Slidably Guided Patents (Class 296/26.09)
  • Patent number: 7445263
    Abstract: A sliding platform is mounted on low friction rollers to cooperate with a stationary frame to produce an extending platform for the cargo area of a suitable vehicle. The stationary frame may be fastened in the cargo area of a motor vehicle by means of specially shaped bolts which attach the stationary frame to the front wall of the cargo area. The forward end of the stationary frame is therefore held in place by means of only two fastening bolts. The rearward portion of the stationary frame is located and held in place by two jackscrews which serve to engage the two opposing walls of the cargo bay. A spring loaded handle is used to unlatch the sliding platform and allow it to be slid on said stationary frame to an extended position. The spring loaded handle may be pulled out from its nested position to provide better access and gripping of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Bluhm
  • Patent number: 7431366
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative and practical new class of crossover motor vehicles for carrying passengers and for carrying cargo in a cargo or pickup bed, while still being of sufficiently small dimensions as to be garage-able in many home garages. Representative embodiments can carry 6 or 7 or 9 persons in comfortable seats all with adjacent or facing seats for companions; plus substantial varied cargos, which can potentially include sporting or recreational equipment such as bicycles or a powered waterscooter or snowmobile or motorcycle; camping gear including a 9-person tent; furniture such as a Queen bed set; appliances such as a washer and dryer; utility equipment such as a snowblower or riding lawnmower; or substantial quantities of items such as lumber, bark or fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: RSV Invention Enterprises
    Inventors: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi, Siva Usha Mithra Sankrithi
  • Patent number: 7419203
    Abstract: The storage system includes a housing which is fittable into a bed of a pickup truck or utility vehicle, wherein the top member of the housing extends forwardly beyond the bottom member. Two pullout drawers are arranged side-by-side within the housing and extend so that a front surface thereof is substantially flush with the forward edge of the top member. The exposed surfaces of the housing have a protective polyurethane coating, providing protection against extreme weather. Connecting members extend from the sides of the housing to the sides of the pickup truck bed or utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Armadillo Truckvault, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Chandler, James T. Rankin, Shelli M. Kolakowski
  • Patent number: 7416234
    Abstract: An extendable vehicle cargo floor assembly that includes a semi-rigid material panel base and a slideable panel that slides between guides so as to provide easy access to cargo stored in the vehicle storage part. In another embodiment, the panels are segmented in parts and joined together at installation. In another embodiment, the base panel is not used and instead, a bedliner is configured to operate as the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Bequette
  • Publication number: 20080185860
    Abstract: A portable, retractable, and removable enclosure is installed on a lightweight open vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV). Guide track sections are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle to define longitudinal guides. The enclosure includes a pair of rails that engage the guides. The enclosure can be moved between a forward position and a rearward position by moving the rails along a track defined by the guides. In the forward position, the enclosure is positioned over the vehicle and forms a cab. In the rearward position, a forward portion of the enclosure is positioned over the vehicle and a rearward position extends behind the vehicle to form an enclosure for hunting, camping, or fishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jerry Sersland, Conrad Sersland, Curt Wilcox
  • Patent number: 7399038
    Abstract: A mortar buggy with stake bed assembly provides a removable flat heavy duty base platform and a rear panel that can be fitted onto the chassis of an existing mortar buggy or similar conveyance in place of a hopper. The stake bed assembly provides removable front and side panels made of solid steel or similar alloy that can be configured to attach vertically in a hopper configuration or horizontally in an extended flat bed configuration, to provide additional loading surface for long or large items. The stake bed assembly also provides for a removable front tailgate with the ability to hinge at both its top and bottom so that the front tailgate can swing either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Vandewinckel, Francis W. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080157555
