Having Actuator Patents (Class 296/100.1)
  • Patent number: 12026959
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to deter an intruder from approaching and damaging a vehicle. With the use of a plurality of cameras, the system captures images of a surrounding environment of a vehicle. The system then detects a first motion-based event and, in response, stores images from at least one of the plurality of cameras. The system then detects a second motion-based event, and, in response, performs a first defensive action. Further, systems and methods are provided to capture images around the vehicle and automatically select an image associated with the insurance claim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Francis Burns, Michael Slattery, Arjuna Sivasithambaresan, Erik Robert Glaser
  • Patent number: 12024002
    Abstract: A solar pickup truck bed cover, including a supporting system, a solar panel, a power storage system and a fixing clamp assembly; the solar panel is connected to the cargo hopper through the supporting system; the power storage system includes a power storage box, the power storage box is connected to the supporting system through the fixing clamp assembly. The solar panel includes a large panel, a medium panel and a small panel, the supporting system includes a large panel frame, a medium panel frame and a small panel frame, the large panel is connected to the large panel frame, the medium panel is connected to the medium panel frame, and the small panel is connected to the small panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Lei Qiu
  • Patent number: 12023999
    Abstract: A wing lock structure includes: a block provided to a side gate, and provided with a plurality of convex portions that are convex in a width direction of a vehicle and concave portions that are concave in the width direction of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a wing plate provided at a predetermined portion of a wing side panel facing the block in a closed state and having irregularities corresponding to the concave portions and the convex portions on a surface that comes into contact with the block; and a pressure contact portion that presses the wing plate to bring the wing plate and the block into contact by pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Makoto Hirai, Ryota Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11820213
    Abstract: A foldable support structure for a soft high top of a pickup truck includes an installation base frame, a support frame, and a folding support rod. The installation base frame is fixedly connected with or integrally formed with a vehicle body. The support frame is hinged with the installation base frame. The folding support rod includes one end hinged with the support frame, and the other end fixedly connected with the installation base frame. The support frame of the foldable support structure for a soft high top of a pickup truck can be folded by the folding support rod, which occupies a small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CHANGZHOU SUNWOOD INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hang Shi, Hongjuan Zheng
  • Patent number: 11745571
    Abstract: A latch system for a tonneau cover. The latch system includes a handle that is configured to move about an axis; and a latch pin connected to the handle. The latch pin is configured to move in a retracted direction and during movement of the handle towards the tonneau cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, Chad A. Carter, Robert L. Mosingo
  • Patent number: 11735077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container having: a frame structure which encloses a transport chamber, a lateral wall which is connected to the frame structure, an opening device for converting the lateral wall between a closed position, which lies against the frame structure and in which a lateral loading opening of the frame structure is closed by the lateral wall, and an open position, which releases the lateral loading opening, a display device for displaying data on the exterior of the lateral wall, a measuring device for detecting the open position of the lateral wall, and a release device for releasing the display device for displaying data upon detecting the open position of the lateral wall. The invention additionally relates to a method for displaying data on a lateral wall of a transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: LORRYGRAM GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Strasser, Jr., Johann Strasser, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11648832
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joal Hickey, Donald Richard Ireland, Terrill D. Becker, Mitchell Austin Westra, James Dillard Fletcher
  • Patent number: 11634935
    Abstract: A door component has a controllable rotary damper and two connector units which can be moved relative to one another. One of the two connector units can be connected to a load-bearing construction and the other one can be connected to a movable door device of a vehicle, in order to damp a movement of the door device between a closed position and an open position in a controlled manner. Two mutually engaged spindle units are arranged between the two connector units, one spindle unit being a threaded spindle and the other being a spindle nut. A first spindle unit is fastened rotatably on a coupling rod connected to one of the connector units. A magnetorheological transmission device is arranged between the coupling rod and the first spindle unit, in order to brake a rotational movement of the first spindle unit as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 11623502
    Abstract: A truck bed cover for a pickup truck includes a panel sized to cover at least a portion of a truck bed. A moveable carrier assembly is connected to an underside of the panel. The moveable carrier assembly includes multiple carrier members including hooks that move underneath the panel in both vehicle longitudinal and vehicle lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 11427058
