Receptacle Patents (Class 224/404)
  • 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: 6513690
    Abstract: A supplementary cargo carrier for a vehicle. The carrier includes a support-frame, a platform and support bars which can be pivoted relative to the platform. The support-frame can be removably attached to a trailer hitch. The carrier can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended application, the configurations being changeable by adjusting the support bars and by reversing the orientation of the platform relative to the support-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. Churchill, Robert W. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20030000980
    Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Neel Mack
  • Patent number: 6481604
    Abstract: A vehicle rack which supports different accessory having mounting pegs on a pickup truck bed is provided. The vehicle rack includes a plurality of retaining arms wherein each of the plurality of retaining arms are received within a stake pocket of the pickup truck bed. The invention further includes a panel and a locking member where the panel is integral with the plurality of retaining arms and may extend along a side wall of the pickup truck. The panel defines a plurality of apertures for receiving the mounting pegs of the at least one accessory. The locking member is moveably affixed to the panel, and has a plurality of obstructions which partial close the openings of the plurality of apertures when the locking member is slid into a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Beene, Kathryn Cohen, Linda Bliss, Lauren Icken, Samuel Ferraro-Pollak, Sreekumar Vijaykumar
  • Patent number: 6481773
    Abstract: A removable storage unit for a motor vehicle including a first portion having an open side and defining a storage area, and a second portion having an open side and defining a second storage area. The first and second portions are rotateably coupled together to allow the storage areas to be adjacently located. The removable storage unit preferably has two modes. In the first mode, the storage unit is removed from the motor vehicle, and the open sides of the first and second portions are positioned adjacent one another, which allows for easy transportation of the unit. In the second mode, the storage unit is positioned within the motor vehicle so that the open sides of the first and second portions are oriented substantially coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L Salani, Theodore R Hamilton, Louis A Rhodes, Glenn W Abbott
  • Publication number: 20020162869
    Abstract: A collapsible container for a truck bed includes a weather resistant, flexible envelope. There are two frames engaged with two ends of the envelope, respectively, and two support members connected with each of two side walls of the envelope. The support members are pivotable relative to each other and the frames. The collapsible container may be extended for use as a container with the envelope supported by the frames and the support members to define a substantially box shaped enclosure. The collapsible container may also be folded for storing, with the frames and the support members arranged in a stacked relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: James Blair
  • Patent number: 6474521
    Abstract: A storage chest for vehicles comprises a box defining an opening and being sized for mounting to a motor vehicle; a door openably closing off the opening; a plurality of containers sized and shaped to receive and hold one or more items; a motorized drive assembly mounted to the box and connected to the plurality of containers to move the containers in a circuitous path for selective presentation thereof proximal to the opening; and, a subjacent secondary support assembly for supporting the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: James O. Young
  • Patent number: 6471278
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a first panel and a second panel, with one end of the first panel rotatably secured to one wall of a vehicle bed. One end of the second panel is rotatably secured to the opposite end of the first panel. The device has a deployed or storage position in which the first panel is generally horizontal and the second panel is generally vertical so that the two panels, in cooperation with the existing walls of the bed, form an enclosed container. The device also has a folded position in which the second panel is folded against the first panel, and the first panel together with the second is folded against a wall of the vehicle bed. The collapsible storage device has an arrangement for locking the device in the deployed and/or the folded position. Alternatively, the device may have an arrangement for locking the two panels together during deployment and/or retraction, or the device may be interposed between two storage bins along a wall of the vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: American Moto Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Jonathan E. Weisel
  • Patent number: 6467663
    Abstract: A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Brett J. Borella, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 6464277
    Abstract: A securing system is provided for securing a container adjacent to the top of the side walls of the rear compartment of a truck. The securing system includes a rail mounted on the side walls of the rear compartment, the rail having a profile which corresponds with the profile of wheels mounted on the container. The securing system reciprocates between a first position in which the container is secured to the rear compartment, and a second position in which the container is moveable along the length of the rail. A container adapted to be secured to the side walls of the rear compartment of a truck is also provided. Further, a method of retrofitting a container for use in the rear compartment of a truck with the securing system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Allen Wilding
  • 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: 20020145277
    Abstract: A low profile, hollow, “H” shaped vessel that, when filled with liquid, greatly enhances traction and handling of rear wheel drive vehicles, by securely adding weight over the drive axel Said vessel (14) is placed in the bed (12) of said vehicle where it straddles the wheel wells (18). Liquid is then added through a fill plug (16) Internal support baffles (22), act to support the entire load surface, while keeping the inertial shift of said liquid to a minimum. Integral tapered ramps (26) ease the loading of cargo, which can be securely tied down to said vessel (14), using the provided tie down slots (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Philip L. Dombey