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a retractable cargo bed includes an engagement rail forming part of a stationary frame; the engagement rail having a top edge profile defining a plurality of locking recesses. A locking member carried by a travelling frame and adapted to engage a selected locking recess of the plurality of locking recesses. A spring adapted to bias the locking member into engagement with the selected locking recess. An activation lever adapted to permit a user to overcome the biasing force of the spring to disengage the locking member from the selected locking recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CARGO BED LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Steele, John Gladwin, Erich Janke
  • Patent number: 7393036
    Abstract: A floor assembly for a cargo space of an automotive vehicle includes a floor support adapted to be mounted in the cargo space. A floor panel is mounted on the floor support for movement along a predetermined path of travel from a first position totally within the cargo space to an extended position at least partially outside the vehicle. Locking mechanism releasably locks the floor panel in the desired position. The locking mechanism may also be capable of locking the floor panel in several intermediate positions between the first position and the extended position. The locking mechanism preferably includes locking detents in spaced apart relation along the path of travel, and a locking lever engageable with any one of the detents to lock the floor panel in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Timothy L Bastian, Alan Kirby, Paul Borden
  • Publication number: 20080136206
    Abstract: A sliding cargo carrier for use in motor vehicles has a slideable frame assembly and deck for supporting cargo. The deck is supported on an upper frame which is slideably mounted on a base frame attached to the vehicle. The deck is extendable and retractable within the vehicle to allow easy access to cargo stored thereon. The slideable frame assembly can be readily removed and reinstalled in the vehicle. Additional storage assemblies selectively positioned on the slideable frame assembly increase the storage potential of the sliding cargo carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Richard L. McKelvey
  • Patent number: 7377569
    Abstract: A cargo bed organizer (10) which obviates the need for a track to be “mounted” and/or installed and/or otherwise formed in the cargo bed (350) of a selectively movable assembly (500), and which is selectively and removably received into the cargo bed (350) of a selectively movable assembly (500), and which has at least one stopping member portion (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas S. Taylor, Mildred P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7367615
    Abstract: A retractable roof assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes relatively movable rigid panels that are positioned to cover a passenger/cargo compartment of the vehicle in an extended position and that are stacked one above another in a retracted position. A telescoping track is provided on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle to guide movement of the roof panels. D-pillars of the roof assembly are slidable between a position wherein they are spaced from the C-pillars to a retracted position in which the D-pillars are adjacent to the C-pillars. Side windows of the vehicle are retracted into the rear quarter panel area of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Patent number: 7347017
    Abstract: An advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile is provided. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement that is configured for engaging a vehicle. A signage member is included and is configured for carrying advertising signage. The signage member is pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member so as to be configured for providing access to the rear of a vehicle. A tailgate, hatch, trunk, spare tire or other component or portion of the rear of the vehicle may be accessed by pivoting the signage member out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: John Ripley Shaffer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7338104
    Abstract: A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Bejin
  • Patent number: 7293723
    Abstract: A material handling device for a vehicle includes a receiving portion for receiving material, a material moving system operable to move material along the receiving portion, a material processing device attachable at a rear of the receiving portion, and a power source. The receiving portion is configured to fit at a vehicle bed, and is removably positioned at a vehicle bed. The material handling device may be movably supported at a support surface to ease installation and removal of said material handling device at the vehicle. The material processing device is operable to dispense material from within the receiving portion to a location external the receiving portion and/or collect material from a location external the receiving portion and dispense the collected material into the receiving portion. The power source may provide power to the material processing device and/or the material moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockit Corp.
