Carrier Attached To Truck Bed Portion Of Vehicle Patents (Class 224/403)
  • Publication number: 20130306694
    Abstract: A variable load support system for enhancing the load carrying capabilities of a bed of any one of a variety of variously sized pickup trucks, the support system comprising a first pair of elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup truck sidewall engageable side rails, a forwardly arranged first and a rearwardly arranged second, elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup-truck-bed-traversing transverse rails, and a roller member housingly arranged about the rearwardly arranged pickup truck bed traversing transverse rail so as to permit the widthwise adaptability of the second transverse rail to a pickup truck side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Jay Langseder
  • Patent number: 8523128
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Palermo
  • Publication number: 20130186923
    Abstract: Cargo carrying systems for attaching to a vehicle's cargo area, including a number of cross supports, the adjacent edges of two cross supports creating a storage compartment in which various storage containers are suspended, each cross support having a first and a second leg, each leg being separated from one another by a central member coupled to the top of each leg with a coupler, the bottom of each leg having a mounting bracket for attaching to the vehicle, the legs of adjacent cross supports being joined by a connecting rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Heath Gier
  • Publication number: 20130181023
    Abstract: A truck bed winch mount assembly provides a mount for a winch in the truck bed of a pickup truck to allow the winch to pull objects into the truck bed. The assembly includes a back rack that has two legs that are joined by upper and lower horizontal cross-members. The back rack attaches to side rails that engage each of the side wall of the truck bed. The winch can be mounted on winch-supporting post that is coupled between a center portion of the upper and lower horizontal cross-members. The side rails have at least two expansion fittings that expand into the stake pockets of the side wall of the truck bed to hold the truck bed winch mount assembly in place. The expansion fittings allow the truck bed winch mount assembly to be easily installed and removed without damaging the integrity of the truck bed. The height of the winch can be adjusted along the winch supporting post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Armando Shawanda
  • Patent number: 8485951
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted multi-position pulley-based resistance tube exercise apparatus having resistance tube length effectively doubled for increased range of consistent resistance, and having a height adjustable pulley assembly providing a user with the ability to set multiple exercise initiation points so as to provide exercise options for a full body workout at a single exercise station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick R. Adams
  • Publication number: 20130168425
    Abstract: Providing a transporting system for a bicycle with a bicycle support bar that includes securing the bicycle with both wheels still attached to the bicycle and in an upright position while traveling to your destination, in the back of a pickup truck bed. The bicycle support bar Securing system has an anchoring member of nuts and bolts that attach to the truck bed inside and under the truck bed rail. Once secured this will allow you to secure your bicycle by using the velcro straps that are attached and wrap around your bicycle frame to secure it into place. With the bicycle support bar this will allow you to travel with your bicycle fully in tacked in an upright position in the back of your pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn Cauley, Michelle Gwynn
  • Patent number: 8469247
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a gas tank includes a bottom element which is mounted to a supporting surface and a cover element pivotally mounted to the cradle. The cover element has at least one device for holding a gas tank. The apparatus further includes a system for rotating the cover element relative to the bottom element so as to raise the gas tank from a storage position to a substantially vertical operational position so that an individual can don the gas tank. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating system includes an L-shaped track attached to the bottom element, a raised portion with an aperture attached to the cover element, and a guide rod which has a first end in the aperture and a second end which engages with and slides in the L-shaped track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: William L Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 8469435
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for providing a removable, durable enclosure for the contents of a payload storage area, providing a cost-effective, removable and efficient solution for protecting the contents of a payload storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Failed Levees Applications, LLC
    Inventors: Robin H. Ruffino, Herbert Riehl, Jonathan Hart, George Peter Marse, III
  • Patent number: 8459516
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism is described for attaching accessories to a stake hole in the sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism comprises of a base plate with a grove formed in the top of the base plate having the shape of an inverted T. An attachment plate having a connector, also having the shape of an inverted T, is attached to the bottom surface of the attachment plate. An attachment such as a tie down ring, a tie down anchor, a flag pole or tent pole holder or the like is attached to the top surface of the attachment plate. The attachment plate can then be attached to the base plate by sliding the inverted T shaped connector into the inverted T shaped groove in the base plate. Another attachment mechanism is described which can be used to attach accessories to vehicles without stake holes or to other regions of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph P. O'Regan, Jack P. Oriente
  • Publication number: 20130075436
