Rack For Elongated Article Patents (Class 224/405)
  • Patent number: 11345225
    Abstract: The flatbed enclosure is an apparatus that provides a comfortable and secure environment within a truck. The apparatus includes a first bed cover, a second bed cover, a first side rack, a second rack, and a truck bed. The first bed cover and the second bed cover uphold the first side rack the second side rack, respectively, as well as open and close the truck bed. The first side rack and the second side rack serve as a rack to secure and uphold various items while in a retracted configuration. The first side rack and the second side rack also serve as a bench while in an extended configuration. The apparatus further includes a hydraulic locking mechanism that automatically retracts and extends the first bed cover and the second bed cover. The truck bed upholds the first bed cover, the second bed cover, a variety of items, and individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Leslie Fisher
  • Patent number: 11072376
    Abstract: A truck rack, including rack components and rack accessories, to support cargo over a bed of a truck, and methods of constructing, assembling, mounting, adjusting, and using the truck rack. An illustrative truck rack comprises a tower and a base. The tower may have a foot and an upper end portion. The upper end portion may be configured to support a crossbar. The base may be configured to mount the tower on an upper wall region of a truck bed. The base may include a deck on which to support the foot and at least one securing device to secure the foot on the deck. In some examples, the at least one securing device may include a clamp configured to engage opposite edge regions of the foot. In some examples, the clamp may be configured to urge the opposite edge regions downward toward the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Condon, Ashley Hoch, Warren E. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 10940803
    Abstract: A simple vehicle rack includes: a fixing rod, a middle part of the fixing rod being an H-shaped reinforcing seat, the H-shaped reinforcing seat forming an upper sliding slot on a top surface of the fixing rod and forming a lower sliding slot on a bottom surface of the fixing rod; two fixing frames, the fixing frames being fixed on the top surface of the fixing rod and connected to the fixing rod, moving back and forth along the upper sliding slot; and two support frames, the support frames being fixed on the bottom surface of the fixing rod and connected to the fixing rod, moving back and forth along the lower sliding slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: FORCOME (ZHEJIANG) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Ni, Chengsheng Fang, Jing Xiong, Jiancheng Wang
  • Patent number: 10543790
    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 a 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Thule, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin L. Marr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10094175
    Abstract: A drilling rig includes a torque track system configured to couple to a derrick and to a top drive of the drilling rig, where the torque track system is configured to resist movement of the top drive in a lateral direction with respect to the derrick and to transfer torsional loads to the derrick in an operating configuration, a first torque track segment of the torque track system, and a second torque track segment of the torque track system coupled to the first torque track segment with a joint. The joint is configured to enable the first torque track segment and the second torque track segment to pivot with respect to one another while maintaining a physical connection between the first torque track segment and the second torque track segment during manipulation of the torque track system into and out of the operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Edward Mason, Douglas Christian Greening
  • Patent number: 10071692
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article carrier system particularly adapted for use with a pickup truck. The system employs a first pair of support tracks secured to a roof surface of a pickup truck, and a rear spoiler portion coupled to each of the first support tracks and extending therebetween adjacent a rear area of the roof surface. A second pair of support tracks is secured to a pair of truck bed sidewalls. A combination spoiler/support subsystem is supported from the second pair of support tracks and is adjustably positionable to provide a variable spacing between the rear spoiler portion and the spoiler/support subsystem, to thus tailor the system to support articles of various lengths thereon. The rear spoiler portion and the spoiler/support subsystem provide an appearance of a single, integrated spoiler when positioned closely adjacent one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Brandon T. McMahan, Noel v. Ranka, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerald Gomes, Michael R. Makin
  • Patent number: 10005402
    Abstract: A load-assisting cargo bracket for vehicles comprises a main body and an assisting assembly. The main body comprises a bottom, a side rail frame disposed around the bottom, and an accommodating space defined beside the bottom. The assisting assembly comprises a first rod and two second rods. One end of each of the two second rods is connected with the first rod, and the other end of the each second rod is received within a corresponding branch rail of the side rail frame. The each second rod is aligned with the corresponding branch rail of the side rail frame. The first rod is spaced from a back and a top of a vehicle when the two second rods extend out of the side rail frame, and is positioned next to the bottom of the main body when the each second rod is entirely received within the side rail frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: BESTRIDENT LTD.
