Slidably Guided Patents (Class 296/26.09)
  • Patent number: 11840168
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing a rolling truck bed tray with a folding end is disclosed. The article includes a main tray component with a width that fits within the bed of a pickup truck, a folding extension component coupled to the main tray component by one or more hinges, and a plurality of casters coupled to an underside of the main tray component and the underside of the folding extension component. The folding extension component has an open position in which the main tray component and folding extension component are oriented at a common height above the bed of the pickup truck and a closed position in which the folding extension component is oriented on top of the main tray component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Hung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11433749
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a truck bed at least partially defining a cargo area, a vehicle interior with front passenger seating and rear passenger seating, and a modular, multi-component hard top assembly. The hard top assembly is configured to selectively and removably couple interchangeably between (i) the vehicle body to provide an enclosed configuration at least partially enclosing the vehicle interior, and (ii) the truck bed to function as a truck bed storage cover to enclose the cargo area and provide a securable storage compartment. The multi-component hard top assembly is detachable from the vehicle body to provide an open air configuration for the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael S Boyle, Mikil L Sockow, David C Fischer, Cole T Schaenzer, Robert Rizzo, Christopher J Allen, Jimmy L Suder
  • Patent number: 11377038
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a door storage system that is disposed within a cargo area of a vehicle. The door storage system is moveable between a lowered position and an expanded position. The door storage system is configured to accept at least one door of the vehicle within a door receiving area when the door storage system is in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James Baumbick, Annette Lynn Huebner, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 11352072
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rear sill assembly of a unibody vehicle. The unibody vehicle includes a floor assembly having a floor pan and a floor beam coupled to the floor pan, the floor beam having a floor channel. The unibody vehicle also includes a rear sill, and a coupling structure coupled to the rear sill. The coupling structure may include an outer periphery which is sized and shaped to be slideably coupleably received in the floor channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Morgans, Stephen William Gallagher, Scott Seashore, Musheeruddin Zubair Syed, Karen Nuler
  • Patent number: 11198396
    Abstract: A vehicle with an expandable space, may include a fixed floor being a floor of the vehicle; a moving floor slidably inserted into the fixed floor, being slid inside or outside the vehicle by operation of a driving unit, and forming the expanding space outside the vehicle by forming an outside floor connected to the fixed floor when sliding out; and assistant wheel assemblies, each having an assistant wheel that comes in contact with the ground when deployed and that separates from the ground when stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Heon Lee, Jin Ho Hwang, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 11148598
    Abstract: A truck bed extension system, includes a truck bed; an extension, having a frame with a first sidewall and a second sidewall; a base extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall; and an interior cavity formed by the frame and the base; a mounting apparatus, having a first rail mounted to the first sidewall; a second rail mounted to the second sidewall; a first slide mounted to a first truck bed wall; and a second slide mounted to a second truck bed wall; the first rail is in sliding communication with the first slide; the second rail is in sliding communication with the second slide; and the extension slides into the truck bed via the mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Francis Eman-Henshaw
  • Patent number: 10857945
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cargo drawer for a pickup truck. The drawer which rolls outward from the rear end of the truck on a pair of rails in much the same manner as a desk drawer, and is designed to be sturdy and reliable, for use in any challenging environment. The drawer may be locked in place at any position along the rails. One or more handles are provided near the rear edge of the drawer, with a lever which may be pressed to release the lock. The drawer further provides a pair of folding or telescoping legs at the rear corners, to support the drawer in a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph Garrett
  • Patent number: 10577031
    Abstract: A first panel is slidably positionable in a bed of a truck. In a first position the first panel is contained in the bed. In a second position the first panel extends outwardly from a rear end to support an object that is longer than the bed. A pair of sliding units is each slidably coupled to the first panel and each of the sliding units is fastened to the bed of the pickup. Each of the sliding units facilitates the first panel to be urged between the first position and the second position while retaining the first panel in the bed of the pickup. A second panel is hingedly coupled to the first panel the second panel is positionable to be oriented perpendicular to the first panel to inhibit the object from sliding off of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Patti Crawford
  • Patent number: 10479279
    Abstract: A slidable luggage board assembly for a vehicle is provided. The slidable luggage board includes a luggage board that is disposed above a floor panel of a cargo area of a vehicle and has an upper surface onto which an article is loaded, and a wheel unit which is disposed on the floor panel and has a wheel that contacts an inner surface of the luggage board when the luggage board is slid. An operation handle is disposed at one side of the luggage board and receives an operating force. A cable has both ends connected to the wheel unit and the operation handle and transmits operating force applied to the operation handle to the wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Han Shin, Ji-Ah Kim, Jae-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 10234875
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for retaining cargo. A system for retaining cargo may comprise a sensor and a system controller. The system controller may be configured to determine presence of cargo in a vehicle; determine dimensions of the cargo based, at least in part, on data received from the sensor; determine a storage location for the cargo based, at least in part, on one or more of: the dimensions of the cargo, interior dimensions of the vehicle, and interior components of the vehicle; determine a first position for a first one of the interior components, the first position determined based, at least in part, on one or more of: the storage location, and a location for retaining the cargo for transport; create a first message indicating the storage location for the cargo and the position for the first one of the interior components; and transmit the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan S. Lota