    Abstract: The present teaching are related to an article comprising: a.) a horizontal rail capable of bearing loads; b.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more vertical support rails wherein the distance between the vertical support rails may be varied; c.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more carrying rails wherein the carrying rails are capable of carrying a load wherein the carrying rails may be moved to multiple positions; wherein the horizontal rail may be affixed to the vertical support rails and the carrying rails are affixed to the horizontal rail, and the vertical support rails are adapted to be affixed to a side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MARQUETTE MOUNTS
    Inventor: Marquette Mounts
  • Patent number: 8393665
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed toolbox system utilizes a tool storage box which, in its stored, stationary position, rests on the floor of the bed of a pick-up truck such that it is parallel to the side wall of the truck. Electric motors, which can be remotely operated, are utilized to rotate dual, upstanding screw shafts which are connected via laterally extending cantilever arm members to the front and rear ends of the toolbox. The screw shafts raise the toolbox from its resting position on the floor of the bed of the pick-up truck, to an elevated position over the floor, and the shafts then operate to move the arm members laterally to extend the tool box to a position passed the side wall. The screw shafts can then be activated to lower the tool box to a lowered position outside the truck, adjacent to and alongside the sidewall, thus providing easy and ready access to the toolbox. The same system is utilized to return the toolbox from this lowered position outside the truck, to the floor of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Villano, John M. Morris
  • Patent number: 8376438
    Abstract: The pickup bed tool tray apparatus provides a movable, motorized tray that fits between the inner sides of a pickup bed, just below the bed top. The apparatus is therefore not in the way of storing or carrying anything in the bed. By using the control, the tray may be moved fore and aft, as needed, to best access tools and other equipment that may be carried in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Juan M. Johnson, Sr., James A. Hill
  • Patent number: 8348331
    Abstract: A structural attachment system for a cargo management system is fully integrated into the cargo bed side walls of a pick-up truck so that the only feature that is different than a standard pick-up is an array of holes along the top of the cargo bed side walls. The cargo management system also includes a wide range of different pick-up truck cargo bed mounted accessories that incorporate structural hooks that are adapted to be retained and released by the structural attachment system. Additionally, the structural attachment system provides a single point, simple method of retention and release via an actuation handle at the rear most point of the pick-up truck cargo bed. The configuration of the structural attachment system allows significant structural retention forces to be transferred from the accessories into the pick-up truck cargo bed side walls via the structural hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence J Holt
  • Patent number: 8322582
    Abstract: A cargo carrier kit for a truck comprises a plurality of first rail sections for joining end to end to provide a first side rail. The cargo carrier also includes a plurality of second rail sections for joining end to end to provide a second side rail having a separation from the first side rail and a parallel relationship thereto. A forward load bar, supportable on the first side rail and the second side rail provides a connection over the cab of the truck, between the side rails. The cargo carrier kit also includes mounting blocks for releasable attachment of at least a first load bar and at least a second load bar to provide cross members connecting the side rails and positioning the first and second load bars respectively over the mid-section and rear of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Joseph Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8317251
    Abstract: The removable enclosure for the rear of a vehicle provides additional storage space or cover for the open rear end of a vehicle, such as an open tailgate of a pickup truck or the open hatch of an SUV. The removable enclosure includes a housing having at least one sidewall and an upper wall defining an open lower end and an open front end. An internal frame is disposed within and supports the housing. The internal frame includes at least one elastic cord extending laterally across the housing. A pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports each extend from an upper edge of the front end of the housing to a lower edge of a rear face of the at least one sidewall. The at least one elastic cord is secured to, and extends between, the pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Charles R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120292359
    Abstract: An object such as a fluid container, tool box, tackle box, etc. has a magnet associated therewith so that the object may be placed on the floor of a truck box or on the floor of a vehicle or the floor of a trailer or on a metal surface of a vehicle so that the object will be held in place during travel of the vehicle or trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: JOHN O'DELL
  • Patent number: 8231035
    Abstract: A unit for storing a trailer hitch on a vehicle includes a tubular housing which is shaped to slidably accommodate the support bar of the hitch ball mount. One side wall of the housing includes a plurality of walls that are arranged to define a channel that extend from one end of the housing to a location that is spaced apart from the other end of the housing. Mounting fastener accommodating holes are defined through one of the channel-defining walls, and a hole is defined through one wall of the housing to be aligned with the mounting fastener accommodating holes so a tool can be inserted into the housing to set fasteners with the channel spacing those set fasteners apart from the support bar. Aligned receiver accommodating holes are defined through sidewalls of the housing so a hitch receiver pin can extend through these holes and through a corresponding receiver-accommodating hole in the bar of the hitch ball mount to attach the hitch mount to the housing for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: JRM International Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Michael, James V. Rendaci
  • Patent number: 8196988
    Abstract: A portable multi-functional sleeping system comprising a sleeping platform for one (1) to two (2) people for use while camping or performing a similar activity is herein disclosed. The sleeping system is provided with a trailer for movement or for towing behind a smaller vehicle or motorcycle. A lid folds open and exposes a mattress capable of holding up to two (2) people. The lower portion of the system provides three (3) storage compartments. A first compartment is provided with insulated sidewalls to serve as a cooler to keep food cool. A second compartment is for general storage for clothing and similar items. A third compartment is provided with collapsible poles and hooks for attaching a shower curtain and water bag thereto shower. A cooking grill section is also provided on the back portion of the system that folds up for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Roxann Malleck
  • Patent number: 8191744
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a load carrier mountable on a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes an elevating structure arranged between a base portion and a load supporting portion. The elevating structure is adapted to expand and contract between raised and lowered configurations. The elevating structure includes two substantially upright members, each of which is slidably moveable relative to the other for establishing the raised and lowered configurations. A fixing device is provided for releasably fixing the two sliding members one to the other. The fixing device includes a blocking member that is insertible in aligned receivers, one each of the aligned receivers being formed in each of the two sliding members for preventing expansion and contraction of the elevating structure. The fixing device further includes a take-up arrangement that is configured to press one of the two upright members against the other thereby forming a releasable friction fit therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Michael Vieira
  • Publication number: 20120118928
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of bicycle racks configured in one form to retain a plurality of bicycles within a truck-style vehicle. In one form, the vehicle has an open bed and a tailgate with the tailgate in the lowered or open position. In another form, the vehicle has an open bed and the tailgate in the raised or closed position. In yet another form, a trailer hitch receiver is utilized to attach the bicycle rack to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Macalister Laws, Andy Christensen
  • Patent number: 8177110
    Abstract: A utility box structure for pick-up trucks and the like, wherein a guide rail of the structure is adapted for mounting on the top rim of the sides and front of the cargo body of the vehicle within the cargo bay thereof, wherein the box is affixed to rail follower means mounted within the guide rail structure whereby the box can be moved by hand along the guide rail structure to easily position the box at the front or at either side of the cargo bay or at any location therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Robert S. Hines, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120111911
    Abstract: An assembly that can be installed into the bed of a pickup truck that allows for the storage of multiple bicycles in a vertical orientation. The assembly allows for the remainder of the truck bed to store supplies that storing the bicycles horizontally does not allow. The assembly can be made of various metal alloys, including stainless steel. The assembly can also be made of wood. The base of the assembly comprises two vertical members and two horizontal members with hooks and fork mounts placed at regular intervals along the horizontal members to secure the bikes in place. Two additional horizontal members that run along the length of the truck bed are used to secure the assembly in place. Two angled support braces can also be added to the assembly to provide additional support if the lengthwise members do not provide enough support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce Rempe
  • Patent number: 8157312
    Abstract: A modular storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system includes an adjustable frame having a plurality of first posts, a plurality of second posts, a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts, and a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts. The first posts and second posts are each secured to a curved member. The modular storage system is attached to a rail on an interior of a vehicle. Various off-the-shelf storage components can be used with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Knaack LLC
    Inventors: Richard Chase Bliss, Jr., Ajay Dhananjay Utpat, Harishchandra Dahatonde
  • Patent number: 8157229
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Palermo
  • Publication number: 20120080467
    Abstract: A transportable barbeque support and combination allows for safe transport and easy sliding access to a full size barbeque, fuel tanks, and coolers. A base is mounted securely to the truck bed, trailer, or RV and a sliding frame is movable thereon for movement between a transport position and an operating position. The barbeque is fit to a distal end of the sling frame and storage including fuel tanks at an inside or proximal end. A heat shield can be positioned between the barbeque and storage. A locking mechanism between the sliding frame and base ensures the barbeque remains securely in either the transport or operative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONCUSSION OILFIELD SERVICES LTD
    Inventors: Christopher IRWIN, Daniel ISELY, Tyler MAYO, Geoffrey MAYO
  • Patent number: 8146786
