Vertical Support Brace Patents (Class 224/530)
  • Patent number: 8800831
    Abstract: A multipurpose rack comprising a first securing portion configured to secure a first portion of a transportation device, and a second securing portion configured to secure a second portion of the transportation device, wherein the first securing portion is operably secured to a lower support unit, the lower support unit configured to engage a vehicle element is provided. Furthermore, a method of racking a watercraft and a transportation device comprising the step of: providing a rack including a watercraft racking portion and a transportation device racking portion, and engaging a vehicle element with a lower support unit of the rack is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Larry A. Gray
  • Patent number: 8590758
    Abstract: An apparatus for racking a watercraft on a vehicle, in particular, a Recreational Vehicle comprising: a first end configured to engage a receiver hitch, wherein the first end accommodates a portion of a watercraft; a second end spaced apart from the first end, the second end removably enclosing another portion of the watercraft; and a connecting member connecting the first end with the second end. Also, a method for racking a watercraft on a vehicle comprising: providing a watercraft rack, the watercraft rack including a first end having a lower support frame, a connecting member connecting the first end to a spaced apart second end, the second end having an upper support frame; removably engaging the first end of the watercraft rack with a standard receiving hitch; accommodating a portion of a watercraft with the first end; and removably enclosing another portion of the watercraft within the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Larry A. Gray
  • Patent number: 8047412
    Abstract: A load carrier for coupling to a vehicle. The load carrier includes a loading frame and a supporting arch that extends substantially upwardly from and transversely to the loading frame. The supporting arch is divisible into first and second arch parts, each of which arch parts is pivotally coupled to the loading frame such that, when divided, each of the first and second arch parts is configured to be pivoted down to a storage position lying substantially level with the loading frame. The arch parts are configured to be interlocked to each other into an in-use position, in which the first and said second arch parts substantially alone form the supporting arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Renault S.A.S., Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Arnaud Premartin, Olivier Veuillot, Hans Odin, Joakim Persson
  • Patent number: 7334713
    Abstract: A rack support assembly for an ATV for a rack and shock assembly that is removably attachable to a hitch and rack posts of an all terrain vehicle. The assembly comprises an upper bar and a lower bar. A pair of shock absorbers is coupled to and extends between the upper and lower bars so that the upper and lower bars are orientated parallel to each other. A coupler removably attaches the lower bar to the hitch so that the lower bar is horizontally orientated. Each of a pair of supports is attached to the upper bar. The supports are each removably attachable to one of the rack posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Turner
  • Patent number: 7318541
    Abstract: There is disclosed a storage rack that can onload, secure, and offload a human transporter device such as a SEGWAY HT. The storage rack is attached to a vehicle such as a postal vehicle. The vehicle can thus transport a human transporter while the human transporter is itself secured to the storage rack. The storage rack includes a ramp. A human transporter can be loaded onto the storage rack under its own power by moving up the ramp, and the human transporter can be offloaded from the storage rack under its own power by moving down the ramp. The ramp is secured to the storage rack in an upright position when the carrying vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Richard W. Fraer, Bradley J. Suchy
  • Patent number: 7153062
    Abstract: Provided is a vertically adjustable support device for scuba equipment, which attaches to the rear of a vehicle via a hitch receiver to allow the device to be raised or lowered to a convenient usage height for the diver. One implementation includes a vertical support tube that provides a rigid structural support for other components of the scuba tank holder apparatus to be joined to, a slideably joined holder carriage, and a hitch receiving member; in which a first end portion of the hitch receiving member is joined to a lower portion of the vertical support tube, and a second end portion is configured to be operable for being securely joined to a vehicle hitch, thereby structurally supporting the vertical support tube and associated components when joined thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Jaimie Joseph Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7143914
    Abstract: A latching rack system for carrying objects on a vehicle that is compatible with a standard receiver hitch. A latching rack platform has a standard hitch ball and a support mast with a latch pin and a shank to couple to a receiver hitch. A mating latching rack post incorporates a hitch ball cup and a latch device to securely couple to the latching rack platform. The weight of the rack and the objects carried is supported on the hitch ball and lateral support is provided by the support mast. The latching rack post can be mounted and dismounted without touching the latching rack platform or the receiver. The hitch ball is available for towing when the latching rack assembly is dismounted. The latching rack post can be integrated into objects to be carried to allow quick and easy mounting and dismounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: David M. McManus
  • Patent number: 6994236
    Abstract: A monitor supporting device includes a board for attaching to the vehicle seat, a plate pivotally secured to the board with a pivot axle, and a monitor attached to the plate. The plate may be adjusted relative to the board at any selected angular positions such that the monitor may be adjusted to any suitable or selected angular position relative to the vehicle seat or the users, for allowing the users to easily and comfortably viewing the monitor. A bag may be used for receiving a processor device, and has a box for receiving the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Te Hsin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6857545
    Abstract: A bike carrier which includes a U-shaped frame structure having an intermediate section and first and second leg sections. A first rail is supported by the frame structure and laterally spans between said first and second legs and extends out past at least one of said legs and preferably both in cantilever fashion. A carrier mount having a frame attachment device and a vehicle attachment device is provided for securing the U-shaped frame to a vehicle. Additionally preferably provided is a securement device supported by the U-shaped frame and extending upwardly from that frame. The securement device includes a lock receptor at an upper end for enabling locking of a bike to the carrier and provides an additional strap down location. Preferably a pair of bike support rails are spaced apart along the legs and each extend laterally out away from opposite outer sides of said legs to provide cantilever extensions to each side of the U-shaped frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: John D. McLemore, Don McLemore