    Inventor: Hsueh Li Huang
  • Patent number: 9981612
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Thule Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin L. Marr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9834258
    Abstract: A rack system for attaching equipment to a vehicle includes an elongate base plate having a top surface, a bottom surface configured to engage a top surface of a sidewall of the vehicle, and a first aperture through the top surface and the bottom surface. An elongate upright coupled to the elongate base plate includes a perimeter surface defining an interior space, a first support rib disposed in the interior space, and a first end comprising a first female threaded bore extending in a longitudinal direction within the interior space of the elongate upright. A first threaded fastener is disposed through the first aperture in the elongate base plate and coupled within the first female threaded bore of the first end of the elongate upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Thule, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin L. Marr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9776562
    Abstract: A roll-up cover assembly includes a cover assembly comprising first and second side rails and front and rear bumpers, as well as a cover, wherein a lower portion of an inner side of the first side rail is provided with a slideway, an adjustment base, an adjustment screw, an adjustment knob, a receiver; the adjustment base is fixed inside the first side rail and can not be moved; the adjustment base is provided with the adjustment knob thereon, the adjustment screw passes through the adjustment base and the adjustment knob, and an end part of the adjustment screw is snap-fixed into a groove on the receiver; the receiver is a separated-type structure, wherein both of the upper and lower portions are fixed onto the slideway, and when the adjustment knob is turned, the adjustment screw produces a displacement and drives the receiver to slide within the slideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rugged Liners, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Williamson, David Kosinski, Michael Yang, Xichang Yan, Jianfeng Tong, Chengping Wei
  • Patent number: 9718391
    Abstract: A pair of ladder rack assemblies each attachable to the bed of the truck. The pair of ladder rack assemblies are positioned apart from each other along a longitudinal length of the bed of the truck to support opposing ends of the ladder. Each ladder rack assembly comprises of a first support member attachable to the side of the truck. A first swing arm pivotally attached to the first support member, a second swing arm pivotally attached to the first swing arm. The first swing arm can move between a first position in the bed of the truck and a second position extending upward from the bed of the truck. The second swing arm can move between a first position substantially parallel with the first swing arm and a second position substantially perpendicular to the first swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Randall Oxley, Neal L. Oxley
  • Patent number: 9676358
    Abstract: A foldable roll-over protection structure is provided for use on a vehicle movable in a generally fore-and-aft direction. The foldable roll-over protection structure includes a frame comprising a base section and an upper section. The base section is connectable to the vehicle. The upper section is swingable relative to the base section between a forward position in which the upper section projects forwardly from the base section, a rearward position in which the upper section projects rearwardly from the base section, and an upright position positioned between the forward and rearward positions. A hinge assembly swingably interconnects the sections of the frame. The hinge assembly is configured to releasably secure the upper section in each of the positions of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Full Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Schlup, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9511735
    Abstract: A foldable roll-over protection structure is provided for use on a vehicle movable in a generally fore-and-aft direction. The foldable roll-over protection structure includes a frame comprising a base section and an upper section. The base section is connectable to the vehicle. The upper section is swingable relative to the base section between a forward position in which the upper section projects forwardly from the base section, a rearward position in which the upper section projects rearwardly from the base section, and an upright position positioned between the forward and rearward positions. A hinge assembly swingably interconnects the sections of the frame. The hinge assembly is configured to releasably secure the upper section in each of the positions of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Full Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Schlup, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9493194
    Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support tube having a first and a second end whereby the first end is adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and two support arms pivotally mounted at the second end of the elongated support tube, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside the elongated support tube, to an angled position extending upwardly away from the elongated support tube. The support arms, when rotated upward rest on two rectangular shaped cam adjusters that are pivotally mounted on the sides of the elongated support tube at the second end, just behind the support arms. The support arm height is adjusted by rotating the cam adjusters. A crossbar is removed from its stored position inside the hollow, elongated support tube and mounted with a removable lock pin perpendicular and on top of the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Tony Sleiman
  • Patent number: 9126630
    Abstract: A corner node for reinforcing a portion of a truck box of a pickup truck is provided. The corner node may be disposed within a cavity defined by a cross member and a corner box pillar of the truck box. The corner node may include a lateral portion and a pillar portion extending vertically from the lateral portion. The lateral portion may be secured within the cross member. The pillar portion may have a plurality of sidewalls secured to the pillar and may define a plurality of web supports spaced apart along a height of the pillar portion to reinforce a corner region of the truck box. The corner node may be five or six thousand series aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Gallagher, Jack Marchlewski
