Pivotable Patents (Class 224/502)
  • Publication number: 20040191037
    Abstract: A pivoting ramp device 10 for loading and transporting a “dirt bike” type of motorcycle 11 includes a mounting member removably attached to a trailer hitch 12 that is secured to the rear end portion of the frame of a transport vehicle 13 such as a pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle; a ramp member 16 having metal grating 34 for receiving the tires of the motorcycle 11; a first lateral member 18 positioned to engage a first end 36 of the ramp member 16; a second lateral member 20 positioned to engage a second end 37 of the ramp member 16, the second lateral member 20 having a removable portion 90 to secure the position of the ramp member 16; pivoting components 22 for pivoting the ramp member 16 to a balanced and stable position with the motorcycle 11 thereupon; eyelets 24 that receive a taut twine that secures the motorcycle 11 to the ramp member 16; and a removable extension portion 90 of the second lateral member 20 that upon removal, allows the ramp member 16 to pivot to promote the loading
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory S. Potts
  • Patent number: 6783315
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a loading platform 14 for motor vehicles 12 that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member 32 with a central square tube 34 that connects with a conventional trailer hitch 36. The platform 14 may be locked securely to the stationary frame member 32 and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies 42 allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks 46 and associated platform 14 around the bearings 44 that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube 34 extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons 30 communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member 32 and a distal portion of the platform 14 to provide stability and regulate the rotational movement of the platform 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J Senechal
  • Patent number: 6745926
    Abstract: Hitch mount load carrier including a stinger adapted to be stabbingly received in a hitch mount receiver of a carrying vehicle. A fixed upright post is stationarily coupled to the stinger, and an upright load supporting member is coupled to the fixed upright post by an expandable and contractable or swing-away linkage. A securement arrangement is adapted to releasably couple the upright load supporting member to the fixed upright post. The securement arrangement has a threaded receiver positioned upon the upright load supporting member at an aperture extending through at least a portion of the upright load supporting member. An elongate slot is positioned upon the fixed upright post and is configured to receive a threaded bolt therethrough. A threaded bolt is provided and configured to be insertible through the elongate slot and dimensioned to be vertically variably positionable in the elongate slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Thomas A. Chimenti
  • Patent number: 6732893
    Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar engages and interlocks with orientation grooves associated with the holding member. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations without the presence of an article in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Danik Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • 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: 20040062629
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading and un-loading a recreational vehicle from a truck. The truck has a front and rear and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a vehicle receiving ramp and a lifting means engaged with the underside of the ramp. The lifting means is mounted to the rear of the truck and is selectively operable to arcuately move the ramp between a lowered position that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and a raised position that is parallel with the longitudinal axis. The ramp is longitudinally mobile in the raised position between a foremost and rearmost position and is selectively lockable in the foremost and rearmost positions using a locking means. To load the recreational vehicle, the ramp is preferably locked in the rearmost longitudinal position and placed in the lowered position for receiving the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jake Edward Kelly
  • Patent number: 6655562
    Abstract: A racking assembly for securely storing and transporting recreational equipment on vehicles includes a hitch mount, an equipment support assembly, and pair of support members having lower ends pivotally coupled to the hitch mount and upper ends pivotally coupled to the equipment support assembly. The support members are configured to allow the racking assembly to collapse away from a user placing equipment thereon so that injury is prevented from the weight of the equipment causing the racking assembly to collapse onto a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Vigor Sports
    Inventor: Chanyoung Jeong
  • Patent number: 6607346
    Abstract: A swivelling spare wheel carrier for a vehicle is provided which improves rear access to the vehicle body and the tailgate opening. The spare wheel carrier is connected to the vehicle body by a swivel joint. A swivelling axis of the swivel joint is disposed such that, by means of the spare wheel carrier, the spare wheel is movable from a travel position, in which it is behind the tailgate, into a rear access position, in which the spare wheel held by the spare wheel carrier is disposed at least in part with a region overlapping a rear part of a longitudinal side of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: ORIS Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Dunsch, Joerg Riehle, Hans Riehle
