hole in another wall of the tubular seat and a corresponding orifice in the second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Edgerly
  • Patent number: 6386409
    Abstract: A vehicle storage box includes a lid pivotally connected to a base structure, and a lid coupler to releasably couple the lid to the base structure. The lid coupler has a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position. The lid coupler includes a lid latch, a lid actuator, and a hooking cam coupled to the lid actuator to engage the lid latch while the lid is in an opened position. As the lid actuator is rotated, the lid latch tracks along the hooking cam of the lid actuator while the lid is pulled down. A divider can be pivotally connected to the base structure to divide the storage box into two compartments for holding articles. A single hinge can connect the base structure, the divider and the lid. The lid coupler can include first and second adjustable lid actuators coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 6347731
    Abstract: A collapsible truck bed rack for pickup trucks that is formed from four separate frame assemblies that can be installed on a truck or removed in five minutes or less without using tools. A unique means of arranging and fastening the top four corners of an installed rack is employed to create considerable stiffness in the rack corner structure, while permitting flexibility in rack length and width without compromising structural stiffness or strength. For storage, the separate assemblies are collapsible into two or more parts using quick disconnect means and may be packed compactly in a sack for placing in a pickup truck. The rack has a simple configuration, uses no complex parts requiring special machining or molds, and uses standard fastening components. It is therefore economical to manufacture and could be made available to small pickup truck owners at a relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: George W Burger
  • Patent number: 6340106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying rack for transporting sporting or work equipment over a truck bed. The carrying rack utilizes the space above the truck bed so the truck bed may be enclosed with a tonneau or hard shell cover. The carrying rack is mounted to the truck bed so the cover may be removed or raised without removing the entire carrying rack. The carrying rack includes removable cross members that are attached when in use. The removable cross members include mounts for attaching equipment such as bicycles, skis, kayaks, ladders, or other types of equipment. The carrying rack allows the truck bed space to be used for other purposes while transporting sporting or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jason D. Dutton
  • Patent number: 6237824
    Abstract: A rack system for a vehicle for holding various items with a multi-purpose rack. The rack system for a vehicle includes a mounting securably attached to a vehicle. A support arm is removably coupled to the mounting and extends upwardly from the mounting. The support arm has a free end having a well extending therein. A bar, which is elongate, has a first end and a second end. The bar is generally hollow and the ends are open. A protruding member extends from the bar. The protruding member is removably extendable into the well. Each of a pair of extension arms is extendable into one of the ends of the bar. Each of the extension arms has a plurality of holes therein. At least two brackets are each removably attachable to one of the extension arms such that the brackets extend upwardly from the extension arms. Each of the brackets is adapted for receiving a pin extending through one of the holes on the extension arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Steve M. Bagley
  • Patent number: 6227428
    Abstract: A housing for the retention, stowage and trim of a vehicle jacking device is herein disclosed. The housing along with the vehicle jacking device comprise the jack assembly which may be disposed within the internal compartment of the vehicle or the outside of a vehicle. The housing conforms to the shape of the vehicle jacking device and includes a movable door for covering a portion of the housing and an adjuster screw for extending and retracting the telescopic post member of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Bruce P. Mattarella, Zlatko B. Stojkovic, Joseph J. Savalle
  • Patent number: 6170723
    Abstract: A double opening lid for use in a truck storage box. A first lid opens along a longitudinal dimension of a truck storage box to give full access to the entire interior of the truck storage box. Additionally, two side lids mount along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the truck storage box lid open upwardly and inwardly for easy access from the side of the truck in which the truck storage box is mounted. The two side lids will ordinarily be mounted somewhat above the plane of the first lid to provide for run off of rain or other materials. Ordinarily, a frame is employed to provide better rigidity and durability for the lid. Thus, the double opening lid opens longitudinally to give access to the entire truck storage box, and conveniently opens from either side to give easy access from the side of the truck on which the truck storage box equipped with this double opening lid is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Dodd Howell
  • Patent number: 6089429
    Abstract: A container is provided including a housing having a lower extent and an upper extent. The upper extent has a length greater than that of the lower extent to define a pair of side extents one of which extends from the housing further than a second one of the side extents. Also included is a cabinet and at least one cubbyhole for storing various items within the housing. Both the cabinet and the cubbyhole each have a locking mechanism for precluding unauthorized access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sheldon E. Everson
  • Patent number: 6081186
    Abstract: An electronic system of locking and alarming one or more doors such that if an attempt is made to open the door, the alarm sounds. The device is preferably installed on vehicles having multiple built-in equipment compartments. The device is powered by the vehicle battery and includes a novel lock mechanism which requires very little power. The lock mechanism comprises a lock housing, a pin, a pivoting latch gate, a switch and a solenoid. The device is electrically connected to a vehicle's conventional remote-controlled security system and sounds an alarm if an attempt is made to open a compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Morgan Allen Adams
  • Patent number: 6062452
    Abstract: A board that removably secures by its ends to opposite sidewalls of a vehicle so that a top side of the board faces upward when the board is secured in the vehicle. Tracks that have spaced apart parallel lips may be secured to the sidewalls of the vehicle to removably receive the ends of the board for those vehicles that do not have grooves in their sidewalls for receiving the ends. Upwardly extending projections are provided on the top side of the board for securing handles of grocery bags to the board. Openings are provided in the board below the top side. An upright member is provided between and serves to separate adjacent openings so that securing means, such as ropes, can be inserted through the openings and fastened to the upright members in order to secure items to the board.An alternate embodiment of the board is provided with one end that moves longitudinally in order to shorten or lengthen the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Kauskey
  • Patent number: 6033178
    Abstract: A trash container lifting device adapted for attachment to a motor vehicle for lifting and transporting a filled trash container to a remote site for pickup is disclosed. The lifting device includes a supporting frame which is attached to the motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck, without tools or attaching hardware. The supporting frame is mechanically coupled to an articulating frame for engaging a trash container on the ground surface and lifting it with a manual lever to a raised position for transport by the vehicle. A plurality of extension springs extend between the supporting frame and the articulating frame to provide the user with a mechanical advantage in lifting a loaded container which would otherwise be an unmanageable task for a single individual. The lifting device is adaptable to trash containers of various sizes and configurations with minor modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Robert L. Cummins
  • Patent number: 5950890
    Abstract: A combination load support for use as a roof height carrier or pickup box extender that inserts into a standard receiver hitch. The device provides support for one end of ladders, canoes, etc. and the pickup cab or sport utility roof provides support for the other end. When one section of this combination load support is inserted in the opposite direction, long loads extending beyond the pickup truck's tailgate can be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Darby
  • Patent number: 5927782
    Abstract: An overhead truck rack is provided for a pickup truck which includes four one-piece corner brackets to each of which are fastened: one end a longitudinal rail, one end of a lateral rail, and an upper end of a leg. A corner bracket includes a horizontally disposed, one-piece, cantilevered top crosspiece to which is fastened one of the pair of longitudinal rails. Each of the corner brackets also includes two integral, spaced-apart side panels which downwardly depend from the top crosspiece. Between the spaced-apart side panels are positioned an end of one of the lateral rails and between the spaced-apart side panels is pivotably mounted an upper end of one of the legs to allow for lateral movement of the lower end of the legs to allow for adjustment of the lateral spacing of the lower ends of the legs. The lower ends of the legs are connected to respective brackets at respective mounting points on the body of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tailgater
    Inventor: Joseph Jeffery Olms
  • Patent number: 5924835
    Abstract: The invention is a simple and convenient carrier structure for transporting 2 (two) or more ATVs or snowmobiles on a standard-sized pick-up truck. The carrier has a frame which is adapted to be secured on the box, or bed of the pick-up. The front of the frame is cantilevered to extend generally horizontally from the front of the box forward and above the cab with front decking to support a first vehicle horizontally above the pick-up cab. The back part of the carrier frame has back decking to support a second vehicle on an incline from near the top back of the cab to near the bottom back of the box. The back decking is pivotally mounted to the frame at the decking's front end, and may be supported by a rear transverse frame member also pivotally mounted to the carrier frame so that it may be raised and lowered and flipped upside-down in position to support the back decking at a variety of angles or to support a tent fabric for camping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Jody Ross
  • Patent number: 5882170
    Abstract: A watercraft loading and launching apparatus for a pickup truck having a trailer hitch receiver. The apparatus has an elongated receiver bar with one end adapted to fit a trailer hitch receiver and a cross member support bar secured to the other end. The cross member support bar may be straight or angled for supporting watercraft having a V-bottom, a semi-V bottom, a flat bottom, or equipped with pontoons. There is disclosed a second embodiment wherein the cross member support bar has hinged extensions for allowing use with both V-bottomed and flat-bottomed watercraft. The apparatus may also include a cradle assembly for supporting the watercraft within the cargo bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Walton
  • Patent number: 5829655
    Abstract: An assemble-in-place storage container mounts in the space behind the front seats of an extended cab truck. The container contains bottom, side, front, back and top panels which are configured to form the body of the container, as well as divider panels to provide compartments within the container. The container mounts on the horizontally oriented metallic back supports of the folded down jump seats of an extended cab truck. The bottom panel is sized and shaped to fit over the "footprint" of the folded down jump seats, and side panels are hinged to the bottom panel and are collapsed onto the bottom panel. With the bottom panel in place, the side panels are extended to the vertical; the side panels having sloping front edges conforming to the taper of the back of the truck's seats. The back and front panels are then vertically put into place, and are locked into position by tabs which fit into slots in the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: James F. Salopek
  • Patent number: 5823413
    Abstract: A container is adapted to contain a spare tire therein. The container includes a substantially planar member and a wall forming a substantially perpendicular angle with the substantially planar member. The container is adapted to be fastened to an underside of a vehicle such that the substantially planar member is substantially adjacent the underside of the vehicle and the wall extends downwardly from the substantially planar member. A seal is adapted to be positioned between the substantially planar member and the underside of the vehicle. An aperture in the substantially planar member is adapted for a spare tire support member to extend downwardly through the substantially planar member from the underside of the vehicle and into the container. A covering member is configured to cover an open end of the container opposite of the substantially planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Clarence Seltz
  • Patent number: 5741110
    Abstract: A front loading truck rack for wheeled loads such as boat trailers, golf carts, all terrain vehicles, and three or four wheeled loads. The truck rack allows a load to be loaded onto a pickup while a fifth wheel trailer is attached to the pickup, and the rack takes up a minimum of space in the truck bed, to accommodate the clearance needed for a fifth wheel trailer when turning or backing. The truck rack allows the user to load and transport loads with little or no lifting required by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Lloyd Grinage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5730344
    Abstract: A chest for storing, carrying and serving foodstuffs specifically designed for use in conjunction with recreational activities such as tailgating. The chest includes five rigid walls defining a volume of storage space and a unique cover moveable between an open and closed position relative to the five rigid walls. The cover is pivotally mounted to one of the rigid walls and is formed of a plurality of sectional parts pivotally attached to one another. The chest also includes compartments designed for holding various items and containers. The chest can be removably and replaceably secured to the tailgate of a vehicle using a mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Seve Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Mauch
  • Patent number: 5709329
    Abstract: A storage shelf for use in an extended cab type pickup is disclosed. The shelf consists of a folding tray having extendable outer edges for adjustment to fit most models of extended cab pickups. The shelf is laterally secured at either end to the interior molding of the pickup by the use of notches which fit into the contours of the molding. The surface of this shelf is surrounded by rails which extend around the outside of the tray. The effect of this is to provide an easily accessible place to store personal items. In addition, the lateral strength of the present invention is enhanced by the use of hinge braces, a rear side support block which helps support the rear edge of the shelf, and a support leg which extends from the front edge of the shelf to the floor of the pickup. These features allow for the storage of heavy objects on the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Gordon Emery Johnson
  • Patent number: RE36835
    Abstract: A elongated article carrier is provided for releasably affixing on the bed of a pickup truck. The elongated article carrier includes a longitudinal member supported by vertical posts and two parallel transverse bars allow two or more canoes to be securely and releasably attached during transportation. The elongated article carrier is lightweight and can be lifted and installed by a single adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas S. Shumate, Samuel D. Crumpton