    Abstract: A tarpaulin system for a container includes one or more rods extending transversely from the container, a pneumatic system including a pneumatic actuator, a roll-out cover system including a spring, a first support plate including a first surface and a second surface, a second support plate, and one or more rod housings extending transversely from the container. The one or more rod housings are slidably disposed along the one or more rods, and the roll-out cover system is at least partially attached to the first surface. The one or more rod housings are attached to the second surface, and the pneumatic system is attached to the second support plate. The pneumatic actuator is configured to slidably and transversely move the roll-out cover system along the one or more rods based on a pneumatic force generated by the pneumatic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Air Tarp Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Miller
  • Patent number: 11427264
    Abstract: A fold-out table for a truck bed is disclosed. The fold-out table includes a tabletop configured to extend longitudinally along an inner sidewall of the truck bed. The fold-out table further includes one or more hinges disposed below an upper rim of the inner sidewall of the truck bed. The hinges are configured to couple the tabletop to the inner sidewall of the truck bed so that the tabletop is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The tabletop may be substantially perpendicular to the inner sidewall of the truck bed when the tabletop is in the raised position and substantially parallel to the inner sidewall of the truck bed when the tabletop is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Vincent M. Ring
  • Patent number: 11247741
    Abstract: The authentication device for saddled vehicle applied to a saddled vehicle including a FOB key that transmits an authentication signal, a control unit that receives and authenticates the authentication signal, a kick starter that starts an engine, and a generator that rotates in conjunction with an operation on the kick starter is configured such that, due to operating the kick starter, the engine is started, and electric power generated by the generator is supplied to the control unit, wherein the control unit stops the engine when the authentication signal is not authenticated before a lapse of a first predetermined time after the control unit is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erina Aoki, Toshifumi Osawa, Seiji Kido, Wataru Ogawa
  • Patent number: 11046160
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rigid cover for a dump trailer tank having a storage region with an open top used to transport bulk material. The rigid cover includes cover side walls having a top wall perimeter and a bottom wall perimeter and is configured along the bottom wall perimeter to correspond in shape with the open top of the trailer tank. The rigid cover includes a cover top connected to the cover side walls along the top wall perimeter and includes one or more ports in the top. The rigid cover includes cover fasteners mounted along the bottom wall perimeter configured to secure the plurality of cover side walls to the trailer tank so the traditional storage region of the trailer tank is transformed into an expanded storage region that allows storage of more bulk material than could otherwise be stored in the trailer tank alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Kerry A. Trest
  • Patent number: 10882385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover apparatus for a truck cargo box, and more specifically to a cover apparatus for a truck cargo box, which enables stable opening and closing operations even when deformation occurs due to the deflection or warping of a truck cargo box and enables its covers to stably cover irregularly shaped loads, such as various types of wastes or scraps, thereby considerably improving transportation safety and the convenience of use. According to the present invention, there is provided the cover apparatus for a truck cargo box, which enables stable opening and closing operations via the hinges and the variable members, and enables its covers to stably cover irregularly shaped loads via the covers in each of which the plurality of blocks is connected to each other, thereby providing the effect of considerably improving transportation safety and the convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Hyeon Cheol Jeon
  • Patent number: 10720742
    Abstract: A fixture for holding electrical components on an external support structure protects the components from weather, dust, condensation, and mechanical impact. An example fixture includes a shell having an open bottom side; a base configured for sliding engagement with the bottom side of the shell, a first electrical connector held in a selected rotational orientation in the base; and a support frame configured for sliding engagement with the shell. The support frame includes a first component holder; a second component holder rotatably connected to the first component holder; and a third component holder rotatably connected to the second component holder and removably connected to the first component holder. An optional connector on the shell allows the fixture to be installed between a host connector and any previously-installed legacy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas J. Siacotos, Patrick C. McDaid
  • Patent number: 10442280
    Abstract: A trailer has a container with top doors having a frame and weatherproof thermoplastic inserts. Sealing flaps are provided at edges of the top doors to make sealing contact with sidewall top rails or top edges of end walls and tailgate. The top doors have angled extensions with grooves for ball gaskets to overlap in hand-in-hand fashion to form a reliable seal where the top doors come together. The system provides a weatherproof means to enclose the container to prevent or deter entry of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TITAN TRAILERS INC.
    Inventors: Rick Lees, Andrew Joseph Maertens, Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 10343505
    Abstract: Method of functioning the retractable hard top system for convertible vehicles which implies splitting the ceiling in the middle (through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle), moving the rear window with the frame-like area around it on top of the trunk lid, opening the upper areas of the rear wings and folding compactly the remaining components of the roof inside the lateral areas of the trunk. This method significantly increases the usable volume of the luggage compartment and offers an easier access to the items carried in the trunk. Also, this method requires a less complex operation system which leads to less expensive manufacturing and maintenance costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Vilcelaru
  • Patent number: 9481403
    Abstract: A secure truck box system discretely holds and protects items within a box accessible only using a remote control. The system includes a truck having a sidewall extending along a bed. An enclosure has an open top and a perimeter wall coupled to the bed and the sidewall defining an interior space with the sidewall and the bed. A case is positioned within the interior space. The case has a solid top panel and a storage section extending downwardly from the top panel. A lift elevates and lowers the case. The top panel is coextensive with and obstructs the open top when the case is fully retracted into the interior space. The lift is actuated only by manipulation of a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 9409526
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to assist hauling and loading of cargo above a passenger truck. The system has a forward frame and a rearward frame that are pivotally attached to the cargo area of the passenger truck. The frames tilt between an upright stowage position and a downward loading position. The frames are connected by a mechanical-advantage member to tilt the rearward frame faster than the forward frame when moving between the loading and stowage positions. Additionally, a spring, piston or other force facilitator device can be used to gain further mechanical advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Giamatti
  • Publication number: 20150130210
    Abstract: A vehicle has a load-carrying structure limited by end and side walls and open at the top. A cover system covers the load-carrying structure in a closed position, and uncovers it in an open position. The cover system has at least one roof segment, swiveled between the closed position and the open position using at least one swivel mechanism having at least one drive shaft, with the roof segment being rigidly attached to the drive shaft. A drive turns the drive shaft, which is rotatably secured to at least two swivel levers that are able to be swiveled on a shared swivel axis, thus moving the drive axis between its position on the upper longitudinal edge of one of the two side walls and a position that is laterally spaced from the side wall, and aligning the shared swivel axis with the upper longitudinal edge of the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl, SR.
  • Patent number: 9027980
    Abstract: A vehicle has a load-carrying structure limited by end and side walls and open at the top. A cover system covers the load-carrying structure in a closed position, and uncovers it in an open position. The cover system has at least one roof segment, swivelled between the closed position and the open position using at least one swivel mechanism having at least one drive shaft, with the roof segment being rigidly attached to the drive shaft. A drive turns the drive shaft, which is rotatably secured to at least two swivel levers that are able to be swivelled on a shared swivel axis, thus moving the drive axis between its position on the upper longitudinal edge of one of the two side walls and a position that is laterally spaced from the side wall, and aligning the shared swivel axis with the upper longitudinal edge of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8876217
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a mobile leak-proof container structured to contain a load after any rollover. The invention provides a safer way to transport loads and minimizes the risk of an environmental spill or leak when hauling waste generated by the oil and gas industry. The container, such as a dump truck bed or a dump body, includes a central leak-proof top-loading door; a rear tailgate for dumping the contents from the rear of the container; recessed framework having upper margins of the container walls and a door-jamb that define a reservoir; and a plurality of brace members for supporting the frame against the walls of the container. It also includes one or more corner panels covering the brace members and for preventing the loading of any load near the juncture of the roof framework and each respective adjoining side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Carlos D. Medlen, Christy D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8857886
    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: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen G. Kimmet
  • Publication number: 20140265404
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy J. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 8794690
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Masoud M. A. Al-Saeed
  • Patent number: 8714628
    Abstract: A truck bed weighting system that does not interfere with the use of the bed for entry, exit or storage including an elongated canvas-like carrier mounted by loops to tie-down points on the bed side walls so the carrier sits longitudinally in the bed against the side walls. This carrier is designed to receive and hold a plurality of standard sand or other particulate sacks; e.g., 26? or 31?. A line of three canvases are provided in 70?, 78? and 96? lengths to accommodate the many varieties of truck bed lengths. In the off season, these carriers can be emptied of the sacks and utilized to store tools or other items in an out of the way position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Juan A. Garcia, Carrie M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8523265
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a multipurpose transport system, a roof assembly, and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals. Roof assemblies according to the disclosure are mountable on a top portion of a transport system. In some embodiments, roof assemblies include two or more panels, one or more panel movements assemblies operably connected each of the two or more panels, and one or more actuation assemblies. The two or more panels extend from a first side of the roof assembly to and second side of the roof assembly in a louvered configuration. Each of the two or more panels are moveable between a first position and a second position. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards multipurpose transport systems and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals using systems according to the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: James R. Leist, Frank Corley