  • Patent number: 6516986
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting an article on a vehicle-mounted equipment carrier having an axially-extending mounting member generally includes a first support member, a second support member and a locking member, all of which define openings or passages within which the carrier mounting member is received. The first support member includes a hub section from which a pair of arms extend, and the arms include first and second support areas for engaging the article at a pair of spaced locations. The second support member includes a hub section which is engageable with the hub section of the first support member, and an arm extending therefrom and including a third support area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Lassanske, Joseph J. Schachtner, Neil T. Amundsen
  • Patent number: 6513690
    Abstract: A supplementary cargo carrier for a vehicle. The carrier includes a support-frame, a platform and support bars which can be pivoted relative to the platform. The support-frame can be removably attached to a trailer hitch. The carrier can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended application, the configurations being changeable by adjusting the support bars and by reversing the orientation of the platform relative to the support-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. Churchill, Robert W. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20020195473
    Abstract: An attachment for a specific type of bicycle rack which allows for the bicycle rack to be attached to the tow bar of a variety of trailers
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Guy Fournier
  • Publication number: 20020134808
    Abstract: A crutch and cane holder attachment for attaching to the rear vertical surface portion, below the seat and preferably just above a rear deck, of a motorized wheelchair-scooter, of the type used to transport a disabled person. Such motorized wheelchair-scooters are typically provided in grocery stores and other retail establishments for use by disabled persons. The adjustable crutch and cane holder will accommodate storage of crutches or canes regardless of the angle of attachment of the holder to the motorized wheelchair-scooter or the slope of the wheelchair seat-back. This adjustability provides that the crutches will not hit the user in the head or interfere with the seat-back when utilizing a seat that swivels. The low mounting height provides for a minimal distance above the floor that the crutches or cane must be lifted to accommodate storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Gallagher, Edith A. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6443345
    Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally inked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bloemer, Clarence A. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020117524
    Abstract: A trunk-mountable equipment rack includes a frame having a cross member and a plurality of legs. The legs have straps attached that are capable of extending to couple the legs to the trunk of a vehicle. These straps allow the equipment rack to be placed on and secured to different sizes and shapes of trunks of vehicles. The invention also includes support bars for securing equipment to the equipment rack for transportation on a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Chanyoung Jeong
  • Patent number: 6427854
    Abstract: A bag and bicycle rack for easily mounting upon a vehicle and for conveniently stowing golf bags and bicycles and saving other space in the vehicle. The bag and bicycle rack includes a hitch mounting member for mounting upon a hitch of a vehicle, a pair of brace members and an elongate upright support member which is secured to the brace members and secured upon the hitch mounting member. Two bracket members are securely attached with conventional means to the brace members and one bracket is securely and conventionally attached to the elongate upright support member. Three bag support members are securely and conventionally mounted to the bracket members. A cantilevered support member is removeably mounted upon the elongate upright support member and secured to the elongate upright support member with a retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Claude Grossi, Robert Assaf, Patrick Bucca, Paul Grossi
  • Patent number: 6401999
    Abstract: A pivotable carrier assembly for mounting to a vehicle trailer hitch. The carrier assemble includes a lower support which is mounted to the hitch, and a pivotable upright support having a rack head rotatably mounted to the upper end thereof. A linkage rotates the head in response to the upright support being pivoted away from the vehicle, so as to maintain the load in an upright orientation. The linkage includes upper and lower crank links which are connected by an elongate actuating rod. The rack may be configured to carry any suitable cargo, including bicycles or skis, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Hehr
  • Patent number: 6382484
    Abstract: A gun-mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further providing adaptability to a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, an interchangeable pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate, and an interchangeable bracket member attached perpendicular thereto adapted to receive the barrel portion of the gun boot. The bracket member, having an elongated opening for receiving the barrel portion of the gun boot, is provided with a polymeric edge molding and allows the barrel portion of the gun boot to extend therethrough to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its bar latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20020038810
