Platform Attached Patents (Class 224/42.32)
  • Patent number: 11897375
    Abstract: A removable and stowable vehicle seat system includes a seat that can be folded into a compact form factor and a retainer provided in a cargo area of the vehicle to receive and retain the folded seat. The retainer is sized and shaped to receive the folded seat in a close arrangement to ensure the folded seat stays in place. A strap is also provided with tether hooks to secure the folded seat within the retainer by engaging the tether hooks to body anchors provided in the retainer. The floor recess of the retainer has features to easily receive a folded seat and position it into an optimal resting position. The floor recess may be provided with pads to engage with feet on the base of the folded seat. The pads serve to securely locate the seat within the retainer and to dampen vibration of the stored seat while the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian D. Large, Francis M. Madrid, Michael M. Enciso, Derek S. Lindsay, Terrie L. Ellison, Randy A. Staib
  • Patent number: 11731564
    Abstract: A pickup truck rack having a connectable arrangement of laterally spaced top horizontal assemblies, spaced vertical bars extending downwardly from each top horizontal assembly, cross bars extending between top horizontal assemblies and first laterally spaced lower horizontal bars, extending from a rearmost vertical bar forwardly to a next rearmost vertical bar and second laterally spaced lower horizontal bars, extending from a front vertical bar rearwardly of the truck rack a distance without contacting the next rearmost vertical bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Paul W. Strawn
  • Patent number: 11623574
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 11400855
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include systems for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, systems for securing a bicycle to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, and systems for securing cargo to a tailgate of an automotive vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle includes: a dropdown tailgate including a first elongated groove running along an inner panel of the dropdown tailgate; a first securing member, the first securing member including a first elongated arm; the first securing member being configured to be inserted into the first elongated groove, the received portion of the first securing member being slidingly moveable to a selectable position in the first elongated groove; and a first attachment mechanism, the first attachment mechanism being configured to secure the securing member to the first elongated groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Lindsey Patrick
  • Patent number: 11064829
    Abstract: An adjustable container holder for holding cups, cans, glasses, bottles, and the like has a structural base with a cylindrical sidewall bearing a slot or slots for an adjustable strap. The strap passes through a slot from the outer side of the base to the inner side, wraps around the inner side and any container placed in the base, and passes through the same slot, or a closely adjacent slot, from the inner side to the outer side of the base where an adjustable attachment secures the strap. With both ends of the strap secured under tension and wrapped around a container, the container of variable size is captured in the structural base along all or a substantial portion of the container periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Luke Sanborn
  • Patent number: 10874236
    Abstract: A self-locking cup holder securable in an opening in a surface comprising an outer sleeve having a cylindrical wall, a plurality of horizontally elongated openings, each elongated opening extending around an upper portion of the outer sleeve cylindrical wall, a cylindrical rim disposed above the elongated openings and a plurality of support members extending horizontally between the elongated openings and extending vertically between the cylindrical wall and the cylindrical rim. The self-locking cup holder includes a locking ring having a cylindrical ring wall rotatingly engaging the outer sleeve on an outer surface of the outer sleeve adjacent the elongated openings and support members, and a plurality of hinged horizontal flaps disposable in the elongated openings. The hinged flaps have a larger thickness at a second end tapering to a smaller thickness at a first flap end attached to the locking ring cylindrical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Research & Design Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Terry Allen
  • Patent number: 10787128
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a guideway and a panel displaceable between a plurality of operating positions along that guideway. The guideway includes opposed guide tracks. Each of the opposed guide tracks includes an inclined trunk and a plurality of branches extending from that inclined trunk. The panel includes opposed pivot pins received in the opposed guide tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Thanh Ngo
  • Patent number: 10478685
    Abstract: An accessory rack for a golf cart is shown for use in a golf cart having a fold-out rear seat. One or more of the racks can be installed without modification of the golf cart. The rack is secured to the golf cart in such a way as to allow a golf bag to be securely attached within the fold-out seat area at a desired height or angle to facilitate easier club retrieval and selection while keeping the bag secure when the cart is in motion. The rack can also be easily attached and removed for easy transfer and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventors: Tony Fenoglio, Steven Brian Tettleton
  • Patent number: 10421406
    Abstract: A luggage box for storage in a luggage space of a motor vehicle comprises a container open at a top and adapted to be held slideably by a respective pair of guide elements between a pair of parallel guide rails secured one each to a respective side wall of the luggage space. The container is coupled to a lid via a hinge portion. The lid has a size and shape complementary to the open top of the container, which size and shape corresponds to an area behind one or more backrests of a row of vehicle seats between second guide rail sections, which extend along the backrests towards a floor of the luggage space. The luggage box is translatable in the guide rails, to a position adjacent the backrests of the vehicle seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Magnus Bergdahl