  • Patent number: 8348329
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Rubens Fernando Soldatelli
  • Patent number: 8287026
    Abstract: A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Smith Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Nathan H. Morrill
  • Patent number: 8182045
    Abstract: A cover for a side-dump trailer or truck is disclosed wherein a rigid cover comprised of metal, fiberglass or plastic is movably mounted with respect to the side-dump trailer or truck so that the cover may be moved from a closed position over the upper end of the side-dump body or which may be pivotally moved to either side of the side-dump body so that the side-dump body may be pivotally moved to a dumping position opposite to that of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8113565
    Abstract: The device for increasing volume of a container (24) has extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) pivotally mounted on an upper edge (31) of an upper opening (32) so as to form a cover at least partially closing the upper opening (32) when the extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) are in flat closed positions and an enlarging extension (27) for the container when the extension elements are in raised filling positions, neighboring extension elements being pivotally connected with each other, and at least one driving pivoting device (53), which pivots or swings each extension element (37, 38, 39, 40) from its flat closed position into its raised filling position (47, 48, 49, 50) out beyond a vertical position thereof in a direction toward an exterior of the container, or from its raised filling position into its flat closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Maik Zeuner, Gerhard Theissing, Josef Spechtel
  • Patent number: 7954877
    Abstract: A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Smith Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Nathan H. Morrill
  • Patent number: 7946643
    Abstract: A tonneu cover assembly mountable to a open top truck bed of a pick up truck for covering the bed. The cover assembly includes a pair of side rail caps that are attachable to the side rails of the bed by a clamping system. A pair of door panels are hingedly mounted on respective side rail caps. The door panels are rotatable between a closed position where the bed is covered and open positions permitting access to the bed. A pair of actuators are connected to respective door panels and are operable to rotate the door panels between the closed and open positions. The actuators may operate to rotate one door more quickly than the second when opening the doors, and then reverse the speed of the doors when closing them enabling correct engagement between the inward sides of the doors. A quick release mechanism is provided to decouple a door from an actuator in case of a failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Getschel, Randy Reynolds
  • 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: 7926863
    Abstract: A powered deck lid assembly includes a deck lid connected to a hinge mechanism for pivotal movement between open and closed positions relative to a trunk opening. A cable is associated with the deck lid and is lineally actuable pivotally moving the deck lid between the open and closed positions. The cable may be a push-pull cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hanna, Kevin J. Hopp, James Allen
  • Patent number: 7878124
    Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ecofab Covers International Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Low, Mark Doldon, John Cruikshank
  • Publication number: 20100327618
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rubens Fernando Soldatelli
  • Patent number: 7806457
    Abstract: A lift and pivot hinge mechanism that can be installed upon a conventional pick up truck bed in conjunction with a conventional box type cargo topper. The lift and pivot mechanism opens the topper in a clamshell manner whereby the rear of the topper is elevated in relation to the truck bed, thereby providing greater access to the cargo area. The opening process is accomplished in two stages. The topper is first slightly lifted diagonally, further defined as horizontally relative to the truck bed and rearward in relation to the passenger cab. By performing this first step the necessary clearance is provided to perform the second step, which is pivoting the rear of the topper upward in relation to the truck bed thereby providing greater access to the truck's cargo area. Alignment guides are utilized to assure consistent placement of the topper in relation to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Bryan Bankert
  • Patent number: 7669911
    Abstract: A tarping system for removably covering the open top of a container resting on a platform of a truck frame, or directly on the truck frame, includes a cover support structure extending upwardly from the pivoted platform, a tarping frame displaceably secured to the cover support structure, a covering medium secured to the tarping frame and dimensioned to protectably cover the container open top, a power system extending between the cover support structure and the tarping frame for raising the tarping frame and thereby the covering medium above the container open top to permit the container to be removed from the truck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: J. Daniel Hankey
  • Publication number: 20090256381
    Abstract: A lift and pivot hinge mechanism that can be installed upon a conventional pick up truck bed in conjunction with a conventional box type cargo topper. The lift and pivot mechanism opens the topper in a clamshell manner whereby the rear of the topper is elevated in relation to the truck bed, thereby providing greater access to the cargo area. The opening process is accomplished in two stages. The topper is first slightly lifted diagonally, further defined as horizontally relative to the truck bed and rearward in relation to the passenger cab. By performing this first step the necessary clearance is provided to perform the second step, which is pivoting the rear of the topper upward in relation to the truck bed thereby providing greater access to the truck's cargo area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Bryan Bankert
  • Publication number: 20090230718