    Inventors: Cal G Niemela, Philip J Quenzi
  • Patent number: 7281745
    Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo extender mounted to a rear portion thereof, preferably a minivan or a sport utility vehicle, is provided. The cargo extender is preferably slidable between a retracted position stowed in an aesthetically-pleasing manner within the rear portion of the vehicle and an extended position where any contents of the extender can be accessed. Further, the cargo extender can be pivoted to different angular positions (as opposed to the generally horizontal position in which it is stored) to provide additional functionality thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Meinke, Thomas R. Futryk
  • Patent number: 7264292
    Abstract: A cargo bed extender in accordance with one embodiment comprises a housing; a first roller channel formed within the housing; a second roller channel formed within the housing; a first roller positioned within the first roller channel; a second roller positioned within the second roller channel; an end panel coupled to the first roller and the second roller; a first side panel hingedly coupled to the end panel; and a second side panel hingedly coupled to the end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jerald E. Summers
  • Patent number: 7240939
    Abstract: A truck bed loading platform including a rail mountable on a truck bed. The platform also includes a first and second hingedly connected tray portions. Furthermore, the platform includes means for slidably mounting the first and second tray portions on the rail for sliding movement between first and second positions. The rail includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers. The platform can include an optional handle(s) for facilitating manual sliding of the platform. The platform can also include an optional lock for locking the entire platform in place on a truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventors: Nathan P. Vandekerkhof, Michael Nikodinovski
  • Patent number: 7237817
    Abstract: A roll-out cargo bed comprises a frame structure configured to connect to a cargo bed of a vehicle, a plurality of bearings mounted to the frame structure, a deck connected to the frame structure, and a cable tension release mechanism disposed within the frame structure. The cable tension release mechanism may comprise a plurality of pulleys strategically spaced to facilitate extending the roll-out cargo bed. The roll-out cargo bed may further comprise a damper mechanism to reduce vibrations during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Tony Kobylski, Terry A. Kobylski
  • Patent number: 7232172
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second sidewall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second sidewalls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible sidewall portions. The cargo area assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported with the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Projx, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell Kiester, Douglas Street
  • Patent number: 7213859
    Abstract: A one hand push button release mechanism is associated with a supplemental tailgate assembly to affect the release of the supplemental tailgate for deployment from the main tailgate apparatus. One embodiment of the push button mechanism engages a wedge having a cam surface that causes the wedge to move vertically with respect to the push button to pull on a linkage that releases a pivoted catch member. A second embodiment utilizes a laterally slidable push button that depresses into the molding to engage a spacer that is laterally movable with the push button to be movable into an interfering position with respect to the catch member to lock the supplemental tailgate in the stowed position. In both embodiments, a spring is operable to bias the locking mechanism into a locked position when the supplemental tailgate is returned to the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kian-Huat Tan, Scott Miller, Aldous Cheng, Robert Howell
  • Patent number: 7207616
    Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, a frame that is slidably received by the rail members of the slide mechanism, a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the frame; and a two-axis hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the frame and the removable load floor may be displaced in relation to the hinge assembly, and the frame plus the load floor may be slid rearwardly and/or arcuately about the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 7207615
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extension device useable to increase the load bearing capacity of a vehicle cargo bed. The vehicle cargo bed extension device includes a rectangular deck attachable to a rectangular open deck frame having a rear beam and a front beam attached by side beams. A support frame having a horizontal attachment post for attaching the support frame to a trailer hitch supports the deck frame. A rear vertical post extends downwardly from the center rear of the deck frame to the rearward section of the horizontal attachment post. A front vertical post extends downwardly from the center of the deck frame front beam to a forward section of the horizontal attachment post, and outwardly inclined side bracing beams extend from the sides of the support beam to the side edges of the deck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jackie St. Romain
  • Patent number: 7204537
    Abstract: A pick-up truck box extender flip gate is provided. The truck box extender flip gate of the current application is comprised of; 1) a tail gate attaching frame, 2) two side faces, each of which is comprised of one guide and one metal frame. 3) a first front face that is rotatably connected to the two guides, and 4) a second front face that is rotatably connected to the first front face via hinges. When the pick-up truck box extender flip gate is in retracted position, the two guides are embedded in two rectangular metal frames which are welded to both ends of the tail gate frame. The first front face and the second front face are overlapped with the tailgate-attaching frame when the flip gate is retracted. In extended position, the first front face and second front faces come out of the attaching frame to extend the pick-up truck cargo box space. The first and second front faces have racks for holding bicycle wheel or long ladder's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Oh, Lorren Oh
