Axis Perpendicular To Bumper Axis Patents (Class 224/509)
  • Patent number: 11560100
    Abstract: A carrier element is configured to securely store a foldable wheelchair that is mountable in an ambulette or other vehicle without interfering with passenger space in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: KELLY CARRIER, INC.
    Inventor: Shawn Neville
  • Patent number: 10974656
    Abstract: A storage carrier for use with a tailgate of a vehicle. The storage carrier includes a hinge mechanism attachable to an outer face of the tailgate. The storage carrier includes a cabinet including first, opposing second and rear sides. The first side has a resting surface. The cabinet is attached a hinge mechanism adjacent the second and rear sides. The cabinet pivots between stored and deployed positions. In the stored position the first side is disposed adjacent the outer face and generally disposed in a vertical orientation with the tailgate in a closed position. In the deployed position the first side is generally disposed in a horizontal orientation with the resting surface being exposed away from the outer face with the tailgate in a closed position. The storage carrier further includes a cabinet recess formed in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Theodore J. Keck
  • Patent number: 10752066
    Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for transporting cargo using a swing-away hitch adapter that mounts to a hitch of a vehicle and provides a movable hitch receiver for a cargo carrier, such as a rack for carrying bicycles. In some embodiments, the hitch adapter may comprise a fixed beam and a movable beam. The movable beam may be pivotally connected to the fixed beam at a first end and associated with a movable hitch receiver at a second end. A latch mechanism of the adapter may be configured to automatically lock the movable beam in an open position orthogonal to the fixed beam, to provide access to a rear of the vehicle, when the movable beam is pivoted about a pivot axis to the open position from a closed position parallel to the fixed beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcos Henry Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10603968
    Abstract: A locking adjustable trailer hitch system includes a vehicle trailer hitch receiver having a receiver opening. The vehicle trailer hitch receiver includes at least one hitch pin opening for placement of a locking hitch pin. A locking adjustable trailer hitch bar is slidably and removably attached to the trailer hitch receiver through the receiver opening. The trailer hitch bar includes at least one extended slotted depression alongside one of its walls. The slotted depression is adapted to be in alignment with the hitch pin opening and can be a pass through or non-pass through depression. The hitch system further includes an anti-wobble device to secure and stabilize the hitch bar within the vehicle receiver. The hitch bar can extend along the length of the slotted depression such that the distal end of the hitch bar can be positioned a greater or lesser distance from the receiver as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: 1UP USA.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan P. Withrow, Robbie T. Lange
  • Patent number: 10583769
    Abstract: A modular bumper attachment system configured to be attached or mounted to the bumper of a vehicle or base member. The modular bumper attachment system may include a first attachment member and a second attachment member, each attachment member an aperture defined by an outer wall that is configured to encompass the bumper of a vehicle. The system may also include one or more support members that are integrally attached to the attachment member. The support member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is located where the support member meets the attachment member. The second end of each support member may extend at a non-zero angle in a generally outward direction from the base member and include one or more connectors configured to removably attach a hammock, tent, awning, storage container, cooler, etc. to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Dustin Tyler
  • Patent number: 10343634
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle structure, a bumper, an elongate structural member, and an extension portion. The elongate structural member is able to crush longitudinally in response to application of force in a longitudinal direction. The extension portion is able to crush longitudinally in response to application of force in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the elongate structural member such that the elongate structural member and the extension portion support the bumper with respect to the vehicle structure, and is operable to move the bumper between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the vehicle structure to change a distance between the bumper and the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Mikael Fermer, Alice C. Watts, Joel Frederic Jensen, Ronald Jack Smith, Mark B. Rober, Sung Hoon Kim, David Jennings Dostal, Russell Cranstoun Mead, Jr., Todd Elliot Lewis, Jesse T. Buehler, Nathaniel J. Dennis, Tommaso P. Rivellini, Robert R. Mayer, Anthony S. Montevirgen, Donald J. Parr, Bryce A. Woollard, Adam J. Golman, Kevin P. Makowski, Daniel E. Rivera
  • Patent number: 10328862