  • Patent number: 10293737
    Abstract: A vehicle trunk storage system may include a vehicle trunk having a trunk floor defining an opening and a lip extending around the opening, and a cart including a compartment and a wheeled base, wherein the lip is configured to receive a bottom of the compartment of the cart within the trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Enrique Granell Peniche, Oscar Rovira Vilchis, Maria Fernanda Pulido Plauchud, Pablo Zetina Gargollo, Saulo Ratzel Sanchez Huipio
  • Patent number: 10283837
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for mounting an antenna assembly to a vehicle, whereby rotational degrees of freedom between the antenna assembly and the vehicle are constrained. For example, an antenna mount may employ an intermediate structure between the antenna assembly and the vehicle. In various examples, the intermediate structure may be coupled with one of the vehicle or the antenna assembly by a linear coupling, and the intermediate structure may be coupled with the other of the vehicle or the antenna assembly by a planar coupling. The antenna assembly may be coupled with the vehicle by a compliant coupling that provides a centering force between the antenna assembly and the vehicle. According to various examples, rotational movement between the antenna assembly and the vehicle may be suppressed, and vibration from the vehicle to the antenna assembly may be attenuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Larson, Steven L. Shrinkle
  • Patent number: 10232867
    Abstract: A multi-functional transport apparatus includes an adjustable ramp capable of being positioned within the existing trunk of the existing motor vehicle, and a collapsible cart selectively positioned on the adjustable ramp. Advantageously, the collapsible cart is at a folded position when positioned on the adjustable ramp. Such a collapsible cart is deployed to an unfolded position when displaced off the adjustable ramp. Notably, the collapsible cart is selectively tilted between a plurality of inclined positions while seated on the adjustable ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Carey Jones, Clifton Jones
  • Patent number: 10167028
    Abstract: A spare tire presentation apparatus includes a base, a four bar linkage and a sliding platform. The four bar linkage connects the base to the motor vehicle. The sliding platform is supported on the base. A spare tire is carried on the sliding platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego Clemente Martinez Romero, Jose Antonio Segura Salgado, Francisco Jose Fernandez Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9963028
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a body structure defining a support surface and a crush space adjacent the support surface. The electrified vehicle further includes a traction battery for providing power to a powertrain. The electrified vehicle further includes a battery support structure having at least one hinge mechanism secured to the traction battery and to the support surface to permit rotational movement of the traction battery relative to the support surface. The battery support structure further includes a guide rail secured to the support surface. The battery support structure further includes a slide rail disposed in engagement with the guide rail and slidable relative to the guide rail. The battery support structure further includes at least one linkage rotatably secured at a first end to the slide rail and rotatably secured at a second end to the traction battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Vijay Pachore
  • Patent number: 9967512
    Abstract: A portable entertainment system may include a housing, a television and at least one table. The table may be adjustable between a first condition where it forms a portion of the housing and a second condition where table legs are used to support a tabletop onto a ground surface. The television may include a monitor that is adjustable between a first position within the housing interior and a second position outside the housing interior where it is operable for television viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Huffman, Mark Huffman
  • Patent number: 9797160
    Abstract: A pull holder of a covering curtain has an annular handle, an enclosed hole surrounded by the handle, a pivot cover, and a torsion spring. The pivot cover is pivotally connected to the handle via a pivot rod portion. The pivot rod portion has a pivot rod and a position restricting flange radially formed on the pivot rod and disposed between a first pivot portion and a supporting portion of the handle and next to the supporting portion. The torsion spring is mounted around the pivot rod and disposed between the supporting portion and a connecting portion of the handle. Thus, the pivot rod of the pivot rod portion of the pivot cover does not axially slide relative to the handle. Accordingly, the pull holder does not disassemble and can be operated stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Lin, Hung-Ming Yen, Chun-Liang Lee, Chu-Yin Huang
  • Patent number: 9677701
    Abstract: An adaptable equipment mounting platform in a vehicle application wherein a fixed equipment configuration is to be secured therein to provide a mobile use configuration. A universal mounting frame having multiple fixed vehicle mounting points that conform to the vehicle's required safe drill access areas provides correspondingly adjustable equipment attachment fasteners. The mounting frame therefore allows for a variety of different equipment configurations to be installed in a commercial vehicle that heretofore were unavailable due to their structural design that limited the areas in which safe mounting could occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Goodrich
  • Patent number: 9663014
    Abstract: A platform apparatus for a vehicle including a first structure including a first surface and a first interlocking joint; a second structure including a second surface and a second interlocking joint to receive the first interlocking joint; and a linkage that connects the first structure and the second structure and articulates the apparatus from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position the first surface and the second surface are vertically stacked and in the open position the first structure and the second structure are interlocked through the first interlocking joint and the second interlocking joint and the first surface and the second surface are horizontally adjacent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Welter, Eric Archambeau, Bradley Baskin
