Clamp Patents (Class 224/558)
  • Patent number: 11930898
    Abstract: A storage container including a mobility aid assembly, a container assembly and a clamping assembly. The mobility aid includes a cane and a walker with a frame. The container assembly includes a container to store small objects. The container has an inclined opening. The clamping assembly includes a clamping member that allows the container to be attached to the frame or to the cane. The clamping assembly can be rotated to orientate the storage container to the cane or to the frame, either in vertical or horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Phillip Carstens
  • Patent number: 11932203
    Abstract: A agricultural vehicle includes a step assembly having a step and a tank that is movably mounted to the step. The step has a flat and horizontally oriented top side and an angled side extending from the top side. The tank is movably mounted to the step and is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position of the tank, a first side of the tank is aligned with and parallel to the angled side to form a continuous angled surface. In the deployed position of the tank, a second side of the tank is aligned with and parallel to the top side to form a continuous horizontal step surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Frank R. G. Duquesne, Stefaan Eeckeloo, Wouter Van Den Bulcke
  • Patent number: 11858428
    Abstract: A mounting kit for installing a soundbar in a vehicle includes a tube having an elongated body and at least one chamber having a window. The mounting kit includes at least one bolt having a head and a shank, the head arranged to be coupled to the soundbar and the shank arranged to be received in the at least one chamber and accessible through the window to secure the soundbar to the tube. A first bracket is arranged to be secured to a cross member and first pillar of the vehicle, and a second bracket is arranged to be secured to the cross member and a second pillar of the vehicle, each of the first and second brackets having a cradle arranged to receive an end portion of the tube for installing the tube and attached soundbar in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffery Fay, Kai Meng, Linghua Jiang
  • Patent number: 11858468
    Abstract: A lift-assisted rack mountable to a roof of a vehicle and pivotable between a transport configuration and a loading configuration. The lift-assisted rack comprises: a fixed base mounted to the roof of the vehicle, a set of pivoting links, an article support, a pivoting arm and a lift-assisting strut. The set of pivoting links are pivotally connected to the fixed base at a link proximal end thereof. The article support is pivotally connected to the set of pivoting links, at a link distal end thereof. The pivoting arm is pivotally connected to the fixed base at an arm proximal end and is pivotable of a predetermined angular. The lift-assisting strut is pivotally connected to one link of the set of pivoting links at a strut distal end and is pivotally connected to the arm distal end of the pivoting arm, at a strut proximal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: 9358-3433 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventors: Mathieu Bouchard, Frederic Laurin-Lalonde, Damir Gacanovic, Joey Hebert
  • Patent number: 11780645
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a battery box and a vehicle, the battery box comprises an upper box body, a lower box body, a connecting member, a fixing member. The upper box body comprises a first eave portion, the lower box body comprises a second eave portion. The first eave portion is provided with a first connecting hole, the second eave portion is provided with a second connecting hole and a mounting hole. The connecting member passes through the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole to connect the upper box body and the lower box body. The fixing member passes through the mounting hole to make the lower box body mounted to external equipment, compared with the conventional battery box, the lower box body is equivalent to the arrangement of eliminating the third eave portion, it simplifies the structure and reduces the weight, thereby improving the energy density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuqun Zeng, Fenggang Zhao, Xingdi Chen, Lei Wang, Linggang Zhou, Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 11577659
    Abstract: An accessory mount device is provided for quickly securing an accessory, such as a vehicle recovery tool configured as a recovery board, to a vehicle and for quick subsequent release and removal of the tool from the mounting device. The device includes a support frame for mounting the device on a vehicle. The device includes a clamp for selectively engaging the recovery tool to secure the tool to the device. The mount device includes an actuator operably coupled to the clamp to actuate the clamp between an open position and a closed position. A tool support stanchion, as a portion of the support frame, is provided to support a portion of the vehicle recovery tool at a location apart from the clamp. The tool mount device may include a locking mechanism to retain the actuator in the closed position, particularly while driving the vehicle in rough conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy B. Duffin, April J. Leone
  • Patent number: 11505132
    Abstract: A bicycle mounting device for storing and transporting a bicycle in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The mounting device includes a frame formed by a pair of longitudinal members and a first and second lateral member each affixed at opposing ends thereof. A sliding bicycle support is operably connected to the pair of longitudinal members and can receive the bicycle in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the first end of the frame is raised relative to the second end thereof. In use, the device is placed in a trunk of a vehicle and the horizontally oriented bicycle is placed on the sliding support. The bicycle can then be pushed into the trunk by the sliding support moving from the first to the second end of the frame. The pair of longitudinal members form a gap to receive a tire of the bicycle when stored in the vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Virapol Pitugnarongphor
  • Patent number: 11465562