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Duncan Robins, Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6360930
    Abstract: A utility rack for a motor vehicle is provided comprising a stationary mounting frame mountable to a vehicle, a cargo frame movable between an access position and a storage position and capable of carrying substantially elongated cargo, a carriage to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage movably attaching said cargo frame to said mounting frame, said carriage being manually actuated to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage comprising an assist capable of assisting manual movement of said cargo frame between said storage position and said access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Mick Flickenger
  • Publication number: 20020023938
    Abstract: A bed extender apparatus for use with a truck bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The bed extender includes a center wall having a pair of uprights at opposite ends thereof. A pair of end walls are pivotably coupled to the uprights and can be folded down over the center wall when the bed extender is not in use, or attached to sidewalls of the truck bed to place the bed extender in a bed extending configuration. The center wall is secured to an inside surface of a tailgate of the vehicle by a pair of mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies allow the bed extender to be quickly slidably detached from the truck bed when not needed. The bed extender can also be installed within the truck bed to provide an article restraining function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald L. Munoz, James W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20020020728
    Abstract: Hitch mount load carrier including a stinger adapted to be stabbingly received in a hitch mount receiver of a carrying vehicle. A fixed upright post is stationarily coupled to the stinger, and an upright load supporting member is coupled to the fixed upright post by an expandable and contractable or swing-away linkage. A securement arrangement is adapted to releasably couple the upright load supporting member to the fixed upright post. The securement arrangement has a threaded receiver positioned upon the upright load supporting member at an aperture extending through at least a portion of the upright load supporting member. An elongate slot is positioned upon the fixed upright post and is configured to receive a threaded bolt therethrough. A threaded bolt is provided and configured to be insertible through the elongate slot and dimensioned to be vertically variably positionable in the elongate slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Chimenti
  • Publication number: 20020017543
    Abstract: In order to improve a spare wheel holding device for a vehicle body having a hatchback with tailgate, comprising a spare wheel carrier, which holds a spare wheel and is capable of swivelling about an axis relative to the vehicle body, in a way that improves rear access to the vehicle body and hence to the tailgate and enables said spare wheel holding device to be fixed as easily as possible to the vehicle body, it is proposed that the spare wheel carrier is connected to the vehicle body by a swivel joint, the swivelling axis of which is disposed in such a way that the spare wheel carrier the spare wheel is movable from a travel position, in which it is behind the tailgate, into a rear access position, in which the spare wheel held by the spare wheel carrier is disposed at least with a part-region overlapping a rear part of a longitudinal side of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Oris Fahrzuegteile Hans Riehle GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Dunsch, Joerg Riehle, Hans Riehle
  • Patent number: 6321962
    Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Danik Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Publication number: 20010025866
    Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6283349
    Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar engages and interlocks with orientation grooves associated with the holding member. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations without the presence of an article in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Danik Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Waug, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6234372
    Abstract: A combination bicycle mount and a collapsible holder by which the bicycle mount is removably coupled to an existing trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. With the bicycle mount uncoupled from the collapsible holder, the holder is adapted to be folded into a compact package to facilitate transport and storage between uses. The bicycle mount includes upper and lower retaining plates between which a single bicycle frame bar or a pair of bicycle frame bars are received and retained. A threaded locking bolt extends between the upper and lower retaining plates to be rotated in either a first direction to cause the retaining plates to move together to establish a clamping force against the bicycle frame bars or an opposite direction to reduce the clamping force. A cranking tab is pivotally connected to the head of the locking bolt to be rotated between a locked position at which to prevent the locking bolt from being rotated and an unlocked position at which to permit the locking bolt to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: George Rivera
  • Patent number: 6189748
    Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle and an arm support bracket secured to the cross tube. The swing-away spare tire carrier also includes a carrier arm having a first arm portion pivotally attached to the arm support bracket and a second arm portion pivotally attached to the first arm portion for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body when the second arm portion is moved toward the first arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B Hutter, Eric P Thorne, Christopher G Burchart, Brian C Lazarus