  • Patent number: 9199583
    Abstract: Described is a golf bag holding device adapted to be removably secured to a rear portion of a vehicle. The present invention includes one or more base plates on which a bottom of a golf bag can be positioned such that the golf bag is in an upright orientation. The base plates are secured to a base support which can be removably secured to a hitch of a vehicle via a vehicle attachment. An elongated bar extends vertically upward from the base support and includes a crossbar with one or more golf bag supports thereon. The golf bag supports include an adjustable strap for holding an upper portion of a golf bag so as to secure the golf bag to the golf bag holding device. Thus, the present invention provides a user with a means to transport golf bags without having to place the golf bag inside of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Russel Tressel
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 8701954
    Abstract: Helmet mount apparatus provides a secure helmet holder for mounting a fireman helmet in a fire truck or other emergency vehicle. Three brim brackets, one of which is slidable on a base plate against a spring bias force, clamp the brim of the helmet between the brim brackets. The helmet can be mounted by positioning the brim into the slidable brim bracket and sliding the brim bracket far enough to allow inserting the brim also into the other two brim brackets, and then releasing the helmet to allow the spring bias to clamp the helmet onto the mount apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: On Scene Solutions
    Inventor: Ronald L. Weinmeister
  • Publication number: 20130264363
    Abstract: An article-storage unit is configured to store various articles in several compartments. The article-storage unit is compactable to assume a smaller size when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Ballou, Ryan Redenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20130008014
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Whiting, Steve Erickson, David Foss
  • Patent number: 8231036
    Abstract: A portable recreation and entertainment system for use with a motorized vehicle is provided. The system includes a housing having a generally horizontal base portion and a top portion oriented vertically distal therefrom. A plurality of walls extends between the base and top, connecting the two portions and thereby defining an opening facing away from the vehicle. A first door extends laterally across a lower portion of the opening, and connects to a wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A second door extends laterally across an upper portion of the opening, and connects to another wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A support platform is connected to the housing and supportably attached to a rearward end of the vehicle by a support arm that preferably includes a mating member configured to mate with a trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Gerald Campbell, Bradley Adom Weber
  • Publication number: 20110315725
    Abstract: A load compartment comprises a set consisting of a first compartment having a frame, a cover, a frontal part, lateral supports of rigid materials, and a second compartment of flexible material inside of it. The cover and the frontal part are connected to the frame by means of joints. This set is used in open and/or closed positions and may be arranged in different parts of a vehicle bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Rubens F. Soldatelli
  • Patent number: 7845528
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael McMillan
  • Patent number: 7802709
    Abstract: A universal, adaptable hanger mounted cargo carrier for removable mounting over and around a trailer frame without requiring modification of either I-beam or box beam trailer rails. The carrier comprises a generally rectangular box with steel mesh floor and opposed inverted corner J-hook mounts for slidable mounting of the carrier over the trailer frame rail extending deep enough below the bottom of the rail to enable a locking mechanism to at least partially close the opening of the inverted J-hook below the frame. Inverted “U” shaped spacers reduce the size of the J-hook opening, thereby adapting the carrier for flush mounting on a range of different sized rails. A steel mesh floor and holes in the walls of the carrier for insertion of hook ends of bungee cords allow for retention and transport of objects of varying size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Lewis, Robert Mark Matriotti
  • Publication number: 20100230449
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided for securing a component to a base on a vehicle. The component has a first longitudinal lip extending along a first side thereof and a second longitudinal lip extending along a second side substantially opposite the first side. The mounting apparatus comprises an elongate track assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to the base and having first and second edge sections. The first edge section is configured to secure the first lip, and the second edge section is configured to form a wall. A wedge assembly is coupled to the track assembly for engaging the wall and the second lip to secure the component on the track assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SHAWN G. QUINN, DAVID B. DECLERCK, TEHUI PENG, BRIAN J. SCHACHERMEYER
  • Patent number: 7753293
    Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas E. Farmer
  • Publication number: 20100065593
    Abstract: A portable recreation and entertainment system for use with a motorized vehicle is provided. The system includes a housing having a generally horizontal base portion and a top portion oriented vertically distal therefrom. A plurality of walls extends between the base and top, connecting the two portions and thereby defining an opening facing away from the vehicle. A first door extends laterally across a lower portion of the opening, and connects to a wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A second door extends laterally across an upper portion of the opening, and connects to another wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A support platform is connected to the housing and supportably attached to a rearward end of the vehicle by a support arm that preferably includes a mating member configured to mate with a trailer hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Scott G. Campbell, Bradley Adom Weber
