Clamp Patents (Class 224/536)
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Patent number: 12233956Abstract: A modular accessory attachment system for a tire carrier, a bike rack, container, or other structure that can be selectively attached to either a bedslide, cargo box bed, or tailgate hitch, is provided. The modular accessory attachment system may include a plurality of receivers disposed through the deck of the bedslide. Correspondingly sized posts may be extend from the tire carrier, bike rack, other racks, or accessories, and be disposed into the receivers. Pins, detents, or other like attachment means may be employed to secure the posts to the receivers.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2022Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Leer GroupInventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, John L. Aleva
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Patent number: 12194796Abstract: A quick mount hitch connection for supports a towing accessory from a towing vehicle. An accessory shank is received within a sloped channel structure rising upwardly and rearwardly from horizontal. One of the faces defining the channel is open. A pivot bearing is provided along a bottom of the channel, such as by a pivot bar supported by the side walls of the channel structure and extending into the channel. A securing connector is provided at a location spaced from the pivot bearing, which can be removably fastened to simultaneously hold the accessory shank against the pivot bearing and to prevent the accessory shank from pivoting in the channel. The connection allows quick attachment, quick lowering, and changing the accessory from a usage position to a stowage position all by hand and without any tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: CURT Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Curtis M. Bowe, Brandon A. Knuth, Joel D. Diller
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Patent number: 11390222Abstract: A hitch-mount bicycle carrier including a vehicle engaging frame, an elongate support member coupled to the vehicle engaging frame, a foot, and a trigger. The vehicle engaging frame has a proximal end configured to be coupled to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The elongate support member has a longitudinal axis and a distal end. The elongate support member is configured to move between a plurality of orientations relative to the vehicle engaging frame. The foot is fixedly coupled to and extends distally from the distal end of the elongate support member. The foot defines an interior space, and the trigger is disposed within the interior space. A distal end of the foot is the distal-most end of the bicycle carrier. The foot and the trigger are configured to be gripped by a user, and the trigger is configured to translate linearly.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Keith L. Prescott, Jeffrey R. Edgerly
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Patent number: 10843635Abstract: A carrier assembly for transporting one or more hand trucks includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support a hand truck, a mount configured to couple the platform to a vehicle such that the upper surface of the platform is positioned to support the hand truck at a first elevation, a support extending generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the platform, and a retainer extending generally parallel to the upper surface of the platform. The support and retainer are each configured to restrict a movement of the hand truck when the hand truck is supported at the first elevation. The retainer is moveable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Inventor: Richard T. Bradley
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Patent number: 10065568Abstract: A bike carrier on a drawbar for a trailer hitch receiver has two trays for the wheels of a bike. The trays pivot between an operational lateral position and a compact forward position for shipping and storage. A tray lock bar mounted in the carrier is urged by a spring into a position that automatically releasably locks the trays in the operational position. Pivoting wheel retention arms on the trays have cross members that contact the bike tires and are adjustable along the retention arms for different wheel diameters. Each cross member is held against a tire by a retention arm pivot ratchet that is releasable to allow the retention arms to pivot outward to release the bike from the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Inventor: Cal M. Phillips
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Patent number: 9393912Abstract: A bicycle-carrier device includes a brace for connection to the frame of a vehicle, and bearing supporting elements to support one or more bicycles oriented transversely relative to the vehicle. The brace consists of a transverse bar, and the bicycles are supported by at least first and second supporting elements affixed to the bar, in positions that can be adjusted along the bar, so as to receive and support from below the two wheels of a bicycle. Mounted on the bar in an articulated manner is an arm that can be shifted between a raised operating position and a lowered non-operating position. Secured to the bar in an adjustable manner is at least one third supporting element that receives and supports from below an element of a bicycle frame. Each of the supporting elements is provided with means for locking in place the part that is received.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 8814209Abstract: Hitch apparatus and a method of using the same with a vehicle hitch allows the use of a vise, anvil, grinder or other tool requiring mounting before use. Various apertures on the hitch apparatus allow for selected vertical or horizontal mounting on a vehicle hitch. The hitch apparatus further includes a leg to provide for additional strength and structural support.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Maxwell E. Way
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Patent number: 8657552Abstract: A support rack has spaced vertical rails and horizontal upper, lower and intermediate rails. The horizontal rails are coupled to the vertical rails. A pivotable locking bar is between the horizontal rails. Side plates with rearward ends are attached to the vertical rails adjacent to the lower rail. The side plates have forward ends forwardly of the vertical rails. A rectangular ramp/platform has a forward edge extending forwardly of the vertical rails and a rearward edge extending rearwardly of the vertical rails and having parallel side edges. Hinges pivotally couple the ramp/platform adjacent to its forward edge to the side plates adjacent to their forward edges for movement between raised and lowered orientations. A cross support bar has ends attached to the ramp/platform adjacent to the side edges parallel with and rearwardly of the horizontal lower rail. The cross support bar is spaced above the ramp/platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Inventor: Keith Raney
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Publication number: 20140001218Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Kevin BOGOSLOFSKI, Vincent A BOVE, John R LAVERACK, John J PELOSI
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Patent number: 8602279Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development CorporationInventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
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Patent number: 8596508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Steady Enterprises, LLCInventor: Sherry Costanza Steady
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Patent number: 8534522Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent A. Bove, John R. Laverack, John J. Pelosi
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Patent number: 8393506Abstract: The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Torbjörn Malm