  • Patent number: 6616022
    Abstract: A system for supporting and carrying bicycles. The system cooperating with the interior surfaces of the seat post engagement tube and includes an adjustable post having a first end and a second end, the first end having an attachment mechanism adapted for connecting the post to a support surface. The second end having at least two generally parallel surface areas at an adjustable distance from one another, so that the distance between the generally parallel areas can be enlarged or reduced in a generally radial manner to create or maintain line contact with the interior surface of the seat post engagement tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: David Naastad
  • Publication number: 20030132259
    Abstract: A bike carrier which includes a U-shaped frame structure having an intermediate section and first and second leg sections. A first rail is supported by the frame structure and laterally spans between said first and second legs and extends out past at least one of said legs and preferably both in cantilever fashion. A carrier mount having a frame attachment device and a vehicle attachment device is provided for securing the U-shaped frame to a vehicle. Additionally preferably provided is a securement device supported by the U-shaped frame and extending upwardly from that frame. The securement device includes a lock receptor at an upper end for enabling locking of a bike to the carrier and provides an additional strap down location. Preferably a pair of bike support rails are spaced apart along the legs and each extend laterally out away from opposite outer sides of said legs to provide cantilever extensions to each side of the U-shaped frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: John D. McLemore, Don McLemore
  • Patent number: 6502730
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Danny R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6193124
    Abstract: A carrier engagable with a hitch receiver, including a hitch receiver; an elongate frame; a tank receiving seat connected to the frame; a coupler shaft extending horizontally from the frame; and a receiver insert assembly comprising a receiver insert arranged for insertion into a hitch receiver and a support arm that extends substantially horizontally from the receiver insert for rotatably receiving the coupler shaft such that the frame is rotatable from a first upright position for receiving the tank to a second substantially horizontal position for supporting and transporting the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Glenn J. Brazil, Donald L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6164508
    Abstract: A rack system for vehicles that comprises a rack assembly and an attachment assembly comprising a base member mounted to a vehicle hitch receiver, an inner swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to the base member, an outer swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to a second end of the inner swing arm, a rack member pivotably mounted to a second end of the outer swing arm, and locking means for selectively locking the base and rack members together to secure the system in a storage position. The rack assembly is rigidly attached to the rack member. When the base and rack members are locked together, the rack assembly is securely located immediately above and behind the vehicle hitch receiver. When the rack member is unlocked from the base member, the rack assembly may be moved within a movement area defined by the rear of the vehicle and a horizontal, generally circular arc that extends from one side of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Heininger & Moore Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Erik van Veenen
  • Patent number: 6000594
    Abstract: A load carrier mountable upon a transporting vehicle having an extension member for positioning an article carried upon the load carrier away from the transporting vehicle. The extension member has a vehicle engaging end that is coupleable to the transporting vehicle and a supporting end substantially opposite the vehicle engaging end upon which an upwardly extending support assembly is connected. The support assembly has an upright post fixed to the extension member and an upright support member coupled to the extension member for relative pivotal movement between the upright post and the upright support member. A collar is slidingly engagable upon the upright support member for releasably securing the upright support member to the upright post thereby establishing a traveling orientation of the load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Thomas A. Chimenti
  • Patent number: 5794828
    Abstract: A racking system for transporting a bicycle comprising a framework upon which the bicycle is mounted. A pair of telescoping arms, adjustable in length, are pivotally connected to the framework and removably secured to the seat post of the bicycle. The arms extend downwardly from the bicycle to the framework on opposite sides of the bicycle for laterally supporting the bicycle. The racking system further includes a tension mechanism having a tightening strap extending through the front wheel of the bicycle and through a cam buckle which is attached to an anchor strap to the framework for tightening the bicycle to the framework. The cam buckle frictionally engages the tightening strap to tighten the strap at the desired tension. The tension mechanism and the arms are configured and positioned to distribute the load on the bicycle so that the bicycle, frame, arms and tension mechanism are in a state of static equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Peter V. Colan, Randy J. Long
  • Patent number: 5738261
    Abstract: A base plate is securable to a vehicle bumper using a threaded bolt attachment and supports a rectangular support which in turn is secured to and supports a planar top plate. A front plate is angularly positioned between the top plate and base plate to provide the combined support structure of a vehicle hitch securable to a vehicle bumper. A transversely extending saddle plate is spaced from the front plate at the lower edge thereof defining a lower channel therebetween. A pair of latch arms each defining respective notches therein are pivotally supported upon the vertical support and are coupled to a transversely extending angularly disposed cam plate. A return spring is operative to urge the latch arms to an upward locking position. An elongated handle is secured to one of the latch arms and extends downwardly therefrom. A pool cart or the like having an upper tube and lower tube is received within the latch arm notches and lower channel respectively to secure the pool cart to the vehicle hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Tom Dula
  • Patent number: 5520315
    Abstract: A bike rack apparatus is provided for supporting a bicycle on an automobile, and includes a channel for receiving the wheels of a bicycle and supporting the weight of the bicycle. The channel is supported on the automobile, preferably by a male hitch member sized for receipt in a female hitch member of the automobile, and includes a pair of clamps for stabilizing the apparatus on the automobile. The apparatus also includes a shackle assembly for holding a bicycle in an upright position on the channel and restraining movement of the bicycle relative to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald A. Graham