  • Patent number: 7607595
    Abstract: An accessory mountable to an ATV includes an extension rack that provides a substantially flat storage bed. A spreader assembly for storing and distributing granular material therefrom is supported in a position below the extension rack. In the preferred embodiment, the extension rack is mounted to the carrier rack of the ATV, and the spreader is mounted to the extension rack such that it is positioned under the extension rack. The extension rack preferably includes a door that provides a passageway to the spreader assembly and also includes side walls that are vertically disposed with respect to the substantially flat storage bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas E. Farmer
  • Publication number: 20090140538
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device configured to attach to the end of a truck bed. The device can be conveniently used to support and/or secure objects to the truck that are longer than the truck bed. In some embodiments the device enables transport of objects that are longer than a truck bed without interfering with trailers being towed by the truck. A method of securing a wheeled vehicle to a truck bed is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Richard Lowell Larson
    Inventor: Richard Lowell Larson
  • Patent number: 7537258
    Abstract: A fastening system for a vehicle body passenger compartment includes at least one fastening element mounted with respect to the vehicle body to be exposed within the passenger compartment, and at least one connector configured to support a convenience device, such as a cup holder, reading light, power source, cellular telephone charger, etc. The at least one connector is releasably connectable to the at least one fastening element to enable a vehicle user to alter or change which of several convenience devices is mounted within the passenger compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening element is sufficiently configured such that the at least one connector is connectable at multiple locations within the vehicle interior to enable a vehicle user to alter or adjust the physical location of a convenience device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherry L. Quijano, Andrew J. Hanzel, Joseph W. Cobble, III
  • Publication number: 20090065543
    Abstract: A rack for a truck or trailer bed includes a shelf configured to be attached to and span between walls of the bed. The shelf is sized to accommodate a set of tires from a recreational vehicle and arranged to position the recreational vehicle on an incline relative to the bed. At least one ramp is attached to the shelf. The ramp is configured to slope downward from the shelf to the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: EXTREME FORM PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Gordon D. Bone
  • Patent number: 7455204
    Abstract: A portable office device is adapted for use with a seat in a vehicle to form a desk and preferably has a main body with a plurality of storage compartments, an angled bottom, and a two-piece, hinged work surface member affixed to the main body that is selectively positionable between an open and closed position. When open the work surface member includes an expanded, co-planar work surface suitable for writing or a laptop computer. The portable office device also includes a receptacle adapted to removably receive either a spacer or a filler member/plug, where the spacer and plug enable the portable office device to be selectively positioned within the vehicle providing a greater range of convenient and comfortable use for users of the device. The ability to selectively position the office device in the vehicle passenger compartment, along with a two piece work surface member and an angled bottom, creates a convenient apparatus for both working on and storing work related items in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mobile Office, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E Lippert, Owen A Slater, Kevin G Short, Peter J Zerillo, Michael J Joss
  • Publication number: 20080230577
    Abstract: A boot holder assembly for a truck includes a mounting plate to be positioned on an outer surface of a mounting area of the truck, with the mounting plate including openings extending therethrough. A reinforcement plate is to be positioned on an inner surface of the mounting area of the truck, and includes openings therein. Fasteners secure the mounting plate and the reinforcement plate to the mounting area of the truck via the respective openings, with each fastener including a shoulder extending outwardly from the mounting plate. A removable rack includes a base plate with slotted openings extending therethrough. The base plate is to be slideably positioned adjacent the mounting plate so that the slotted openings rest on the shoulders of the fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald A. GARD
  • Patent number: 7401716
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf system includes a shelf capable of being moved from a first position slidably mounted within a first pair of track members to a second position slidably mounted within a second pair of track members without being completely removed from said first and second pair of track members. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Svenson, Tom Delano
  • Patent number: 7309202
    Abstract: A system for transporting and storing a portable combination table/ramp device in a truck bed, including a substantially flat platform supported by a plurality of support members positioned between the platform and the truck bed and defining a plurality of elongated recesses therebetween. Elongated table top portion and elongated bench seat portions with tailgate-engaging portions connected thereto are received in the recesses. A plurality of retractable table leg assemblies are connected to the table top portion. A connector is coupled to each respective table leg assembly for connecting the elongated bench seat portion thereto. Each respective table leg assembly is retractable to a storage position substantially adjacent the elongated table top portion and extendable to a deployed position extending between the table top portion and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7303221
    Abstract: To make it possible to easily remove intended onboard tools and to make it possible to mount a sufficient amount of loads. With respect to a vehicle, right-and-left front wheels are rotatively mounted on a body frame. A front cover covers the body frame. The front cover is integrally formed with right-and-left fender sections to cover the right-and-left front wheels. A front carrier is disposed over the front cover for mounting loads thereon. A tool storage section is provided under the front carrier so as to store onboard tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Tomoko Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7066363
    Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show the present invention in the form of a tray designed to accommodate the snug installation of an associated or desired cooler. The tray is further designed to be installed on the steering column of a vehicle, such as a golf cart vehicle. Optionally, the upstanding side walls and front wall of the tray portion can have drink holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Pierre G. A. Lecoq
  • Patent number: 6732892
    Abstract: An extension bed apparatus for carrying a load with a vehicle. The extension bed includes a frame connector adapted to connect to the vehicle frame, a bed wall extending upward from the frame connector, a bed base adapted to be compacted or extending for carrying different loads, and a first movement absorbing connector attaching the bed wall to the frame rack so that the shock absorbing system on the vehicle may move the frame rack mounted on the vehicle body in relation to the frame while still supporting the extension bed. Multiple racks may be used for supporting loads off of both the front and back of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Mangrum
  • Publication number: 20030230607
    Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, P. Lewis Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6561399
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable container holder assembly that attaches to the sidewall of a pickup box above the fender well, for holding one or more liquid containers. The adjustable container holder assembly is best suited for square jugs with the opening and handle on the top, where such jugs are fabricated from plastic. The container holder assembly holds the containers above the bed of the box in an area that is of limited use due to obstruction by the fender wells. The placement of the container holder assembly adjacent to the sidewall provides easy access to the containers from outside the pickup box. The rack also protects the containers from damage by other implements that are often transported in the box bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Loren E. Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 6540198
    Abstract: A docking station (10) comprises a mast latch assembly (12) which attaches to the outer end of a mast (M). An adapter (14) which connects to a sensor platform (G) disengagingly attaches to the mast latch assembly. An isolation assembly (16) mounts on a surface (D) of a vehicle (V) adjacent an opening (O) through which the mast extends and retracts. As the mast is retracted, the adapter (14) engages with isolation assembly (16) and disengages from the mast latch assembly. This attaches the sensor platform to the isolation assembly which now protects the sensors from vibrations produced by the vehicle and any shocks created by the terrain over which the vehicle travels. It also allows the sensors to be used for surveillance during vehicle travel. When the vehicle stops and the mast is again extended, the adapter (14) re-engages with the mast latch assembly and is disengaged from the isolation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward V. Carter, Jeffrey S. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20030057244
    Abstract: A combination table and support member assembly for use in connection with a trailer hitch mounted onto a vehicle, where the support member and table can be joined in various configurations to vary the table height when in use and to vary the lateral separation distance between the rear of the vehicle and the table and vertical components of the support member when in use or in transport to allow for sufficient distance to enable utilization of the tailgate, rear door or hatchback of the vehicle. Extension members may also be utilized to alter the configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. Dorety
  • Patent number: 6502728
    Abstract: An accessory type carrier rack extension adapted for easy attachment to existing tubular racks generally provided on all terrain vehicles. The rack is provided in a variety of models to mate with and compliment existing tubular carrier racks and may be provided with flattened expanded metal panels that may be slotted at assembly to fit around any protrusions on the existing carrier rack that may exist but are unaccounted for by the manufacturer. The accessory carrier rack includes a tubular base frame fabricated from bent tubular members and various truss members. Some of the truss members are positioned parallel to the bent tubular members and/or parallel to adjacent truss members in a manner that defines elongated slots for adjustable positioning of the accessory carrier rack relative to an existing carrier racks generally found on ATVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20020074371
    Abstract: A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assembly includes a frame having a pair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assembly and a pair of support members. A first platform is carried by the mounting bars and a second platform is carried by the support members. The platforms are carried in an aligned, stacked configuration with one over the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Katherine A. Adams, Jason J. Moldthan, Richard W. McCoy
  • Patent number: 6230947
    Abstract: An audio equipment holder and bracket device that conveniently mounts to a vehicle. The device comprises a substantially planer platform for retaining the audio equipment, and at least one leg with the first end secured to the platform, and a second end terminating at a connection point that allows for releasable securement to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. McClaran