  • Patent number: 7201453
    Abstract: A mortar buggy with stake bed assembly provides a removable flat heavy duty base platform and a rear panel that can be fitted onto the chassis of an existing mortar buggy or similar conveyance in place of a hopper. The stake bed assembly provides removable front and side panels made of solid steel or similar alloy that can be configured to attach vertically in a hopper configuration or horizontally in an extended flat bed configuration, to provide additional loading surface for long or large items. The stake bed assembly also provides for a removable front tailgate with the ability to hinge at both its top and bottom so that the front tailgate can swing either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Vandewinckel, Francis W. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7201418
    Abstract: A load floor assembly includes a load floor and a frame. The frame supports the load floor, and the load floor is movable with respect to the frame between a first position in which the load floor is entirely located within a vehicle cargo area, and a second position in which at least a portion of the load floor extends rearward of a rear body opening. The load floor is preferably movable to a third position forward of the first position in which increased vehicle body floor space is exposed adjacent to the rear body opening. A ramp surface supports the forward portion of the load floor in the third position to prevent a cantilevered condition. The load floor preferably includes two handles that are operative to disengage a latch for selective movement of the load floor between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7195432
    Abstract: An adjustable cargo gate system for a flat bed of a truck or trailer comprising a grate of adjustable length having a center section and end sections which telescope into or out of the center section, and vertical and horizontal braces to hold the gate upright attached to cars that engage with and slide on tracks attached to the truck bed, is modified with the improvements hereinafter described. Track extensions onto the tailgate of the truck allow the gate system to be disposed at the rearmost end of the tailgate when opened flat. One-piece car brace members in the shape of right triangles replace the separate vertical and horizontal brace members and the separate sliding car members of the original system. Curved end sections are provided to enclose the sides of the opened tailgate. A bed-liner with integral tracks make installation of the system much simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Earle, Floyd Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7188881
    Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, and a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the slide mechanism; and a hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the slide mechanism, and the removable load floor may be moved arcuately in relation to the hinge assembly, and the load floor slid rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Artur W. Dlugosz
  • Patent number: 7185935
    Abstract: A uniquely designed truck bed cover for securing cargo in a truck bed includes a lower section having a bottom wall with a pair of upstanding sidewalls extending therefrom. Formed on the bottom wall is an elongated groove configured to slidably receive a beam mounted on the bottom surface of the truck bed. On the exterior surface of each sidewall is a ball bearing. The device also includes an upper section having a top wall with a pair of sidewalls depending therefrom. Each sidewall includes an L-shaped channel formed on the interior surface thereof that receives one of the ball bearings on the lower section to cooperatively join the two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ed Magarro
  • Patent number: 7178848
    Abstract: A utility rack for a vehicle is provided. The utility rack includes a platform, at least one support rail positioned on the platform, and a plurality of storage rails connected to the at least one support rail. The plurality of storage rails have a stowed position generally parallel to the upper surface, and a deployed position generally perpendicular to the upper surface. The plurality of storage rails are arranged to pivot between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Todd R Teasdale, Samer Shamon, William E Hughes, Daniel T Griffin, David E Dawkins, Richmond P Thomas
  • Patent number: 7175060
    Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IFW, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Carpenter, Steve Robinson, Dan Marshall
  • Patent number: 7159918
    Abstract: A sliding bed extender arrangement is provided that basically has a vehicle cargo area, a pair of roller tracks, a pair of mounting arrangements and a bed extender. Each of the mounting arrangements has a pair of rolling members and a locking mechanism that are disposed in one of the roller tracks. Each of the mounting locking mechanism has a locking member slideably disposed in one of the roller tracks and a first hand operating portion operatively coupled to the locking member to selectively lock the mounting arrangement. The sliding bed extender has a generally U-shape as viewed from above with first and second side ends rigidly attached to the mounting arrangements to extend across the vehicle cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Lussier
  • Patent number: 7159917
    Abstract: A utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed includes three main parts: a main frame, a rail system, and a tool storage system. The main frame is made up of a frame assembly with four collapsible legs. The legs have wheels, and are adjustable in height. The main frame forms the support structure for the work table, the top of which is preferably covered by a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of metal, plywood, or other suitable material. When the main frame/table portion is outside the truck bed, it rests on the four legs with the wheels attached, allowing it to be moved around. The rail system consists of three components, the anchor frame, the guide frame, and the transfer frame. The anchor frame is bolted down to the bed of the truck. The guide frame guides the transfer frame during movements of the main frame, and is temporarily bolted to the anchor frame, but can be removed if needed to allow the full use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Bjorn Haaberg