  • Patent number: 6460744
    Abstract: A storage unit adapted to be slidably coupled to a rear floor portion of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may be provided with a mounting structure and a cabinet slidably coupled to the mounting structure. The storage unit may be provided with a plurality of drawers disposed in the cabinet and positioned within the cabinet between a pair of cabinet sidewalls, each of the drawers being movable in a direction parallel to the width of the cabinet. The storage unit may have a cover operatively connected to the cabinet, the cover being movable between an open position in which the drawers may be opened and a closed position in which the cover prevents the drawers from being opened, and a cover latch associated with the cover that allows the cover to be latched in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Sandra Lance
  • Patent number: 6454148
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is useful in combination with a cargo compartment or the like of a vehicle, which a cargo floor upon which cargo is carried, a first wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, a second wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, and a corner that is defined by an intersection of the first and the second walls. The cargo container comprises a first partition, a second partition, and a pivot that interconnects the first and second partitions. The first partition has a first end and an opposing second end, with the first end hingedly connected with the cargo compartment, so the first partition hinges between an open position in which the first partition extends generally away from the first wall, and a closed position in which the first partition extends generally along the first wall from the first end to the second end toward the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Lynnwood C. Cook
  • Patent number: 6447039
    Abstract: A pick up truck is disclosed, in which a longer cargo can stably be loaded as the case may be by increasing the size of a cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dae Sub Song
  • 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: 6435586
    Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman
  • Patent number: 6422629
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage unit, adapted to be mounted to a floor portion of a vehicle having a sidewall and a wheel well that extends outwardly from the sidewall by a first distance, includes a mounting bracket fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle and a plurality of connecting members that connect the mounting bracket to the floor portion. The mounting bracket has a width that is less than the first distance, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the floor portion of the vehicle at a mounting point adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle. The storage unit is provided with a cabinet that is attachable to the mounting bracket, with the cabinet being removable from the mounting bracket and having a width not greater than the first distance. The cabinet is adapted to be mounted adjacent the sidewall of the vehicle and adjacent the wheel well of the vehicle, with no portion of the cabinet extending beyond the wheel well of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Geneva Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Polly Sjungels-Butler, Jose Bueno
  • Patent number: 6422567
    Abstract: A storage system for a motor vehicle having a floor includes a plurality of retainer brackets adapted to be secured to the floor, and a base having a body and a plurality of mounting brackets attached to the body. The body has first and second inclined tracks. The mounting brackets are engageable with the retainer brackets so as to secure the base to the floor. At least one of the mounting brackets is moveable with respect to the body so that the at least one mounting bracket may be engaged with a respective retainer bracket after the body is positioned with respect to the floor. Furthermore, the storage system includes a movable storage unit having a plurality of wheels that are engageable with the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Mastrangelo, Gregory J. Vishey, Daniel E. Hawkins, Wendy M. Beadle, John J. Blewett, Joseph M. Heilig
  • Patent number: 6409064
    Abstract: A tool box is provided that includes a hollow container having at least one lid that may be opened or closed and means for opening and closing the lid. The means for opening and closing the lid are actuated by control means that is operatively attached thereto. The lid is locked into position by the means for opening and closing the lid when the means are not actuated by the control means. The means for opening and closing the lid are capable of stopping the lid at any position between a completely closed position and a completely open position. The means for opening and closing the lid include a motor with a worm gear operatively attached. A drive gear is operatively attached to the worm gear, and a lift arm is operatively attached to the drive gear. The lift arm is attached so as to move in coordination with the drive gear. The lid has a channel attached to it, in which the arm is slideably engaged so as to slide when the arm is moved by the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jason S. Bayley
  • Patent number: 6401995
    Abstract: A collapsible storage unit for a truck for providing a collapsible storage container for truck boxes. The collapsible storage unit for a truck includes a storage assembly including a box-like storage member having a bottom wall, a back wall being hingedly attached to the bottom wall, side walls being hingedly attached to the bottom wall, a front wall being hingedly attached to the bottom wall, and a lid being hingedly attached to the back wall with the side walls being removably fastened to the front and back walls; and also includes a hinge assembly for fastening the walls together to form the box-like storage member; and further includes a storage member securement assembly for securing the box-like storage member to side walls of a truck box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Kim W. Yuille, Adam A. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20020057001