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Patent number: 8240528Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique and novel universal vehicle accessory mounting device which attaches to either a left hand or right hand control body of a vehicle handlebar, and permits various orientations for attachment of multiple accessories.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Ted A. Barnes
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Patent number: 8235268Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
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Patent number: 8074851Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
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Publication number: 20110253758Abstract: A bicycle carrier comprising an upwardly extending tube having a substantially horizontal tube connected thereto, a clamping mechanism for retaining a bicycle mounted on the horizontal tube, a display mounted on the tube, the display including a plurality of lights and a license display portion, and electrical interconnection between the lights and the electric wiring of the vehicle to which the bicycle carrier is to be attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Claude Bertrand
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Patent number: 7874531Abstract: A big game support device for supporting and posing big game animals on a surface is provided. The big game animals having a first antler and a second antler. The big game support device comprises a clamping mechanism for directly and releasably clamping both the first antler and the second antler and an elevating mechanism for elevating the clamping means above the surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: David Douglas Walden
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Publication number: 20100301082Abstract: A securing device includes a frame having first and second pivot points spaced apart from one another, a travel member extending vertically between the first and second pivot points and movable generally linearly between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame at the first pivot point, and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frame at the second pivot point. First and second intermediate links are pivotally coupled to the first and second arms, respectively, and pivotally coupled to the travel member. A biasing element imparts force directly or indirectly upon the first intermediate link to maintain the travel member at the lowermost position when the travel member is at the lowermost position, the force biasing the first intermediate link to impede the travel member from moving to the lowermost position when the travel member is not at the lowermost position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Scott W. Beckley
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Patent number: 7757917Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent A. Bove, John R. Laverack, John J. Pelosi
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Publication number: 20100072240Abstract: A vise body has a trailer hitch insert beam which slides into a trailer hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle at four different angles of use. An adjustment nut driver on the end of the vise is turned with any of a variety of tools to adjust the vice gripping jaws. The vise may be turned and mounted sideways for use as an anvil. A bench mounted replicated hitch receiver receives the trailer hitch insert beam to use the vise on a workbench.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Howard Ray Cornes
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Patent number: 7556229Abstract: A clamp for securing an item includes a locking rod, first and second clamping members, and a retainer. The locking rod includes an elongated body and a locking member connected to a first end of the elongated body. The locking member is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The first clamping member includes a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough. The second clamping member is adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween. The retainer is connected to the second clamping member and includes a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Master Lock Company LLCInventors: Joe Elliott, Frank Scott
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Patent number: 7527012Abstract: A paddle clip for a human powered watercraft, comprising a first flexible resilient portion with an opening to fit around the gunwale or cockpit rim of the watercraft. A second portion of the paddle clip includes a flexible portion for removably receiving a cylindrical shaft of an oar or a paddle used for propelling the watercraft. The paddle clip may further comprise at least one accessory clip for receiving an additional cylindrical shaft or an accessory. The paddle clip is configured to be quickly installed, repositioned or removed from the watercraft without tools or hardware.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: Deborah Kutny Splaine
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Publication number: 20090008421Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: SPORTWORKS NORTHWEST, INC.Inventor: Gerald Stewart
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Patent number: 7353974Abstract: A body-mounted holder apparatus includes a rack member which includes bottom rack portions, riser rack portions extending upward from the bottom rack portions, and top rack portions supported by the riser rack portions. Strap members are connected to the bottom rack portions for securing the rack member to a user. A clamp assembly is connected to the top rack portions for holding a game call device. The strap members are used to encircle a portion of the user's body, e.g. a user's thigh, for securing the rack member to a user's body, leaving a free hand for carrying a weapon. The riser rack portions prevent a call device that is being supported by the apparatus from contacting the user and having its sound muffled thereby. Preferably, the strap members include first hook-or-loop connectors and complementary second hook-or-loop connectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventor: James D. Arndt, III
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Patent number: 7337934Abstract: A gripping device having a body with at least one moveable arm. The moveable arm may be selectably positionable and secured at a position by a locking pin. The gripping device may have a body selectably attached to a base having a release. Actuating the release allows the body to be removed from the base. A gripping surface on an arm may have an engagement surface and a plurality of air pockets positioned below the engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Kolpin Outdoors, Inc.Inventors: Jon Alling, Mike Pelland, Greg Aper, Brendan Doorhy
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Patent number: 7246731Abstract: The present invention provides a transport rack for use in securing cargo in a transport vehicle. The transport rack preferably comprises a frame assembly mounted to a support surface at a lower end of a pair of telescoping legs, and to opposing sidewalls at the distal end of a pair of telescoping arms. The transport rack further comprises a clamping assembly mounted to the frame assembly, wherein the clamping assembly has a rotatable shaft, at least two hook members mounted to the shaft for rotation between an open position and a clamped position, and a fixed arm member mounted subjacent each of the at least two hook members. The present invention further comprises means for selectively changing the height of the clamping assembly above the support surface, and means for selectively varying the distance between the hook members.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Bernard A. Matherne, Sr.
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Patent number: 7222763Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 7219822Abstract: A shopping list organizer includes a rigid substantially planar member sized to support a shopping list when the shopping list is mounted thereon. A clamp is provided for releasably mounting the shopping list on a first surface of the planar member. Magnets are mounted on a second side of the planar member, opposite the first side, for releasably mounting the planar member on a flat substrate. At least one clip is hingedly mounted to the second side of the planar member for rotation about the hinge between a closed position substantially flush against the second side of the planar member and an open position substantially orthogonal to the second side of the planar member. In the open position, the clip is disposed for releasably mounting onto an elongate handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventors: Bradly A. Chretien, Alan Chretien, Michael Howard Boudreau
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Patent number: 7213731Abstract: A cradle or hold-down for a vehicle-mounted equipment carrier, such as a bicycle carrier, includes a resilient support member interconnected with a rigid shell, in combination with a flexible retainer strap that is secured to a retainer base associated with the rigid shell. The support member defines a passage within which a support arm of the carrier is received, and the shell includes aligned openings through which the support arm extends. The support member includes engagement structure, such as a trough, which is configured to receive and engage the equipment supported by the carrier, e.g. the frame of a bicycle. The retainer base is formed integrally with the shell, and extends laterally from the shell so as to be offset from the engagement area of the support member. The retainer strap is fixed to the retainer base, such as by an interlocking T-slot arrangement interposed between the retainer base and the retainer strap.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
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Patent number: 7165704Abstract: A bicycle fixing rack assembly includes a main frame, a plurality of X-shaped fixing plates, two pivot units, and a plurality of clamping units. Thus, the seat tube of the bicycle is clamped between the two clamping blocks of the respective clamping unit, so that the bicycle is fixed by the respective clamping unit rigidly and stably without detachment.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventor: Yung-Sheng Lo
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Patent number: 7153062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Jaimie Joseph Baumgartner
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Patent number: 7111764Abstract: A clamp assembly secures a first article to a second article. The clamp assembly includes first and second spaced-apart article holders adapted for engaging respective first and second articles. An elongated gear rack interconnects the first and second article holders. A pinion operatively engages the gear rack, and is adapted for moving the first article holder along the gear rack relative to the second article holder. A locking bar has a plurality of spaced teeth adapted for meshing with respective teeth of the gear rack in a locked position. The locking bar is moveable between the locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the meshing teeth of the locking bar and gear rack cooperate to prevent linear movement of the first article holder relative to the second article holder, thereby securing the first article to the second article.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Nordman Corporation of NCInventors: Robert F. Smith, Michael S. Richardson
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Patent number: 7104430Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Sportworks Northwest, Inc.Inventor: Michael K. Reeves
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Patent number: 7044347Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a wheel support arrangement and a stabilizer engageable with a bicycle wheel, for maintaining the bicycle upright. The stabilizer includes an inner section and an extendible and retractable outer section. The inner section is pivotable throughout a range of positions, including an operating position. A releasable engagement arrangement selectively maintains the outer section in a predetermined position relative to the inner section. The inner section includes an interlock, which prevents engagement of the releasable engagement arrangement other than when the stabilizer is in the operative position, to ensure that the stabilizer is engaged with the bicycle in a desired position relative to the bicycle. The interlock provides a sensory indication when the stabilizer is in the operative position, and includes a manual actuator disengaging the releasable engagement arrangement to move the stabilizer away from the operative position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 6948645Abstract: An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Mickey Truck Bodies Inc.Inventors: John M. Pierce, Bill Snowa, Billie M. Bloodworth
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Patent number: 6913286Abstract: An adjustable carrier for attachment to a vehicle which includes a holding member that has a first arm and a second arm with at least one aperture and at least one hook. The holding member further includes an intermediate base interconnecting the first arm to the second arm and a resilient strap having at least one opening used to restrain an object within or against the holding member. Means for interconnecting the holding member to the vehicle are also encompassed within the scope of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Kwik Tek, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Foster Kramer
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Patent number: 6863198Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of a propane tank for filling includes a clamp assembly that is adapted for attachment to a portion of a sidewall of a pickup truck. A removable assembly is detachably-attachable with respect to the clamp assembly. The removable assembly includes a pivoting plate that is adapted to receive a bottom of a propane tank thereon, and a band assembly that is adapted to secure an upper portion of the propane tank. The pivoting plate is adapted to pivot upward for storage and the band assembly is adapted to pivot downward for storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Richard Wyland Darby
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Patent number: 6854630Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
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Patent number: 6843395Abstract: A deer stand & gun carrier that includes structures for attaching guns and hunting stands and a bracket for securing the carrier to a carrying rack of an all terrain vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Kenneth W. Martin, E. Carl Martin
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Publication number: 20040238582Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 6786373Abstract: An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Mickey Truck Bodies, Inc.Inventors: John M. Pierce, Bill Snowa
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Patent number: 6783041Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Ford, Noah Barlow Mass, Noel Ranka, Travis Steven Garland
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Patent number: 6761297Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 6736301Abstract: A support assembly, which is mounted on a vehicle for carrying bicycles thereon, comprises a first frame member, a second frame member, two retractable tube sets, four front wheel seats and four rear wheel seats. The retractable tube sets pivot their ends on said first frame member and said second frame member respectively such that angles between said first frame member, said second frame member and said retractable tube sets and a distance between said first frame member and said second frame member can be adjusted to make the support assembly of the present invention can be mounted on any type of vehicle. The front wheel seats and the rear wheel seats are provided at the first frame member and said second frame member respectively to put and secure the bicycles' wheels thereon. The front wheel seats are rotatable so that the front wheels of the bicycles secured on the front wheel seats can be turned to shorten the lengths of the bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: Chin-Sung Huang
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Patent number: 6695185Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack for being removably attached to a vehicle rear hitch includes a carrier having a generally question-mark shape. The carrier has a substantially-vertical rigid carrier post assembly with a rigid extension arm connected to the carrier post assembly extending first in a diagonal direction toward the rear of the vehicle and then outwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to an outer end portion of the extension arm where it is connected to an attachment assembly. In one embodiment there are multiple carriers, with the post assemble of each carrier being rigidly linked to a laterally-extending cross bar that has a common post assembly for rigidly linking the multiple carriers to the hitch member. The laterally-extending cross bar extends diagonal to the horizontal so that adjacent carriers are positioned at different levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: John D. Church
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Patent number: 6648195Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Danik Industries Ltd.Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
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Patent number: 6644525Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: R. A. Allen Company, Inc.Inventors: Alexander R. Allen, Richard A. Allen
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Publication number: 20030201290Abstract: A rack assembly (100) for attachment to the back of a vehicle is disclosed. The rack assembly includes an upper retaining member (160) and a lower retaining member (180), the upper and lower retaining members being offset vertically and transversely, such that elongate gear, for example, skis or other sports equipment, will be oriented generally at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, near the rear of the vehicle. Protective sheaths (163, 183) may be provided to protect the retained gear. In one embodiment the upper and lower retaining members are removably attachable to a support assembly (120) that engages the hitch (92) at the back of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower retaining members (220, 240) attach to a frame (204) disposed near the rear of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Allsop, Inc.Inventor: Eivind Clausen
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Patent number: 6626340Abstract: A load carrier for a bicycle including a load carrier frame adapted to be mounted to a transport vehicle. A bicycle support is carried upon the load carrier frame and is configured for engaging a bicycle at a position proximate a rotatable connection of a bicycle pedal crank assembly to a frame of the bicycle. A securement mechanism is coupled to the load carrier frame and adapted for releasably-engaging the bicycle pedal crank assembly of the bicycle for securing the bicycle upon the load carrier frame. In one version of the load carrier, the securement mechanism is a substantially J-shaped hook securable about the bicycle pedal crank assembly. The J-shaped hook being of conventional design, it includes a hooked end portion and a straight end portion. A biasing member may be optionally associated with the J-shaped hook for urging the hooked end portion toward the load carrier when a bicycle is being transported upon the load carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Ronald J. Burgess