  • Patent number: 7140657
    Abstract: An openable motor vehicle rear with a rear window which can be moved to clear a first cargo space opening, and with a rear hatch located below the rear window that can be moved to the rear beyond the contour of the vehicle, to thereby clear a second cargo space opening. In one embodiment of the present invention, a rear part is provided between the rear window and the rear hatch which covers the transition between the rear window and the rear hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Ismail Cuma
  • Patent number: 7121603
    Abstract: A sliding load floor assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a sliding platform configured to receive a load floor and slidable along a support frame fixed to the vehicle. The support frame includes upper and lower flanges. An axle extends outward from the sliding platform, with a roller rotatably attached thereto and movable along the upper and lower flanges. The roller configuration elevates the sliding platform above a vehicle floor, while allowing the sliding platform the move between a stowed position and an extended position. A wedge is configured to exert a vertical force upon a portion of the sliding platform in the stowed position, thereby preventing vertical movement of the roller to reduce vibration. At least one detent member and at least one latch member are selectively engageable with one another to restrict movement of the sliding platform with respect to the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Stevenson, Devadatta M. Kulkarni, Andrew L. Bartos, Teresa U. Holiness
  • Patent number: 7111887
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to an easy to install and remove, elevated, lockable, retractable cargo tray for pickup trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and other service type vehicles that leaves the floor of the storage area clear for large or heavy tools while providing an accessible storage tray for tools or other often used supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick S. Cooley
  • Patent number: 7090275
    Abstract: A cargo box having a folding first side that is configured to be placed within the rear portion of a pickup truck, and to be held against the tailgate of the pickup while the tailgate is closed, thus preventing the device from moving too far forward when the tailgate is closed. This device is also configured to be rolled along the bed of the pickup and rolled out of the rear of the pickup over the top of the tailgate when the tailgate is open and placed in a downward position. The device contains a stopping device that prevents the device from being pulled too far forward out of the rear portion of the pickup truck, or being pushed too far into the bed portion of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Pero
  • Patent number: 7083219
    Abstract: A system for forming a retractable cargo support for use over the bed of a truck is disclosed. The system includes a slide system with an elongated slide base having an upwardly opening U-shaped cross-section, an intermediate slide that is slidably mounted within the U-shaped cross-section of the slide base has an upwardly opening U-shaped cross section, and a top slide. The top slide includes a downwardly opening U-shaped cross-section, and is adapted for nesting in a sliding relationship within the U-shaped cross-section of the intermediate slide. A load surface is attached to the top slide, so that mounting the slide base to the bed of the truck allows the load surface to be slid in and out of the bed of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Shawn P. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7040643
    Abstract: A truck bed extension which is concealed beneath a truck when not being used is disclosed. The truck bed extension comprises a frame and two wheel assemblies for permitting the extension to be pulled behind a truck. During non-use, an elongated member of the truck bed extension is received by a guide channel to facilitate positioning the truck bed extension beneath the truck. When the truck bed extension is not being used the wheel assemblies rotate up under the truck wheel wells and attach thereto. A locking mechanism secures the truck bed extension in place during use. Optional removable side walls attach to the truck bed extension and may alternatively be used as ramps for loading wheeled-vehicles. A hoist slidably engaging side walls of the truck bed permits heavy and cumbersome materials to be loaded and unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Eliades
  • Patent number: 7025398
    Abstract: A pull out system, or a pull out drawer system for vehicles and trailers can be improved by an inverted French F-channel as a stationary rail; an inverted U-channel as a movable rail; and/or a cam-follower bearing being present among rollers on the rails. Also, a movable frame for a pull out drawer system can be improved by providing a support member for supporting a slide-in/out accessory, for example, a drawer or a ramp, and further by providing the accessory with such a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Durakon Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Montagna, Donald J. LaBelle
  • Patent number: 7025406
    Abstract: A sleeping berth unit comprises at least two shape-retaining sub-modules shaped so that those sub-modules can interconnect in a sliding manner. The unit is mounted on the roof of a vehicle, at least one sub-module being fixed to the vehicle, leaving at least one sub-module free to slide back and forth. The unit is compressed into transit mode, or expanded into accommodation mode, with a single sliding action. The unit is accessed through a door at the end of at least one sub-module, via an extendable ladder. The ladder locates securely to the access door sub-module, and, if required, acts as a stabiliser for the unit. The sleeping berth unit access door sub-module(s) can be replaced with blanking module(s) to create a storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nicholas Capp
    Inventor: Nicholas Peter Capp
  • Patent number: 6994388