  • Patent number: 10124712
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a platform. The platform can comprise a pair of brackets via which said platform is coupleable to corresponding flanges of a vehicle. The platform, once coupled, can extend a bed of the vehicle such that, if one or more transported items are larger than the bed of the vehicle, the one or more transported items are transportable via the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: David Stuple
  • Patent number: 10081303
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail assembly supported by a vehicle body, a tailgate coupled to the rail assembly and configured to slide on rails to an extended position relative to the vehicle body, and a pivot associated with the rails to allow the tailgate to pivot downwardly from the extended position to provide a step. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, sliding a tailgate to an extended position relative to a vehicle body and selectively pivoting the tailgate between a closed position, a tailgate deployed position, and a step position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Thanh Ngo, Martin Countegan
  • Patent number: 9956996
    Abstract: A cargo bed extension assembly includes a tailgate structured to be movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The tailgate includes a cavity formed therein. An extension mechanism is positioned within in the cavity. The extension mechanism includes an extension member coupled to the tailgate so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and so as to enable rotation of the extension member from the extended configuration to a raised configuration. The mechanism also includes a cover portion coupled to the extension member so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration in which the cover portion covers at least a portion of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Logan R. Astrike
  • Patent number: 9862429
    Abstract: An extending tailgate arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a tailgate and a linkage configured to extend the tailgate away from a rear end of a vehicle by a predetermined distance such that the tailgate contacts the linkage and does not contact the vehicle. The tailgate may be alternately opened in a conventional flip-down manner, and a sliding plate may be provided that covers the gap formed by the extending tailgate arrangement. In certain embodiments, a fence is employed with the tailgate arrangement to enclose the area formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor America
    Inventors: Gilbert Castillo, Daniel Han, Mark Dipko, Matthew Michael O'Brien, Matthew Tindall
  • Patent number: 9789800
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retractable cargo box assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle. The retractable cargo box assembly includes a cargo box. The cargo box includes a base extending laterally between a first side and a second side, and extending longitudinally between a front end and a rear end. A linear wheel assembly is mounted to the base. The linear wheel assembly includes a plurality of rollers aligned in a linear arrangement between the front end and the rear end of the base. The rollers are configured to rotatably support the cargo box on the cargo bed of the vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Thygesen
  • Patent number: 9656589
    Abstract: A storage and transportation system includes a vehicle that has a bed. A cart is positioned within the bed and the cart may retain objects within the bed. A pair of rollers is provided and each of the rollers is coupled to the cart. Each of the rollers rollably engages the bed such that the cart may facilitate the objects to be rolled outwardly from the bed. A handle is coupled to the cart and the handle may be manipulated thereby facilitating the cart to be rolled along the bed. The cart is selectively rolled toward the back end of the bed thereby facilitating the objects to be removed from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Odell Crawford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9610881
    Abstract: A slidable conveying assembly may include a latch frame and a latch rod rotatably engaged with, and extending at least partially through the latch frame. The latch rod may include a latch paddle at a first end. The assembly may also include a notch frame configured to slidably engage with the latch frame and a notched bar that may extend at least partially through the front notch frame and that may include multiple notches. The assembly may also include a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the latch frame and the latch rod and configured to bias the latch paddle into the multiple notches such that the latch paddle is biased into removable engagement with the multiple notches as the latch frame slides along the notch frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: CURRENTWRX LLC
    Inventor: Patrick G. Williams
  • Patent number: 9511690
    Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The multi-layer sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBAL IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila, Steven A. Mitchell, Jeffrey P. Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 9403560
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a driver's seat in a front section of the vehicle body. A rear seat is behind the driver's seat and includes a seat portion and a back portion. A link member is supported by the vehicle body to allow switching between a seating mode and a storage mode. The seating mode arranges the back portion behind the seat portion. The storage mode arranges the back portion in a position anterior to the position in the seating mode. A carrier bed is in a rear section of the vehicle body. The link member is disposed on an outer side and can act or function as an arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohta Nakao, Yoshimi Hirooka, Takashi Kuramoto, Hiroaki Kitaguchi, Kodai Tateishi
  • Patent number: 9139123
    Abstract: An RV trailer motion lock-out system is provided for installation on an RV trailer having a brake light and having at least one protruding component with a corresponding protruding component activation unit for extending said protruding component. A detect circuit detects when voltage is applied to the brake light for illuminating the brake light. A lock-out circuit controls the protruding component activation unit to permit the extending of the protruding component upon user command, and once the brake light is illuminated, the lock-out circuit latches for preventing the extending of the protruding component, the illumination of the brake light being indicative of transit of the RV trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Precision Circuits Inc.
