Rigid Patents (Class 296/100.02)
  • Patent number: 11987110
    Abstract: A tonneau system for use with a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a frame and a tonneau cover having a plurality of tonneau sections moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The tonneau cover includes solar energy-receiving material secured to a top exposed surface of at least two of the tonneau sections. The solar energy-receiving material moves with their corresponding tonneau sections between the unfolded and folded positions. A battery, transformer, and/or electrical cabling system may be included within the circuit for power storage and conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: WORKSPORT LTD.
    Inventors: Steven Rossi, Jonathan Loudon
  • Patent number: 11919379
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges between each panel of the plurality of panels so that the plurality of panels are rotatably connected together, wherein some or all of the one or more hinges include: (i) a plurality of expansion links that are movably interconnected together, some of the plurality of expansion links including: (1) one or more expansion projections; (2) one or more pockets that receive all or a portion of the one or more expansion projections from an adjacent one of the plurality of expansion links; and (3) one or more expansion stops that restricts movement of the one or more expansion projections from the adjacent one of plurality of the expansion links that extend within the one or more pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, Chad Carter, David Germano, Robbie Mosingo
  • Patent number: 11884145
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BOS AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 11794820
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: a first latch mounted in a first location, the first location positioned on a first side of the vehicle, the first latch coupling the closure panel to the body of the vehicle when engaged with a corresponding first mating latch component; a second latch mounted in a second location, the second location positioned on a second side of the vehicle, the second latch coupling the closure panel to the body of the vehicle when engaged with a corresponding second mating latch component; wherein one of the first latch and the second latch is maintained in a latched state and the other of the first latch and the second latch is in an unlatched state when the closure panel is moved between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: John Distefano
  • Patent number: 11724582
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for use on a cargo box of a pick-up truck is provided. The tonneau cover may include at least one panel and a latching assembly located on the at least one panel. The latching assembly selectively secures and releases the at least one panel. The latching assembly includes at least one shoe. The at least one shoe is configured for moving at least a portion of the latching assembly to release the at least one panel. The at least one shoe is movable between an extended use position and a retracted stowed position with respect to the at least one panel. And the at least one shoe is spring biased to its extended use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Christopher David Mattison
  • Patent number: 11634017
    Abstract: A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a first panel and a second panel; (b) a hinge located between and connecting the first panel and the second panel; and (c) a cover extending over all or a portion of the first panel, the second panel, or both, and the hinge so that, when the first panel or the second panel rotates about the hinge, the cover forms a portion of the hinge and maintains the integrity of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, Chad Carter, David Germano, Robbie Mosingo
  • Patent number: 11376937
    Abstract: provided is a panel joining arrangement for a vehicle canopy. The vehicle canopy includes at least one three panel join where a side panel, roof panel and end panel of the vehicle canopy meet. The panel joining arrangement comprises first and second lip portions formed in the side panel of the vehicle canopy and a third lip portion formed in the roof panel. The first and second lip portions are longitudinally offset and transversely overlapping in relation to a length of the side panel. The third lip portion is configured to mate with the second lip portion at the three panel join of the vehicle canopy such that the third lip portion is located adjacent to and substantially flush with the first lip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ROCK SOLID INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL (PTY) LTD
    Inventor: Michael Voss
  • Patent number: 11318826
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 11142050
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Patent number: 11091013
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Michael David Uhazie, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Patent number: 11084360
    Abstract: A telescoping truck bed shell may be retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended and so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 10889168
    Abstract: A switch system for a moveable platform includes a track including an upper portion and a lower portion. A platform transition switch is connected within the track. The platform transition switch is configured to receive a wheel connected to a platform, and to transition the wheel between the upper portion and the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Edmund Jung
  • Patent number: 10632824
    Abstract: A moveable tonneau cover includes multiple wheels. A tonneau cover mechanism includes multiple tracks each including an upper portion and a lower portion, and a switch that transitions to connect with the upper portion and the lower portion based on a weight of the movable tonneau cover such that the moveable tonneau cover is configured to move between a first position above a truck bed and a second position above the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: DROPTOP, LLC
    Inventor: Edmund Jung
  • Patent number: 10493831
    Abstract: A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 10454206
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of conductive terminals affixed to the insulative housing and a shielding shell enclosing the insulative housing for forming a receiving room. The insulative housing includes a base portion and a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion. The shielding shell includes an annular wall having a riveted joint. The riveted joint is composed of a first inclining surface and a second inclining surface disposed in a thickness direction of the shielding shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jun Zhao
  • Patent number: 10272754
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering at least a portion of an open bed of a vehicle includes a pair of support frames, where opposing ends of the support frames are removably mounted to opposing edges of the vehicle bed, and a rigid cover panel that is mounted between the support frames to cover the bed. A slot is formed in each support frame that extends along the length of each support frame. The rigid cover panel has edges that may removably slide into the slots of the support frames. The cover panel is held in place by inserting opposite edges into the slots of the support frames and then removably fixing the support frames at a selected location to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Brian R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10023034
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Patent number: 9914384
    Abstract: A multifunction tonneau cover is provided for a load bed of a truck. That multifunction tonneau cover includes a body having a plurality of leg receivers and a plurality of caps closing the leg receivers in a first mode of operation as a load bed cover. In addition, the multifunction tonneau cover includes a plurality of legs that are received and held in the plurality of receivers and a second mode of operation as a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Yilma, Pattrick Loew
  • Publication number: 20150145277
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo bed incorporates an internal frame work having a spring loaded latch assembly used for the ease of opening or closing of a tonneau cover system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Hang Shi, Hongjuan Zheng
  • Publication number: 20150123421
    Abstract: A modular cover system for a vehicle cargo bed includes a cover support frame mountable to the front wall and sidewalls of the cargo bed, a plurality of modular cover panels, and a seal configured for installation over a perimeter margin of the cover panels and the front, rear and sidewalls of the vehicle bed. Each panel is bounded by a rail, configured to include a forwardly projecting tongue and a corresponding groove at the rear. The panel rails provide sufficient support to permit removal of selected adjacent panels to provide open spaces for tall cargo. Each panel includes a latch operable to selectively secure the panel to the side bed rails or release the panel from the side bed rails, thereby enabling a user to selectively release one or more panels from the cover system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Robert B. Combs, II, Jeff Wittman
  • Patent number: 8827349
    Abstract: A vehicle window assembly includes a cap that includes a rooftop section, which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a side wall that extends from the rooftop section generally in a normal direction. The side wall includes an opening. The window assembly also includes a rigid window that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. Moreover, the window assembly includes a pivot coupling that pivotally connects the window to the cap for rotational movement between a closed position and an open position. The window covers the opening and the interior surface is operable to face the vehicle passenger compartment when the window is in the closed position. The window overlaps the rooftop section and the exterior surface faces the rooftop section when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John S Kargilis, Michael A Thomson
  • Publication number: 20140239666
    Abstract: A cargo container is disclosed having removable panels secured between roof bows that extend across the width of the cargo container. The roof bows may be constructed out of a metal or high strength composite material while the panels may be constructed from a similar high strength material or a lightweight plastic depending on the intended use of the trailer. A top sheet over the roof bows maybe required to secure the panels to the bows, or the top sheet may be optional for additional protection from the weather. Insulation may also be placed between the top sheet and panels if the container is to be used to carry refrigerated cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: VANGUARD NATIONAL TRAILER CORP.