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a seat that is retractable into a leg space of the seat, and a cargo bed adjustably provided behind the seat such that a part of the cargo bed is moveable into a space formerly occupied by the seat after the seat is retracted. In this manner, cargo space and passenger space of the vehicle may be selectively optimized by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Saito, Kazumasa Hisada, Aaron Bahner
  • Patent number: 6983972
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a generally fixed guide portion and a movable frame assembly. The movable frame assembly includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a cross member, and a latching assembly that mounts generally within telescoping supports, which selectively slide within the guide portion. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the movable portion of the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding is aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies LLC, Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: Kian-Huat Tan, Herbert Gruber
  • Patent number: 6976720
    Abstract: An extendable vehicle cargo floor assembly consisting of a semi-rigid material panel base fixed to the vehicle cargo floor, the base having a grooved top surface, a pair of “U” channels fixed to the vehicle cargo floor, and a semi-rigid material panel deck having a grooved bottom surface, the base and deck being mounted with each of their edges mounted within the channels. The base is fixed to the cargo floor and the deck slides on the base with reduced friction due to the grooved, contacting surfaces in a first embodiment and low friction strips in a second embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Bequette
  • Patent number: 6969104
    Abstract: The adjustable length chassis is a modified 53-foot chassis that is capable of being reduced in length to fit inside of a conventional 53-foot shipping container. The chassis is constructed of two main elements, which are the forward gooseneck assembly and the rear frame assembly. The forward gooseneck assembly and the rear frame assembly each comprise a pair of spaced apart side rails having an “I” beam cross section. The side rails of the rear frame assembly have “U” shaped channel bars welded into their “I” beams to form a channel in the front portion of the rear frame assembly. The channel is of sufficient length to allow the gooseneck assembly to slide into the rear frame assembly and reduce the overall length of the chassis by 24 to 36 inches so that the chassis may fit inside of a conventional 53 foot shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Charles T. Green
  • Patent number: 6959955
    Abstract: A storage enclosure includes a base including a top panel extending transversely from a front panel. The base is attachable to a load deck of an open deck vehicle such that an enclosed space is defined by the front and top panels and the load deck. The base includes mounts within the enclosed space that are attachable to a bracket for attaching the base to the load deck. The top panel includes side portions that extend from opposite ends of the front panel, and a removable cover panel is disposed between the side portions. A cage is mounted to the base that defines a cage compartment above the top panel. The cage includes legs that extend through the base and are engaged by locking elements to removably secure the cage to the base. The cage includes frame segments that are releasably connected to one another by release pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
  • Patent number: 6932404
    Abstract: This Retractable Auxiliary Tailgate relates to a new and useful tailgate design for trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, station wagons, and the like, and may be used to effectively extend the length of a vehicle's payload section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Willard Vejnar
  • Patent number: 6929302
    Abstract: A pull-out extender includes a container that is attachable to a passenger vehicle. A foldable table-like unit is stored in the container and includes rollers which are accommodated in grooves defined in the container. Foldable and telescoping legs are attached to the table-like elements and a tent-like cover can also be attached to the vehicle above the container to cover the table-like elements when such elements are deployed. Grommets are included on the table-like elements for accommodating umbrellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Demick, Jenave J. Demick
  • Patent number: 6921120
    Abstract: The load carrying capability of a bed of a truck or the back of an SUV is increased by length and weight of the load by including a platform that is movable to the height of the wheel well so that a load that measures say, 4?×8? fits above the wheel well so that the limited space between wheel wells do not impair the load and the wheel wells absorb part of the load. In one embodiment a camming arrangement with a guide rail cam and roller followers attached to the platform place the platform in sliding relationship and raises the platform as it slides rearwardly. In another embodiment a foldable linkage is utilized to raise the platform. Jack can be employed to raise the platform and a brake is added prevent the platform from moving backwards once deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: David R. Ervin
  • Patent number: 6905159
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a movable seat and an adjustable cargo bed, each configured to be alternatively positioned in an overlapping area of movement. The vehicle further includes a latch system including a latch body and a first retainer provided on the seat and a second latch retainer provided on a portion of the cargo bed. The latch body is typically configured to alternatively be secured to the seat or to the cargo bed by interlocking with either the first or the second latch retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Saito, Kazumasa Hisada
  • Patent number: 6896307
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by engagement of a rotary member with a linear intermeshing member, such as dedicated rack and pinion arrangements. A shaft connects the rotary engagers so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated rotary engager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider