Rectilinear Movement Patents (Class 224/510)
  • Patent number: 12071103
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a cargo platform designed to be used in connection with a trailer hitch and, more particularly, to a cargo platform designed to be collapsible. A cargo platform has an open position and a closed position. The cargo platform includes a frame with a front portion, a rear portion, first and second stationary side portions coupled to the front portion, first and second rotatable side portions, a first hinge element to rotatably could the first rotatable side portion to the rear portion, a second hinge element to rotatably could the second rotatable side portion to the rear portion, and a foldable floor. The foldable floor includes a first floor, second floor rotatably connected to the first floor, and a third floor rotatably connected to the second floor. The first floor is coupled to the front portion. The third floor is coupled to the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lester Pinkston, Kunal Deulkar, Gregoire P. Mercier, Curt Nowack
  • Patent number: 11560099
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a cargo platform designed to be used in connection with a trailer hitch and, more particularly, to a cargo platform designed to be collapsible. A cargo platform has an open position and a closed position. The cargo platform includes a frame with a front portion, a rear portion, first and second stationary side portions coupled to the front portion, first and second rotatable side portions, a first hinge element to rotatably could the first rotatable side portion to the rear portion, a second hinge element to rotatably could the second rotatable side portion to the rear portion, and a foldable floor. The foldable floor includes a first floor, second floor rotatably connected to the first floor, and a third floor rotatably connected to the second floor. The first floor is coupled to the front portion. The third floor is coupled to the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lester Pinkston, Kunal Deulkar, Gregoire P. Mercier, Curt Nowack
  • Patent number: 10803686
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller generating a first signal; and a communicator transmitting the first signal to an external server, and receiving a second signal from a smart card storing the second signal, the second signal being generated based on the first signal. The controller authorizes the smart card to control the vehicle based on the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kyuhwan Chin
  • Patent number: 10239567
    Abstract: The extendable truck bed comprises and extension bed floor and extensible side panels that allow the cargo bed of a pickup truck to be expanded so as to provide an increased cargo capacity. The extendable truck bed moves from a ‘nominal bed length’ position to an ‘extended bed length’ position under control of one or more operator controls that may be located in the cab of the truck. In the ‘nominal bed length’ position the extension bed floor is located beneath the truck bed floor and the extensible panels are located in a left side panel pocket and a right side panel pocket in the side walls of the truck bed. A left side motor and right side motor drive a left side flexible linkage and a right side flexible linkage to move the extension bed floor and extensible side panels to the ‘extended bed length’ position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Alice Parrish
  • Patent number: 8899456
    Abstract: A lightweight bicycle carrier that is easily adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of bicycles and other equipment. The bicycle carrier of the present invention is easily assembled and installed onto the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier can also be partially disassembled to allow access into the rear of the vehicle without interfering with the vehicle tailgate. The bicycle carrier includes adjustable angular support arms to support bicycles during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 8857684
    Abstract: A tool box assembly for a truck is formed of nested boxes that telescope out to add additional storage space. There is an outer box and one or more inner boxes slidably engaged so that the inner boxes telescope out of the outer box, which is normally fixed to the truck's cargo bed across the width of the truck so that when they slide out, the inner boxes move out horizontally toward the rear end of the truck. The rear wall of each inner box locks in extended telescoped position to fill in the hole in the wall created by its having been telescoped out. Each inner box preferably has a top cover that slides around the bottom and sides of the inner box to close the top opening of the inner box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Slide Out Associates, Trustee for Slide Out CRT Trust
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Patent number: 8827128
    Abstract: A cargo carrier system is presented for a motor vehicle with a supporting frame for accommodating at least one object and with an energy supply device for supplying the object accommodated on the supporting frame with electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Degenstein, Carsten Glaser, Felice De Rogatis
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Publication number: 20130270316
    Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods for holding bags for transporting trash or holding displays on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatuses include an adjustable-size rack comprising one or more detachable members which are attachable to the receiver segment of a base member. A base member has an engagement segment for mounting the apparatus on a vehicle. In a first apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of the shoulder bolts used for installing the license plate on a vehicle. In a second apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of an adapter which is installed over the license plate of a vehicle. In a third apparatus, two straps link the engagement segment on the exterior to a restraining bar configured inside the trunk of a vehicle. In a fourth apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on an external spare wheel of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: SIDDHARTHA ANGARA