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for use with a vehicle having a tailgate. The apparatus has a frame hingedly mounted to an exterior of the tailgate with at least about 270° of rotation relative to the tailgate. The apparatus has first and second arms pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the frame with at least about 90° of rotation relative to the frame from a resting position, in which the arms are substantially parallel to the frame, to an extended position. First and second panels mount between the arms when the arms are extended, wherein the first panel is mounted to ends of the arms that are opposite the frame and the second panel is mounted to an underside of each of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Danny Cheung, Christopher Salvador
  • Patent number: 8118202
    Abstract: A cargo attachment bracket to be carried on an interior bed rail extending parallel to, and spaced down from, a top portion of a side of a pickup truck bed, comprising: a) a body having a front face, a rear face juxtaposed against the interior rail, and an opening extending between the front and rear face; b) a screw having a head portion, a shank portion extending through the opening between the front and rear face, and a lug for engagement within, and under an interior side portion of the rail for releasable attachment of the body to a chosen position along the length of the rail; c) an arm having a bracket end, and an opposite inwardly projecting end; d) an arm extension projecting from the unhinged end portion of the arm, configured together with the arm, and provided with selection and locking means for selection and lockably fixing the combined projection of the arm and the extension from the rail; and, e) a releasable cargo attachment end portion carried by the unattached end of the arm extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Brent A. Price
  • Patent number: 8109552
    Abstract: The truck bed extender (10) has three panels (12, 26a, 26b) removably attached to the edge of the vehicle tailgate (G) and the rear portions (LR, RR) of the cargo box sidewalls (LW, RW). The deployed extender (10) increases the vehicle capacity and efficiency. The side panels (26a, 26b) fold against the inner surface of the primary panel (12) and the primary panel (12) folds against the inner surface of the tailgate (G) for compact storage of the assembly. The panel assembly (10) may be quickly and easily removed from the permanently installed hinges (14a, 14b) on the vehicle tailgate (G). The extender assembly (10) may be deployed, stored, removed, and installed without tools, once the primary panel hinges (14a, 14b) and side panel attachment brackets have been installed on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Charles R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8070029
    Abstract: Truck Bed Companion will keep groceries from spilling all over the truck bed, allow contractors to transport tools and sheets of plywood or drywalls with ease, eliminate the need to ties down lawn mowers or gas cans and create separate areas for tool boxes, saws or other necessities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michelle Settle
  • Publication number: 20110284603
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for securing a plurality of motorbikes in a truck bed without the need for straps. The apparatus simply attaches to the truck bed in much the same manner as a conventional toolbox attachment. The motorbikes fit within the truck bed while allowing for simultaneous storage of tools and other items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Reyes
  • Patent number: 8052019
    Abstract: A multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a central body portion, a first lateral body portion and a mounting structure. The first lateral body portion is rigidly connected along a first lateral edge of the central body portion to form a generally T-shaped transverse cross section with the central body portion along a majority of a length of the first lateral edge. The first lateral body portion has a first longitudinal part extending outwardly from a first side of central body portion and a second longitudinal part extending outwardly from a second side of central body portion. At least one of the central body portion and the first lateral body portion includes the mounting structure configured and arranged to securely fasten the vehicle cargo bed accessory to a vehicle cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Patent number: 7992750
    Abstract: A wheel mount for storing and transporting a wheel, such as a spare bicycle wheel, is disclosed. The wheel mount is preferably substantially smaller that the wheel and attaches to an automobile or an automobile-mounted transportation rack. In one embodiment, the wheel mount attaches to a truck bed railing and has a slot for accepting a portion of an axle of a bicycle wheel, the slot restricting at least some movement of the bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, a cam mechanism common to many bicycle wheel axles can be engaged to further restrict movement of the bicycle wheel while it is in the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Lee Walker
  • Patent number: 7954679
    Abstract: A retention system for a vehicular spare tire includes a chamber having a bottom portion. A tray is configured for movement in a first direction relative to the bottom portion between an extended position and a stored position. At least one removable interconnecting member is configured to selectively interface with both the tray and the chamber for substantially preventing movement of the tray relative in the first direction. At least one guide member is configured to selectively interface with a back portion of the tray for substantially preventing movement of the back portion of the tray in a second direction relative to the bottom portion while the tray is in the stored position. The second direction is generally perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: David Michael Edwards
  • Patent number: 7942295
