Supporting Link Patents (Class 224/508)
  • Patent number: 11865399
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sports equipment training device, comprising a mounting member, configured to mount the device to a vehicle hitch or to a wall mount, wherein the mounting member has a horizontal hitch or mount receiver portion and a vertical main connector portion configured to receive and connect to a base upright support post; one or more upright support posts, starting with a first upright support post comprising a base upright support post, with each additional upright support post fitting into or over the immediate lower upright support post; one or more anchor loops, wherein the one or more anchor loops may be affixed to one or more of the one or more upright support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Mount Out Gear
    Inventor: James Seamans
  • Patent number: 11812729
    Abstract: An automatically unfoldable beekeeping apparatus includes: a bottom unit installed in a loading unit of a vehicle; a shelf frame rotatably coupled to an end of the bottom unit; a first link unit configured to connect the bottom unit and the shelf frame to each other, support the shelf frame disposed in a vertical state by being bent into the shelf frame when the shelf frame is folded, and support the shelf frame disposed in a horizontally state by being unfolded to the outside of the shelf frame when the shelf frame is unfolded; and a first driving unit configured to connect the bottom unit and the first link unit to each other and dispose the shelf frame connected to the first link unit in a vertical or horizontal state by rotating the first link unit in one direction or the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Jungin Kim
  • Patent number: 7806307
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes a holding column and a support device. The holding column is movable between a horizontal position and an upright position. The holding column is operable for receiving a crank arm of a pedal of a bicycle when the holding column is in the upright position. The support device fixes the holding column in the upright position when the holding column is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 7784657
    Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier for transporting various recreational equipment. The trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier includes a support frame having at least a horizontal member and a vertical member, a first link arm pivotally coupled to the horizontal member, and a second link arm pivotally coupled to the vertical member. The second link arm may be a different length than the first link arm. The recreational equipment carrier also includes a crossbar support frame pivotally coupled to the first and second link arms to provide a pivotal motion geometry that facilitates the crossbar support being pivotally moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Michael C. Blakley
  • Patent number: 7111765
    Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier for transporting various recreational equipment. The trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier includes a support frame having at least a horizontal member and a vertical member, a first link arm pivotally coupled to the horizontal member, and a second link arm pivotally coupled to the vertical member. The second link arm may be a different length than the first link arm. The recreational equipment carrier also includes a crossbar support frame pivotally coupled to the first and second link arms to provide a pivotal motion geometry that facilitates the crossbar support being pivotally moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Michael C. Blakley
  • Patent number: 6874667
    Abstract: A cargo management system of this invention includes a deep well storage area beneath a cargo floor, which well may be horizontally and/or vertically divided and which preferably includes a plurality of doors to access the well. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system also includes a panel which may be placed into three positions: a first storage position in which the panel is flush against the back of the rear seat; a second shelf position in which the panel is horizontal and spaced from the cargo floor by a first distance; and a third privacy shield position in which the panel is also horizontal but is spaced from the cargo floor a second distance, the second distance exceeding the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Dykstra, Darren C. McIntire, Leif A. Norland, Donald L. Sauer, David B. Fry, Adam W. Callif, Chris Hogg, Mike Burns, John Brett
  • Patent number: 6755332
    Abstract: A hinged utility rack disposed on and external to a vehicle having a temporary top or roof. The utility rack has a bed that supports objects especially for transportation. First and second support bars are attached to the vehicle and support the bed. The second support bar is releasably connected to the bed, supporting the bed when connected. A hinge pivotally connects the first support bar to the bed, enabling the bed to pivot about the first support bar. The bed pivots between (a) a closed position in which the bed covers the vehicle top and the second support bar is connected to the bed, and (b) an open position in which the second support bar is disconnected from the bed and the bed is disposed away from the second support bar thereby rendering the top accessible for removal or retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Factory Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Crane, P. Joshua Crane
  • Patent number: 6701913