  • Patent number: 9010550
    Abstract: A tool bar for securing under a hood of a car during repair and maintenance is disclosed. A rigid member spanning a substantial portion of the hood is flexibly secured to hooks. The hooks engage edges of the hood and may include a compliant covering. The hooks may secure to the rigid member by means of straps and the straps may be tensioned by means of tensioners secured to one of the hooks and the rigid member. A stabilizer secures to the rigid member and has an end that may be clipped or otherwise fastened to a portion of the hood to resist rotation of the rigid member. One or more tool retaining members secured to the rigid member, such as a socket rack, magnetic bar, hook groove, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Figueroa
  • Publication number: 20150102077
    Abstract: The present teaching are related to an article and method 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 directly or through a clamping mechanism, and the vertical support rails are adapted to be affixed to a side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The system may be adapted with add-on accessories for carrying articles for transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8931670
    Abstract: A tray for mounting between walls in which the bottom and sidewalls of the tray body are formed as an integral piece using a pultrusion process. Electrical conductors may be embedded into the tray body to permit attachment and electrical coupling of lights and other electrical apparatus thereto. Slots formed in ridges which are intergrally formed on the bottom of the tray are aligned with slots formed in ribs formed integrally along an inner surface of the tray sidewalls. A tray divider is selectively securable in aligned slots in the ridges and ribs and held in place with a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: ALF Operating Partner LP
    Inventors: John Fakhari, Lee Finley
  • Patent number: 8905280
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8875963
    Abstract: A holder for transporting one or more fishing rods having first and second parallel rod supports, spaced notches in the top of the first rod support, corresponding spaced openings in the second rod support, a pair of similarly sized clamping bars each pivotally affixed at one end to opposite ends of the first rod support, compression material covering the notches in the first support, a constant support mechanism connecting each clamping bar to the first rod support, and a latch releasably securing the clamping bars to the first rod support. Fishing poles are positioned with the tips in the openings of the second rod support and the handles in corresponding notches in the first rod support, with the clamping bar maintained in an open position at any angle by the constant support mechanism. The clamping bar is closed with the compression material compressing around and securing the handle within the notch, and secured closed with the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Curt R. Knutson, Laura R. Knutson
  • Patent number: 8864001
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Langseder
  • Publication number: 20140305978
    Abstract: A rack system to provide a rack on top of two opposite side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent Bernard Austrie
  • Publication number: 20140305979
    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: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: THULE INC.
    Inventor: Edwin L. MARR, JR.
  • Patent number: 8833621
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a pickup truck can swing from a raised position to a lowered position for loading and retrieving a ladder. The ladder rack includes an upper support section attached with a hinge to a lower support so that the assembly that the ladder attaches to can swing to a horizontal, lowered position. This allows the person installing the ladder, or whatever is being transported such as pipes, canoes, kayaks, and the like, to remain outside the truck box to install and attach the ladder. The ladder can then be rotated upwards with the assistance of a hydraulic cylinder to the travel position and locked in to place with a wire lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Louis Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20140239025
    Abstract: A utility rack assembly including a first rack and a second rack that may be converted from an extended position to a stowed position. Each rack may include a base attachable to the bed of a pickup truck. The racks may further include a bottom member attached to the base and a top member pivotally connected to the bottom member. A main rack holder may also be pivotally connected to the top member. In the extended position, the base, bottom member, top member, and main rack holder form a rack to support equipment. In stowed position, the top member may pivot relative to the bottom member and the main rack holder may pivot relative to the top member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Gregory Scott, David Cianni
  • Patent number: 8814015
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Heath Gier
  • Patent number: 8776778
    Abstract: A tailgate barbeque grill for use in the bed of a pickup truck. The grill slides along rails and is stored in the front portion thereof for transport and is positioned in the rear portion and lowered for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Mario Brown
  • Patent number: 8678459
    Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate the panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side bracing connected to the panels to move into supporting position when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, the bracing including a telescoping strut assembly having first and second elongated struts, and an actuator manually swingable to relatively extend and retract the struts configured to lock to bar structure in response to actuator swinging, and there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
  • Patent number: 8668125
    Abstract: A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Daws Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140061266