    Inventor: Mark Roush
  • Publication number: 20140191531
    Abstract: A compartment with a plurality of side-walls and a floor, which together at least partially define a cargo area. The plurality of side-walls include a first side-wall and a second side-wall, wherein the first side-wall is arranged substantially parallel to the second side-wall. The compartment also includes a multi-section panel configured to cover the cargo area. The panel has a first section with a first piece hinged to the first side-wall and a second piece hinged to the first piece, and a second section with a third piece hinged to the second side-wall and a fourth piece hinged to the third piece. When the first, second, third, and fourth pieces are extended relative to the first and second side walls and arranged substantially parallel to the floor, the cargo area is substantially covered by the panel. A vehicle employing such a compartment is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Patent number: 8720970
    Abstract: A folding cover for covering a trailer body, a truck body or other object. The folding cover includes a plurality of cover members which are foldably interconnected so as to be selectively movable between a covering position and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20140097637
    Abstract: A vehicle window assembly includes a cap that includes a rooftop section, which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a side wall that extends from the rooftop section generally in a normal direction. The side wall includes an opening. The window assembly also includes a rigid window that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. Moreover, the window assembly includes a pivot coupling that pivotally connects the window to the cap for rotational movement between a closed position and an open position. The window covers the opening and the interior surface is operable to face the vehicle passenger compartment when the window is in the closed position. The window overlaps the rooftop section and the exterior surface faces the rooftop section when in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: John S. Kargilis, Michael A. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8632114
    Abstract: A composite tonneau cover of a pick-up truck is disclosed. The composite tonneau cover has at least one frame section and is releasably secured on a side wall of a cargo bed of the pick-up truck. Each of the frame section comprises: a flexible cover material; a rigid metal panel covered by the flexible cover material and having at least two end edges; and a plurality of outer rails covered by the flexible cover material. Each of the outer rails has an inner side formed with an installation groove, and each of the end edges of the rigid metal panel is inserted into the installation groove of one of the outer rails. Thus, the composite tonneau cover can provide dual advantages of hard-top type tonneau cover and soft-top type tonneau cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CYC Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • Patent number: 8491031
    Abstract: A partial cover and tailgate seal is added to the bed of a truck or trailer to prevent a slurry-type load from overflowing the tailgate of the bed when traversing steep terrain and to help seal the interface between the tailgate and the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron Dale Brown
  • Patent number: 8474896
    Abstract: A vehicle topper provides an enclosed compartment when coupled with a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. Convenient open access is provided to the bed of the vehicle by employing a rolling door that is supported by a frame within two parallel guide tracks. When the rolling door is in a completely closed position, the vehicle topper creates an enclosed and lockable compartment in conjunction with the cargo bed and the vehicle's cargo box. When the rolling door is moved through the guide tracks to a completely open position, the door is substantially disposed within a sub-floor space between a floor supported by the frame of the vehicle topper, and the vehicle's cargo bed. The rolling door can be caused to bypass the completely closed position and to open in a reverse direction. An outer frame is included to secure the vehicle topper to the walls of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Murray Ostberg
  • Patent number: 8449014
    Abstract: The vehicle according to the invention has an open-top load body defined by end walls and side walls and has a cover arrangement with which the load body is closed in a closed position and opened in an open position, the covering arrangement including at least one roof segment which is pivotable between the closed position and the open position by means of at least one pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism has at least one drive shaft in the region of an upper longitudinal edge of one of the two side walls, to which drive shaft the roof segment is rigidly connected. The pivoting mechanism further includes a rack and pinion drive having a rack, the rack being in operative connection with a pinion rigidly connected to the drive shaft for the purpose of opening and closing the roof segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl
  • Publication number: 20130015678
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover includes a substantially rigid panel provided with 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. Also a clamp mechanism, and a method of operating a clamp mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: RUGGED LINER, INC.