    Abstract: An apparatus that is selectively attachable to a vehicle, for transporting a cooking device and positioning the cooking device in a desired orientation for cooking that also permits access to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hitch insertion member for insertion into a trailer hitch, a support arm attached to the hitch insertion member, a swing arm attached to the support arm with a locking hinge assembly, a pedestal attached to the swing arm, and a cooking device, for example a barbeque, that is attached to a column that is inserted into the pedestal and that can rotate in the pedestal. The locking hinge assembly has a plurality of locking holes for selective alignment with an angle securing hole in the support arm for locking the swing arm at a selected angle in relation to the support arm by placing an angle locking bar into the aligned holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Freedom Grill, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. LeDuc, Scott C. Salter, Steven J. Caliguri
  • Publication number: 20020148870
    Abstract: A transporter and method for moving greensmowers from green to green. The transporter attaches directly to a utility vehicle, allows a greensmower to be loaded and unloaded without the use of a ramp and without mounting and dismounting wheels, and can be entirely suspended from the vehicle when transporting the greensmower. The transporter includes a transverse member that is pivotally coupled to the utility vehicle, and longitudinal members spaced apart from each other, substantially coplanar with each other, and cantilevered from the transverse member. The transporter further includes an arm interconnected with the transverse member so as to be operable to rotate the longitudinal members when the arm is raised and lowered. The arm can be selectively secured to a side portion of the utility vehicle when the longitudinal members are in a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Dan T. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6409065
    Abstract: A coupling for attaching a support tube of a sports equipment carrier frame to a hitch mount, securely held to a mounting stinger received in a receiving type hitch of a transporting vehicle. The hitch mount includes a slot for sliding engagement with a lock pin held to the support tube by a bracket. A latch, pivotally mounted in the hitch mount, moves between open and closed positions. Its open position allows the lock pin to move into the slot to establish a suitable position for joining the support tube to the hitch mount. When the latch moves to its closed position, it captures the lock pin to secure the connection between the hitch mount and the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Edgerly
  • 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: 6019266
    Abstract: An improved bicycle carrying device for affixation to a vehicle, either to the bumper of the vehicle or to a permanent trailer hitch. The device comprises transverse support members to which the bicycle wheels are secured, and an upright member with elongate slots therein, within which adjustable, movable retaining members are affixed. The movable retaining members are moved into position such that they abut and are secured to an upper structural member of the bicycle. Therefore, the bicycle is restrained against lateral movement both at an upper and a lower position, securing the bicycle even during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Brian Johnson
  • Patent number: 5469998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire carrier for an automotive vehicle and, more particularly, to a hitch mounted tire carrier. The invention includes a cantilever construction having the combination of an elongated arm having the tire mount structure, and a bracket for the arm connectable, for example, to a tow hitch of a vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the bracket between the transportation position and in inactive position, and a cinch is provided on the bracket for normally maintaining the arm in the transportation position but releasing the same for movement to the inactive position. The cinch has a lever latch which, in keeping with the invention, is manipulatable of the cinch to an over-center position. A tightener is provided as a protuberance on the lever latch which is mounted for pivoting to a stop position beyond a center position at which it would be generally orthogonal to a bearing surface it engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Donn S. Van Dusen, Douglas P. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5456564
    Abstract: A new and improved winch operated vehicle mounted carrier comprised of an upper rectangular section having a securement bar extending inwardly therefrom. The securement bar is received within a class 3 trailer hitch for securement of the upper rectangular section thereto. An electric winch is secured to the upper rectangular section. The electric winch has a drive cable theresecured. The drive cable has a securement portion extending downwardly therefrom. The invention includes two pairs of arms. Each of the two pairs of arms is pivotally secured to a lower portion of the upper rectangular section. A lower support bracket is pivotally secured to an opposing end of the two pairs of arms. A latch is secured to a middle portion of the lower support bracket. The latch couples with the securement portion of the drive cable of the electric winch. A lower support tray is secured across the lower support bracket. Two spring-loaded catches are secured to an outer portion of the upper rectangular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas R. Bianchini
  • Patent number: 5435472
    Abstract: A foldable carrier that is mountable upon a vehicle includes rotatably connected frame, carrying, and supporting members. The carrying member is constrained for limited rotational movement relative to the frame between a carrying position and a stored position. A locking element, including a latch means and an arm means, positively locks the carrying member in its extended operational position, thus preventing collapse of the carrier after it is in use. Bicycles and other items are secured to the carrier using a tie-down system including either strap securing elements positioned on the ends of the carrying members arms or a series of mounting elements slidably positioned on the arms of the carrying member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Richard A. Allen, Christopher B. Allen, Alexander R. Allen