  • Patent number: 6186729
    Abstract: A portable rack is shown for transporting objects including animal carcasses such as deer. The rack is removably secured to a vehicle and includes a carrying tray assembly adapted to receive the object, i.e. animal carcass. The rack is structured such that the tray assembly can be selectively mounted from a ground position to facilitate loading to an upright position for transporting of the object which has been loaded. The carrying tray assembly can also be selectively adjusted from a straight, in line contour to an arcuate or angulated contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Sargent
  • Patent number: 6176406
    Abstract: A support device for a rear end assembly on motor vehicles, especially on campers, caravans or the like, is provided with two connecting elements which, on the one hand, carry a transporting frame, protruding from the rear of the vehicle and, on the other, are supported on a chassis. The connecting elements are formed by a sliding rail, which has a guiding and holding profiling and at which the transporting frame 6, as well as additional supporting elements for transported goods can be fixed as pivotable, foldable and/or extendable add-ons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: SMV-Metall GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Laumann
  • Patent number: 6164508
    Abstract: A rack system for vehicles that comprises a rack assembly and an attachment assembly comprising a base member mounted to a vehicle hitch receiver, an inner swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to the base member, an outer swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to a second end of the inner swing arm, a rack member pivotably mounted to a second end of the outer swing arm, and locking means for selectively locking the base and rack members together to secure the system in a storage position. The rack assembly is rigidly attached to the rack member. When the base and rack members are locked together, the rack assembly is securely located immediately above and behind the vehicle hitch receiver. When the rack member is unlocked from the base member, the rack assembly may be moved within a movement area defined by the rear of the vehicle and a horizontal, generally circular arc that extends from one side of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Heininger & Moore Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Erik van Veenen
  • Patent number: 6129371
    Abstract: A dual level hitch adapted to be connected to the front or rear of a vehicle. The hitch is provided with an upper and lower receiver adapted to receive either a ball mount or a platform for storing cargo. The upper and lower receivers are connected together utilizing a vertical extension bar. The vertical extension bar can be tilted in both the forward as well as the rearward direction to facilitate the opening and closing of a tailgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Powell
  • Patent number: 6126053
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack that includes first, second and third rotatably interconnected members. The second and third members rotate between a first position in which all three members are aligned and a second position in which the second and third members are angularly offset from the first member. The second and third members may also angularly offset from one another when the second and third members are in the second position. The vehicle equipment rack may also include a drive train operatively connected between the second and third members. The drive train is configured to rotate one of these moveable members upon rotation of the moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Tori Shaver
  • Patent number: 6085954
    Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally linked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bloemer, Clarence A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6062451
    Abstract: A formed steel tilt bracket has a cylindrical section which wraps around a bike support tube forming a visually pleasing and cost-effective solution to the problem of joining a round tube with a square hitch extension. The tilt bracket engages and supports an upstanding circular tube for mounting bicycles or the like. The bracket has a plane of symmetry aligned with the rectangular hitch extension. The plane of symmetry passes through a cylindrical portion of the bracket which is intersected only once by the plane of symmetry, the cylindrical portion wraps over 180 degrees of the upstanding tube circumference. The cylindrical portion has a first substantially triangular extension and a second substantially triangular extension arranged symmetrically about the plane of symmetry and forming therebetween a passage for the square receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Lassanske, John M. Bloemer
  • Patent number: 6059155
    Abstract: A spare tire mounting assembly for mounting a spare tire to a bumper of a vehicle. The spare tire mounting assembly includes a base plate with a post upwardly extending therefrom. The post has a channel slot therethrough extending downwards from a top end of the post. A threaded elongate tire mounting rod is extended through the elongate channel slot. A pair of threaded nuts are threadably disposed around the tire mounting rod with the post interposed between the nuts. A mounting plate designed for coupling to a bumper of a vehicle is pivotally coupled to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: James O. Young
  • Patent number: 6024263