    Inventors: Scott A. Williamson, Michael Williamson, David Kosinski, Thomas Dean Walser
  • Patent number: 8342589
    Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tital Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 8317252
    Abstract: Added openings are provided for sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, two and four door vehicles, vans, minivans, sedans, station wagons, or other vehicles. The opening(s) may utilize doors, gates, windows, sunroofs, or lids that provide more physical and/or visual access to the interior space, cargo, and/or seating within the vehicles that currently are not easily accessible, viewed, seen-by, or displayed-on conventional opening means. These openings may also provide the ability to place cargo within the space of the vehicle that current vehicles prohibit from being carried therein, or they may provide decorative, descriptive, or electronic displays for such vehicles, for example, advertising on taxi cabs. Among the embodiments, this invention results in a new 2 door or a 4 door SUV vehicle having added rear side doors, and a new 2 door or 4 door sedan that in effect functions likes a pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen G. Kimmet
  • Publication number: 20120292939
    Abstract: A pickup truck bed low profile tool box with sliding lids mounted across the pickup truck bed inside a protective fastback style rigid shell, resting on the cargo bed rails, with gull wing doors on either side of the shell, over the low profile tool box behind the pickup truck cab, pivot up out of the way for easy access to the low profile tool box and a fastback rear hatch door that opens wide affording easy access to the tool box from inside the cargo bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick Lynn Daylong
  • Publication number: 20120274091
    Abstract: A composite tonneau cover of a pick-up truck is disclosed. The composite tonneau cover has at least one frame section and is releasably secured on a side wall of a cargo bed of the pick-up truck. Each of the frame section comprises: a flexible cover material; a rigid metal panel covered by the flexible cover material and having at least two end edges; and a plurality of outer rails covered by the flexible cover material. Each of the outer rails has an inner side formed with an installation groove, and each of the end edges of the rigid metal panel is inserted into the installation groove of one of the outer rails. Thus, the composite tonneau cover can provide dual advantages of hard-top type tonneau cover and soft-top type tonneau cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: CYC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • Patent number: 8282148
    Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 8186739
    Abstract: The invention includes a lift system for lifting a topper relative to a pickup truck box. The system is configured to lift the topper in a translational manner, such that the topper does not pivot with respect to the pickup box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Topper EZ Lift
    Inventors: Tod Allen Bruestle, Donald T. Borchert
  • Patent number: 8157229
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Palermo
  • Publication number: 20120043782
    Abstract: The vehicle according to the invention has an open-top load body defined by end walls and side walls and has a cover arrangement with which the load body is closed in a closed position and opened in an open position, the covering arrangement including at least one roof segment which is pivotable between the closed position and the open position by means of at least one pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism has at least one drive shaft in the region of an upper longitudinal edge of one of the two side walls, to which drive shaft the roof segment is rigidly connected. The pivoting mechanism further includes a rack and pinion drive having a rack, the rack being in operative connection with a pinion rigidly connected to the drive shaft for the purpose of opening and closing the roof segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl
  • Patent number: 8060264
    Abstract: A system for monitoring railroad cars comprising a hatch cover assembly including a cover body, a sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data received from the sensor, a wireless receiver for receiving the data from the wireless transmitter, and a satellite transmitter for transmitting the data to a satellite. The wireless receiver and the satellite transmitter are attached to the hatch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is an air flow sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is a chain tension sensor attached to a handbrake chain. In another embodiment, the sensor is a hatch cover position attached to the hatch cover assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Salco Products Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Oestermeyer, Alex V. Degutis, Peter Gubricky, Michael S. Ryan, Clayton Strand, William R. Borowski, Andy Borowski, James M. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8025331
    Abstract: A roof assembly is provided for a storage container having two opposing side walls that together define a length of the storage container. The roof assembly includes a plurality of roof panels arranged atop and between the two opposing side walls along the length of the storage container in side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of roof panels has opposite sides and opposite ends. Each of the opposite ends of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be secured to a top of a corresponding one of the two opposing side walls of the storage container. Each of the opposite sides of each of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be attached to the side of an adjacent one of the plurality of roof panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Will Lewallen
  • Publication number: 20110221227