    Abstract: A securing system is provided for securing a container adjacent to the top of the side walls of the rear compartment of a truck. The securing system includes a rail mounted on the side walls of the rear compartment, the rail having a profile which corresponds with the profile of wheels mounted on the container. The securing system reciprocates between a first position in which the container is secured to the rear compartment, and a second position in which the container is moveable along the length of the rail. A container adapted to be secured to the side walls of the rear compartment of a truck is also provided. Further, a method of retrofitting a container for use in the rear compartment of a truck with the securing system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Allen Wilding
  • Patent number: 6386412
    Abstract: An extended cab storage device for storing items behind the front, seat of an extended cab pickup truck. The extended, cab storage device includes a housing comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, and a pair of lateral side walls. Each of the lateral side walls extends below a plane of a bottom surface of the bottom wall. An intermediate horizontal wall generally extends between and is securely coupled to the lateral side walls. The intermediate horizontal wall is generally spaced from the top and bottom walls. Each of the lateral side walls has at least one window extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ron Konechne
  • 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: 6375054
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage unit adapted to be mounted to a rear floor portion of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may be provided with a mounting structure and a cabinet mounted to the mounting structure. The storage unit may be provided with a plurality of drawers disposed in the cabinet and positioned within the cabinet between a pair of cabinet sidewalls, each of the drawers being movable in a direction parallel to the width of the cabinet. The storage unit may have a cover operatively connected to the cabinet, the cover being movable between an open position in which the drawers may be opened and a closed position in which the cover prevents the drawers from being opened, and a cover latch associated with the cover that allows the cover to be latched in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Sandra Lance
  • Publication number: 20020034430
    Abstract: A cargo supporting device supports cargo within a vehicle compartment in more than one position. The cargo supporting device includes at least one moveable panel having a cargo supporting surface. The moveable panel moves from a first position that is relatively distant from a cargo access point to a second position that is closer to the cargo access point. The moveable panel effectively brings one or more cargo items closer to an individual to make them more readily accessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: John Andrew Sotiroff, Roch Joseph Tolinski, Charles Berry Hopson, George Rene Chene, Simon Blair Dobson, Enrico Fin
  • Patent number: 6354647
    Abstract: A moveable support system for mounting a crossover tool box having a pair of rails and a pair of blocks connected to the crossover tool box and slidably mounted to the rails. The blocks having a plurality of recesses within where wheels are rotatably mounted and extend through a lower opening in the recesses to engage the top surface of the rails. The blocks also having an inverted T-shape groove that receives a bolt for connecting the blocks to the crossover tool box. Also a locking device prevents movement of the block along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Voves
  • Patent number: 6349865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for storing or securing objects in a truck bed. The device comprises a collapsible compartment and two or more straps, each strap comprising a first end attached to the compartment and a second end having a fastener affixed to the second end for securing the second end to a rigid component of the truck, such as the truck frame. The storage compartment and system secures objects from sliding around the bed and protects the objects from damage during transport or inclement weather. The device may be installed without invasive modification of the truck bed, conserves cargo hauling capacity of the truck by including a compartment that is collapsible, and, optionally, provides tie downs for securing oversized objects in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Tibs Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Tolley, Michael Hooper, Blake Leary, Hong Xu
  • Publication number: 20020014505
    Abstract: A storage unit adapted to be slidably coupled to a rear floor portion of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may be provided with a mounting structure and a cabinet slidably coupled to the mounting structure. The storage unit may be provided with a plurality of drawers disposed in the cabinet and positioned within the cabinet between a pair of cabinet sidewalls, each of the drawers being movable in a direction parallel to the width of the cabinet. The storage unit may have a cover operatively connected to the cabinet, the cover being movable between an open position in which the drawers may be opened and a closed position in which the cover prevents the drawers from being opened, and a cover latch associated with the cover that allows the cover to be latched in its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Marshall Lance, Sandra Lance
  • Patent number: 6340105
    Abstract: A portable cylinder carrier arrangement for holding at least one gas cylinder to a storing surface for storing or transporting, includes a supporter device firmly affixed on a storing surface for storing or transporting, at least a carrier shell forming at least a receiving cavity for holding a gas cylinder therein, a restraining device for securing said gas cylinder in position inside said receiving cavity of said carrier shell, and a mounting seat for securing said carrier shell to said supporter device. The portable cylinder carrier is adapted for the secure transport and storage of fire extinguishers or cylindrical gas cylinders, allowing for the carrier to be easily moved from a mounted storage position to a mounted transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Black
  • Patent number: 6334562
    Abstract: A stowage device in the form of a storage receiving net is attached at a vehicle storage space. A supporting structure is associated with an open side of the receiving net, to spread the open side in a functional position that exposes the interior of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Baumeister & Ostler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Eduard Ament, Holger Seel
  • Patent number: 6334560
    Abstract: A truck box is disclosed comprising a front wall carrying a pair of spaced paddle latches and being formed with a channel extending at least between the paddle latches, a back wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls and a top lid pivotally mounted to the back wall, all of which are interconnected to define a hollow interior. The operating rod has a first end section connected to one paddle latch, a second end section connected to the other paddle latch, and, an offset center section which is mounted by at least one rod guide within the channel formed in the front wall. The channel substantially encloses the center section of the operating rod to protect it from contact with items loaded into and unloaded from the box interior, and the rod guide(s) support the center section to prevent vibration or other contact with the front wall during operation of the vehicle within which the truck box is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Daws Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Lentini
  • Publication number: 20010050299
    Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Robert J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6322128
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge which can be used to attach a cover made up of individual parts to a cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The hinge provides adjustments to accommodate variations in the cargo bed so that the cover can be placed on the bed and the parts of the cover located relative to one another to allow the parts to be opened and closed independently. The hinge includes a mechanism which permits lengthwise movement relative to the truck as the cover part is raised angularly about the hinge so that the part does not interfere with adjacent parts as the part is raised or lowered. A cover made up of several parts for attachment to a cargo bed of a pick-up truck is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Karrer
  • Publication number: 20010042987
    Abstract: A storage system for a pickup truck or similar vehicle including a bow and storage compartment that has two panels. The bow is mounted between the side walls of the vehicle to extend over the bed of the vehicle. A first of the two panels of the storage compartment is supported on the bow and depends substantially vertically downwardly. The second panel is attached to the first panel and extends rearwardly over the bed toward the tailgate. In use, loose items such as grocery bags can be placed on the second panel of the storage compartment and with the tailgate closed, the items will be held securely and safely in place between the first panel of the storage compartment and the closed tailgate. Tracks or channels can also be provided in rails on the side walls of the vehicle to receive and secure storage containers for the loose items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Dan R. Getzschman, Tommy D. Rogers, Nellie Blankenship, Dwayne Oxford, Eric D. Getzschman
  • Patent number: 6308873
    Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus comprises a tray. Opposing doors are pivoted to the tray. The doors are displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position. Ends are pivoted to the tray. The ends are displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position. The doors and the ends cooperate to form peripheral walls for bounding a storage area when in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Paul Baldas, Gregory W. Alfano, Eileen Marie Avram
  • Patent number: 6264083
    Abstract: An add-on tool box transport kit for use with a truck bed is disclosed, consisting of a set of four brackets which are releasably secured to a traditional tool box. Each bracket has a roller on one end and a wheel on the other. The wheel acts as a wheel for the tool box while the roller rests in a track located on the inside wall of the truck. The bracket is adjustable horizontally and vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Kenny R. Pavlick, Rosie L. Pavlick
  • Patent number: 6257640
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a first panel and a second panel, with one end of the first panel rotatably secured to one wall of a vehicle bed. One end of the second panel is rotatably secured to the opposite end of the first panel. The device has a deployed or storage position in which the first panel is generally horizontal and the second panel is generally vertical so that the two panels, in cooperation with the existing walls of the bed, form an enclosed container. The device also has a folded position in which the second panel is folded against the first panel, and the first panel together with the second is folded against a wall of the vehicle bed. The collapsible storage device has an arrangement for locking the device in the deployed and/or the folded position. Alternatively, the device may have an arrangement means for locking the two panels together during deployment and/or retraction, or the device may be interposed between two storage bins along a wall of the vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: American Moto Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Jonathan E. Weisel
  • Patent number: 6253976
    Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Robert J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6241137
    Abstract: A removable deck/platform apparatus for the cargo area of sport/utility vehicles, pickup trucks, mini vans and/or other similar vehicles. The deck/platform apparatus is formed of forward and aft deck members each with integrally molded depending enclosures that serve as storage compartments and as elevating supports for the respective deck. The two deck members may be placed end-to end to form a larger deck/platform that generally conforms to the interior boundaries of the vehicle cargo area when the rear seats are reclined and stowed and may serve as a sleeping deck for supporting two adults. The storage compartments elevate the deck portions above the floor of the cargo area to define a large under-deck storage area for storing personal articles out of view. The storage compartments are provided with hinged lids for easy access from the top of the deck. One of the storage compartments of the forward deck is thermally insulated to serve as a cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Caven W. Corr