    Abstract: A vehicle side mirror assembly includes a base member configured to be attached to a vehicle. A sensor is non-rotatably attached to the base member. A mirror housing is connected to the base member. An actuator is disposed within the mirror housing. A mirror assembly is connected to the actuator such that movement of the actuator controls a position of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle Happy
  • Patent number: 11445807
    Abstract: A pump clip and a fluid infusion device system, in which the pump clip includes a mount to be connectable to a fluid infusion device, and a base coupled to the mount. The base is pivotable relative to the mount about a first pivot axis. The pump clip includes a clip coupled to the base. The clip is pivotable relative to the base about a second pivot axis, and the clip defines at least one tube clamp to receive a tube associated with the fluid infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Briggs, Robert C. Castro, Joseph P. Williams
  • Patent number: 10874136
    Abstract: A device for holding a cylindrical element includes a base and a clamp arm coupled with the base. The clamp arm is configured to pivot relative to the base between an open position and a closed position for clamping a cylindrical element against the base, and the clamp arm is resiliently biased toward the closed position. A support feature coupled with the base is configured to support an elongate element while the clamp arm clamps the cylindrical element. The device further includes a stem extending away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Yefim Spektor
  • Patent number: 10189525
    Abstract: A cam lever operated accessory gripping mechanism the gripping mechanism includes a cam lever, a threaded stud, a dowel fixed to a first end of the threaded stud, first and second relatively movable main body sections, the first of the main body sections including a handlebar bracket extension, a first clamping jaw for engaging a first side of the accessory, and an opening shaped to slidably receive the second main body section, and the second main body section including a bore and a slot for receiving a fastening member into which the threaded stud is threaded, and a second clamping jaw for engaging a second side of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Allen
  • Patent number: 10106091
    Abstract: A support for a portable electronic apparatus. The support includes a first edge and a second edge, a locking device movable between a locking position, in which it prevents the translation of the first edge relative to the second edge, and an unlocking position, and an actuating device for actuating the locking device movable between an inactive position and an active position in which the actuating device keeps the locking device in its unlocking position. Movement of the second edge from an idle position to a maintaining position drives the actuating device from its active position to its inactive position. The support includes a control device that, when moved from a released position to a disengagement position, causes the actuating device to go from its inactive position to its active position while keeping the second edge in its maintaining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Sergio Da Costa Pito, Bruno Dinant
  • Patent number: 9248784
    Abstract: A crossbar system for a truck bed and methods of mounting a crossbar system to a truck bed are disclosed. In some examples, the crossbar system may include two towers, each coupling an end portion of a crossbar to a truck bed wall. Each tower may include a crossbar housing having a clamp device for securing the crossbar housing around a selected location along the crossbar, and a coupling mechanism configured to secure the crossbar housing to the truck bed. The crossbar housing may have a ledge portion configured to sit on an upper surface of the truck bed wall. The coupling mechanism may include a hook member configured to removably engage the ledge portion of the crossbar housing; and an over-center lever that is operable between open and closed positions, which may cause a bridge piece to move between unclamped and clamped positions. The coupling mechanism may include a plurality of alternate bridge pieces, each configured to engage a different truck bed rail structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Kraeuter, Doug Golenz, Chris Sautter, William Stephens
  • Patent number: 9091390
    Abstract: A slide-on device for mounting on a frame of a structure, including a support column of the frame of a golf cart, includes a first flange, a second flange, and a rear side, such that the first flange slides on one side of the frame, and the second flange slides on the other side of the frame, so that the slide-on device is held in place on the frame between the flanges. The slide-on device can be adapted to fit on different types of frames, including both 1? and 1ΒΌ? standard support columns of golf carts. Accessories, including a wireless speaker, can be attached to the slide-on device with an attachment mechanism, including a hook-and-loop fastener. Also disclosed is a method for using a slide-on device with an attached wireless loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Scott C. Lapinski, Mark W. Lapinski
  • Patent number: 9056586
    Abstract: A carrier device for carrying and fixing a housing for at least one of a sensor system, an electronic system, a drive unit or a camera in or on a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Huttenlocher
  • Patent number: 8960512
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a component onto a farm implement having a frame, includes a clamp member and a mounting component. The clamp member includes a top section, a bottom section and a connecting member coupled to the top section at a first end portion and the bottom section at a second end portion. The top section is configured to engage two adjacent surfaces of a support element, and the bottom section is configured to engage two adjacent surfaces of a support element. A length of the connecting member between the top section of the clamp member and the bottom section of the clamp member is adjustable. The top section includes at least one receiving member, and the bottom section includes at least one receiving member. The mounting component includes a plurality of receiving members. Each mounting member is configured to engage the mounting hole of the clamp end portion and a mounting hole of the mounting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Maenle, John Garberson, Tom Steffan, David Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 8905282
    Abstract: An accessory mounting apparatus is provided for coupling to a vehicle roll bar. The accessory mounting apparatus illustratively includes a driver side clamping device configured to be secured to a driver side upright of the roll bar, and a passenger side clamping device configured to be secured to the passenger side upright of the roll bar. Protective sleeves cooperate with the clamping devices to protect the roll bar from damaging contact therewith. A laterally extending cross member extends between the driver side clamping device and the passenger side clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jason E. Miller, Brent Terry, Garric Henry
  • Patent number: 8893939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer having a frame. The apparatus includes a trailer hitch receptacle shaped to receive the trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates. The side plates have first ends. At least one of the first ends of the side plates is connected to the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates have second ends opposite the first ends which extend outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates are configured to receive the frame of the trailer between the side plates. The apparatus includes a connector connected to the side plates near the second ends of the side plates. The connector is extendable between the side plates for fixedly securing the frame of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brass Wolf Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Anthony Brass
  • Patent number: 8870044
    Abstract: A holder for snacks and drinks, in one embodiment adapted to be secured by clamping to a child safety car seat in a vehicle, to a stroller, or to a shopping cart handle, as examples. The holder includes a main body having a front side and a rear side and supporting at least one receptacle for holding food or a drink. A clamp assembly is connected to the main body. The clamp assembly includes a pair of jaws movable relative to each other located generally on the rear side of the main body, and an adjustment knob located generally on the front side of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brica, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence O. Freese, Douglas F. Melville, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8864000
    Abstract: A portable visual display panel mounting device is provided, the device comprising: a backing plate, having a visual display mounting side and an arm mounting side; a pair of articulating arms, each articulating arm including a ratcheting surface and a curved free end having an outermost tip; wherein the pair of articulating arms are pivotably connected at a common axis so that the ratcheting surfaces abut, and wherein at least one of the articulating arms is movably attached to the arm mounting side of the backing plate; and a common pin operable with a biasing member, wherein the common pin and the biasing member are located to facilitate pivotable connection of the articulating arms at the common axis so that the articulating arms are movable between a first position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are proximately located next to each other, and a second position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are disparately located away from each other; wherein, when the pair of artic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Paul W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8757573
    Abstract: An adjustable cup holder incorporates an elongated clamp assembly and cup support assembly. The clamp assembly has a proximal end and a distal clamping end. The cup support assembly is connected at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, and comprises a body portion and a pair of arcuate cup-encircling arms having respective spaced-apart free ends. A pivot pin enables pivot adjustment of the cup support assembly at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, such that the cup support assembly is movable between a desired in-use position depending from the clamp assembly, and a folded stowed position beside the clamp assembly. In the stowed position, the clamp assembly passes between the spaced-apart free ends of the cup-encircling arms and into an area defined between the cup-encircling arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Drink Clip, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Barnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8613379
    Abstract: A device mounting assembly particularly intended for connection to the mirror mount of a motorized scooter so that a portable device such as a cellular telephone may be positioned for ready access by the rider of the scooter includes a severable pin connection at the location where the assembly is coupled to the vehicle and/or to a portable device wherein the pin connections help resist relative movement at such locations under normal operating conditions of the vehicle but may be severed in response to the application of a sufficient force to the assembly to resist disengagement of the portable device from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Lee
  • Patent number: 8602277
    Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a sufficient force to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Lee
  • Patent number: 8556146
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a boat on top of the vehicle is configured for clamping on a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar has a pair of saddle mounts facing each other on opposite sides of a cradle axis being defined perpendicular to the crossbar and equidistant from each saddle mount. Each saddle mount has a pliable upper platform which is conformable to different boat hull shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder, John Mark Elliott
  • Patent number: 8534519
    Abstract: A holding unit for articles to be carried on an all terrain vehicle, or the like, comprising a mounting base adapted to be secured to various surfaces and components of the vehicle and extending downwardly from a support arm adjustably positioned and securely fixed and at least one article holder having stacked cradles to receive articles to be held in a stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hancock, Chris Schenck
  • Patent number: 8511736
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover has an elongate channel laterally extending between a proximate end located proximate a side edge of the cover and a distal end at which the channel terminates. The cover includes a clamp mechanism slidably engaged with the channel, and the clamp mechanism includes a handle, a block member slidably received in the channel, an elongate rod member coupled to the handle, and a latch or hook member connected to the rod member. The latch member is moveable between a clamped position for operatively engaging a portion of the cargo box and a released position for spacing the latch member from and placing the latch member out of operative engagement with the cargo box. The handle and rod member are positioned in the channel in the clamp mechanism stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rugged Liner, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Williamson, Michael Williamson, David Kosinski, Thomas Dean Walser
  • Patent number: 8496146
    Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Badillo
  • Patent number: 8439239
    Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Lee
  • Patent number: 8393506
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: TorbjΓΆrn Malm
  • Patent number: 8393508
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 8292139
    Abstract: A pannier mounting system includes a pair of hooks that are positioned at generally opposite ends of a handle and secure a pannier to a bicycle. A latch and a stop cooperate with each hook to snuggly enclose a rail in a manner that is generally independent of the cross-sectional size/shape of the rail. The latch is connected to the hook by a pivot and extends outward generally under the hook. The stop is pivotably and slidably connected to the hook and cooperates with the hook to generally fix a position of the latch. Translation of the handle toward the hooks closes and locks the latch about a rail member and translation of the handle away from the hooks unlocks the latch so that the mounting system can be removed from a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Erica Marie Golub, Po Chin Liao
  • Patent number: 8261954
    Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 8251330
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a device configured to secure an instrument and to be removably mounted to a platform. The device can comprise a mounting base platform, a guide rod plate, and a securing means. The guide rod plate can be slidably secured to the mounting base platform, and the securing means can be configured to slidably move the guide rod plate with respect to the mounting base platform. The device can secure an instrument within, for example a firearm or a scope. The device can be mounted to a platform, for example, a camera tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Edward Stabler
  • Patent number: 8167180
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing a load carrying apparatus for securing an elongate article, such as a canoe of kayak, to a vehicle generally includes a plurality of load bars, a guide pivotally secured to each of the load bars, an aperture disposed along a length of each guide, and at least one retaining strap threadably received by each aperture. The at least one retaining strap is disposed about the elongate article and is secured to the load bars such that the elongate article may be secured between the retaining strap and the guide. In a preferred aspect, the retaining strap is disposed through the aperture, about the elongate article, about the load bars, and is secured to itself under a tensioning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Fred Murray, Gregor Weaver, Fredric Clark
  • Patent number: 8136709
    Abstract: A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jeli, Mike Kemery, Steve Rodden, Peter Jones
  • Patent number: 8132701
    Abstract: A mounting system for attaching accessories to surfaces. The mounting system comprises a rail and clamp that includes housing for a bolt having a shaft extending outwardly of the housing from a first surface thereof. A hook extends outwardly of a second surface of the housing to engage the rail. A blade also extends outwardly of the second surface to be received in a channel of the rail. The hook and blade exert pressure on the rail during rotation of a knob along the shaft of the bolt to tighten the blade against the rail for releasable connection of the clamp to the rail, the clamp being adapted for attachment of accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jan Verhelst, Wim Van Ongeval, Kevin Bogoslofski, Joe Settelmayer
  • Publication number: 20120031942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load carrier foot (1) for mounting at least a part of a load carrier to a first surface (2) of a vehicle. The load carrier foot (1) comprising a support member (3), arranged to abut the first surface (2), a gripping member (5) having a first part (16) arranged to abut the vehicle at a distance from the support member (3), an intermediate member (9) between the support member (3) and a second part (17) of the gripping member (5), and an adjustment member (7) acting on the intermediate member (9) to adjust a clamping force between the support member (3) and the first part (16) of the gripping member (5). The intermediate member (9) cooperates with the second part (17) of the gripping member (5) at a first working point (10) and the intermediate member cooperates with the support member (3) at a second working point (11) located at a distance (D) from the first working point (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Patent number: 8100305
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automobile hanger. The hanger may comprise a hanger frame, a connecting member, a supporting member, a fastening member and a hook. The hanger may be configured as a supporting hanger and to be attached to the headrest column of an automobile seat. Alternatively, the hanger may also be configured as a hook hanger which may be utilized in an automobile or elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Shiyu Sun
  • Patent number: 8087557
    Abstract: A load carrier that includes a load carrier bar with a load carrier foot at each end of the load carrier bar. Each load carrier foot has a fixed clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw configured to be arranged on an upper side and an opposite lower side of the respective roof rails and to cooperate with a clamping device that is configured to move the movable clamping jaw towards the fixed clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is pivotally connected at the load carrier foot and in a first mounting position. The movable clamping jaw is firmly connected to at least one guiding protrusion, located on a distance from the movable clamping jaw and in a first mounting position is arranged so that the distance between the guiding protrusions, which are located at each end of the load carrier, is larger than the distance between the roof rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Wolf-Dietrich Lenk
  • Patent number: 8083198
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a device configured to secure an instrument and to be removably mounted to a platform. The device can comprise a mounting base platform, a guide rod plate, and a securing means. The guide rod plate can be slidably secured to the mounting base platform, and the securing means can be configured to slidably move the guide rod plate with respect to the mounting base platform. The device can secure an instrument within, for example a firearm or a scope. The device can be mounted to a platform, for example, a camera tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua Edward Stabler
  • Patent number: 8074851
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8006876
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting a bicycle rack to a connection member on a vehicle includes a clamping unit composed of four quarters and a mounting member is mounted onto the four quarters withinhich the connection member is enclosed. A bolt's head is clamped by four respective protrusions on the four quarters and the shank extends through the top of the clamping unit and the mounting member so as to be connected with a knob. A lock is received in the knob and cooperated with the bolt. The mounting member has a T-shaped slot and two lugs extend from the mounting member. The vertical slot is located between the two lugs and a quick release unit is cooperated with the two lugs so as to control the distance between the two lugs. By using the quick release unit, the four quarters can quickly release the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Chiu-Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 7913885
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Ron Long
  • Publication number: 20110006095
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for support frames of a bicycle saddle is fixed to the support frames under the saddle in a simple and stable way, the connecting assembly can also be used together with a connecting member which has one end engaged with the connecting assembly and the other end for clamping or carrying objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Chong-Jiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20100237116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a leg for a roof rack, the leg being adapted to be attachable to a plurality of different mounting systems by which to attach the leg to a vehicle. The invention also relates to different mounting systems for attaching to the leg for attaching the roof rack leg to a mount on the vehicle. In addition, the invention relates to a permanent pad mount for attaching to a vehicle and for use with the leg of the invention and, preferably, with one of the mounting systems of the invention to attach a roof rack to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20100147914
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
  • Publication number: 20100122994
    Abstract: A connecting device includes a fixture having a through slot, a block having a compartment connected to and in communication with the through slot, a neck, a hooking base extending from the neck, and a controller moveably mounted in the compartment and including a first engaging portion extending out of the through slot and being operable to move into the through slot. A connecting body is releasably mounted to the fixture and including a first end and a second end, a first groove and a second groove. When the connecting body is joined with the fixture, the hooking base is received in the first groove and the neck is received in the second groove and the first engaging portion of the controller protrudes on the first end of the connecting body for secure and stable engagement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7669828
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system is for attaching at least first and second accessories to a vehicle. A first bracket is configured to connectably receive the first accessory and a second bracket is configured to connectably receive the second accessory. The second bracket has a configuration substantially different than the first bracket. A mount is coupled with the vehicle and is configured to connectably receive the first bracket to attach the first accessory to the vehicle and to alternatively connectably receive the second bracket to attach the second accessory to the vehicle. The mount preferably includes a base coupled with the vehicle and at least one and preferably two apertures extending into the base, each configured to receive a fastener coupled with the accessory. A slotted opening extends into the base, is spaced below the apertures, and configured to receive a portion of either an accessory or a bracket connected therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hardy, Gary L. Lewis, Duane E. Newman, Geoff D. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090014489
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080296454
    Abstract: A convertible clamp device including a C-shaped frame having first and second substantially opposing interconnected arms; a clamping rod carried by the first arm for longitudinal movement in a first clamping direction toward an internal face of the second arm and in a second opposite direction away from the second arm; different first and second movable clamping jaws removably coupleable to a portion of the clamping rod between the arms of the frame; and different first and second stationary clamping anvils being disposable on the internal face of the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali