Hinged Patents (Class 296/100.06)
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Patent number: 11780305Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: WorkSport Ltd.Inventors: Steven Rossi, Jonathan Loudon
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Patent number: 11479095Abstract: A tonneau cover for covering the opening of a cargo bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes a sandwich panel including a structural core, a first layered section, and a second layered section. The structural core has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first layered section is coupled to the top surface of the structural core, and a second layered section is coupled to the bottom surface of the structural core. Each of the first and second layered sections includes a reinforcement layer, and at least one of the reinforcement layers of the first and second layered sections is a carbon fiber mat. The tonneau cover may have a single panel configuration or a tri-panel configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventor: Stephen John Hawkins
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Patent number: 11305625Abstract: A tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover and latch assemblies to retain the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck. The cover is moveable between an unfolded positon where the cover encloses the bed and a folded position where the bed is uncovered. The latch assemblies can include latch bases that define discreet mounting positons for a latch handle assembly that employ retention members to retain the latch handle assembly in a particular mounting positon. Another latch assembly includes a latch base having an endless belt to positon the latch handle assembly. A rail attachment is also provided to mount to the bed and provide an anchor point for keep in to tonneau cover engage over the bed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: WorkSport Ltd.Inventors: Steven Rossi, Jonathan Loudon, Julian Richardson, Eric Sosenko
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Patent number: 11279213Abstract: A truck cap having a cap body with an opening, and a cap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening. At least one hinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap. The hinge includes a first hinge bracket member and a second hinge bracket member. The first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket to receive a pivot pin. The second hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket with an opening sized to receive at least a portion of the pivot pin. The first hinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect to each other about the pivot pin. A longitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the pin extending from the second angled portion of the first hinge bracket member and to the pin of the second hinge bracket member.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Joal Hickey, Donald Richard Ireland, Terrill D. Becker, Mitchell Austin Westra, James Dillard Fletcher
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Patent number: 11186152Abstract: A tonneau cover can include a frame, a cover, and a gasket configured to be positioned between a portion of the frame and a portion of the vehicle and further configured to reduce liquid passage between the portion of the frame and the portion of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the gasket includes a compression portion and an attachment portion configured to connect with the portion of the frame. The attachment portion can include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first and second portions and having a greater thickness than both of the first and second portions. The compression portion can be positioned between the attachment portion and the portion of the vehicle when the tonneau cover is in use, and the compression portion can include at least one bulb having a hollow passage extending along the length of the gasket.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Lund, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Slinger, Dean Mettler
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Patent number: 10940744Abstract: A truckbed apparatus for a pickup truck includes a framework having first and second side rails extending along the first and second bed rails of the truck. The framework includes opposed front and rear end rails extending between proximal and distal ends of the first and second side rails, respectively. A center support rail has front and rear ends operatively attached to center portions of the front and rear rails, respectively, the center support rail being parallel and intermediate to the side rails, respectively. The apparatus includes first and second door assemblies that include first and second doors each having an inner edge pivotally coupled to the center support rail and an outer edge opposite the inner edge, respectively, Each door is movable between a closed configuration in which the respective outer edge bears against a respective side rail and an open configuration displaced upwardly from the side rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Inventor: Dana Nadeau
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Patent number: 10611218Abstract: A bed cover of pick-up truck including a frame structure and the skin covering the frame structure is provided. The frame structure consist of several frames and at least one rotating shaft system to connect two adjacent frames, And the rotating shaft system contains: a middle rod, a left joint, a right joint, a middle joint and a joint fixed plate; the left joint, the right joint and the middle joint are respectively provided with the rotating shaft part. The rotating shaft parts of the left joint and the right joint together with the middle joint make a rotating shaft. The middle joint is fixed with the joint fixed plate. The left and the right joint are also fixed with the middle rod to fix the whole rotating shaft system. This invention has the advantages of original design, ingenious structures, simple and durable installation, solid waterproof tape etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Inventors: Lanhua Cai, Yi Lin, Kexin Shi
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Patent number: 10414256Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a tonneau cover for a bed of a truck. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover includes a set of panels that span a width of the bed between at least two mounting rails that are attached to sidewalls of the bed. The set of panels detachably connect to the mounting rails at attachment points within the mounting rails and are at least partially supported by the attachment points. Individual panels within the set of panels connect with adjacent ones of the set of panels through a detachable hinge within opposing sides. The individual panels connect to the mounting rails through retractable pins that extend from opposing ends.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Scott P. Robison, Mark Minelli
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Patent number: 10342250Abstract: A system and method for curing or drying tobacco leaves are described herein. The method includes flowing a first combustion gas generated by a first heat source through a first flue pipe provided inside a first barn to heat air inside the first barn to cure a first batch of tobacco leaves disposed inside the first barn; transferring at least a portion of the first combustion gas generated by the first heat source to a second flue pipe provided inside a second barn adjacent the first barn to heat the second barn and start curing a second batch of tobacco leaves disposed inside the second barn; and flowing second combustion gas generated by a second heat source through the second flue pipe to continue curing the second batch of tobacco leaves after the second barn is heated.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: UNIVERSAL LEAF TOBACCO COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Fabio Italo Paolo Fedetto, Hanif Mahomed Mahomed
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Patent number: 10328780Abstract: A tonneau cover can include at least one pair of cooperating locking elements coupled thereto with the cooperating locking elements being positioned to engage and automatically lock with each other when rearward sections of the tonneau cover are folded onto the forward section and into a stack. Thus, the cooperating locking elements can operate to retain the sections together in the stack when locked with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Extang CorporationInventor: Ryan W. DeLong
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Patent number: 10189516Abstract: A vehicle aerodynamic assembly includes a first end plate, an airfoil including an outboard edge portion contiguous with the first end plate, and a first drainage channel extending through at least one of the first end plate and the outboard edge portion of the airfoil. The aerodynamic assembly may be mounted to a deck lid of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Stephen Sylvester, Andrew Thomas Cunningham, Matthew Arthur Titus
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Patent number: 10118471Abstract: A vehicle cargo area is disclosed that includes support brackets supported on sides of the vehicle cargo areas. The support brackets are movable between a first position holding a cover above the cargo area and a second position enabling movement of the cover to partition portions of the cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kendra White, Pattrick Loew
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Patent number: 10106022Abstract: A truck cover system with a rail defining a cover slot that couples to a cover that extends over a bed of a truck. A clamp system couples the rail to a truck wall. The clamp system includes a first clamp frame that couples to the truck wall, and the first clamp frame includes first and second ends with respective first and second sets of teeth. The first set of teeth engages rail teeth on the rail, and a second clamp frame couples to the rail and to the first clamp frame to secure the rail to the truck. The second clamp frame includes third and fourth ends with respective third and fourth sets of teeth. The third set of teeth couples to the truck wall and the fourth set of teeth couples to the second set of teeth of the first clamp frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Cixi City Liyuan Auto Parts Co., Ltd.Inventor: Enli Xu
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Patent number: 10099629Abstract: A closure assembly for a deployable sensor assembly is provided. The closure assembly includes a housing; a sensor disposed within the housing; a door supported by the housing; an actuation member operable between a first position and a second position; and an attachment mechanism. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. The sensor is exposed when the door is in the open position. The actuation member moves the door from the closed position to the open position when moved from the first position to the second position and moves the door from the open position to the closed position when moved from the second position to the first position. The attachment mechanism is operable in a first state to couple the door for movement with the actuation mechanism and in a second state to decouple the door from the actuation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Lynn Da Deppo, Jeffery T. Root, David Newkirk, Ehab Kamal, Doug Carson
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Patent number: 9889730Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: James J. Chung, Keith O'Brien, Myron D. Bowers, Scott L. Frederick, Matthew A. Jansma
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Patent number: 9861847Abstract: A cover and personnel safety barrier for a fire truck hose bed comprises left and right door panels each coupled to the hose bed by at least one rotatable connector and configured to cover openings to the hose bed in the closed position, left and right locking retractable reels coupled to the left and right door panels, respectively, and a cable connecting the left and right locking retractable reels coupled to the left and right door panels to form a safety barrier over the hose bed when the left and right door panels are in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: John E. McLoughlin
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Patent number: 9815357Abstract: A cover includes multiple panels pivotally connected together and foldable between a stacked arrangement and a deployed arrangement. Side rails are attachable to opposite sides of the cargo box and include ledges. The stack can be rotated between an intermediate position and an upward position in which the stack extends above the plane with the upper surface of at least one section disposed at an angle intersecting the plane. A slidable member can slide along a side rail and support a cam lock mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions. A link arm can be coupled between the slidable member and the stack to require movement of the slidable member longitudinally along the side rail in response to movement of the stack between the intermediate position and the upward position.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Laurmark Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth J. Hall
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Patent number: 9649919Abstract: Technologies and implementations related to open bed vehicle cover and storage systems are generally disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Truck Lidz, Inc.Inventor: Michael Glenn Daniel
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Patent number: 9010837Abstract: A truck bed cover assembly includes a driver side cover door and a passenger side cover door and opening mechanisms which are electrically powered to independently open and close each of the cover doors from a closed position at which the cover doors enclose an upper end of the truck bed to an open position which can be varied up to at least 180° from the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Inventors: Timothy J. Mulholland, Matthew James Roloff Mulholland
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Patent number: 8960765Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, a third tonneau section, and a fourth tonneau section, each being generally coplanar in an extended position. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second and third sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to the fourth section to permit pivotal movement of the combination of the first, second, and third tonneau sections relative to the fourth section into a retracted, stacked, and rotated upward position.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Extang CorporationInventors: Jerome Facchinello, William Reminder
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Patent number: 8939490Abstract: An off-road utility vehicle with a reconfigurable cargo bed with fore and aft sections joined to the vehicle. Each section has three walls and a floor. The fore section pivots with respect to the aft section between an open position and a closed position with the fore section on top of the aft section. In the closed position, the reconfigurable cargo bed is a container with an opening in the foremost side of the container. A movable bulkhead is provided that is adapted to close the opening of the foremost side of the container, as well as being repositionable to serve as an extended surface for hauling cargo, a work bench that extends from a side of the cargo bed, or as a divider in the center of the cargo bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Centro, Inc.Inventor: David G. Surridge
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Patent number: 8807624Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a pickup truck bed includes a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the hinge assemblies are secured along the side rail of the tonneau cover assembly and have a contoured profile to allow for rotation within the tonneau cover assembly to accommodate a non-square truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition CorporationInventor: Bradley R. Garska
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Patent number: 8800704Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
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Patent number: 8794690Abstract: The pickup truck bed cover has two laterally disposed rigid panels, the panels being hingedly attached to the upper edges of the cargo box sidewalls. Each panel is operated by a separate actuator, with the actuators mounted near the sidewall upper edges to avoid intrusion upon the cargo floor area. The actuators are mounted at about the longitudinal midpoints of the sidewalls, to avoid asymmetric forces on the cover panels during operation. The actuators comprise jackscrews driven by motors that are controlled by a switch panel in the vehicle cab. The motors may be electric, or may comprise electrohydraulic power packs having electric motors driving hydraulic pumps that in turn drive hydraulic motors to actuate the jackscrews. The gear reduction and threaded jackscrew of each actuator provide positive retention of oversize cargo within the vehicle box, positively locking down any such cargo to prevent its shifting or unauthorized removal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventor: Masoud M. A. Al-Saeed
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Publication number: 20140152046Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, a third tonneau section, and a fourth tonneau section, each being generally coplanar in an extended position. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second and third sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to the fourth section to permit pivotal movement of the combination of the first, second, and third tonneau sections relative to the fourth section into a retracted, stacked, and rotated upward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, William Reminder
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Patent number: 8720970Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Mark Fletcher
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Patent number: 8678459Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate the panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side bracing connected to the panels to move into supporting position when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, the bracing including a telescoping strut assembly having first and second elongated struts, and an actuator manually swingable to relatively extend and retract the struts configured to lock to bar structure in response to actuator swinging, and there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
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Patent number: 8550527Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Joseph T. S. Win
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Publication number: 20130168994Abstract: In a utility vehicle according to the present invention in which a rear seat in a riding space is freely stowed and a cargo bed is expandable forward, a screen is pivotably supported on a cross member of a ROPS surrounding the riding space, and a pivot position of the screen is changeable between a first position of substantially upright standing at a position in the vicinity of a front end of the cargo bed in a non-expanded state, and a second position of inclining so as to extend from pivot point portions toward the front lower side.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Teruaki YAMAMOTO, Itsuo Takegami
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Patent number: 8360506Abstract: A travel trailer has a trailer body, including a front cap. The cap defines a recess in the front portion thereof. A recess cover is pivotally secured to said front cap for covering said recess. The cover is movable between a closed position, in which said recess is covered, and an open position, in which said recess is accessible. One or more liquid propane tanks are provided in the recess. The liquid propane tanks are covered when the recess cover is in the closed position and accessible when said recess cover is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Bullock, Jeffrey Mark Snyder, Eric John Johanson
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Patent number: 8348329Abstract: A cover for pickup trucks includes a cover with a structure formed by laterals, a front part, a rear part from tubes and/or profiles that form its shape and design. Finish pieces from plastic, metal and/or the like that change the shape and the design can be arranged on the tubes, profiles, and/or the like. The cover is complemented by glass, windows, doors and/or the like, has headlamps, either retractable or non-retractable, and/or the like, and racks and/or like retractables, an air deflector, and a rear wiper.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Rubens Fernando Soldatelli
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Patent number: 8342589Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Tital Trailers, Inc.Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
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Patent number: 8282148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
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Publication number: 20120248817Abstract: A camping wrap that is comprised of a series of interconnected panels each of which is connected along one edge to interior edge portions of a cover used to close and cover the bed of a vehicle, for example a pick up truck bed, and which when deployed extends around the sides and end of a raised cover and with adjacent edges of the camping wrap being releasably inter-lockable with one another and with bottom portions of the interconnected panels extending downwardly and over the sides and rear of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventor: Jamin A. Miller
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Patent number: 8262148Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having at least one panel section having opposing edge members. The edge members each have a downwardly extending cam surface engagable with opposing sides of the cargo box of the vehicle to generally self-center the panel section between the opposing sides of the cargo box.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Extang CorporationInventors: Ryan Rusher, Mike Spencer
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Publication number: 20120126571Abstract: A travel trailer has a trailer body, including a front cap. The cap defines a recess in the front portion thereof. A recess cover is pivotally secured to said front cap for covering said recess. The cover is movable between a closed position, in which said recess is covered, and an open position, in which said recess is accessible. One or more liquid propane tanks are provided in the recess. The liquid propane tanks are covered when the recess cover is in the closed position and accessible when said recess cover is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: THOR TECH, INC.Inventors: Mark Allen Bullock, Jeffrey Mark Snyder, Eric John Johanson
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Patent number: 8182020Abstract: An transformable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup trucks which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a fully deployed truck cap configuration. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The cover assembly, constructed of rigid materials, comprises a fiberglass aerodynamic cover supporting flexible fabric widows supported by sleeve tubes, and a flexible rear hatch supported by a hanger. Internal stanchions can be deployed to elevate and support the aerodynamic cover in the elevated position. The aerodynamic cover assembly side walls and hatch provide a space for human habitation and increased cargo hauling capacity. The aerodynamic cover is detachable from the body of the assembly for hauling oversized cargo.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Brett Stuart Herndon
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Publication number: 20120049567Abstract: The load carrying truck bed tonneau cover described herein and depicted in the included figures may be secured to the bedrails of a pick-up truck, or the chassis of a truck, and includes an easily installed cargo deck frame assembly that is affixed to the upper portion of the bed rails of the truck bed box for supporting a cargo deck assembly engaged with the cargo deck frame assembly by means of a cam assembly of a plurality of movable cams to provide a generally rigid tonneau cover and a selected locking assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Jay Anton Spanjers
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Publication number: 20110204672Abstract: An transformable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup trucks which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a fully deployed truck cap configuration. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The cover assembly, constructed of rigid materials, comprises a fiberglass aerodynamic cover supporting flexible fabric widows supported by sleeve tubes, and a flexible rear hatch supported by a hanger. Internal stanchions can be deployed to elevate and support the aerodynamic cover in the elevated position. The aerodynamic cover assembly side walls and hatch provide a space for human habitation and increased cargo hauling capacity. The aerodynamic cover is detachable from the body of the assembly for hauling oversized cargo.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Brett Stuart Herndon
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Patent number: 7967357Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Titan Trailers, Inc.Inventor: Michael Kloepfer
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Patent number: 7967363Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a first intermediate hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is attached to the first cover material. The first intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second corner hinge assembly, a second intermediate hinge assembly and a second cover material. The second corner hinge assembly is attached to the second cover material. The second intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Shorma CompanyInventors: David J. Schaefer, Nathan P. Dimmer, Steven J. Knight, Jerry R. Dimmer, Michael P. Krajewski, Kevin J. Kleinsasser, Carla K. Ewald
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Patent number: 7942295Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventor: John Hume
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Patent number: 7878572Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of automobile parts, in particular, to a tonneau cover installed on the notchback (pickup) for covering and closing the rear truck bed. The tonneau covers of current vehicles are either too thick or heavy so it influences the flexibility of opening and closing and its requirements to the actuating mechanism are high; its thickness is large; and it occupies more of the already limited room of rear truck bed. This invention provides a truck bed back cover which occupies less rear truck bed room and is strong in strength, flexible in opening and closing and excellent in operating performance. It consists of the cover plate body which matches with the rear truck bed and is made of base materials. The base material is glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. The cover plate body is provided with an integral structure framework. The framework makes the cover plate body form protruding arises on the surface of the side facing to the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Jiuda Vehicle Fittings-making (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yachun Hu, Shaobo Hu
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Publication number: 20100327618Abstract: A cover for pickup trucks includes a cover with a structure formed by laterals, a front part, a rear part from tubes and/or profiles that form its shape and design. Finish pieces from plastic, metal and/or the like that change the shape and the design can be arranged on the tubes, profiles, and/or the like. The cover is complemented by glass, windows, doors and/or the like, has headlamps, either retractable or non-retractable, and/or the like, and racks and/or like retractables, an air deflector, and a rear wiper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Rubens Fernando Soldatelli
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Patent number: 7823956Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to a golf cart by brackets and the brackets themselves. The tension supplied by the brackets may be the only mechanism by which the cover mounts to the golf cart. Brackets are preferably configured for attachment to the roof of the golf cart. The apparatus may include brackets for mounting the cover to the roof, a stationary main frame member, a movable frame member, and a cover. Brackets receive the stationary frame member. The movable frame member is operatively secured to the stationary main frame member, and configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for attachment to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Carolina Covertech, Inc.Inventors: Marion Lee Jones, Dorian Thurston True, Earl Thomas Saxon
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Patent number: 7748767Abstract: A tonneau cover is mounted to the cargo area of a pickup truck by a hinge mechanism positioned at the forward end of the pickup truck cargo area. The hinge assembly has two major components. The first component is a mounting plate that is affixed to each sidewall of the cargo area near the forward extent of the cargo area. The mounting plate includes an alignment mechanism and a mechanism for clamping the second component onto the mounting plate. The base plate also includes slots for engagement by the clamping mechanism of the mounting plate. The articulating mechanism is configured to open the tonneau cover in a nearly vertical direction initially, prior to rotation of the tonneau cover to an open position. An installer can reach in from the side of the truck cargo area and engage the clamps to secure the removable component to the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Industrial Machining Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Terhaar, David J. Terhaar
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Patent number: 7735898Abstract: The present invention is a folding truck bed cover system that includes a pair of truck bed covers, a pair of bed rails, a pair of supporting braces, and a folding roof cloth. The truck bed covers can rotate flat to cover the truck bed or to a vertical position via a gas strut that is mounted along the front wall of the truck bed. The folding roof cloth can be draped over the truck bed covers when in a vertical position, and therein said folding roof cloth is secured via the bed rails.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Levi Bridges
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Publication number: 20100140972Abstract: The “Tool Top” design is an innovative way to combine a pickup bed shell with a traditionally mounted tool box across the pickup bed. The first step in building a “Tool Top” is to get precise measurements of the pickup bed and the back of the cab. These measurements can be done manually or with computer aided measuring devises that use lasers or five axes touch machines. If hand laid fiberglass is used to build the “Tool Top” shell; a measured plug (made of wood, foam, fiberglass, or other materials) in the shape desired will have to be built. Then a fiberglass mold will be built over the plug in a way to assure that the mold can be separated from the plug. Once the mold is removed the pieces will be bolted back together and stabilized. Then the mold will be prepared and refined before the final fiberglass part is laid up. The shell can be designed with a CAD program and stamped from steel in three pieces, injection molded from plastic or press molded from fiberglass with a two piece mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Patrick Lynn Daylong
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Publication number: 20100127529Abstract: A vehicle storage cover assembly includes a truck having a cab, a cab rear window, an open top cargo bed and a headboard, with the headboard being located below the cab rear window. A box frame is operatively mounted on the open top cargo bed; and a divider panel is operatively configured to be affixed within the box frame. A foldable cargo bed cover is operatively configured to mount on the box frame in at least one of a first partially open position, a second partially open position, a third partially open position, a fully closed position, or a stowed position. The foldable cargo bed cover is configured for stowage within a chamber defined by the box frame and the divider panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Adrian Nicholas Alexander Elliott, Pete Moceri, Kelly Michael Kohlstrand, Daniel E. Sutter, Samir K. Raval
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Publication number: 20100045069Abstract: A removable aerodynamic cover for pickup truck bed is disclosed. The aerodynamic cover reduces air drag and reduces fuel consumption of a pickup truck vehicle, and increases volume of covered storage area, comparatively with commonly used flat truck bed covers. The aerodynamic cover preferably has a convex parabolic or elliptical shape and fits to the contour of the truck cabin back panel on the forward side and edge of tail gate panel on the back side. The preferred embodiment has locks or hinges for easy attaching to the side frame edges of a truck box, and optionally consists of segments for easy removing and storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Igor Koba