  • 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: 6224138
    Abstract: The cargo space of a vehicle bed has a trunk portion, protected from the environment, created therein by cooperation of a removable intersection bed cover, and a movable rear trunk panel on an underside of the bed cover. The vehicle trunk can be accessed through side doors within the sides of the vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Adsit, Milton D Wong, Michael D. Yaroch
  • Patent number: 6220478
    Abstract: The invention comprises trunk lock apparatus for locking a trunk having a rectangular bottom with upright front and rear and side panels, with a rectangular lid pivotally mounted at its rear edge to the top of the rear panel of the receptacle bottom of the trunk. The trunk lock apparatus has a horizontal latch panel pivotally mounted to the front panel of the receptacle near the top of the front panel which is pivotally mounted its top edge to pivot in an arc about its bottom edge forward toward the front panel and rearward away from the front panel with spring means urging the latch panel rearward. The lid has a downward projecting flange mounted to the underside of its forward edge and projecting downward therefrom with a forward projecting lip portion at the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Sidney D. Ingerson, Jerol H. Staael
  • Patent number: 6217103
    Abstract: A pickup truck cargo bed tonneau cover (30) includes cover panels (32, 34) and a cargo bed partition (50) mounted on a common hinge to suspend the partition (50) beneath the tonneau cover and divide the cargo bed (14) into individual compartments (14a, 14b). The cargo bed/partition includes fasteners (60) to releasably secure the partition (50) in an upright position beneath the tonneau cover and to permit swinging movement of the partition, when released, about the hinge out of the way to accommodate large loads in the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Stella Schultz, Bert Theodore Swanson, Colleen Marie Hoffman, Jack V. Giles
  • Patent number: 6206261
    Abstract: A scabbard for mounting a long gun, includes: a one-piece, rigid cover having an enclosed bottom end, an open top end, and two generally parallel sides separated by a back; a padded, protective lining attached to the rigid cover; an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the scabbard; a detachable strap attached to a top open end of the device for closely holding the gun barrel, and a barrier across an open front of the scabbard for holding in the gun butt. The scabbard preferably has a padlock for locking down the gun barrel. The scabbard may have a locking hinged lid mechanism instead of a strap and barrier. The scabbard can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally, preferably in or on a vehicle. A method for making the scabbard is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: C. Randal McCrary
  • Patent number: 6203086
    Abstract: A tool box is movably mounted within a vehicle carrying compartment for movement between a forward position and a rear position within the compartment. A top cover may be mounted in covering relation over the top of the carrying compartment and includes access doors for providing communication into the carrying compartment and to the tool box therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Coeur d'Alene Patent Investment LLC
    Inventors: Jay D. Dirks, Les H. Dirks
  • Patent number: 6199930
    Abstract: A low profile toolbox or other compartment for installation in the tailgate of a pickup truck or in any other vehicle door. The toolbox has a body portion that is installed inside the tailgate through an opening in the inner or outer panel. A flat lid is pivotally attached by means of a frame over the opening. Because the lid is flat and the body is inside the cavity, the top surface of the toolbox is substantially flush with the inner panel of the tailgate. In this way, when the tailgate is open, the toolbox creates no obstacle to use of the tailgate to slide objects in and out of the truck bed. Yet, the toolbox is more easily accessible than if it were attached to one of the sidewalls of the truck, at the front of the bed, or even inside the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald E. Riley
  • Patent number: 6174012
    Abstract: The present invention is a removable storage trunk for trucks of the type with a rear bed including a floor, right and left side walls, right and left upstanding door stops extending inward from the right and left side walls, respectively, and a rear gate door movable between an open position and a closed position. The removable storage trunk includes a right, left, top, bottom, and forward wall connected together to partially define a storage compartment therein accessible through an opening defined by a rear perimeter surface. The trunk further includes right and left side flanges extending outward from respective right and left portions of the rear perimeter surface and into a gap defined between rearward surfaces of the right and left door stops and a forward surface of the rear gate door when the trunk is installed in the truck and the rear gate door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: David Johnston Saffold
  • Patent number: 6170724
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device for use in a pickup truck bed including a rear panel; a lower panel hingeably mounted to a lower edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a first side panel hingeably mounted to a first side edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a second side panel hingeably mounted to a first side edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a first compression mounting mounted to the face of the first side panel such that the first compression mounting is compressed between the first side panel and a first sidewall of the pickup truck bed when the first side panel is in an open position; a second compression mounting mounted to the face of the second side panel such that the second compression mounting is compressed between the second side panel and a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall of the pickup truck bed when the second side panel is in an open position; a top panel hingeably mounted to a top edge of the rear panel at a first edge, the top panel resting on a top edge of the first and s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Markets Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Carter, Eric Garris, Kurt Menke
  • 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