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas fueling system includes a frame arrangement with at least one tank disposed therein and an inlet that can receive a compressed natural gas fueling nozzle to fill the at least one tank. The fueling system can be attached with and supported by frame rails behind a cabin of a vehicle such that the inlet is positioned above the frame rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: dHybrid Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Milton, Morgan Mackelprang, Isaac Sloan
  • Patent number: 8662366
    Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle having a cab and a cargo area behind the cab. The rack has two front and two rear upwardly extending legs affixed to the cargo area proximally to and distally from the cab, respectively. Two side sections extending between longitudinally adjacent front and rear legs, respectively; and front overhang sections extending from the front legs, respectively, over and displaced above the cab. The sections each including an upper bar assembly, a lower bar and an attachment for attaching the sections to an adjacent leg. Each of the attachments has a plate and fasteners, the upper bar assemblies and lower bars being end abutting against one or more plates, being fixed to the plates and being displaced from one another at the plates. The plates extend between the upper bar assemblies and the lower bars and outwardly beyond each. The fasteners of the attachments are received by a plate and an adjacent leg beyond the upper bar assembly and the lower bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dudley DeZonia, Rodney Monroe, Marc San Paolo
  • Publication number: 20140054340
    Abstract: A removable glass rack suitable for attachment to a variety of pickup trucks is disclosed. Rigidity in the un-attached state, combined with automatic alignment features and scratch prevention features make the rack particularly well suited for repeated rapid installation and removal, giving glass shop owners the option of quickly converting their glass trucks back to pickup trucks for non-business-hours use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Alex McDonald, Lee Davis Weinstein
  • Publication number: 20140034696
    Abstract: A load carrier rack for a vehicle including a base member mountable on a portion of the vehicle is disclosed. The load carrier rack can also include an upright leg extending from the base member, the upright leg being slidably received by the base member. The load carrier rack can also include an interference mechanism including interference surface, the interference mechanism configured to have at least an actuated configuration and a released configuration. In the actuated configuration, the interference surface is engaged with the upright leg to resist movement of the upright leg relative the base; and in the release configuration, the interference surface is disengaged from the upright leg to permit movement of the upright leg relative the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Edwin Lewis Marr, Steven Robert Perry
  • Publication number: 20140034695
    Abstract: A removable blocking device for preventing disengagement of an upright leg from a base member of the load carrier. The base member can have a receiving passage in which the upright leg reciprocates. The removable blocking device can include an interference portion releasably couplable to a lower distal end of the upright leg, the interference portion can have a dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the lower opening to the receiving passage. The interference portion can have an abutment surface configured to blockingly engage the base member proximate the lower opening to the receiving passage. A lock contained at least partially within the removable blocking device, the lock being transitional between a locked configuration in which the removable blocking device is locked to the upright leg and an unlocked configuration in which the removable blocking device is released from the upright leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Steven Robert Perry
  • Publication number: 20140030054
    Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the loading and unloading of heavy ladders from the roof of a motor vehicle comprises a pair of crossbar members affixed to the roof of the vehicle that extend transversely to the length dimension of the vehicle. A four-bar linkage arrangement affixed to the rearmost crossbar member is adapted to be driven by a shaft journaled for rotation in the spaced-apart crossbar members is arranged to displace a ladder support bar to which ladder hooks are attached. A front ladder hook is attached by a coupler to the elongated shaft at the forward facing end of the ladder rack assembly where the coupler is designed to allow the shaft to be rotated through a predetermined angle before the front ladder hook will rotate with the shaft and in this way the front and rear hooks remain parallel to one another through their range of motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Avraham Y. Levi
  • Publication number: 20140027483
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a beam assembly that has a first end and a second end. At least one of the ends is biased axially outward and compressible axially inward. Each of the ends has a common interface configured to be supportable by the opposing side walls of the vehicle so that the beam assembly is supported at both of the first and second ends by the walls and extends over a floor of a vehicle, with said at least one of the ends compressed axially inward. The beam assembly can be used as a bed divider, to provide two-tier loading, and as a ladder rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bonner, Brent T. Deep, Scott D. Tonks, Sherry L. Quijano, Anthony E. Johnson, Christopher D. Rauser
  • Patent number: 8631905
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ladder apparatus capable of being mounted to a vehicle. The ladder apparatus generally comprises a mounting support, a main ladder support for receiving an extension ladder, and a torsion support. The mounting support, the main ladder support and the torsion support are pivotally connected so that the apparatus can be raised from a retracted home position to an extended position. When the apparatus is in the extended position it can be set to a desired height and/or rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jack Parrish
  • Publication number: 20130277404
    Abstract: A rack for holding a wheeled vehicle within the bed of a pickup truck includes a frame and an upper arm and a lower arm attached to the frame. The upper and lower arms are movable with respect to one another to allow a wheel of the bicycle or other vehicle to be inserted or removed from the arms. The frame may be adjustable to snugly retain it within the bed of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Heininger Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Heininger
  • Patent number: 8550527
    Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
  • Publication number: 20130256352
    Abstract: A cargo support device that includes a cargo support bar having a top flat bar, a plurality of triangular braces and a pair of mounting plates, the top flat bar receives one or more pieces of cargo that would otherwise be placed on a tailgate of a pick-up truck, the triangular braces are coupled to a bottom portion of the cargo support bar and extend downward into the pick-up truck bed while the cargo support bar is placed across the pick-up truck bed, the pair of mounting plates are coupled underneath a first end of the cargo support bar and a second end of the cargo support bar and the pair of mounting plates are placed on the pair of rails of the pick-up truck bed. The device also includes a pair of mounting clamps to couple the cargo support bar to the sides of the pick-up truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: James Barnett
  • Patent number: 8444034
    Abstract: A gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles comprising: a first inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a first attacher, a second inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a second attacher, an obliquely oriented tubular member having a first tubular member end and a second tubular member end with a gun grip attached to each tubular member end and a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord. The first and the second inverted L-shaped tubular member may be partially inserted into receiving holes in side walls of a bed-box of a utility terrain vehicle and may be additionally secured to the vehicle via the first and second elastic cord which are attached to the first and second attacher. The gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles is suitable for transporting at least one weapon securely fastened to the gun grips which are attached to the obliquely oriented tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Bennett
  • Patent number: 8430286
    Abstract: An accessory rack for transporting objects such as small boats on an ATV or pickup truck includes a pair of upright posts, one mounted on a front rack support at a front platform and the other at a rear platform. Each of the posts is connected to a base member secured to a rack support, and cross members with upturned ends for receiving a boat are connected to tops of the posts. An elongated beam is connected to the cross members at both ends of the beam. Square steel tubing is used for most of the structure, with sizes being varied to allow overlap and adjusting length of components. Racks for use in pickup trucks may be bolted to the pickup bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Jefferson L. Patrick
  • Patent number: 8403191
    Abstract: A mounting rack for mounting a ladder to a pickup truck. The pickup truck has a pickup truck bed defining a passenger side wall, a driver side wall, a front end side, and a tailgate side. The mounting rack includes a first mounting structure configured to support a first end of the ladder and a second mounting structure moveable between a storage position and an operating position. The second mounting structure is configured to support a second end of the ladder when in the operating position and abut the first mounting structure when in the storage position. The mounting rack also includes a first docking assembly configured to affix the second mounting structure to the passenger side wall and the driver side wall on the tailgate side of the pick-up truck bed when the second mounting structure is in the operating position, and a second docking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: James C. Russo
  • Publication number: 20130026202
    Abstract: A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: DAWS MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: David A. Williams
  • 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: 8261473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign carrier apparatus specifically designed to be inserted into a vehicle hitch assembly to transport signs. Alternatively, the present invention provides for a free standinged receiver hitch, or free standing receiver hitch for storing the sign carrier apparatus when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua A. Bey, Sarah R. Bey
  • Patent number: 8191952
    Abstract: A device that can be modulated by being extended or retracted: to form a structure for protective and transport purposes at the rear of a motor vehicle and at the height of its cab roof; or to fold partially vertically and partially horizontally behind the front seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Malik Mokhtari, Lucie Mokhtari, legal representative, Emmanuel Mokhtari, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8177276
    Abstract: A bed extender assembly for a vehicle bed includes at least one bed extender device having a longitudinal length greater than a length of the vehicle bed. The at least one bed extender device has a first end disposed in the vehicle bed and a second end spaced apart from the first end to define the longitudinal length. The second end is spaced rearwardly apart from a rearward end of the vehicle bed. A locking bar extends transversely across the vehicle bed adjacent the first end to lock the first end of the at least one bed extender device against the bed floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Edwards
  • Patent number: 8162367
    Abstract: A rack with retractable drawers for the bed of a pick-up includes a rack adapted to be supported by the side wall; a drawer brace held by the rack above the truck bed; and a drawer attached to the drawer brace. The drawer extends from and retracts into the rack so as to be accessible from outside of the truck bed. One or more drawers may extend out the sides of the pickup or out the tail gate area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Dale Raymond Kuklok
  • Patent number: 8113562
    Abstract: An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jon E. Skoglun