Article Held In Channel Patents (Class 224/571)
  • Patent number: 11639210
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is described with a retention arm for securing a wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle rack. The retention arm is provided with a tire chock for contacting the tire of the bicycle. An adjustable tire chock may be positioned on the retention arm to secure different sizes of bicycles with different sizes of wheels on the bicycle rack. The adjustable tire chock may have latching components that can be released by a user with a single hand by applying opposing or rotational forces to the latch components or the tire chock. The latch components may be provided with a biasing mechanism to urge them into a latch or engaged position when aligned with latching features on the retention arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Kuat Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Austin Harrill, Parker Lathrop
  • Patent number: 8851349
    Abstract: A frictional pad has a pair of inclined slots in a pair of sidewalls to hold a handheld electronic device at an incline with respect to the pad. The pad can also have a squat dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Bryce Craig
  • Patent number: 8573455
    Abstract: A holder for a mobile telephone headset includes a base and arm members extending outwardly from the base with a receiving member attached to ends of the arm members. The receiving member includes spaced apart upright members forming a gap for loosely receiving an ear bud of the mobile telephone headset. A clip may be removably attached to the base for removably securing the holder to a support structure within a motor vehicle. The holder further includes illumination for locating it or the headset in a darkened environment. Yet further, the arm members are spaced apart to form an opening sufficient for receiving an ear hook of the headset, the holder thus providing ease for a user to safely store the mobile telephone headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: MSB Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130256356
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cup holder assembly includes a panel and cup holder. The panel includes a top surface. The top surface includes at least one beverage container opening configured to receive a cup holder. A pocket is formed on the top surface of the panel and a cushion is disposed within the pocket. The panel may be covered with a skin such as a synthetic leather so as to cover the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 8534522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent A. Bove, John R. Laverack, John J. Pelosi
  • 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: 8490846
    Abstract: A frictional pad has a pair of inclined slots in a pair of sidewalls to hold a handheld electronic device at an incline with respect to the pad. The pad can also have a squat dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Bryce Craig
  • Patent number: 8336747
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes at least one arm and a cradle installed on the arm for receiving a bicycle thereon. The cradle has a body including a through-hole extending through the longitudinal length of the body. The through-hole is sized to be received by the arm of a bicycle rack. A saddle extending along a length of the longitudinal body is positioned above the through-hole and has a top surface for receiving a tube of a bicycle. The saddle is oriented cross-ways to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. The top surface of the saddle can increase in dimension on one side of a vertical axis of the through-hole and decreases in dimension on the other side of the vertical axis as the saddle extends toward each end of the longitudinal body. A latch is positioned on opposite sides of the vertical axis at either end of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, John R. Laverack
  • Patent number: 8225969
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided for securing a component to a base on a vehicle. The component has a first longitudinal lip extending along a first side thereof and a second longitudinal lip extending along a second side substantially opposite the first side. The mounting apparatus comprises an elongate track assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to the base and having first and second edge sections. The first edge section is configured to secure the first lip, and the second edge section is configured to form a wall. A wedge assembly is coupled to the track assembly for engaging the wall and the second lip to secure the component on the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn G. Quinn, David B. Declerck, Tehui Peng, Brian J. Schachermeyer
  • Patent number: 8177111
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device vehicle holder is used to hold a handheld electronic device having a loudspeaker. The handheld electronic device vehicle holder includes a holding body, and the holding body has a sound guiding groove extending to the edge of the holding body. When the handheld electronic device is place on the holding body, the sound outlet of the loudspeaker of the handheld electronic device is placed in the sound guiding groove. Then, sounds produced from the handheld electronic device are guided to the edge of the holding body through the sound guiding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Liang Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120091178
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hancock, Chris Schenck
  • Publication number: 20120055968
    Abstract: A ratchet rack for storing a plurality of ratchet binders comprising: a center section; a side section extending from each side of the center section; a mounting section perpendicularly extending from each side section, where said mounting section include a means to enable the mounting of the rack onto a truck or trailer frame; and an opening between the side sections, where said opening provides a means for the insertion of the plurality of ratchet binders. The ratchet rack may further include a security plate that covers the ratchet binders. The security plate may include a mounting plate, a top plate, a front plate and a hinge. The hinge joins the top plate and mounting plate and the front plate extends at a 90-degree angle from the top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Berylin Parker, David Stamps
  • Patent number: 8091749
    Abstract: The frame or device described herein was designed for use on a golf cart or all terrain vehicles. The frame or device would be used by golfers or hunters in times of cold weather as a secure mounting device for a propane heater device and propane bottle. The invention as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings indicate multiple parts of the frame or device. Although the main purpose of the frame is a secure location for the propane heater device and propane bottle, it also consists of a storage container, two cup holders and a golf ball receptacle. The device attaches to the windshield frame of a golf cart or all terrain vehicle and is adjustable to all makes and models as a mounting device for a propane heater device and propane bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Ray Stautzenberger, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100327140
    Abstract: A method for installing a means capable of removably securing a pole, comprising installing a first support, installing a second support, inserting said pole into said first support, and thereafter, inserting said pole into said second support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: David Brian Jahnz
  • Patent number: 7857178
    Abstract: A universal mobile telephone headpiece holder includes a U-shaped receiver member, configured to hold an earpiece, and a generally linear support member that is capable to engage a curved member on a telephone headpiece not having an earpiece to support the headpiece within convenient reach of an operator of an automobile vehicle while the headpiece is not in use. The receiver member can be configured for mounting in different attachment members to be detachable therefrom. The attachment member can be in the form of a clip engagable with an air conditioning vent grille louver or an adhesive member that is simply stuck on a flush surface of the dashboard. Through the universal telephone headpiece holder, the headpiece can be supported at an elevated location to be accessed when the phone rings without searching for the headpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7789369
    Abstract: A method for installing a means capable of removably securing a pole, comprising installing a first support, installing a second support, inserting said pole into said first support, and thereafter, inserting said pole into said second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: David Brian Jahnz
  • Patent number: 7757917
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent A. Bove, John R. Laverack, John J. Pelosi
  • Patent number: 7641086
    Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Publication number: 20090321489
    Abstract: A cushioned holder device for holding articles includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure and a holding member configured to receive and hold an article therein. The holding member is coupled to the attachment base and includes two generally upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween. A cushion is associated with the holder at a lower portion of the containment area to provide a cushioned interface between the article and the holder. The cushion includes an upper contact surface and an opposing lower contact surface, with an intermediate riser extending therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: George D. Gates, Travis D. Gates
  • Patent number: 7618015
    Abstract: The principle use of this invention is to allow the user to safely put up and take down a pole without climbing a ladder, removing any bolts or fasteners. Conventional types of removable pole support systems can be heavy, costly and time consuming to put up and take down. The “Easy Set-Up Pole & Support System” allows the user to mount a pole, in mainly the vertical direction without clamps or a ladder. The best example of use for this mechanical invention in the use of putting up a removable flag pole on a Recreational Vehicle (RV). The RV pole application is just one of a variety of applications where a removable pole invention can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: David Brian Jahnz
  • Publication number: 20090224016
    Abstract: The frame or device described herein was designed for use on a golf car or all terrain vehicle. The frame or device would be used by golfers or hunters in times of cold weather as a secure mounting device for a propane heater device and propane bottle. The invention as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings indicate multiple parts of the frame or device. Although the main purpose of the frame is a secure location for the propane heater device and propane bottle, it also consists of a storage container, two cup holders and a golf ball receptacle. To the best of my knowledge, there is no other device that attaches to a windshield frame of a golf car of all terrain vehicle which is adjustable to all makes and models of these vehicles or offers a mounting device for a propane heater device and propane bottle. The only mounting position for a propane heater and bottle has been a cup holder provided by the manufacturer of the golf car or all terrain vehicle (assuming it was manufactured with a cup holder).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Ray Stautzenberger, SR.
  • Publication number: 20090090758
    Abstract: Mountain Mike's Reproductions ATV Gun Rack/Pop-up Shooting Rest is a rack to be mounted on an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). This rack will hold a gun or rifle securely for travel and double as a shooting rest when stopped. Its appearance is similar to many ATV gun mounted rack. The difference is its ability to be released on one end and with the use of gas spring pop-up and double as a shooting rest. It will be mounted to pop-up to the left for left handed shooters or turned around to pop-up to the right for right handed shooters. The one side of the rack which comes up is levered to maintain a vertical position and rotates 360 degrees to work as a shooting rest. It can be used from a stationary ATV in the riding position or by off-mounted riders around the ATV. While traveling, the rack is securely held down in the locked position with the use a cam clamp. When stationary and ready to use the clamp lock down is released and the end of the rack is pushed up by the gas spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Richard Bartholdy
  • Patent number: 7469808
    Abstract: Stabilizer members for bicycle carriers often utilize a spool or hourglass shape that cannot accommodate different cross-sectional sizes of seat tube. This can often result in difficulties in adequately securing the bicycle to the bicycle carrier, and, therefore may result in damage to the bicycle, bicycle carrier, or even the vehicle. Accordingly, the bicycle carrier disclosed herein comprises a support member, a bracket attached to the support member, and a stabilizer member rotatably attached to the bracket, the stabilizer member including first and second faces, the first and second faces each including a channel having a radius of curvature wherein the radius of curvature of the first face is different than the radius of curvature of the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products
    Inventors: Anthony Morales, Jacob Belinky
  • Publication number: 20080296334
    Abstract: An aviation clamp device formed of a substantially rigid elongated jaw structure formed with an open throat portion formed between spaced apart and relatively angularly canted opposing drive and anvil plates and a backing plate and having an elongated mouth opening thereinto between the opposing drive and anvil plates and partially extending around peripheries thereof to the backing plate, the drive plate being formed with a pair of threaded apertures therethrough spaced adjacent to opposite ends thereof, and a ball-end coupler formed of a resiliently deformable part-spherical head projected from one of the drive and anvil plates on a substantially rigid reduced diameter stem relatively upstanding thereon; and a plurality of threaded thumb screws each structured for cooperating with one of the threaded apertures by threading therethrough from an external surface of the elongated jaw structure into the throat portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7222763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 7066366
    Abstract: A long gun carrying system for all terrain vehicles that incorporates a support structure that will mount on a rear deck or rack on an ATV and that will support a channel member to receive a soft gun case. The soft gun case is attached to the channel member and the soft gun case may be removed with a gun inside, from the channel member. Alternatively, the long gun is easily removed from the soft gun case, while leaving the gun case in position on the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Stearns Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 7051909
    Abstract: A cargo carrier (10) for bicycles (Y1, Y2) is removably installable in the bed (B) of a truck (T) and has a base plate (12) which mounts on top of the truck bed. One side of the base plate bears against one wall (W1) of the truck bed and an adjustable stop (14) is adjustable to bear against the opposite wall (W2) so to allow the carrier to be installed in trucks having different bed widths. Saddles (40) have risers (42) extending vertically upwardly from the base plate. An attachment screw (62) extending between the risers is used for securing bicycles to the carrier. The base plate may include an offset section so two bicycles can be carried in a side-by-side, staggered formation. The saddles are removable and can be replaced with posts or mounts for carrying other items in the bed. The carrier is in kit form for quick assembly, when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Verlin V. Gibson
  • Patent number: 7044347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 6902089
    Abstract: A tool bracket for elongated tools. The tool bracket includes a mounting base having a mechanism for attaching to an external structure, a forked tool holder rotatably coupled to the mounting base and having pair of interconnected tines projecting from a neck portion, and a resilient biasing member coupled between the mounting base and the forked tool holder for urging relative rotation between the forked tool holder and the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 6892913
    Abstract: The invention concerns a roof-mounted bicycle hodler for vehicles. The bicycle holder comprises profiled carrier (1) on which a bicycle (9) is intended to be positioned in an upright position, first and second fastening devices (2 and 3, respectively) on said profiled carrier (1) for securing said profiled carrier (1) on first and second load carrier rails (4 and 5, respectively), said rails being attached to said vehicle roof (6), and a holding arm (15) pivotally mounted on said profiled carrier (1) for pivotal movement essentially between a release position and a securing position in which said holding arm (15) is attachable to the frame of the bicycle (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri AB
    Inventor: Göran Andersson
  • Patent number: 6889881
    Abstract: The vehicle mounted storage unit includes a support bracket that is clamped to a vehicle's spare tire and wheel rack on the outside of a vehicle by the fasteners that clamp the wheel to the rack. A storage unit frame is attached to the support bracket by a mechanical fastener. A pair of spaced apart left upper door panel post receiving tubes are mounted on the unit frame. A pair of spaced apart right upper door panel post receiving tubes are also mounted on the storage unit frame. The posts are positioned to minimize the space required for the door panel panels. Side curtain hangers are also secured to the storage unit frame. An inner pan is attached to the unit frame. An outer pan is pivotally connected to the unit frame. The two pans cooperate to encase the unit frame and vehicle components supported by the unit frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sausage Express A
    Inventor: Larry G. Wilkens
  • Publication number: 20040251288
    Abstract: A long gun carrying system for all terrain vehicles that incorporates a support structure that will mount on a rear deck or rack on an ATV and that will support a channel member to receive a soft gun case. The soft gun case is attached to the channel member and the soft gun case may be removed with a gun inside, from the channel member. Alternatively, the long gun is easily removed from the soft gun case, while leaving the gun case in position on the ATV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6786374
    Abstract: A device for the fixation of dimensionally stable suitcases, for example, for the cargo space of a motor vehicle. Receiving tracks are provided in a cargo space floor, which tracts are associated with securing means for the suitcases, corresponding securing elements are provided on the suitcases, which can be engaged with positive lock with securing means in the cargo space, and actuation means are provided, in the cargo space or on the suitcase, for the manual separation of the securing means and the securing elements from each other, for use, for example, in station wagons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner P. Schlecht
  • Publication number: 20040145206
    Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus comprises a base. At least one storage panel is provided for storing a variety of articles thereon. The base has at least one slot capable of engaging a portion of the storage panel and retaining the storage panel in a vertical position. The storage panel may be removable mounted within the motor vehicle storage apparatus or stored outside the storage apparatus. The storage panel has at least one attachment location for attaching articles thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hicks, Gary J. D'Annunzio, Timothy Smith
  • Patent number: 6766927
    Abstract: A gun holder for use in vehicles comprises a pair of elongated bendable sidewalls having upper and lower portions. The upper portions of the sidewalls are joined by a strip of flexible material. The cross-sectional shape of the sidewalls forms generally a “V” shape, and when the lower narrow edge of the V is inserted into a seating gap in a vehicle seat, an open, upwardly facing pocket is formed by the flexible sheet material and the sidewalls. A gun may then be inserted into the pocket, and is securely held there for increased safety and protection of the gun, while still permitting very rapid access to the gun when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce A. Cart
  • Patent number: 6761297
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 6732893
    Abstract: 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 engages and interlocks with orientation grooves associated with the holding member. 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 without the presence of an article in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Danik Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6695183
    Abstract: An article holder particularly for use with all-terrain vehicles and comprising bifurcated arms, with or without fins or other holding structures extending between the arms and a cushioning web between the arms at the junction of the arms to provide a cushion for an article to be held between the arms and to close the arms against an inserted article when the cushioning means is depressed and including a mounting base projecting from the junction of the arms and hooks on the outer sides of the arms to accommodate a resilient strap to be hooked over an inserted article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffery D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6685070
    Abstract: A modular cargo carrier system comprising at least one pair of carrier modules and means for attaching said modules to a vehicle or to a support on a vehicle. The modules each have a top, a bottom, sides and ends, the attaching means being located on at least a bottom and one side whereby the modules may be mounted in different orientations on the vehicle top to carry different types of cargo. The modules further include longitudinal and transverse cargo grooves or contoured cargo contact surfaces on the top and on at least one side and/or end for supporting cargo in said grooves. Module connectors are provided for attaching the modules to each other in a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Josef Szigeti
  • Publication number: 20030230608
    Abstract: A holder and method of use are provided for storing a ball mount having a stem and a ball supported on the stem in a ball hitch in which the stem is slidably received within a receiver supported on a vehicle. The holder includes a pocket for slidably receiving the stem therein and mounting means for mounting the pocket on a supporting surface of the vehicle, for example a side wall of a truck box. The use of a pocket with suitable mounting means for mounting to a supporting surface of the vehicle while securing the stem of a ball mount therein provides proper storage for ball mounts which are not in use. The result is that potentially damaging or annoying sliding movement of the ball mounts within a moving vehicle can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne E. Henry
  • Publication number: 20030213824
    Abstract: A modular cargo carrier system comprising at least one pair of carrier modules and means for attaching said modules to a vehicle or to a support on a vehicle. The modules each have a top, a bottom, sides and ends, the attaching means being located on at least a bottom and one side whereby the modules may be mounted in different orientations on the vehicle top to carry different types of cargo. The modules further include longitudinal and transverse cargo grooves or contoured cargo contact surfaces on the top and on at least one side and/or end for supporting cargo in said grooves. Module connectors are provided for attaching the modules to each other in a variety of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Josef Szigeti
  • Patent number: 6648195
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Danik Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6641014
    Abstract: A cantilevered member mounted at a first end to the base and extending cantilevered from the base to an opposite second end, opposite to the first end, and a cross-member mounted to the second end of the cantilevered member, the cross-member having opposite first and second ends. The cantilevered member may be releasably pivotally mounted to the base so as to be selectively angularly positionable relative to the base. A rigid first arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the first end of the cross member. A rigid second arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the second end of the cross-member. The first and second arms are parallel to the cross-member and mounted for sliding and pivoting in a plane parallel to a plane containing the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Arliss McNalley
  • Publication number: 20030189075
    Abstract: Display arrangement for a vehicular load carrier having at least a portion that is visible to an observer when installed upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a receiver that is configured to exchangeably accept an appearance-customizing insert. The display surface is configured to be exposed for visual observation by an onlooker when the insert is installed in the receiver. The receiver takes the form of an elongate track defined in at a side wall of the wheel tray. An interior space of the track forms a channel, the channel being configured to slidingly accept the insert. The channel has an access opening through which the insert is installable, the access opening being located at an end of the wheel tray. The interior space of the channel is at least partially defined by an overhang, the overhang configured to receive a portion of the insert thereunder to retain the insert and being shaped as U-shaped hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: John Laverack, Gregor G. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6626340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald J. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20030168484
    Abstract: An offset holding device configured to be attached to a support structure and to carry elongate objects, including an attachment base configured to be attached to the support structure. A holding member can be attached to the attachment base and can include a generally “U”-shaped member having two upright arms and can be open at the top so as to define a containment area configured to receive the elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth can extend from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area, the gripping teeth being configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: All Rite Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Gates, Travis D. Gates
  • Patent number: 6588638
    Abstract: A key container mountable to the body of a vehicle includes a body and a removable cover. The body has a forward flanged end and a storage portion that may be inserted through an opening defined in the vehicle body. The flanged end has at least one hole adapted to receive a fastener for mounting the flanged end to the outside surface of the vehicle. An internal chamber for storing keys or other items is defined in the storage portion, and the chamber can be accessed through an access opening defined in the flanged end. The removable cover covers the access opening and the fasteners when the cover is coupled to the flanged end. A locking mechanism is coupled to the cover for locking the cover to the body of the key container at any orientation about its central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: GE Interlogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Marc Luebeck, Jose I. Vega, Mathew Steven Hill
  • Publication number: 20030094471
    Abstract: A cantilevered member mounted at a first end to the base and extending cantilevered from the base to an opposite second end, opposite to the first end, and a cross-member mounted to the second end of the cantilevered member, the cross-member having opposite first and second ends. The cantilevered member may be releasably pivotally mounted to the base so as to be selectively angularly positionable relative to the base. A rigid first arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the first end of the cross member. A rigid second arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the second end of the cross-member. The first and second arms are parallel to the cross-member and mounted for sliding and pivoting in a plane parallel to a plane containing the cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Arliss McNalley
  • Patent number: 6527154
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Lance E. Larsen, Joanne H. Cole, Neil J. Bush, Mark A. Caye, Gregary A. Haupt, Benjamin R. Judy, Daniel J. Koester, David J. Spykerman, Roger A. Whitley, Detlef Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6524056
    Abstract: An apparatus for easily loading and unloading a motorcycle or similar vehicle onto and from the bed of a utility vehicle such as a pick-up truck which only requires a single operator. The apparatus comprises a guide rail subassembly secured to the bed of a utility vehicle, a main ramp subassembly detachably secured to the guide rail subassembly, a dolly subassembly which is adapted to support the motorcycle and ride on the main ramp subassembly and the guide rail subassembly, a plurality of adjustable tie down straps for detachably securing the motorcycle to the dolly subassembly, and an approach ramp subassembly which is detachably secured to the dolly subassembly. The dolly subassembly has a winch and a battery mounted thereon with the battery powering the winch which has one end of a flexible cable secured thereto and a free end of the flexible cable having a hook secured thereto which is adapted to be attached to an eye bolt secured to the guide rail subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Kloster