  • Patent number: 8556144
    Abstract: A carrying device (3) includes a first support rack (30), a second support rack (32) pivotally connected with the first support rack, and a connecting member (31) secured on the first support rack and pivotally connected with the second support rack to connect the first support rack and the second support rack. Thus, the first support rack is used to carry an elongate object (9), such as a surf board, a boat, a ladder and the like, and the second support rack is used to carry a bicycle (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 8387839
    Abstract: A rack for mounting on a spare tire assembly of a vehicle includes a mounting plate engagable to a spare tire mounting bracket of the vehicle, and a mast connected to the mounting plate in a substantially vertical position. The rack also includes a shoulder member connected proximate a top end of the mast and mountable proximate the top end of the mast using a connector at more than one position along a horizontal axis relative to the mast. A hub assembly is connected to the shoulder member, and a pair of arms are connected to the hub assembly that are configured to carry one or more bikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder
  • Publication number: 20130032620
    Abstract: Insert bar assembly includes an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. Assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar. Adapter assembly includes expandable adapter mountable upon hitch-attachment bar that is square in cross-sectional shape and sized for insertion into first tubular hitch receiver and further includes an expander that diagonally extends and retracts relative to attachment bar. Adapter is configured to substantially house a hitch-receiver insert portion of the bar in a collapsed configuration. Adapter comprises a main body having an interior space defined by at least two substantially perpendicular interior walls positioned adjacent to two exterior walls of the hitch-receiver insert portion, the walls being expandable to attach the insert bar to a hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Keith L. Prescott, Kevin S. Bogoslofski, John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20130022440
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Richard Jeli, Andrew Austin, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder
  • Publication number: 20130015221
    Abstract: A hi-low cargo carrier for mounting onto a vehicle that provides easily adjustable ground to cargo carrier clearance, where the cargo carrier has a connection frame and a carrier frame with the connection frame attached to the vehicle and the carrier frame connected to the connection frame using tubes that engage over the connection frame tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Publication number: 20120298707
    Abstract: Carriers for a bicycle and methods of mounting a bicycle carrier to a vehicle are disclosed. In some examples, the carriers may include a first frame structure configured to couple to a vehicle and a second frame structure configured to couple to the vehicle. The carriers may additionally include a body disposed between the first and second frame structures. The first frame structure may be mounted to the body and the second frame structure may be slidably received within the body. The carriers may further include a first cable device. The first cable device may include a first cable reel rotatably mounted to the body, and a first cable having a first hook end portion configured to attach to a first portion of the vehicle. The first cable may be configured to be wound around the first cable reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Richard Jeli, Lyle Ramsdale
  • Patent number: 8281967
    Abstract: A storage unit is anchored in a truck bed with an attachment system incorporating side modules forming a track for easy pull-out and yet security when moved to a storage position within the truck bed. The storage unit and/or the side modules have recesses and components shaped for function and utility, as well as security and yet easy access. For example, the side modules can include a stationary light, a pull-out spot light, an electrical plug, a storage recess with a lockable cover, and/or a tool-holding recess. The storage unit includes functionally-shaped walls, pull-out containers and drawers, repositionable dividers for the storage recess, a lockable cover, handles to facilitate carriage, wheels for rolling transport, walls with external cable anchors for tying down items, and/or an air deflector/spoiler. The side modules can be releasable for use as a suitcase-like separate unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Patent number: 7909213
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes a support holder for holding a bicycle aligned transversely to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. A retaining bracket connected to the support holder has a guide holder and retaining bracket sections. The bracket sections are movably connected to the guide holder to move transversely to the longitudinal vehicle direction. The bracket sections hold respective wheels of a bicycle held on the support holder. Fixing elements are respectively connected to the retaining bracket and a corresponding bracket section. Each fixing element includes a locking member movable between a locked position in which the fixing element locks the corresponding bracket section in place and an unlocked position in which the fixing element unlocks the corresponding bracket section. Actuating mechanisms respectively associated with the fixing elements are operable to move the locking member of the corresponding fixing element between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Publication number: 20110049207
    Abstract: A hitch mounted cargo carrier including a hitch member having a horizontal rail adapted to be secured in a hitch and a vertical rail and a carrier member movable relative to the hitch member between a transport position and a loading position. The vertical rail includes an aperture therethrough. The carrier member includes a sleeve slidably positioned around the vertical rail and movable relative thereto, a platform adapted to carry cargo, and a pair of brackets defining a channel. The brackets each have a teardrop shaped opening therethrough. A pin is received through the teardrop openings and the aperture through the vertical rail when the carrier member is in the transport position to secure the carrier member relative to the hitch member and prevent swaying of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Hufgard
  • Patent number: 7857180
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The holders both include front and rear frames which extend transversely to a longitudinal vehicle direction. The support holder is movable in the longitudinal direction between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the holders extend out from one another. The front frames meet when the support holder is in the neutral position and the rear frames meet when the support holder is in the operating position. A switch has a pair of switching components respectively located on one of the pair of front frames or the pair of rear frames. The switching components contact one another to activate the switch when the pair of frames meet and the switch actuates an indicator device upon being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 7854358
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The support holder is movably connected to the base holder to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the support holder extends out from the base holder. A tail light is movably connected to the support holder to be movable between a stored position in which the tail light is stowed in the support holder when the support holder is in the neutral position and a functional position in which the tail light extends out from the support holder and is orientated transversely to the longitudinal vehicle direction when the support holder is in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Publication number: 20100001029
    Abstract: A wheel-less cargo carrier or dolly has multiple telescoping or expandable support beams that can remain attached to a vehicle in a retracted configuration when not in use. For use of the wheel-less cargo carrier, the beams are extended and engaged with a floor, fence, or other structural portion of the wheel-less cargo carrier. Telescoping beams can include multiple rails where smaller rails nest within larger rails and slide relative to the larger rails as the beams are being extended or collapsed. The rails can share a common top surface, so that a base or floor of the wheel-less cargo carrier lies on a flat support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Paul K. Tai
  • Publication number: 20080231029
    Abstract: The three piece tool support elbow bracket of the present invention breaks down into a horizontal arm, a vertical arm, and a horizontal platform. The three components adjustably interconnect and the horizontal arm connects to the trailer receiver hitch by a pin inserted through a hole in one component and into one of a series of spaced holes in the adjacent component. The horizontal platform comes in different replaceable sizes for different tools, so that each tool can stay attached to the properly sized horizontal platform and the platforms replaced on the vertical arm to change tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Lonnie L. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7338104
    Abstract: A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Bejin
  • Patent number: 7303221
    Abstract: To make it possible to easily remove intended onboard tools and to make it possible to mount a sufficient amount of loads. With respect to a vehicle, right-and-left front wheels are rotatively mounted on a body frame. A front cover covers the body frame. The front cover is integrally formed with right-and-left fender sections to cover the right-and-left front wheels. A front carrier is disposed over the front cover for mounting loads thereon. A tool storage section is provided under the front carrier so as to store onboard tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Tomoko Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7240816
    Abstract: A rack for supporting at least one bicycle in position includes a base. Two beams are pivotally connected with the base. At least one supporting device is attached to each of the beams in order to support one wheel of the bicycle. A post is pivotally connected with the base. A hooking device is attached to the post in order to hook the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: David Tsai
  • Patent number: 7204538
    Abstract: The invention provides a moveable storage compartment designed for camper trailers that provides for top access even when the camper is in use and is folded out and over the top of the compartment. The storage compartment's unique design and placement on a sliding track allow the user to move the compartment to either side of the trailer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running along the length of the trailer. Furthermore, the compartment has one or more lids that allow either side to be accessed depending upon on which side of the trailer access is desired. At least one lid of the compartment may easily convert for use as a table if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur G. Warlick, III, Michael R. Terlep, Jr., Robert R. Bradley, Gary L. Duncan
  • Patent number: 7175060
    Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IFW, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Carpenter, Steve Robinson, Dan Marshall
  • Patent number: 7159917
    Abstract: A utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed includes three main parts: a main frame, a rail system, and a tool storage system. The main frame is made up of a frame assembly with four collapsible legs. The legs have wheels, and are adjustable in height. The main frame forms the support structure for the work table, the top of which is preferably covered by a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of metal, plywood, or other suitable material. When the main frame/table portion is outside the truck bed, it rests on the four legs with the wheels attached, allowing it to be moved around. The rail system consists of three components, the anchor frame, the guide frame, and the transfer frame. The anchor frame is bolted down to the bed of the truck. The guide frame guides the transfer frame during movements of the main frame, and is temporarily bolted to the anchor frame, but can be removed if needed to allow the full use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Bjorn Haaberg
  • Patent number: 7036700
    Abstract: A multi-purpose holder for supporting an object in a vehicle includes a body structured and configured to receive an object. A support member is provided for supporting the object, and is vertically movably mounted relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Engel, Jeff A. Kempf
  • 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: 6883849
    Abstract: A truck bed extender that enables a user to load and unload heavy loads from a truck bed. The apparatus includes a lower frame longitudinally aligned and securely mounted inside the truck bed. Disposed inside the lower frame is a sliding intermediate frame with at least one length adjustable leg attached at its distal end that supports the distal end of the intermediate frame in an extended position. During assembly, the proximal end of the intermediate frame slides into, and extends from, the lower frame. Disposed longitudinally over the lower frame and the intermediate frame is a moveable upper frame with a support panel attached thereto. When the intermediate frame is fully extended from the truck bed, the upper frame may move longitudinally rearward from the truck bed and onto the intermediate frame so that cargo may be loaded or unloaded onto the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald Hebert
  • Publication number: 20040232184
    Abstract: RECEPTACLE for use with a vehicle equipped with a vehicle receiver. The vehicle tow accessory attaches to a vehicle receiver and facilitates the transport of trash receptacles along driveways or small roads. The invention comprises separate parts that allow for adjustments to accommodate trash receptacles of various sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a trash receptacle tilts back to lean on a platform of the invention and is secured via chains or tethers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Russel J. Moen, Wendy A. Moen
  • Publication number: 20040195285
    Abstract: A tool caddy system for a carrying a tool with a motor and a rotatable workpiece is provided. The system includes an elongated guide member, a vehicle mounting assembly coupled to the guide member and shaped and adapted to be coupled to a vehicle, and a carriage assembly moveably mounted on the guide member and movable along the length of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gary A. Pinard
  • 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: 6698634
    Abstract: A camping unit is mounted for transport by a vehicle,. The unit having first and second spaced side units defining an opening there between. A top extends over the opening. A moving compartment is mounted for movement from a position in which it is located in the opening between the side units and under the top, to a position in which at least a portion of it extends outwardly of the side units. The side units and moving compartment all define interior areas or compartments for storing equipment and other goods. The camping unit is adapted to be located in the bed of a vehicle, with the moving compartment mounted upon rails for sliding outwardly of the bed. In one embodiment, the camping unit includes electrical, water and sound systems. Various equipment support platforms, compartment/storage doors and other features are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Stephan Thomson
  • Patent number: 6695184
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier primarily designed for transporting an off-road bicycle by a motor vehicle is designed to fit onto the trailer hitch of the motor vehicle. A channel member is supported to a support member and a cross member that fits into the trailer hitch and an upstanding post with a plurality of holes for receiving a locking pin. A locking arm is slidably mounted on the vertical post and when the bicycle is guided onto the channel member the locking arm is positioned downwardly with sufficient force to arm the shocking system of the bicycle and preload the bicycle to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hugh R. Higginbotham, III
  • Patent number: 6662983
    Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: David A. M. Lane, John R. Lean
  • Patent number: 6644525
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle carrier has a base that is configured to fit a trailer hitch receiver on a motor vehicle. An upright frame is operatively connected to the base. A T-shaped member having a vertical upright body and a horizontal crossbar is connected to the frame. A substantially U-shaped carrying assembly having a pair of carrying arms at an open end thereof is pivotally mounted to the crossbar. A slide having a tab is slidably received on the upright body. A bracket is rotatably mounted at its ends to the tab and a closed end of the carrying assembly. A lock is provided on the slide for locking the slide in first and second positions. The carrying arms are in an extended carrying position when the slide is locked in the first position and in a collapsed position when the slide is locked in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: R. A. Allen Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Allen, Richard A. Allen
  • Publication number: 20030197043