    Abstract: A tonneu cover assembly mountable to a open top truck bed of a pick up truck for covering the bed. The cover assembly includes a pair of side rail caps that are attachable to the side rails of the bed by a clamping system. A pair of door panels are hingedly mounted on respective side rail caps. The door panels are rotatable between a closed position where the bed is covered and open positions permitting access to the bed. A pair of actuators are connected to respective door panels and are operable to rotate the door panels between the closed and open positions. The actuators may operate to rotate one door more quickly than the second when opening the doors, and then reverse the speed of the doors when closing them enabling correct engagement between the inward sides of the doors. A quick release mechanism is provided to decouple a door from an actuator in case of a failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Getschel, Randy Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7530621
    Abstract: A bed cover assembly is provided for a vehicle, including a frame having a pair of side rails and a center rail. The pair of side rails is releasably mountable to the bed of the vehicle without leaving permanent holes in the vehicle. A pair of covers is pivotally connected to the side rails. A pneumatic cylinder operatively connected to the side rails and covers for moving the covers between an open and closed position. A soft cargo cover is mountable to the pair of covers when the pair of covers is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Keith L. Curts
  • Patent number: 7513562
    Abstract: An improved mechanism and method to attach a hard tonneau cover to a vehicle and to raise either just the rear of the cover or raise both the rear and front of the cover. The cover is supported in the raised position by two extending arms in the rear and by two rigid arms in the front. In operation, the rear of the cover is manually raised first and then the front of the cover can be manually raised. One embodiment has clamping telescoping arms for greater strength and to lock the cover in any position. Another embodiment has linear actuators to assist raising the front of the cover. The mechanism is comprised of inexpensively manufactured or off-the-shelf components. It is easily tailored to the numerous vehicle bed sizes, it can handle popular heavy body-colored fiberglass covers and it can be sold and shipped separately from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Tech-Craft, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Hardy, Richard W. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 7422265
    Abstract: A support structure for an upper cover of an automobile rear loading platform, which is installed on two sides between a rear end portion of an automobile rear loading platform and an upper cover of the rear loading platform, wherein a base mount is fixed to a bottom plate of the rear loading platform, and a supporting arm is pin connected to the base mount. Another end of the supporting arm is pin connected to a suspension arm, and another end of the suspension arm is pin connected to a fixing mount that enables fixing to a bottom portion of the upper cover. An oil pressure rod is pin configured between the aforementioned supporting arm and the base mount, thereby providing support therebetween. Accordingly, good support and buffering effectiveness is achieved when opening and closing the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Yi-Tang Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Te Liao
  • Patent number: 7419201
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a roof-raising/lowering mechanism for an A-frame style folding trailer comprises a mechanical lever arm assembly. The lever arm assembly is coupled to the rear roof section, which underlies the front roof section when such sections are in their lowered, overlapping positions. Thus, when the lever arm assembly is operated to raise the rear roof section, it pushes up the front roof section to its raised position. The lever arm assembly can be manually operated and/or power-operated using, for example, an electric motor as the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher H. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7404586
    Abstract: A truck topper having a pair of sidewalls in parallel spaced relation and adapted to be mounted to the bed of a truck at one end and having grooves at an opposite end. The grooves receive a retractable roof such that when attached to a retraction assembly the roof will retract to open the top of the truck topper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Mitch Seiberling
  • Publication number: 20080174142
    Abstract: A system for covering the cargo bed of a truck is provided having a motorized drive system which stores entirely within the primary cover of the system. Screw shaft connectors provide for automated opening of the cover vertically from the cargo bed of the truck. Demountable enclosure parts, stored within the cover when the cover is closed, are also provided for enclosing the truck bed when the cover is open. The primary cover comprises a removable cover portion that is stored over the cab of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jesse M. Pearlman
  • Patent number: 7384089
    Abstract: A vehicle bed covering system for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle and allow adjustment of the location of the cover includes a pair of panels being pivotally coupled to the cargo bed of the vehicle. Each of the panels is pivotal over the cargo bed to cover the cargo bed. A plurality of hinge assemblies is coupled to a top face of a perimeter wall of the cargo bed. Each of the panels has a pair of the hinge assemblies coupled thereto to permit the panels to pivot with respect to the cargo bed. Each of the panels has one of a pair of rams mounted thereto. Each of the rams is mountable to a bed surface of the cargo bed. The rams push against the panels to maintain the panels in an open position when the rams are mounted to the bed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventors: Jessie E. Ablang, Emma P. Ablang
  • Patent number: 7320494
    Abstract: Attachment hardware is provided to enable a folding bed cover for a pickup truck to be stored on the bed in a substantially vertical position giving access to substantially the entire bed. This hardware includes a latch to secure the lower end against sliding while any of 3 different devices are employed to lock the top of the vertically positioned cover in place. Several embodiments of devices are taught herein, including manual, mechanically-assisted and fully automated devices, for collapsing and lifting the cover into its substantially vertical storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry Wilson
  • Patent number: 7281744
    Abstract: A convertible pickup canopy is disclosed, the canopy having left and right sidewalls hingedly coupled with a frame member. The frame member is coupled with rails of the bed of a pickup truck, and allow the sidewalls and a rear door to expand to support a top cover, and to collapse to allow the top cover to travel in a lower profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: John Gregory Schultz