Tie Down Patents (Class 224/460)
  • Patent number: 10793216
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing articles to structural members includes a main strap assembly having at least three distinct portions configured for forming a secure loop by attachment of at least one of the portions to another of the portions. The apparatus further includes a pair of parallel ancillary strap assemblies attached transversely to the main strap assembly. Each of the pair is attached to a respective one of ancillary releasable engagement mechanisms at an end thereof, for forming an engageable loop. The ancillary strap assemblies can be used to attach the main strap assembly parallel to an elongate structural member. The secure loop of the main strap assembly can be used for securing a heavy article to a bicycle frame, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Avolio
  • Patent number: 8844778
    Abstract: An adapter bracket for supporting a saddle bag on a motorcycle. A strut for securing a rear motorcycle fender includes a vertical section, a lower horizontal section, and an upper horizontal section. The vertical section has bolts extending through it for attachment to the fender. The adapter bracket includes a lower attachment portion with bores, an intermediate strut coupling portion, and an upper connection plate with an aperture. One of the fender bolts is removed, and the coupling portion is slid over the lower horizontal section of the strut from the strut's inner side. The aperture in the connection plate is aligned with the hole in the strut corresponding to the removed bolt. The bolt is reinstalled, securing the strut, bracket, and fender together. An inner sidewall of the saddle bag provided with a backing plate, and bolts secure the backing plate, the inner sidewall, and the attachment portion together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Leatherworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Aimee St. Georges
  • Patent number: 8746521
    Abstract: A carrying apparatus for transporting sports or activity equipment, such as a skateboard, in-line skates, a surfboard and/or the like, which attaches to a bicycle is disclosed. The carrying apparatus has a generally Y-shaped holding member and an adapter. The holding member holds a skateboard, in-line skates and/or a surfboard, while the adapter secures the carrying apparatus to a bicycle. The holding member preferably has a first extension member which extends into a first prong and a second extension member which extends into a second prong. The prongs connect at an adjoining central point. The adapter preferably has a first side portion and a second side portion, each of which may have a generally C-shaped portion. An inner wall of the first side portion and the second side portion fit around a seat support bar of a bicycle. The adapter may be secured to the seat support bar by any suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Contract Technical Resources Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas C. Pickett
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8469248
    Abstract: A fastening device for a bicycle includes a fixed assembly and a fastening assembly. The fixed assembly is fixedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle, and the fastening assembly is used for supporting an article. The first moveable socket and the second moveable socket of the fastening assembly are snapped into the first fixed holder and the second fixed holder of the fixed assembly correspondingly, so that the fastening assembly and the supported article are detachedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle. The fastening device for a bicycle can facilitate the disengaging and engaging of the article, prevent wear of the surface of the article, and enhance the fixing strength of the fastening assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Free Parable Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Weng, Meng-Kuei Chou, Li-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 8387940
    Abstract: Relocateable boat accessories, such as seats having a second extension that can be positioned through a second extension slot, and then pivoted to position a locking member through a finger slot. The locking member can have a tip that is positioned under a floor so secure the seat to the floor. The floor may have several second extension slots and several finger slots to accommodate various accessory or seat position possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Gene Gros
  • Publication number: 20090039127
    Abstract: A bicycle accessory container constructed to be supported generally under a seat of a bicycle. The container includes a pair of sidewalls that generally enclose a cavity. A severable closure is attached to the sidewalls and allows the cavity to be selectively enclosed or exposed to atmosphere. A securing member is secured to one or both of the sidewalls within the cavity and is deformable between a first orientation wherein the securing member will pass freely between adjacent seat brackets and a second orientation wherein the securing member will not pass freely through the space between the seat brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Dacko
  • Patent number: 6863199
    Abstract: A snowboard rack for snowmobiles to aid snowmobile operators in safely carrying and transporting snowboards, as attached to a snowmobile machine for recreation or other purposes. A frame attachment member is secured to an underside, typically the belly pan, of a front portion of a snowmobile, upon which a rack frame is removably attached. The rack frame includes at least two uprights, with a cradle formed into an upper portion of each upright, for secure placement of a snowboard. The snowboard is secured to the rack frame with a tie-down strap at each cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Blake Child
  • Patent number: 6817502
    Abstract: A holder for securing a bicycle wheel to the frame of a bicycle for transport is described. The bracket includes a padded hook member for placement over the top tube of a bicycle frame. The holder also includes two J-clamps for securing it to the seat and down tubes. A cradle is provided for receiving the rim of the bicycle wheel. Additionally to firmly secure the wheel to the holder two clamps are provided that limit the horizontal movement of the wheel and collectively prevent the wheel from moving upwardly or downwardly. The various clamps are adjustable for fitment of the holder to frames and wheels of differing sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Gilstrap
  • Patent number: 6772929
    Abstract: A cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, snowboards, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. One or more of the rods includes a strap and buckle which allows the strap to be adjusted for length. Intermediary along the strap various rings and spacers may be located to slidably engage both cargo and carrier. In use, the strap is used to encircle cargo and is held adjacent a support through a sliding retainer which is slipped onto the carrier. Prior to assembly of the carrier, the few components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Stein
  • Patent number: 6719179
    Abstract: A saddlebag protecting device prevents saddlebags from contacting the exhaust system of a motorcycle. The saddlebag protecting device includes a frame having a perimeter wall. A bracket is attached to the perimeter wall of the frame. A fastening member may be extended through the bracket for removably fastening the frame to a motorcycle such that a plane of the frame is generally horizontally orientated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Richard O. Webb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6698635
    Abstract: A golf bag holder that would be attached to a motorcycle is disclosed. The golf bag holder would comprise a series of support bars that would be mounted to the rear side mounts of a motorcycle, with a golf bag being placed on top of the support bars and then strapped in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneith Brown
  • Patent number: 6619522
    Abstract: A motorcycle golf bag carrier is used with a saddlebag mounting system in which a pair of frame-mounted brackets each having an opening are spaced from each other longitudinally of the motorcycle at approximately the same vertical elevation. A locking pin extends through the opening in each bracket, and an elongate, longitudinally extending, frame-mounted rail is disposed at a vertical elevation lower than the brackets. The carrier according to the invention includes a generally L-shaped bracket having a first, laterally extending section and a second, vertically extending section. The first section includes a longitudinally extending channel of a size and shape that approximates the size and shape of the longitudinally extending rail and which permits the bracket to be mounted to the rail. The second section has a pair of spaced openings of a size and shape to receive the pins, the openings being aligned with the openings in the brackets when the channel is mounted to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Schurr
  • Patent number: 6401998
    Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a motor vehicle is provided. In accordance with this invention a carrier is provided for attachment to a motor vehicle, with the carrier having a backplate, a mounting plate and an axle adapter. The backplate has an upright member and a base portion. The upright member also has a projection extending therefrom and at least one retention plate secured thereto. The mounting plate has cooperative retention means and an aperture through which the aforesaid projection extends. The upright member of the backplate is secured to the mounting plate by fastening means. The mounting plate is secured to the axle adapter, such that the axle adapter causes the carrier to be secured to the rear axle of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the backplate has a handle portion inclined relative to the upright member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Puluso
  • Patent number: 6382485
    Abstract: Each skate is strapped down upon a skate carrier, in turn mounted upon any pre-existing or conventional article carrying bicycle rack. Stop elements, along with the skate carrier strap, prevent escape of the skate from the carrier, particularly while a mountain bike is being driven over rough terrain. Vertical positioning of the stop elements, which can be threaded bolts, is adjustable to secure various skate wheel sizes of child and adult skates. Positioning of the threaded bolts is rapidly changed by loosening and tightening a wing nut on the bolt thread while a square bolt head portion within a square orifice prevents rotary slippage of the bolt, and thus no tools such as a wrench or screwdriver are needed. A cylindrical sleeve can surround the bolt, enabling the use of lighter skate carrier metal stock. A non-slip rubber mat can be placed between the skate carrier and the bike rack to prevent detrimental shifting of the skate carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Hoagland
  • Patent number: 6299042
    Abstract: A touring bag support is secured on top of a motorcycle luggage rack. A touring bag is secured to the support in a variety of ways. The bottom of the touring bag remains flat and stable on the support because the support is longer and wider than the touring bag and the motorcycle luggage rack. A plurality of slots on an outer perimeter of the support allow for easy attachment of the touring bag to the support by bungee cords and straps. The touring bag support provides a safe, stable load on the rear of the motorcycle. Further, an overall neat, aesthetically pleasing appearance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Charles E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6045021
    Abstract: A load carrier for use on bicycles incorporating a load-suspending hook. The hook is affixed atop two support tubes that are mounted directly to the rear triangle of a standard bicycle frame. Four mounting sites near the rear wheel axle provide secure mounting. The hook is located on the central, sagittal plane of the bicycle approximately 50-60 centimeters directly above the rear wheel. A restraining strap, such as an elastic bungee-type cord, secures the suspended load against the support tubes to prevent swinging and maintain the central, sagittal position. The forces of the load, which can comprise any handled bag including backpacks, remain centered during riding and do not adversely affect balance of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: William J. Stites
  • Patent number: 6029875
    Abstract: The knapsack has a bottom wall resting against a user's back when supported by shoulder straps. The bottom wall is larger than a bicycle luggage carrier or rack. The knapsack has a frame structure for reinforcing the bottom wall and the side wall of the knapsack so that when the knapsack is placed with the bottom wall horizontally on top of the carrier, loose articles in the knapsack do not cause the bottom wall of the knapsack to sag over the sides of the carrier. The shoulder straps are attached to the bottom wall or sandwiched between the bottom wall and the carrier to prevent the shoulder straps from dangling down and possibly interfering with movement of the bicycle wheels. The knapsack has fastening straps for securing the knapsack to the luggage carrier. In one embodiment, the frame structure is a removable insert for a conventional knapsack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Johnston
  • Patent number: 5887774
    Abstract: The present invention is an exercise fluid bottle which contains a liquid nourishment and which is used by a user during a strenuous physical activity. The exercise fluid bottle includes an integral container formed out of a plastic material and a dispensing cap for retaining and dispensing the liquid nourishment. The integral container has a first portion which is a hollow cylinder with an enclosed end and a partially enclosed end and a second portion which is a hollow cylinder with an enclosed end and a partially enclosed end. The integral container also has a handle portion which is a hollow cylinder which has corrugated ribbing axially aligned therewith so that the user can more comfortably grip the exercise fluid bottle and which is disposed adjacent to the partially enclosed ends of the first and second portions. The dispensing cap is fluidly and mechanically coupled to the enclosed end of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Peter R. Bethune
  • Patent number: 5655696
    Abstract: A bicycle rack with a substantially planar carrier surface extending in the longitudinal direction, longitudinal frame members, whereby the carrier surface is adapted to be modified at least in one of size and configuration by the use of cross rail assemblies forming tubular members and extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction and of support arms rotatable as well as axially adjustable within the tubular members; the support arms can be held fast in a preselected axial and rotatable position, whereby the frame members are so arranged that the maximum height of the cross rail assemblies lies substantially within the plane of the carrier surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Bernard Theodore Simonett
  • Patent number: 5651485
    Abstract: The audio equipment carrier assembly is for attachment to a support member of a vehicle such as a bicycle or an aerobic exercise machine. The assembly includes a carrier assembly body in the form of a generally elongated flat plate adapted to carry a personal radio or other portable audio equipment. The plate has a centrally located depression of uniform depth in which is located a resilient shock absorbing pad having a height greater than the depth of the depression. The shock absorbing pad provides a cushion for the portable audio equipment which is placed thereon when the assembly is mounted on a bicycle. A strap of generally Y-shaped configuration includes an elongated stem. One end of the strap is connected in two places to one edge of the plate while the other end of the strap extends across the top of the portable audio equipment to frictionally hold same on the support plate. The free end of the strap extends through a slot in order to guide the strap along the other edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph N. Impastato, II
  • Patent number: 5617983
    Abstract: A rack for carrying in-line type roller skates over the rear wheel of a bicycle. The rack carries the skates in a saddle bag fashion, with each one of a pair of skates being held within an enclosure that is adjacent to each side of a bicycle's rear wheel. The enclosure holds the skate along the skate's lengthwise axis parallel to the direction of travel of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventors: John G. Lindauer, Steven F. Lindauer
  • Patent number: 5531364
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing a helmet (44) on a motorcycle includes a set of straps (12 to 18) attached to each other at a generally central point and extending downwardly in radial directions to form a cage (10). One of the straps is a lockable strap (12) and includes a hole (38) disposed at a lower end. The lateral straps (16 and 18) each includes a hook (26) at a lower end for engaging the edges of the motorcycle's fender (28), and the rear strap (14) includes a hook (32) for engaging a hoop member (30) attached to the rear of the fender. A T-shaped anchor (42) with a hole (40) thereon is attached to the front of the fender. When the lockable strap is unlocked and raised, the helmet can be positioned within the cage. The lockable strap can then be lowered so that its hole aligns with the hole on the T-shape anchor, and a lock (46) can be inserted through the holes to lock the helmet in the cage. The helmet is thereby securely protected from theft and accidental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Buis