    Abstract: A glazier rack and tool chest apparatus for supporting and transporting large glass pieces, including window glass and providing a tool chest in a truck bed, the apparatus providing a hollow base and a top section. In one embodiment, the base provides two top accesses, a pair of side doors, and a front door to access the interior for tool storage and the top section provides a storage tube. The top section hingedly extends to a position atop the base to form, in conjunction with the base, a slanted surface to support large pieces of glass, including window glass, at an angle for stable transport. Tracks affixed to the truck bed and track slides affixed to the base are removably and slidingly engaged for easy removal of the apparatus for multi-use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: John Hume
  • Patent number: 7913885
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Ron Long
  • Publication number: 20110036882
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a load carrier mountable on a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes an elevating structure arranged between a base portion and a load supporting portion. The elevating structure is adapted to expand and contract between raised and lowered configurations. The elevating structure includes two substantially upright members, each of which is slidably moveable relative to the other for establishing the raised and lowered configurations. A fixing device is provided for releasably fixing the two sliding members one to the other. The fixing device includes a blocking member that is insertible in aligned receivers, one each of the aligned receivers being formed in each of the two sliding members for preventing expansion and contraction of the elevating structure. The fixing device further includes a take-up arrangement that is configured to press one of the two upright members against the other thereby forming a releasable friction fit therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Michael Vieira
  • Patent number: 7857177
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a bicycle transport system that includes a rack assembly securing a bicycle, with both wheels still attached, in the bed of a pickup truck without requiring physical modification of the pickup truck bed. The transport system includes a rack frame having a securing assembly releasably securing the rack frame in the bed of a transporting pickup truck. The system also includes a bicycle restraining portion that is maintained in abutting engagement with a front tire of a bicycle being transported in the pickup truck bed. The securing assembly has an anchor member that in a secured configuration maintains the rack frame in abutment with the pickup truck bed so that the rack frame is substantially fixing relative to the truck bed. The bicycle restraining portion has a constrictable arm that presses upon the front tire of the bicycle in a transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mike Reeves, Robert A. Starr, Eric Rayl
  • Publication number: 20100288808
    Abstract: A modular rack system, for adjustably attaching equipment to a vehicle, includes a base mountable on a side wall of the vehicle. The rack system has a first wall that is disposed on and upwardly emanating from the top surface of the base that defines a lower seat. One end of a vertical member resides in the lower seat and is secured thereto. The other end of the vertical member resides in an upper seat defining by a downwardly depending wall from a saddle and is secured thereto. The first and second walls laterally stabilize the vertical member relative to the base and saddle to permit the base to be mounted to a side wall of a vehicle and a top rail to be secured to the saddle without the use of gussets or cross-braces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: TRACRAC, INC.
    Inventor: Edwin L. Marr, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100288809
    Abstract: A vehicle utility deck and storage system provides improved storage for bedded vehicles. In one embodiment, the deck system (104a) is positioned within the bed (108) of a pickup (102). The system (104a) includes a deck (114a) that substantially matches the dimensions and contours of the bed (108) and support legs (122) for supporting the deck system (104a) on the surface of the bed (108). The system (104a) further includes a number of removable storage bins (124) that can be accessed via hinged hatches (116a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: DAMAR CORPORATION, LLC
    Inventor: DAVE MARTIN
  • Patent number: 7819295
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed structure includes a vehicle cargo area including a bed floor, a front cargo wall, a first side cargo wall and a second side cargo wall, each having at least one accessory attachment track fixedly attached thereto. A multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory is configured and arranged to be attached, detached and reattached any one of the accessory attachment tracks. The multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a central body portion and a first lateral body portion. At least one of the central body portion and the first lateral body portion includes a mounting structure configured and arranged to securely fasten the multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory to the accessory attachment track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Patent number: 7798074
    Abstract: A loading rack with an oblong table body having a lateral extent and posterior and anterior ends and a pair of legs attached closably/foldably to posterior and anterior side parts of the body. The loading rack further has a plurality of leg holders which are attached at laterally spaced locations to the posterior and anterior side of the table body and a supporting hole which opens downwardly on each leg holder. Multiple insertion parts on an upper part of each of the legs can be inserted one each into the supporting holes. Each leg is held and fixed in a vertically standing position by peripheral walls surrounding the supporting holes as insertion parts are inserted into the supporting holes and the table body is loaded on the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nankai Kyogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Kashihara
  • Patent number: 7794003