    Inventor: George L. Cepynsky
  • Patent number: 9073487
    Abstract: An extendable vehicle load floor mounting assembly for attachment to a vehicle cargo space floor having a plurality of factory bolt openings includes a base frame, a plurality of bolt flanges carried by the base frame and a plurality of flange bolt openings in the bolt flanges, respectively. The flange bolt openings in the bolt flanges are configured to correspond in position to the factory bolt openings, respectively, in the vehicle cargo space floor. A plurality of bolts are adapted for extension through the flange bolt openings and the factory bolt openings, respectively. An extendable vehicle load floor is slidably carried by the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel James Marshall
  • Patent number: 9010831
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a cargo space situated behind a seat arrangement and an adjustable loading panel arranged inside the cargo space is provided. Guides for adjustably accommodating the loading panel are located in the cargo space. Mounted in the loading panel is an actuating handle, which can be moved through exposure to a spring action for swiveling at least one eccentric mounted in the loading panel out of a position that fixes the loading panel in place into a position that releases the loading panel for adjustment purposes, and for adjusting the loading panel. The configuration makes it possible to ergonomically load the cargo space with the continuous adjustment and automatic braking of the loading panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Werner Berhard
  • Publication number: 20150048642
    Abstract: A slidable conveying assembly may include a latch frame and a latch rod rotatably engaged with, and extending at least partially through the latch frame. The latch rod may include a latch paddle at a first end. The assembly may also include a notch frame configured to slidably engage with the latch frame and a notched bar that may extend at least partially through the front notch frame and that may include multiple notches. The assembly may also include a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the latch frame and the latch rod and configured to bias the latch paddle into the multiple notches such that the latch paddle is biased into removable engagement with the multiple notches as the latch frame slides along the notch frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick G. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8910989
    Abstract: An extensible trailer has a rear frame supporting a front cargo deck, and a front frame supporting a front cargo deck. The rear frame has a yoke fixed to it for the front frame to slide in and out of, between collapsed and extended extremes. When collapsing the trailer, the front frame slides into the yoke as the front cargo deck rides up over a front edge of the rear cargo deck, until it lands on top of the rear cargo deck, where it stays all the while the trailer is in the collapsed position. When extending the trailer, the front frame slides out from the yoke as the front cargo deck slides back over the rear cargo deck's front edge, until it lands on top of the front frame, where it stays all the while the trailer is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas C. Boltz
  • Patent number: 8903605
    Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Bambenek, Bhupendra A. Patel, David Manuel Rogers, Thomas M. Herline
  • Patent number: 8887974
    Abstract: An adjustable accessory support assembly for a motorcycle accessory includes a base connectable to a support bracket mounted on a motorcycle and a slider accessory connectable to the motorcycle accessory and coupled to the base. The slider assembly is configured to transition from a first, locked configuration to a second, unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, relative movement between the slider assembly and the base is prevented, whereas in the unlocked configuration, the slider assembly is moveable relative to the base to allow the motorcycle accessory to be repositioned relative to the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher D. Lindloff
  • Patent number: 8864001
    Abstract: A variable load support system for enhancing the load carrying capabilities of a bed of any one of a variety of variously sized pickup trucks, the support system comprising a first pair of elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup truck sidewall engageable side rails, a forwardly arranged first and a rearwardly arranged second, elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup-truck-bed-traversing transverse rails, and a roller member housingly arranged about the rearwardly arranged pickup truck bed traversing transverse rail so as to permit the widthwise adaptability of the second transverse rail to a pickup truck side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Langseder
  • Patent number: 8844996
    Abstract: A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen John Garchar
  • Patent number: 8763820
    Abstract: A rack and tray device formed from a pair of side panels mountable on the floor of an area and attached to the sides of the area, such as the inside of a van. Guide members are on the side panels and include a channel shape extending inward to accept a tray member carried by the channel shape and maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation when objects are placed on the at least one tray member. The guide members are slidably mounted to further support the tray and prevent it from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Hanley
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 8708389
    Abstract: The present invention is an extendable support device utilized with a pick-up truck that includes a cargo bed with a back that includes a trailer hitch, an adjustable horizontal member, an adjustable vertical member and an adjustable width member. There is also a pair of brake lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member and a pair of signal lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Terrence Flanigan
  • Patent number: 8684453
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a device for transporting picnic tables. A transporting apparatus that connects to a hitch of a vehicle that is specifically designed to hold a foldable picnic table. The picnic table further comprising condiment shelves, wheels and side tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Alexander Furst
  • Publication number: 20140062128
    Abstract: A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen John Garchar
  • Publication number: 20140042765
    Abstract: An apparatus for configuring the cargo area of a vehicle includes an expansion portion or movable cover for increasing and decreasing the cargo area upon movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Riverbank, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus
  • Publication number: 20130341949
    Abstract: A truck bed extension apparatus including a working table movably coupled to a truck bed. The working table is laterally moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the working table is entirely within the truck bed. Conversely, in the extended position, the working table extends from adjacent wheel wells of the truck bed to past a tailgate thereof. A compartment formed between the working table of the truck bed extension apparatus and a bottom wall of the truck bed receives a drawer therein. The drawer may be slideably coupled to the working table of the truck bed extension apparatus if desired. The drawer is laterally moveable between a closed position and a fully-open position. An operation of the drawer is independent of an operation of the working table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: James R. Bernthisel
  • Publication number: 20130257080
    Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Composite Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chase, Dennis Dame
  • Patent number: 8534735
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle including a body having a longitudinal axis and an expansion portion connected to the body. The expansion portion is configured to move substantially along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position wherein the body and the expansion portion define a first volume of interior space, and an extended position wherein the body and the expansion portion define a second volume of interior space, the second volume being larger than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Riverbank, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 8511732
    Abstract: A pick-up type utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed. The pick-up type utility vehicle includes a front seat, a rear seat; a cargo bed, and a screen separating the rear seat and the cargo bed. The pick-up type utility vehicle further includes an operating part for moving the screen, and a movement mechanism moving the screen in the front and back direction by operation of the operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Inoue, Kiyohito Takano, Mike Boyle, Scott Gordon
  • Patent number: 8480149
    Abstract: A hitch attached extension for over sized cargo has a longitudinally extending frame member adapted to be removably attached to a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. The longitudinally extending frame member including a draw bar located at a distal end adapted to be connected with the trailer hitch, a pivot member adjacent the draw bar forming a pivot axis adapted to allow the longitudinally extending frame member to be pivoted between a horizontal position and a vertical stowing position with respect to the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: 9269-1096 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Durand
  • Patent number: 8483942
    Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporatioin Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8414050
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed expandable in a front direction, and a screen shield arranged at a front end of the cargo bed. The cargo bed has at least a stationary bottom plate, right and left stationary side panels, a front panel, expandable side panels, and an expandable bottom plate and can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to a rear portion riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the space. Each of the expandable side panels and the screen shield are supported by a vehicle body configuring portion so as to be integrally shifted between an expanded position and a non-expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Tokishin Nishinaka, Geoffrey Ewing, Yoji Onishi, Takao Hamano, Naohisa Masuda, Kenji Oda, Takeshi Orio, Michael John Boyle, Tatsunori Shimizu, Eiji Sakurada, Mitsuhiro Yazaki, Yui Nishizaki, Hiroyuki Kishi, Naoto Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8408625
    Abstract: A resilient seal used in an RV having a slide out room defining an interior space. The RV having a first sidewall having an exterior side, the first sidewall defining an opening through which the slide out room is shifted between extended and retracted positions. The slide out room including a second sidewall spaced from the first sidewall and an end wall defining the interior space. The end wall has a peripheral flange that overlaps the first sidewall when the slide out room is in its closed position. The seal of the present invention includes a single piece integrally connected corner piece having substantially perpendicular legs meeting at a fused mitered watertight corner. The corner piece prevents entry of water where seals supporting the corner piece meet particularly when the slide out room is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 8376439
    Abstract: A deck assembly for use with a transporter vehicle is provided. The deck assembly includes a fastener, a first deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening and a second deck panel coupled to the first deck panel, the second deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening. The second side wall of the first deck panel is supported adjacent to the first side wall of the second deck panel such that the at least one first opening of the first deck panel is at least partially aligned with the at least one second opening of the second deck panel to define a through hole for the fastener. The fastener is received within the through hole and secures the first deck panel to the second deck panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Jerr-Dan Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kuriakose, Joseph G. Smitka
  • Patent number: 8376441
    Abstract: A pick-up style work vehicle includes a rollover protection structure (ROPS), a seat section including a forward driver's seat and a rear seat, and a rear seat posture changing mechanism for changing the rear seat in its position between a first posture where the rear seat is in a non-use condition and a second posture where the rear seat is in a use condition. A fore/aft length of the rear seat in the first posture is shorter than the fore/aft length of the rear seat in the second posture. The work vehicle also includes a partitioning member for partitioning the seat section from a space behind the seat section with the partitioning member being supported by the ROPS. The partitioning member is movable with being supported by the ROPS between a rearwardly displaced position immediately behind the rear seat and a forwardly displaced position moved forward from the rearwardly displaced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Norimi Nakamura, Ryouzou Imanishi, Koji Fujiwara, Mitsugu Kobayashi, Yoshimi Hirooka, Taro Nakamura, Teruo Shimamura
  • Patent number: 8348001
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a self-propelled forage harvester, has a body which includes frame parts and parts of the outer shell, a chassis having at least two drive axles which form the ground drive, and various working units and drive units, and the harvesting machine is separatable into at least one front module and one rear module which are displaceable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Isfort
  • Publication number: 20130001974
    Abstract: A bed extender having tubular first and second elongated arm connected together by a bed cross-member. The elongated arms and bed cross-member include tabs or other features for mounting to the bed of a vehicle. The bed extender also includes a rear slide assembly having elongated first and second slide members that slide in the first and second elongated arm. A vertical support extends upward from the ends of the slide members. The bed extender further includes a lock mechanism for locking the rear slide assembly into place in the first and second elongated arms. The vertical support structure includes first and second corner braces attached to the slide members. Up-tubes extend vertically from the corner braces, and a support arm extends across the up-tubes. A lower cross-member connect the first and second corner braces. The bed extender further includes an attachment feature for attaching ropes or similar devices to retain cargo in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: DAVID ALEXANDER, WILLIAM ROBERT CLARK
  • Patent number: 8328263
    Abstract: A bed extender having tubular first and second elongated arm connected together by a bed cross-member. The elongated arms and bed cross-member include tabs or other features for mounting to the bed of a vehicle. The bed extender also includes a rear slide assembly having elongated first and second slide members that slide in the first and second elongated arm. A vertical support extends upward from the ends of the slide members. The bed extender further includes a lock mechanism for locking the rear slide assembly into place in the first and second elongated arms. The vertical support structure includes first and second corner braces attached to the slide members. Up-tubes extend vertically from the corner braces, and a support arm extends across the up-tubes. A lower cross-member connect the first and second corner braces. The bed extender further includes an attachment feature for attaching ropes or similar devices to retain cargo in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: David Alexander, William Robert Clark
  • Patent number: 8328266
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed. The cargo bed is expandable forward and has a screen shield for partitioning at a front end thereof. The rear seat has a seat bottom for the rear seat detachably attached to a rear seat attaching portion provided on a vehicle body. The screen shield has a seat holding portion to which the seat bottom, detached from the rear seat attaching portion, is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Yasui, Hirokazu Morira, Kenji Oda, Takao Kawabata, Masaki Tanaka, Eiji Ihara
  • Patent number: 8256807
    Abstract: For conveniently storing items aboard an automotive vehicle, a storage tray is movable between a stowed position housed within a bumper and an access position wherein it extends through an opening in a rear surface of the bumper. A door is attached to the bumper by a hinge connected to a lower edge of the door and is movable relative to the bumper between a closed position closing off the opening when the tray is in the stowed position and an open position permitting movement of the tray to the extended position. The door includes a guide feature that engages the tray when the tray is moved toward the extended position to stabilize movement of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Patent number: 8240737
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, including a front seat, a rear seat, a stationary bottom plate serving as a bottom face of the cargo bed, an expansion bottom plate for expanding the bottom face of the cargo bed, and a shared linkage mechanism for holding the rear seat at a use position where the rear seat is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate and a shunting position where the rear seat is shunted into a rear leg room provided in front of and below the stationary bottom plate. The shared linkage mechanism also holds the expansion bottom plate at a storage position where the expansion bottom plate is above the stationary bottom plate and an expansion position where the expansion bottom plate is positioned over the leg room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Takaya, Masafumi Inoue, Shinichi Tanba, Daisuke Takagi, Masahiro Koga, Yoshitaka Nishikawa, Takao Kawabata, Dave Reinke