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a truck bed is provided with an inner panel and an outer panel. A plurality of five pointed star shaped indentations are formed on the inner panel. Each indentation includes ten angularly oriented sidewalls that extend from the inner panel and converge towards an upper land. Each upper land is attached to the outer panel at spaced apart intervals and provides reinforcement in ten different directional planes along the ten sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Kayser
  • Patent number: 8007024
    Abstract: A raisable truck bed cover protects the contents of the truck bed from the elements and theft, while allowing access to the contents when materials are placed on the cover. The raisable cover maintains the storage capability of the original truck design while allowing additional material hauling capacity by way of the cover and an optional ladder rack system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Kealy
  • Patent number: 7988218
    Abstract: A camper shell kit including a plurality of removable panels that are individually mountable onto a frame is herein disclosed. The frame serves as the skeleton for the shell and also provides a base for an optional top-mounted rack. Each panel may be mounted individually to the frame to create customized camper shell configurations. Panel insertion may not require the use of tools. Panels can be interchanged with others made of different materials for specific tasks. The frame may be integrated to match the shape of the truck and provide flush mounting for shell panels offering a smooth, integrated appearance with the vehicle. The frame mounts directly onto standard truck bed mount points which may provide maximum strength and load-bearing capacity. The frame permits the panels to be locked into place providing security for the payload against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Devine
  • Patent number: 7967357
    Abstract: A trailer having a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container includes a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
  • Publication number: 20110148137
    Abstract: The invention provides a new-style tonneau cover, wherein comprises a cover plate body matching the rear truck bed. The cover plate body is a three-layer structure, comprising an outer layer, an intermediate layer and an inner layer from the exterior to the interior. The outer layer is made of polyurethane foam mixed with glass fiber; the intermediate layer is made of polyurethane foam and the inner layer is made of resin; the density of polyurethane foam in the intermediate layer is lower than that in the outer layer; polyurethane foam is light in weight and high in specific strength. In this invention, the cover plate body is made of three different layers so that the cover is light in weight and high in strength, taking up less room of the rear truck bed, better for free opening and closing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Jiuda Vehicle Fittings-making (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yachun Hu, Shaobo Hu
  • Patent number: 7954881
    Abstract: An apparatus for a pickup truck box cover includes a frame having a generally flat rectangular shape and configured to reside in a plane generally perpendicular to a bed of the pickup truck and proximate a back of a cab of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to a frame of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to the pickup truck box. A top surface is removably joined to the frame and configured to extend back from a top portion of the cab of the pickup truck along a sloping plane intersecting a plane containing the bed of the pickup truck. Side panels are removably joined to the frame and configured to extend from the top surface to the bed of the pickup truck where, in conjunction with the pickup truck, a shape resembling generally flat bottom airfoil is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic P. Berg
  • Publication number: 20110115250
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dave Hobrecht, Scott Willis
  • Patent number: 7942295
    Abstract: A glazier rack and tool chest apparatus for supporting and transporting large glass pieces, including window glass and providing a tool chest in a truck bed, the apparatus providing a hollow base and a top section. In one embodiment, the base provides two top accesses, a pair of side doors, and a front door to access the interior for tool storage and the top section provides a storage tube. The top section hingedly extends to a position atop the base to form, in conjunction with the base, a slanted surface to support large pieces of glass, including window glass, at an angle for stable transport. Tracks affixed to the truck bed and track slides affixed to the base are removably and slidingly engaged for easy removal of the apparatus for multi-use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: John Hume
  • Publication number: 20110095559
    Abstract: The present truck bed cap consists of an internal frame having a first shelf, a second shelf and a top, wherein the internal frame is connected to corner supports attached to the bed of the truck. In a first motion the top shifts vertically with respect to the internal frame. In a second motion the internal frame shifts vertically with respect to the corner supports and the bed of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: David Edens
  • Patent number: 7887114
    Abstract: An adjustable toolbox for use in conjunction with a bed on a pickup. The adjustable toolbox includes a base portion, a mounting portion and a lid portion. The base portion has a recess formed therein that is adapted to receive at least one object. The mounting portion is operably attached to the base portion so that at least part of the mounting portion is slidable with respect to the base portion to adjust a width of the adjustable toolbox. The lid portion is operably attached to at least one of the base portion and the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Truxedo, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Spencer