    Abstract: A camping unit is mounted for transport by a vehicle. The unit having first and second spaced side units defining an opening there between. A top extends over the opening. A moving compartment is mounted for movement from a position in which it is located in the opening between the side units and under the top, to a position in which at least a portion of it extends outwardly of the side units. The side units and moving compartment all define interior areas or compartments for storing equipment and other goods. The camping unit is adapted to be located in the bed of a vehicle, with the moving compartment mounted upon rails for sliding outwardly of the bed. In one embodiment, the camping unit includes electrical, water and sound systems. Various equipment support platforms, compartment/storage doors and other features are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Stephan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20030168487
    Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: David A.M. Lane, John R. Lean
  • Patent number: 6601899
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo bed liner assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first side wall and a second side wall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second side walls. The cargo bed liner assembly also includes an end wall extending therebetween the first and second side walls at a first end, and a floor extending therebetween the first and second side walls. The cargo bed liner assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported within the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely therebetween the first and second side walls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: PROJX
    Inventors: Lowell Kiester, Douglas Street
  • Patent number: 6595397
    Abstract: A storage container includes an attachment device for detachably mounting the storage container to a utility vehicle. The attachment device includes a mounting bar and a pair of bolts or support elements. The mounting bar projects rearwardly from a rear wall, and includes a vertically extending mounting bores. The bolts projects rearwardly from the rear wall of the container by an adjustable distance. In order to mount the storage container to the front of the vehicle, the mounting bar is inserted into jaw-like hitch recess of a towing attachment of vehicle. A pin is inserted through vertical bores of the towing attachment and through the mounting bore of the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Teich
  • Publication number: 20030010800
    Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W McCoy, Thomas W Lindenman
  • Patent number: 6502729
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vehicle-mounted load carrier (1) of the type which is fastened across a door, hatch (2) or the like, preferably at the rear of the vehicle (3). The load carrier comprises a load-bearing frame (4-6) and at least two gripping means (18, 19, 21, 22) disposed on the frame and intended to grip two substantially mutually opposite edges, preferably the top and the bottom edge of the door, and means (25, 26) for tensioning the gripping means across the door by the positive relative displacement thereof towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Industri Ab Thule
    Inventor: Magnus Ferman
  • Patent number: 6503019
    Abstract: A replaceable top tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube retractably received therein. Two sleeves are respectively connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and two locking plates are respectively connected to the two sleeves. Two hooks are respectively connected to the inner tube and the outer tube so that when the sleeves are pulled, the locking plates are moved away from the hooks so as to hook the seat post and the handlebar stem of a bicycle. Each of the two sleeves are positioned by a resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 6491331
    Abstract: An extendable cargo deck for pickup trucks having a rearwardly opening cargo bed bounded by side walls having inwardly projecting rails spaced above the floor of the cargo bed. The cargo deck includes a base and a carriage mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the base. The cargo deck is equipped with one or more upwardly extending holding devices connected to the base for engaging the side wall rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ted-Dan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Fox
  • Patent number: 6478203
    Abstract: A carrier and hitch assembly comprises a rigid, elongated housing having a door covered opening on a front face. The housing is large enough to contain a standard size golf bag and a complete set of clubs. The housing is provided with wheels and a handle so that the housing may be utilized in cart-like fashion. The rear face of the housing is provided with structure for attaching the housing to a hitch assembly for transporting the housing at the rear of an automotive vehicle or golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jane Burns
  • Publication number: 20020125280
    Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, to facilitate loading a boat onto a vehicle. The systems include a load assist device mounted on a vehicle load carrier. The load assist device includes a support member that is stored substantially within a crossbar of the load carrier and telescopes outwardly from the crossbar to a deployed position. The support member may be returned to its stored position in the crossbar after the boat has been loaded onto the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6253980
    Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murakami, Matthew James Barth, Michael Donovan Todd, Matthew Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 6193123
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying panel materials adjacent to a truck side panel has a stationary workpiece resting surface mounted on the truck side panel and a movable workpiece clamping and supporting device positioned adjacent to the stationary workpiece resting surface and mounted to the truck. A motive device such as a motor engages the truck and is connected for moving the workpiece clamping and supporting device toward and away from the workpiece resting surface for sandwiching a workpiece between the workpiece resting surface and the workpiece clamping and supporting device for enabling the truck to transport the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jozef Adamczewski, Ruth Esther Gosey