    Abstract: The adjustable receiver structure has a tongue which is mountable into a standard receiver and can be clamped therein. The tongue carries a body and inner and outer arms successively pivoted on the body. The outer arm carries a lock bar and an auxiliary receiver. The lock bar is releasably attached to the body so that it is secured in place during locked condition. When unlocked, the lock bar and auxiliary receiver can swing to an out of the way position. Assembly positions can be selected to choose the assembled height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Dalian Eichmann
  • Patent number: 10300751
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage device for the ball mount and spring/torsion bar component of a trailer weight distribution system when the equipment is not in use. The storage device is comprised of a horizontal channel where the spring bars can be inserted, a vertical channel, where the ball mount can be inserted, and a horizontal tongue separating the two channels. When the spring bars are inserted into the horizontal channel with the heads of the spring bars resting on the tongue area and the ball mount is inserted into the vertical channel with the hitch ball directly above the spring bar heads, the spring bars are securely confined to the device. Once a locking device has been affixed to the ball mount, the device deters theft of the spring bars and ball mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Terry Nehring
  • Patent number: 10173575
    Abstract: A modular bumper attachment system configured to be attached or mounted to the bumper of a vehicle or base member. The modular bumper attachment system may include a first attachment member and a second attachment member, each attachment member having a receiving member and an aperture defined by an outer wall that is configured to encompass the bumper of a vehicle. The system may also include one or more support members that are removably attached to the receiving member of each attachment member. The support member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is removably attached to the receiving member. The second end of each support member may extend in a generally outward direction from the base member and include one or more connectors configured to removably attach a hammock, tent, awning, storage container, cooler, etc. to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Dustin Tyler
  • Patent number: 9688212
    Abstract: A reconfigurable utility system that is mountable to a standard trailer hitch. The utility system has small basic units that can be temporarily combined to make members and connections. The connections can be fixed or pivoting. The members can be oriented both parallel and orthogonal (although not necessarily intersecting) to the hitch. The utility system is constructed from durable materials such as steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”). The utility system components can have a square cross-sectional mating area, so that it is most easily integrated with a standard trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Poly A. Endrasik
  • Patent number: 9624029
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted storage device for the ball mount and spring/torsion bar component of a trailer weight distribution system when the equipment is not in use. The storage device is comprised of a horizontal channel where the spring bars can be inserted, a vertical channel, where the ball mount can be inserted, and a horizontal tongue separating the two channels. When the spring bars are inserted into the horizontal channel with the heads of the spring bars resting on the tongue area and the ball mount is inserted into the vertical channel with the hitch ball directly above the spring bar heads, the spring bars are securely confined to the device. Once a locking device has been affixed to the ball mount, the device deters theft of the spring bars and ball mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Terry R. Nehring
  • Patent number: 8960574
    Abstract: The hitch bar with swivel has a proximal portion that attaches removably to the conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a supporting vehicle and a distal portion for supporting an apparatus, e.g., spreader for distributing animal feed, etc., thereon. The distal bar portion is positioned to overlay the proximal portion and to place the supported apparatus close to the rear of the supporting vehicle during operations in order to reduce the lever arm and corresponding bending loads on the hitch receptacle. The distal portion of the bar may be swiveled clear of the rear of the vehicle to allow the rear door (tailgate, rear hatch, etc.) of the vehicle to be opened when the vehicle is stopped. The distal bar portion and apparatus supported thereon have a combined length preferably less than half the width of the vehicle, permitting the bar to be swiveled freely without extending laterally beyond the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Harvey Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8857689
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for storing a ladder on the outer rear wall of a cab of a semi tractor. It comprises an outer stationary frame that is bolted to the rear surface of the tractor cab proximate one side of the cab and contained within the outer frame are first and second panels that are pivotally joined to one another where one of the first and second panels is also pivotally joined to the stationary frame. The second inner panel carries a ladder support bracket. When stowed, a latch mechanism prevents the inner articulated frame panels from extending relative to the stationary outer frame. Upon unlatching, the two inner articulated panels can be rotated such that the ladder will be positioned to the side of the tractor cab and accessible to an individual standing on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Avraham Y. Levi
  • Patent number: 8840000
    Abstract: A heavy duty leveraged spare tire carrier utilizes a cross frame configured so a spare tire for a vehicle can be bolted thereto and mounted on a receiver-type hitch with a secondary receiver hitch mounted thereon. The carrier has an integral lever-actuated lifting and lowering apparatus to allow a single person the ability to remove and replace a spare tire on the carrier and/or to swing the carrier and spare tire out of the way so an engine or other compartment in the rear of the vehicle can still be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Donald L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8820598
    Abstract: A rack for retaining a plurality of modular accessory cubes at the rear of a motor vehicle includes a hitch mounted swing-away carrier supporting an upright post carrying a number of planar platforms which the cubes may be attached to. The cubes may have drawers for supporting equipment such as grills and the like useful for outdoor activities and other modules may comprise electronic entertainment equipment such as audio players, radio and TV receivers, and the like. The platforms and the bases of the modules are formed with complementary engaging sections for positioning the modules on the platform, and threaded fasteners projecting upwardly through the platforms may quickly allow the modules to be secured and released from the platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ty Tennyson, Michael Henley
  • Patent number: 8726552
    Abstract: A sign mounting adapter system includes a hitch extension tube. A sign orientation post connected and oriented perpendicular to the hitch extension tube has a longitudinal axis. A sign support post is axially and rotatably received on the sign orientation post. The sign support post has a longitudinal axis co-axially aligned with the sign orientation post longitudinal axis, and a receiving bore perpendicular to the sign support post longitudinal axis. Multiple orientation bores extend through the sign orientation post, each oriented at a first angle to proximate orientation bores and perpendicular to the orientation post longitudinal axis. A retention assembly is releasably and co-axially received in the receiving bore and one of the orientation bores. The retention assembly releasably connects the sign support post to the sign orientation post to permit selection of a sign support post axial angle of rotation to the sign orientation post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Marketing Display, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8720760
    Abstract: A heavy duty, leveraged spare tire carrier utilizes a cross or T-shaped frame configured so a spare tire for an recreational vehicle can be bolted thereto and mounted on a receiver-type hitch common in the RV industry with a secondary receiver hitch mounted thereon. The carrier has an integral lever-actuated lifting and lowering apparatus to allow a single person the ability to remove and replace a spare tire on the carrier and/or to swing the carrier and spare tire out of the way so an engine or other compartment in the rear of an RV can still be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Simpson
  • Patent number: 8596508
    Abstract: A rollator carrier is operable to quickly support and secure a rollator. The carrier includes a pair of cradles to support the rollator, and an arm that rotates between a horizontal and vertical position. With the arm down, a user can easily lift the rollator into the relatively low cradles. The user can then rotate the arm up to the vertical position and secure the rollator to the carrier with a clamp of the carrier extending from the top end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Steady Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Sherry Costanza Steady
  • Patent number: 8496148
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle including a frame, a crossbar assembly, a wheel tray, and a swing arm pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly. The wheels of the bicycle are positioned in the tray and secured by a tray coupling to restrain lateral movement. Two trays may be secured to the crossbar assembly to each receive a wheel of the bicycle. The swing arm pivots on the crossbar assembly and includes a shoe which engages the bicycle wheel. A shoe coupling secures the bicycle wheel to the swing arm. Two swing arms could be pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly each to engage a bicycle wheel. The frame may include a drawbar for insertion into the receiver of a trailer hitch. Additional crossbar assemblies could be secured to the frame to accommodate multiple bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Kent Farney
  • Patent number: 8490847
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8365969
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Larry A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120292357
    Abstract: A rack for retaining a plurality of modular accessory cubes at the rear of a motor vehicle includes a hitch mounted swing-away carrier supporting an upright post carrying a number of planar platforms which the cubes may be attached to. The cubes may have drawers for supporting equipment such as grills and the like useful for outdoor activities and other modules may comprise electronic entertainment equipment such as audio players, radio and TV receivers, and the like. The platforms and the bases of the modules are formed with complementary engaging sections for positioning the modules on the platform, and threaded fasteners projecting upwardly through the platforms may quickly allow the modules to be secured and released from the platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ty Tennyson, Michael Henley
  • Patent number: 8286843
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable load carrier generally includes a connecting member for insertion into a hitch mount receiver of a vehicle, an upright post connected to the connecting member and an upright load supporting member coupled to the upright post by an extendable support arm having an open and closed positions. The extendable support arm includes at least a first section and a second section and has a pivoting coupling therebetween such that at least the second section can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The pivoting coupling includes a releasable lock to retain the extendable support arm in a locked-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent Bove, Brian Joder
  • Patent number: 8210408
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8113398
    Abstract: A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Richard Jeli, Andrew Austin, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder
  • Publication number: 20110278336
    Abstract: The cargo carrier according to the invention includes only three modular components which are embodied by a carrier frame and two support arms. These three components are easily assembled without the need of any coupling devices in addition to or external from the components themselves. According to the invention, inter-fitting tubular bearings of the carrier support arm and of the carrier frame require no pivot pins yet allow the carrier support arm to swing to various positions behind and to the side of the vehicle. A tubular bearing of the carrier frame is merely dropped into place into a corresponding tubular bearing of the upper support arm in a resting and nesting manner in order to rotate the carrier frame freely relative to the upper arm. In turn a second tubular bearing of the upper support arm is dropped into place into a corresponding tubular bearing of the lower support arm in order to rotate the upper support arm freely relative to the lower arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Landrum
  • Patent number: 8016169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to be used for the mechanized distribution of natural antagonists for the treatment of crops grown in greenhouse or in open field, under organic and/or integrated regimen, improving uniformity of distribution and concomitantly reducing the time spent in the distribution, with respect to other known systems in the current state of the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Universita Degli Studi Di Catania
    Inventors: Giacomo Blandini, Sabina Failla, Giuseppe Manetto
  • Patent number: 7992751
    Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable onto a trailer hitch of a vehicle has a two-piece tubular housing having an internal chamber for accommodating link members and rigid bars used to retain the housing in an expanded open position. A hitch bar secured to the housing is adapted to be coupled to the trailer hitch on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Larry L. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20110024472
    Abstract: An attachment for a vehicle effective in facilitating the loading of an elongated article onto the roof of such vehicle, generally consisting of a support means mountable on an end of the vehicle; a bracket mounted on the support means; a roller mounted on the bracket, having a rotation axis disposed transversely relative to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle, onto which an end of an article may be rested to accommodate the lifting of an opposite end thereof and rolling the article onto the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Dee D. Thompson, Virginia Elizabeth Thompson
  • Patent number: 7861903
    Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Brandon Plaschka
  • Patent number: 7841821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-weight tiltable hauling device for transporting smaller, auxiliary vehicles, where such device mounts to the hitch of an automobile, truck, van, SUV, RV, or other similar motor vehicles, the device can be mounted and removed by a single individual, the auxiliary vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded by a single individual, and the device can transport auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mirofam LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Miro, Andrew Miro
  • Patent number: 7811045
    Abstract: A rack for vehicular applications is described that has a frame that is connected to a beam by a continuous hinge. In a first position the rack is approximately aligned with the ground surface and in a second position one side of the frame is in proximity to the ground. The rack includes a removable winch that that has an operational position and a stowed position under the rack. The winch is movable between the operational position and the stowed position. The height of the winch mechanism can vary relative to the plane defined by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Butta
  • Patent number: 7780394
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a rotative platform powered manually through a hand crank or motor connected to a worm gear as the system motive force. Each of the arm bar lift is connected to a worm screw shaft providing synchronization as each arm bar rotates from the load position to the travel position. The device can rotate 360 degrees keeping a level platform through its entire rotation. This level platform rotation can only be achieved by having both arm bars connected and kept in time with each other with the worm gears and worm screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Shane Becker
  • Publication number: 20100096424
    Abstract: Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Luke Kuschmeader, Brian Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7641235
    Abstract: A transporting dolly attachable to a vehicle includes a metal frame having a base with a top surface and a bottom surface mounted on opposed peripheral side brackets, a peripheral front bracket and a peripheral rear bracket. A center support member and outer support members are secured to the bottom surface of the base. The center support member is integrally formed as a hitch connector to engage with a conventional trailer hitch receiver. The top surface of the base provides an area to carry cargo. Swivel jacks are mounted on the frame to allow the frame to be raised and lowered, and additionally provide means to move the dolly with an attached demountable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Anduss
  • Patent number: 7591404
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an apparatus that is selectively attachable to a vehicle, for transporting a device and positioning the device in an orientation that permits access to the vehicle. The apparatus may include a support arm defining a support arm longitudinal axis, wherein the support arm has a hitch collar hole. The apparatus may also include a primary swing arm defining a primary swing arm longitudinal axis. The apparatus may further include a primary hinge assembly coupled to the support arm and the primary swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. LeDuc, Scott C. Salter, Steven J. Caliguri
  • Patent number: 7552686
    Abstract: A portable table apparatus is disclosed, where that apparatus can be releaseably attached to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises an adjustable horizontal assembly, one or more storage containers attached to that horizontal assembly, a vertical assembly, and a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Scott E. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20090120985
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 7527282
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a trailer for towing light weight items such as Motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicles, Jet Skis, garden tractors, mowers, golf carts or other miscellaneous loads. The Transporter embodied in this invention takes advantage of a fixed attachment to the rear of a towing vehicle that has a hinged interface to the trailer which allows vertical motion between the trailer and the towing vehicle but eliminates the sideways motions or yaw. The Transporter also has one or more castor type wheels which allow the trailer to be backed as an extension of the towing vehicle without danger of jackknifing. The castor wheels are easily removed allowing the side of the Transporter to rest on the ground, creating a ramp to drive the vehicle to be transported onto the Transporter. The side of the Transporter can then be lifted with a typical jack and the castor wheel assembly or assemblies slipped into place and fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Larry D. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7410082
    Abstract: A vehicle rack includes a non-pivotal portion and a pivotal portion. The non-pivotal portion is adapted to be mounted on a motor vehicle such as a public transportation vehicle such as a bus, a trolley, train, van, or car. The pivotal portion, when in the bicycle receiving position, includes in a preferred embodiment retractable arms to hold bicycles in place by their tires. The bicycle rack includes elements that assist in the raising of the pivotal portion from the vehicle receiving position into a stowed position and for lowering the pivotal portion from the stowed position to the bicycle receiving portion. Other elements assist in the single-handed reposition-ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sportworks Northwest, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Stewart
  • Patent number: 7389898
    Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagon AG
    Inventors: Holger Riemer, Frank Babel, Oliver Burnus
  • Patent number: 7281646
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper is provided. The apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper includes a support platform, a support arm attached to the support platform at an end thereof, a pivot mount assembly for attaching an end of the support arm to a vehicle bumper, and a retaining mount assembly. A grill is fixedly mounted to the support platform by securing the grill to grill mounting flanges, which are attached to the support platform. The support arm is pivotal about the pivot mount assembly allowing the grill to be rotated about the vehicle for positioning of the grill for use. In addition, the grill support platform can be pivotal about the support arm allowing greater versatility in positioning the grill for use. The retaining mount assembly is attached to the vehicle bumper at a spaced distance from the pivot mount assembly and functions to retain the support arm in a non-use position against or parallel to the vehicle bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Flannery
  • Patent number: 7267253
    Abstract: A multipositionable apparatus for mounting on a receiver assembly carried by a vehicle includes a support frame, a platform carried on the support frame and a linkage for displaceably mounting the platform relative to the frame and positively holding the platform in at least two different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Jason R. Moldthan, Katherine A. Adams
  • Patent number: 7261228
    Abstract: A sporting article transport rack that is engageable to a hitch of an automotive vehicle is provided. The rack comprises a hitch engaging portion that is fastenable to the hitch and which extends therefrom away from the automotive vehicle. An elongated stem portion extends upwardly from the hitch engaging portion. An article support member is securable to an upper end of the elongated stem portion and is cantilevered therefrom. The article support member is removable from the elongated stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Sportrack Accessories
    Inventors: Keith Prescott, Jean Pigeon, Moussa Zahzam, Hugues Espesset, Germain Dépot, Stéphane Labrie, Laurent Landrin, Alain Parizeau
  • Patent number: 6966471
    Abstract: A luggage rack for a motorcycle having a shape conforming to the existing backrest on a sissy bar. The luggage rack is mounted to the existing mounting plate at brackets which may be selectively adjusted to provide the desired friction fit. The rack can be pivoted between an upright, stored position and a horizontal use position. In the stored position a stop associated with the brackets engage a portion of the rack to maintain it in a horizontal position. In one embodiment, a magnet on the rack exerts a force to retain the rack in an upright position against the sissy bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Robert L. Wilson, Betty Wilson
  • Patent number: 6923351
    Abstract: The tire carrier assembly of the present invention is mounted to the frame of a vehicle by removing the existing D-rings and placing the mounting brackets for the tire carrier over the apertures where the existing D-rings were mounted. The existing D-rings are then placed over the tire carrier mounting brackets and the entire assembly is mounted or coupled to the vehicle, using the original mounting apertures for the D-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: SMA-Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Marcus Roehmer, Michael Kenney
  • Patent number: 6910669
    Abstract: A bracket adapted to fit through a wheel of a spare tire for a vehicle is provided. The bracket includes a first plate portion, a first member, a second plate portion, and a second member. The first plate portion has at least two stud holes formed therethrough and arranged in a pattern corresponding to a wheel-stud pattern for at least one vehicle. The first member extends from the first plate portion. At least part of an exterior surface of the first member has a cylindrical shape. The first member has a first threaded portion. The second member extends from the second plate portion. The second member has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is adapted to mate with the second threaded portion. The bracket may be includes in a kit, wherein the kit includes a container holding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Gates, Monte Morrish
  • Patent number: 6889881
    Abstract: The vehicle mounted storage unit includes a support bracket that is clamped to a vehicle's spare tire and wheel rack on the outside of a vehicle by the fasteners that clamp the wheel to the rack. A storage unit frame is attached to the support bracket by a mechanical fastener. A pair of spaced apart left upper door panel post receiving tubes are mounted on the unit frame. A pair of spaced apart right upper door panel post receiving tubes are also mounted on the storage unit frame. The posts are positioned to minimize the space required for the door panel panels. Side curtain hangers are also secured to the storage unit frame. An inner pan is attached to the unit frame. An outer pan is pivotally connected to the unit frame. The two pans cooperate to encase the unit frame and vehicle components supported by the unit frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sausage Express A
    Inventor: Larry G. Wilkens
  • Patent number: 6889880
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo rack is provided with a sill connected to the vehicle, at least one rotatable joint mounted on the sill, and at least one arm coupled to the at least one joint and configured to hold cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfonso E. Albaisa, John Cupit
  • Patent number: 6857839
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and unloading a component such as a spare tire and wheel assembly mounted at a rear storage location on a vehicle includes a vehicle attachment arm having a first end releasably attached at a mounting location on the vehicle and a component attachment having a first end positioned adjacent the component storage location. The arms each have a second end attached to a connector member that permits the component attachment arm to be rotated between the component storage location and an unloaded position on the ground. The vehicle attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the storage location. The component attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the component storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Pitoniak