Convertible To Different Device Or A Different Type Of Article Carrier Patents (Class 224/484)
  • Patent number: 11173848
    Abstract: A rear door shelf assembly having a mounting base portion and a shelf rotatably connected to the mounting base portion for moving between an open position and a closed position. A spring-loaded prop rod is rotatably connected to the assembly. Storage features are connectable to the prop rod to provide multi-functionality of the assembly as a utility table and a storage unit. A one-touch latching mechanism holds the shelf in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Bestop Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Jonathon Moore, Charles C. Turney
  • Patent number: 9623808
    Abstract: A storage unit capable of being mounted on a shelf on the rear of a vehicle is designed to protrude from the rear of the vehicle to provide more storage space. The storage unit is further designed to be removable, and may be subdivided with movable partitions. The storage unit may be further designed to provide a controlled temperature environment inside. It may be further designed specifically for use on the rear of a golf cart type vehicle, which may include adjustable feet to help hold the storage unit on the rear of the golf cart type vehicle. The storage unit may also be designed to allow for foldability, such that it can be more compactly folded and shipped, stored or transported. There may also be a storage box provided to store the folded storage unit above a vehicle such as a golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Philip Bonenberger
  • Patent number: 8857880
    Abstract: A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Nicholas Kalergis, Daniel P. Cousino, Frank Victor Bonello
  • Publication number: 20140217140
    Abstract: A movable utility rack is provided. The utility rack presents an ergonomic and easily accessible configuration to a user. One embodiment of the movable utility rack includes a base frame and first and second spaced apart track assemblies mounted on the base frame. The first and second spaced apart track assemblies have a curved shape and each define a channel at a first radius of curvature. A first support member is carried by the first track assembly within the channel thereof, and a second support member is carried by the second track assembly within the channel thereof. A drive arrangement is operatively connected to the first and second support members to move the support members within the channel defined by each track assembly along an arcuate path that has a second radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the first radius of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ROCKFORD PROCESS CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Mark Kramer
  • Patent number: 8662506
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-function cart for storing and transporting emergency or other supplies. The multi-function cart comprises two shells that can be secured together to form a transportable storage container. When separated, each shell is convertible into various configurations that can be used to sustain life during and after a disaster as well as to clean-up and rebuild after a disaster has occurred. The multi-function cart can also be used recreationally. In this manner, the multi-function cart enables victims to quickly care for themselves, and encourages victims to immediately begin the clean-up and rebuilding process. Each shell is convertible into different configurations using various tubes. Hub brackets on opposing sides of the shell include adapters to which any of the tubes can be connected. The tubes can be connected to the adapters in an upward or a downward orientation to form different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Troy Bengtzen
  • Patent number: 8459515
    Abstract: A kit for use with a dolly cart comprising a worktable; a garbage receptacle holder comprising a ring component; a wagon; and a V-shaped support bar for rigidly attaching the worktable, the wagon, or the garbage receptacle holder to a frame of the dolly cart, the V-shaped support bar comprises a generally V-shaped bar having a first half, a second half, and a vertex, wherein mounting holes are disposed in the first half and the second half, the holes accommodate a bolt and a wing nut for tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen M. Weis
  • Patent number: 7946458
    Abstract: A cargo rack assembly is provided for a vehicle. The cargo rack assembly defines an inner region and includes a restraint assembly disposed at least partially within the inner region. The restraint assembly includes a belt and a carrier. The belt extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the belt is attached to the carrier. The carrier is configured to facilitate selective dispensation of the first end portion of the belt between a stored position in which the first end portion is adjacent to the cargo rack assembly, and an extended position in which the first end portion is spaced from the cargo rack assembly. A vehicle including a cargo rack assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rowdy L. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7819295
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed structure includes a vehicle cargo area including a bed floor, a front cargo wall, a first side cargo wall and a second side cargo wall, each having at least one accessory attachment track fixedly attached thereto. A multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory is configured and arranged to be attached, detached and reattached any one of the accessory attachment tracks. The multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a central body portion and a first lateral body portion. At least one of the central body portion and the first lateral body portion includes a mounting structure configured and arranged to securely fasten the multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory to the accessory attachment track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Patent number: 7770767
    Abstract: A convertible gun carrier is to be mounted on a front of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) which quickly transitions from a horizontal gun rack position to a vertical gun rest position. This gun carrier holds a gun or rifle securely during ATV travel and also doubles as a shooting rest when the ATV is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Richard Bartholdy
  • Publication number: 20100170924
    Abstract: A mobile carrier includes a generally planar cargo platform. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed side rails, each side rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed side rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each side rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed end rails, each end rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed end rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each end rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes a rod. A receiving structure is configured to maintain the rod at multiple respective positions relative to the receiving structure, the rod and the receiving structure being separable from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Larry A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090114689
    Abstract: A removable storage tube for a marine vessel includes a hatch frame shaped to fitted in a hatch opening in a marine vessel. The hatch frame has a plurality of spaced downwardly angled notches spaced around the interior edge of the frame. A tub has an open top and a rim portion around the open top and is shaped to fit into the hatch frame. The tub has a plurality of attachment lugs on the rim portion, each lug has a pair of downwardly converging exterior sides sized to wedge into one of the hatch frame notches. Each hatch frame notch has a pair of downwardly converging interior sides, each having an outwardly angled exterior edge while each tub lug has a pair downwardly converging exterior sides each having an outwardly angled exterior edge sized to wedge into a hatch frame notch so that a hatch tub is removably mounted in a marine vessel hatch. The hatch frame has a hatch door hingedly attached thereto for closing the hatch with or without the storage tub therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Richard W. Hord, Scott J. Mills, Gene Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7481343
    Abstract: A vehicular container holding structure includes a body with an opening at its top for holding containers, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. To hold containers of various sizes, the body has a partition member having a second bottom positioned upwardly of a first bottom defining a deepest bottom of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Misumi
  • Publication number: 20080296330
    Abstract: A mountable storage arrangement includes a mounting frame and a mountable storage device. The mounting frame includes a draw tube and a base member and upright member secured to the draw tube. The base member includes a support member having an axially extending portion and a laterally extending portion. The mountable storage device includes a base portion having a lower frame engaging surface including a recess sized to receive the support member to limit lateral and axial movement of the base portion with respect to the base member. The mountable storage device further includes an upright portion having an attachment feature configured to be secured to a corresponding attachment feature of the upright member to limit vertical movement of the base portion with respect to the base member when the support portion of the base member is received in the base portion recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: D. Scott KALOUS, Raymond H. KLEIN, II, Scott STEVENS
  • Patent number: 7419075
    Abstract: A utility rack for pickup trucks with a pair of rack assemblies configured to carry cargo above a pickup truck bed. The rack is easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials. The rack assemblies have an elongated main body member with support assemblies at each end and a clamp assembly for securing the support assemblies to the truck bedrails. Each support assembly has two legs and a base member forming a triangular configuration with a receiver member disposed at the upper ends of the legs to connect to the main body member. The legs pivotally mount to the base member to allow the base member to correspond to the angle of the bedrails. One or both rack assemblies can be a sawhorse for use off of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Patent number: 7318617
    Abstract: A portable cargo container and cover system includes a container portion for stowing cargo in a vehicle cargo area, a cover portion for concealing cargo from view in the cargo area, and an attachment means for removably attaching the system to the cargo area. When the system is removed from the vehicle cargo area, cargo stowed in the container portion can be manually transported in the container portion outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: McMurray Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Curtis Scotton
  • Patent number: 7226029
    Abstract: An accessory holder includes a tubular holder body having an opening at the top and a bottom upon which a small article inserted from the opening can be rested. The device includes a foldable tray, a biasing device and a damping device. The foldable tray is rotatably supported at mid height of the accessory holder and holds the small article by rotating from a vertical folded position to a horizontal bottom-raising position. The biasing device is provided between the foldable tray and the tubular holder body to bias the foldable tray from the horizontal bottom-raising position towards the vertical folded position. The damping device damps the rotational force of the foldable tray and may be rotated by the bias force of the biasing device. A locking device locks the foldable tray in the vertical folded position against the bias force of the biasing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Shouichi Hoshi
  • Patent number: 6634690
    Abstract: A built-in combination (10) for use in a motor vehicle includes an ashtray (14) that is displaceable forwards into an inaccessible position and rearwards into an accessible position. A receiving element (24) having an insertion opening (28) for a beverage container is arranged at the rear side of the ashtray (14). The receiving element is pivotally connected to the ashtray (14), thus taking up a position of use when the ashtray (14) is displaced forwards. In the position of use, a beverage container can be inserted into the insertion opening (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Falk Schaal
  • Patent number: 6497441
    Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle having a support structure having an internal compartment, a latching mechanism being fixedly secured to a lower surface of the support structure and providing a means for releasably engaging a mounting member of the vehicle. The internal compartment has a lid pivotally secured to an upper portion of the support structure and moves between a first position and a second position. The lid covers the internal compartment when the lid is in the first position and the lid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is pivotally secured to the lower portion for movement between the first position and the second position. The upper portion and the lower portion define a surface area for changing a child's diaper when the upper portion is in the second position. The internal compartment provides a plurality of storage areas for products necessary to facilitate the changing of the child's diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole M. Mahmood, Kenneth Alan Gassman, Frank X Kreiling
  • Patent number: 6425618
    Abstract: An extendable support mechanism for a cargo bed of a pickup truck or the like. One or more support members are attached to opposite sides of the cargo bed and adapted to be positioned vertically upwardly from the cargo bed in order to support a tent-like structure or an object which is also positioned in part on the cab of the vehicle. Preferably, three tubular support members are provided in the support mechanism. Each of the tubular members are comprised of two telescopic members and are extendable in order to vary the height of the support member in the vertical direction in order to be used to hold members on the top of the vehicle. The support mechanism can be attached to an articulating bracket member which allows the support member also to be used as a cargo bed extender when desired, and also to be rotated to a stored position inside the cargo bed. In an alternate embodiment, the support members are held in vertical position on the sides of the cargo bed by fixed bracket members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Steven Garland, Warren L. Nally, Ronald J. Brzuch, Burt E. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6155470
    Abstract: A carrier for a bow can be carried by a user as a backpack or attached to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The carrier facilitates the transportation of the bow to any desired location. The bow is easily attached and detached from the carrier for its ease in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Frankie Joe Robison
  • Patent number: 5975390
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a removable golf cart cushion for placement on a side rail of a golf cart to provide both protection from the side rail, space for advertisement, and convenient holders for various golf accessories. The golf cart cushion includes a fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener, formed on opposite edges of the removable cushion. The cushion is folded over the side rail, and the hook and loop fasteners on the opposite edges engage to maintain the cushion in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: David Saroli
    Inventor: David Saroli
  • Patent number: 5961018
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a means of transporting personal items such as those commonly taken to do shopping, and storing them in an easily accessible manner to a shopping cart or stroller handle. The device can also include a second side for children riding in the child's seat of a shopping cart, thereby allowing storage for items of entertainment to the child or even a pillow for their comfort during the shopping excursion. The device is comprised of one or more flaps, at least some of the flaps including pockets that are capable of distinctively storing items that would be necessary to a shopper or child, whichever the case may be. The invention includes a pliable portion that is capable of flexing around and fastening to the handle of a shopping cart or stroller and in doing so creating accessible pockets that are exclusive to each the child and the shopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignees: Elizabeth Wright, Thomas Wright
    Inventors: Kevin G. Abelbeck, Elizabeth Wright, Thomas Wright
  • Patent number: 5826768
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted cart is provided including a vehicle, a frame, a handle support pivotally mounted to the frame, and a pair of wheel assemblies coupled to the frame, whereby the frame is removably coupled to the vehicle wherein the handle support acts as a support when the frame is coupled to the vehicle and a handle when the frame is removed from the vehicle and utilized as a cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas D. Gamulo
  • Patent number: 5730346
    Abstract: A strap assembly is provided for securing an object adjacent to a vehicle. The strap assembly includes an elongated strap of predetermined length. An anchor is attached to the strap at a location along its length. The anchor is shaped to be captured by panels of a vehicle so that opposed ends of the strap extend outwardly from the vehicle. A fastener is connected to one of the opposed ends of the strap and is adapted for connecting the ends to secure one or more objects. A bracket is preferably provided so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the strap assembly and bracket are provided in the form of a kit so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a vehicle or adjacent to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: It's A Cinch, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Adams, Robert D. Hellyer
  • Patent number: 5669537
    Abstract: A storage unit for an automotive vehicle storage area, defined by a floor bounded by generally vertically extending vehicle panels, has a base member, a pair of side supports attached at opposing ends of the base members, a pair of side members hingedly attached to the pair of side supports for pivotable movement between the deployed position and a stored position, a track system on a storage area facing surface of the side members, at least one removable shelf cooperative with the track system for alternatively dividing the storage area into generally vertical or horizontal storage compartments, and manually operable lock members attached to an outboard surface of the side supports and side members for releasable engagement with a lock engagement attached to the vehicle panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abbas A. Saleem, William C. Bauer, John M. McGuckin, Mathew A. Demars, David H. Grandinett