    Abstract: A modular storage system for use with a utility vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system can extend across the floor of the utility vehicle and have a central elongated bin that is located between two wheel wells and extends generally between a front wall and a rear door of a utility vehicle storage space. A side bin can be included and be located between the central elongated bin and one of the side walls of the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Patrick Crandall
  • Patent number: 7762510
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a frame comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being configured to removably couple a motor assembly portion of a handsaw, and the bottom portion being configured to fixedly couple a structure. A method of affixing a handsaw to a structure that includes removably coupling a motor assembly portion of the handsaw to a structure using an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Randy Eller
  • Patent number: 7757916
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a load carrier mountable on a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes an elevating structure arranged between a base portion and a load supporting portion. The elevating structure is adapted to expand and contract between raised and lowered configurations. The elevating structure includes two substantially upright members, each of which is slidably moveable relative to the other for establishing the raised and lowered configurations. A fixing device is provided for releasably fixing the two sliding members one to the other. The fixing device includes a blocking member that is insertible in aligned receivers, one each of the aligned receivers being formed in each of the two sliding members for preventing expansion and contraction of the elevating structure. The fixing device further includes a take-up arrangement that is configured to press one of the two upright members against the other thereby forming a releasable friction fit therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Michael Vieira
  • Patent number: 7703825
    Abstract: An extender for a bed of a truck, wherein the extender comprises a frame that has front end, a rear end and sides. At least one, and preferably two, spaced apart connector brackets extend outwardly away from the rear end of the frame. The connector brackets are designed to rest upon an end portion of the truck bed when the truck's tailgate has been removed. The connector brackets are preferably bolted into the truck bed, but may be frictionally engaged therewith. A strut extends downwardly from the frame and is connected to a rearwardly extending longitudinal support. The support is secured to the truck's trailer hitch. The extender is therefore supported by both the connector brackets and the hitch. The length of the strut is vertically adjustable to allow the extender to be secured to any type of truck. The longitudinal support is also slidably adjustable onto the trailer hitch to provide for the extender to be secured to any type of truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Chad Brown
  • Patent number: 7651147
    Abstract: A cargo hauling system is dimensioned to fit within a bed of a light truck. The bin moves forwardly and rearwardly relative to the truck bed along rollers provided on a tailgate of the truck. The tailgate is modified by reinforcing a perimeter of the tailgate, adding rollers to the tailgate, substituting reinforced linkages and hinges for factory originals, and adding a support member that extends between the trailer hitch and tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 7641086
    Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Publication number: 20090255966
    Abstract: A device for adjustably holding a rack in the bed of a pickup truck where the rack is of the type having a vertical support and that is inserted into a base attached to the floor of the pickup truck bed. The adjustable device comprises a first metal plate, adapted to be fixed to the upper flat surface of the pickup truck side, and a second metal plate, having a groove in one side, that is slidably connected to the first plate using one or more bolts. The second metal plate has a vertical sleeve through which the vertical support of the rack is placed prior to connecting to the base plate. The position of the second plate is adjustable either in the direction of travel or perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, by selecting the angular position of the sleeve about its axis, thereby adjusting the position of the rack in either of the two directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Vuthisit Prapavat
  • Patent number: 7588026
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for a securing device for securing a fuel tank to an outdoor gas grill. The invention helps ensure that the securing device will be used to secure the fuel tank in position within the grill to prevent unnecessary shifting or movement of the fuel tank. The securing device can include an extension arm adapted for being carried by the grill, at least one retaining member that defines a collar area for receiving the collar of a grill and a regulator receiving arm carried by the retaining members that defines a regulator area for allowing the device to place the fuel tank in a secured position without being hindered by the fuel line, collar, or regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Grill Company, LLC
    Inventor: John Ducate, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090218378
    Abstract: A cargo space floor is provided for a motor vehicle and a ski rack is positioned on the cargo space floor that may be pivoted from a lower nonuse position around a first pivot axis into an upper usage position, in which a ski may be fastened to the ski rack. The ski rack has at least one first support strut and one second support strut that are spaced apart from one another and have openings aligned with one another for receiving a ski. A motor vehicle is also provided having such an advantageous cargo space floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ernesto RUPAR, Monica Felicio FRAGOSO, Andrew DYSON, Christoph DAAB