    Abstract: A hinged carrier assembly for carrying and storing articles at the rear end of a sport equipment trailer, and capable of swinging outward and away to allow access to the rear cargo area. The hinged carrier assembly has an elongated receptacle which is secured to one corner at the rear end of the sport equipment trailer by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is directly secured to a hollow frame member at the corner using a supporting backing plate inserted inside the hollow frame member. The elongated receptacle can swing outward to a maximum angle which can be adjusted by an adjustable stopper assembly. The elongated receptacle is additionally supported by a suspension line which links the remote end of the elongated receptacle to an elevated point above the hinge assembly. An upper end of the suspension-line is secured to a swivel assembly which allows the suspension-line to pivot smoothly together with the elongated receptacle as it is swung open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Edward B. Lewis, Sr., Charles F. Thayer
  • Patent number: 6000594
    Abstract: A load carrier mountable upon a transporting vehicle having an extension member for positioning an article carried upon the load carrier away from the transporting vehicle. The extension member has a vehicle engaging end that is coupleable to the transporting vehicle and a supporting end substantially opposite the vehicle engaging end upon which an upwardly extending support assembly is connected. The support assembly has an upright post fixed to the extension member and an upright support member coupled to the extension member for relative pivotal movement between the upright post and the upright support member. A collar is slidingly engagable upon the upright support member for releasably securing the upright support member to the upright post thereby establishing a traveling orientation of the load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Thomas A. Chimenti
  • Patent number: 5950892
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes two frames between which a connecting device and an engaging device are respectively disposed. One of the frames has a tongue member extending laterally from a lower end thereof. The engaging device includes a retaining member having an open bottom and a second recess is defined in a peripheral wall of the retaining member and communicates with the open bottom so that a connecting sphere of a car is received in the retaining member via the open bottom and limited by the tongue member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignees: Yu-Lung Tsai, Chiu-Man Chang-Kao
    Inventor: Yu-Lung Tsai
  • Patent number: 5950891
    Abstract: A bicycle rack adapted to be detachably mounted to a vehicle via a standard trailer hitch receiver with the bicycle rack having a vertical support pivotally connected at its lower end to a base assembly with a bicycle carrier assembly connected to the upper end of the vertical support. The bicycle carrier assembly includes two generally rectangular plates detachably connected together adapted to receive the crossbars of bicycles. A pin releasably locks the vertical support in an upright position. Upon removal of the pin the vertical support pivots rearwardly away from the vehicle. Tail lights are mounted on the carrier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Kervin Brungardt, Michael J. Cousino, David A. Watch
  • Patent number: 5884826
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack that includes first, second and third rotatably interconnected members. The second and third members rotate between a first position in which all three members are aligned and a second position in which the second and third members are angularly offset from the first member. The second and third members may also angularly offset from one another when the second and third members are in the second position. The vehicle equipment rack may also include a drive train operatively connected between the second and third members. The drive train is configured to rotate one of these moveable members upon rotation of the moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Tori Shaver
  • Patent number: 5845831
    Abstract: A car carrier adapted to mount to a trailer hitch of a vehicle with a motion-dampening mechanism. The carrier includes a horizontal hitch insert assembly, an upright column assembly rotatably engaged to the horizontal hitch insert assembly and at least one resistive member coupled to the upright column assembly. The resistive member can be actuated to produce a resistive force along the horizontal hitch insert assembly to dampen a movement of the upright column assembly when the upright column assembly is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hollywood Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Nusbaum, Neil Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 5845832
    Abstract: The rear-mounted vehicle cargo carrier includes a mounting bar for detachable mounting on a vehicle. A first arm is pivotally mounted on the mounting bar. The first arm pivotally carries a second arm. A frame bar is pivotally carried on the second arm. The frame bar is part of the cargo carrier rack, which has fittings suitable to carry the selected cargo. With this structure, the rack can be swung in any desired direction out of the way of the rear doors or tailgates of the vehicle. A locking pin locks the rack and arms to the mounting bar in folded, travel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Marty W. Eichmann
  • Patent number: 5820002
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted, bicycle carrier includes an elongate arm movably mounted on the carrier for movement between an engaged position in which a bicycle is fixed on the carrier, and a disengaged position in which the bicycle may be removed from the carrier. A locking mechanism mounted on the arm lockably receives a carried bicycle's pedal crank when the arm is moved to the engaged position thereby fixing the bicycle on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 5788135
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a monorail support in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the monorail by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The monorail ("M") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear slider shank connecting the M to the truck, and (ii) a support beam telescopable on the slider shank. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the M, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches and an attachment latch, it is preferred to use, in addition, a second attachment latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Nikolas Christian Janek
  • Patent number: 5775555
    Abstract: An L-shaped support has a rearwardly extending tubular arm formed of a thin-walled tube. The end of vertical leg of the support is cold formed into a U-shaped, double-walled channel which fits between the sides of a brace which is rigidly mounted to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A plastic bracket has a split ring clamp which fits over the rearwardly extending arm of the support. The entire bracket may pivot about the axis defined by the arm. An alternative embodiment attachment device for restraining a bicycle tube on a horizontally extending carrier arm is formed as a single molded part of thermoplastic rubber. The attachment device has a strap with an array of two rows of holes which engage with a square array of four mushroom-head type fasteners to attach the end of the strap to the attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bloemer, John M. Kaloustian, Todd W. Lassanske
  • Patent number: 5752636
    Abstract: A truck bed extender mounts to a vehicle to support loads which are longer than the load bed of the vehicle. The truck bed extender includes a main beam adapted to engage a conventional box receiver on the vehicle. A load support is mounted to the main beam and includes a load support bar which extends transversely to the main beam when the truck bed extender is in use. A storage mount is provided to allow mounting of the load support to the main beam in a storage position when the load support is not being used. The truck bed extender can be mounted to the box receiver in a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher D. Manley
  • Patent number: 5715978
    Abstract: A device for variable division of a motor vehicle boot and for securing the loaded goods has a guide rail arranged on the boot floor and one or more support panels guided by a sliding guide block in the guide rail at right angles to the guide rail and so as to be transversely displaceable therein. The support panels are mounted to rotate in the sliding block and can be swivelled up out of a horizontal position in which they lie substantially parallel to the boot floor, into a position vertical with respect to the boot floor, and can be locked. On the support panels there are provided connecting elements to which fixing modules or belt modules for securing the loaded goods or for dividing the boot in a second axis can be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 5695103
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable carrier includes a body having an article holder and a mounting tube for both securing the body to a vehicle and receiving a hitch bar. Preferably, the article holder includes a storage compartment and cooperating lid. The storage compartment may also include a cradle for receiving a frame of at least one bicycle. Specifically, a support channel may be provided bridging opposing walls of the storage compartment and cooperating frame receiving notches may be provided in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Reese Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Duvernay, Richard McCoy
  • Patent number: 5676292
    Abstract: An automotive remote carrier deck for transporting equipment or other material and attachable to a standard trailer hitch tongue. The remote carrier deck has a trailer hitch assembly which attaches directly to a trailer hitch tongue and which elevates the entire remote carrier deck to a height which is substantially above the trailer hitch tongue. The remote carrier deck hinges about a first securing pin allowing the entire deck to be raise in a vertical stored position or a usable horizontal position. A second securing pin allows the deck to be locked in the vertical and horizontal position. There is also an adjustable stop which determines the extent of downward rotation and horizontal level of the deck. The stop allows the horizontal angle of the deck to be adjusted when heavy items are placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Dick D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5667120
    Abstract: A device for a variable division of a motor vehicle boot and for securing a loaded cargo, the device comprises two guide rails arrangeable at a distance apart on a boot floor, at least one supporting panel arranged between the guide rails and displaceable at right angles to the guide rails, rolling devices by which the at least one supporting panel is displaceable to the guide rails and which are arranged in both the guide rails and joined to one another, a sliding block which guides the rolling devices in one of the guide rails, the support panel being rotatably mounted on the sliding guide block and being pivotable from a horizontal position lying on the boot floor into a supportable upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: fischerwerke,Artur Fisch GmbH & CO KG
    Inventors: Torsten Bieck, Manfred Haage, Herbert Erath, Bernd Plocher