On Trucklike Vehicle Patents (Class 296/37.6)
  • Patent number: 11932314
    Abstract: A disclosed modular truck bed assembly includes two or more modular truck bed components configured to form a modular truck bed suitable for use with a bedless truck. The modular truck components may include two or more modular components that combine to form a multi-piece bed panel. The modular components that combine to form the multi-piece bed panel may include a center bed module attached between left and right wing bed modules. The center bed panel may be affixed to structural elements of the bedless while the wing bed modules may be attached to the center module. The center bed module may include a center bed panel, with or without a gooseneck hitch, and a center trail panel, without or without a trailer hitch. The assembly may include a vertically adjustable bulkhead positioned forward of the center bed panel and either side of the assembly may include a skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Trailboss Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Chumchal, Jonathan Petru, Benedict Orsak, Howard Henderson
  • Patent number: 11912238
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an occupant compartment, a storage compartment, one or more frame elements, a seat assembly, and a door. The frame element forms at least a part of the storage compartment, which is arranged adjacent to an occupant compartment. The frame element includes an opening between the storage compartment and the occupant compartment. The seat assembly is arranged in the occupant compartment, and optionally includes a console. A threshold element is optionally included to provide an interface to the occupant compartment. The door is configured to block and unblock the opening such that an occupant can access the storage compartment from the occupant compartment. The door is configured to rotate, slide, fold, or otherwise be reconfigured, under manual or automatic operation, to unblock the opening. The door is not part of the seat assembly, and interfaces to the frame element or a threshold element affixed to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Harshad Zambare, Ryan Cotter, Steven Mousigian, Daniel John Bateson
  • Patent number: 11708117
    Abstract: A vehicle function arrangement for a vehicle includes a fender frame and a utility unit. The fender frame is adapted for attaching to a vehicle wheel position of the vehicle, wherein the fender frame has a sideward extension surface arranged for outwardly extending from the vehicle wheel frame. The utility unit is provided at the sideward extension surface of the fender frame for creating an additional utility space for the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle function arrangement is installed to the vehicle wheel frame by fastening the fender frame of the vehicle function arrangement to the vehicle wheel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Xing Wen Luo
  • Patent number: 11702015
    Abstract: A cargo organizer is constructed from one or more bi-stable strips with at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator per bi-stable strip. The cargo organizer can reside in the bi-stable strips elongated (flat) stable state and require little or no volume of the cargo compartment that it resides. Upon actuating a SMA actuator, the rapid conversion to the curved stable state can occur with the formation of a barrier to partition the cargo compartment into at least to portions. The transformation into the flat stable state removes the partition where the transformation can be via a second SMA actuator or manually. The cargo organizer can be incorporated into the cargo compartment in a manner that it translates from one site and orientation to one or more other sites or orientations by activation an actuator that can be an additional SMA actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Paul A. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 11634185
    Abstract: A vehicle storage system may include a deck configured to span substantially a total width of a vehicle bed, and a drawer assembly including a supporting frame and a tub, the drawer assembly configured to extend, via a guide channel assembly, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle bed past the deck, and configured to retract, via the guide channel assembly, under the deck, the drawer assembly configured to detach from the guide channel assembly and be removed from the vehicle bed, the deck configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position relative to the drawer assembly. The vehicle storage system may further include a cart affixed to a bottom portion of the drawer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: DECKED, LLC
    Inventors: Jake Peters, Tasche Streib, Michael Witt, Blake Pachner, Calvin Allan
  • Patent number: 11613310
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an electric vehicle includes a front cage, a rear floor, an intermediate section, a utility cabinet, and a flatbed. In other embodiments, an electric vehicle includes a front cage, a rear floor, an intermediate section, and a flatbed. In some embodiments, the front cage at least partially defines an operator cabin, the rear floor is positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction, and the intermediate section is disposed at least partially between the front cage and the rear floor in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Willison
  • Patent number: 11498627
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a requested payload using an autonomous delivery vehicle are described herein. In some embodiments, a cargo system for use with an autonomous delivery vehicle can include a frame defining a cargo space having an opening. A plurality of partitions can be positioned within the cargo space and configured to divide the cargo space into compartments. In some embodiments, the partitions are movable so that the cargo space can be divided into efficiently-sized compartments based on, for example, size characteristics of the payload. The cargo system can further include an access system configured to selectively define an aperture over the opening of the cargo space. The access system can vary the size and position of the aperture to provide access to only a selected one of the compartments regardless of the size and/or position of the selected compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: UDELV, Inc.
    Inventors: Akshat Patel, Daniel Laury
  • Patent number: 11459798
    Abstract: An exit device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of sensors and an electronic dogging mechanism. The exit device is configured to locally analyze sensor data to determine the security state of the exit device, report data to a management system via a wireless communication channel established between the exit device and the management system, and receive and process instructions to perform an electronic dogging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Arlinghaus, Jack R. Lehner, Jr., Matthew A. Phillips, Suresha Chandrasekhara, Mohammed M. Ali, Evan Ballard
  • Patent number: 11440479
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a wall of a cargo bed, and a storage system. The wall has an inner panel spaced from an outer panel to provide a cavity. The storage system has a first bin and a second bin that are each at least partially disposed within the cavity when in an installed position. The first bin provides a first cargo area within the cavity when in the installed position. The first bin is configured to be moved to the installed position through an aperture in the inner panel. The second bin provides a second cargo area within the cavity when in the installed position. The second bin is configured to be moved to the installed position without moving through the aperture in the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Hussein H. Berry, Aaron Halonen, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner, Sarah A. Ripley
  • Patent number: 11358564
    Abstract: Implementations of a truck bed safety belt (or truck bed seat belt) are provided. In some implementations, the truck bed safety belt comprises a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism, a first belt portion and a second belt portion, and a buckle part and a snap part. In some implementations, the truck bed safety belt further comprises a truck bed attachment bracket. In some implementations, a method of using the truck bed safety belt comprises attaching the truck bed safety belt to a truck bed, such as of a pickup truck, and connecting the truck bed safety belt to safely restrain a passenger riding in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Lecia Dunbar
  • Patent number: 11312229
    Abstract: A system for powering a vehicle is provided. The system can include an engine or power generation system to be powered by a fuel and a housing. The housing can be configured to couple to one or more frame rails of the vehicle, receive and protect a cylinder configured to store the fuel to be used by the engine or power generation system. The housing can have one or more access panels allowing access to an interior of the housing. The cylinder can include a first end portion, a second end portion, a central body forming an enclosed cavity for storing pressurized gas, a reinforcement structure disposed over the central body, and a metal foil interposed between the reinforcement structure and central body. The metal foil can be configured to reduce permeation of contents of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Agility Fuel Systems LLC
    Inventors: Momchil Yordanov, Chris Forsberg, Andrew Taylor Gordon, Adam Robertson, Michael Gregory Volkmer, Dustin Joseph John, Chad Alvin Cederberg, David Neil Morgan, John David Makinson
  • Patent number: 11292383
    Abstract: A utility bar configured to be secured to a pair of stake pockets formed in opposing sidewalls of a bed of a vehicle. Each of the stake pockets includes an opening formed in an upper wall of the sidewall, a first aperture that is not accessible from the bed, and a second aperture that is accessible from the bed. The utility bar includes a tubular member, a pair of end fittings attached to the tubular member, and a pair of lock assemblies positioned in the stake pockets that mate with the end fittings, wherein the lock assemblies each include a locking mechanism configured to secure the lock assembly and the end fitting to the first aperture that is not accessible from the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Frederick F Bender, Bryan J Macek
  • Patent number: 11260803
    Abstract: An all-terrain or utility vehicle includes an audio system having at least one speaker. The at least one speaker is positioned at a forward portion of the operator area and is supported by a body panel. More particularly, the body panel may be configured to receive at least a portion of the speaker as well as at least a portion of an upper frame assembly. In this way, the speaker is positioned to direct sound towards the rider, is generally concealed from a front view of the vehicle, and is positioned within available space on the vehicle above at least a portion of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan L. Fredrickson, Jonathan M. Hetland, Keith A. Hollman
  • Patent number: 11242097
    Abstract: An audio system for installation in the tailgate of a pickup truck. A rugged, weather-resistant audio system is installed in a fold-down section of a multi-part tailgate. The system may operate independently of the sound system in the vehicle; the truck does not need to be running for the system to function. A low current draw allows the system to play for hours. The system may include a control that automatically powers off the system when the tailgate is returned to the closed position. The system may incorporate a USB port for device charging and flash memory playback, along with full Bluetooth streaming compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Gross, IV, Martin N. Williams, John D. Cronin, Dennis A. Hotson, Joshua N. James, Garry L. Roberts, Charles Wesley Groh
  • Patent number: 11214209
    Abstract: A rack of unitary one-piece construction for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The rack may be made of plastic, and may be manufactured by injection moulding. The rack may be mounted and fastened to and fastened to a truck bed. The rack protects the rear window and the roof of the truck cab when the rack is mounted to the truck bed. A connector that is received in a stake pocket and fastened to a rail of the truck bed may be used to fasten the rack to the rail of the truck bed. The injection-moulded one piece plastic rack may allow for flexibility of ease of installation and uninstallation at leisure. Line of sight from the cab through the rear window may be provided with the rack mounted to the vehicle. The load supported by the rack may be distributed to its base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Isabrem Ltd.
    Inventors: Lyman B. Maynard, Jason Pridmore, Brian Layfield
  • Patent number: 11173847
    Abstract: Embodiments of a concealed, secure storage compartment include a concealed floorboard storage compartment for a front passenger side floorboard of a vehicle to provide a unitary floorboard containment shield sized to fit under the passenger side floormat and a hinged attachment plate securing the containment shield to the firewall portion of the passenger side floorboard padding. The containment shield provides an open bottom, a substantially planar top side surface upon which the bottom of the passenger side floormat rests, and internally reinforced sides affixed to the planar top side and its underside surface in the interior portion of the containment shield. An embodiment of the concealed, secure storage compartment provides a locking assembly securing the containment shield and floormat from being raised absent an unlocking key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Anthony and Kimberlee Sanchez Family Trust
    Inventors: Anthony J. Sanchez, James E. Grimes
  • Patent number: 11155194
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle is disclosed. The component may comprise a roller rotatable relative to a base; a sheet coupled to the roller and movable between retracted and extended states; a lock mechanism; and a button. The lock mechanism may disengage to allow sheet movement sheet and engage to block sheet movement. The lock mechanism may comprise a latch to hold the button in an actuated position. The button may move the lock mechanism to block sheet movement. The lock mechanism may comprise an arm to engage a set of teeth of the roller to hold the sheet extended. The component may comprise an actuator to move the lock mechanism to block movement of the sheet. The actuator may provide tension in the sheet. The actuator may rotate the roller to provide tension in the sheet. The component may comprise a tonneau cover, cargo cover or retractable table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Tamanna Nabar
  • Patent number: 11148731
    Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly including a header, a truck bed, an upper header rail, and a toolbox is provided. The truck bed has a forward end supporting the header, a rear end having a tailgate pivotally mounted thereto, and a pair of wheel wells disposed on opposing sides of the truck bed. The upper header rail may be secured at an upper portion of the header. The toolbox may include an extruded body defining a channel extending laterally a width of the truck bed. A lower surface of the body may be spaced from the truck bed a distance greater than a height of the wheel wells. First and second body side panels may be mounted to the truck bed and arranged with the toolbox to define sidewalls of the toolbox. The upper header rail and the toolbox may be formed by extrusion as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Reiners, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • Patent number: 11040742
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a floor, a wheel, and a fender box. The fender box is moveable from a first position in which the fender box is located adjacent the wheel to a second position in which the fender box is spaced apart from the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: LGS Pace, LLC
    Inventor: Franklyn M Yankovich
  • Patent number: 11034393
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bay defined by a fore endwall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bed. A closure panel is pivotable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the cargo bay. The vehicle also includes a collapsible storage container comprising a plurality of wall panels. Each respective wall panel of the plurality of wall panels is pivotably coupled to at least one other respective wall panel of the plurality of wall panels. The plurality of wall panels are selectively repositionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A respective wall panel of the plurality of wall panels is pivotably coupled to the interior side of the closure panel. In the stowed position each respective wall panel is disposed parallel to the closure panel and in the deployed position a storage volume is defined between the plurality of wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alexandru F. Ionescu, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Patent number: 10940899
    Abstract: An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcement/and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ALTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan J. McKinney, Austin Graham, Kyle E. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10882469
    Abstract: A bedliner (1) used for protecting metal truck beds and utility trailers from chemicals, such as chlorine, transported therein which causes the metal in the bed to corrode and rust when the chemicals spill and come into direct contact with the metal, said bedliner having an upper protective lip (12) and accordion-like protective retention wall (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Kyle C. Bacchus
  • Patent number: 10875463
    Abstract: A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark Pulleyblank, Dusan Colovic, James M. Townson
  • Patent number: 10793087
    Abstract: A truck bed compartment and the method for using the compartment are provided. The truck bed compartment can include a crossbar disposed between two hinge platforms. A box disposed between and rotationally connected to the hinge platforms. The box can be lowered into an open position and raised to a closed position. In the opened position, a user can store items in the box and easily maneuver the box to the closed position when the items are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth D Jarvis
  • Patent number: 10766506
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a railcar door for accessing an interior of the railcar, and a storage box comprising an access opening. The storage box is disposed such that when the railcar door is in a closed position, the railcar door prevents access to the storage box access opening, and when the railcar door is in an open position, the storage box access opening is accessible. In some embodiments the railcar door comprises a double door, and the storage box comprises a first portion coupled to a first door and a second portion coupled to a second door and adjacent to the first portion of the storage box. The first portion of the storage box prevents access to the second portion when the double doors are in a closed position. In some embodiments, the storage box is recessed into the railcar floor beneath the railcar door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Jerry W. Vande Sande
  • Patent number: 10730447
    Abstract: A pickup truck that includes a bed having a side wall with an electric panel; and a lockbox having walls secured to, extending laterally from the side wall and surrounding the electric panel, and a security panel pivotally mounted on the walls to enclose the electric panel within the lockbox. The lockbox may also include a divider pivotally mounted to the walls inboard of the security panel and movable between a closed position extending longitudinally adjacent to the security panel and an open position extending laterally into the bed. A lock may secure the divider to the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Robert Reiners, Jeffrey Gray
  • Patent number: 10259394
    Abstract: Security devices include a side panel movably coupled to an attachment mechanism and to a top panel. At least one extension structure may be configured to adjust laterally inward and outward relative to the top panel. A locking mechanism may be positioned to lock the at least one extension structure from being adjusted laterally when in the secured position. The side panel is positioned at least substantially transverse to the top panel with the at least one extension structure extending laterally outward from the top panel when in a secured position, and at least substantially parallel to the top panel with the at least one extension structure positioned laterally inward when in a storage position. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 10239470
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle including a vehicle bed having a wall with a recess formed therein. The apparatus comprises a sawhorse adapted for positioning in the recess of the vehicle bed in a stowed position and removed for use apart from the vehicle. A vehicle with an integrated sawhorse may thus be provided. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pattrick Loew, Brian Robert Spahn
  • Patent number: 10161107
    Abstract: A housing case (16) is provided on a revolving frame (5) at a position on a front side from a fuel tank (12). The housing case (16) is constituted by including a case-fixing bracket (17) having a left leg part (18), a right leg part (19), and amounting platform (20) across a reducing agent tank (14), a lower accommodating case (21) arranged by surrounding the case-fixing bracket (17), and an upper accommodating case (23) located on an upper side of the lower accommodating case (21). Atop surface part (21E) of the lower accommodating case (21) and a lower surface (23B) of the upper accommodating case (23) are connected to the mounting platform (20) of the case-fixing bracket (17). As a result, the lower accommodating case (21) and the upper accommodating case (23) can be firmly mounted on the revolving frame (5) through the case-fixing bracket (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Namai
  • Patent number: 9944214
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, a cab mounted on the chassis, and a body. The body includes a bottom, a top and sides. The sides partially enclose an interior space and define an opening for accessing the interior space. The vehicle also includes a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position and a ladder compartment positioned in the interior space adapted for receiving a ladder having a length of at least about 12 feet. The ladder compartment has a lower surface positioned at a level no more than about 42 inches above ground level. The ladder compartment has an open end facing generally toward the opening. The storage compartment is configured so a ladder can slide longitudinally into and out of the ladder compartment through the open end of the ladder compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DHSquared Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Dale M. Heuvelman
  • Patent number: 9821728
    Abstract: A motor vehicle tailgate assembly is provided. That tailgate assembly includes a tailgate body and a magnetic element inside the tailgate body forming a magnetic parts holder on an outer surface of the tailgate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Blaser, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Vincent Anthony Chimento
  • Patent number: 9789603
    Abstract: A teleoperated robotic system that includes master control arms, slave arms, and a mobile platform. In use, a user manipulates the master control arms to control movement of the slave arms. The teleoperated robotic system can include two master control arms and two slave arms. The master control arms and the slave arms can be mounted on the platform. The platform can provide support for the master control arms and for a teleoperator, or user, of the robotic system. Thus, a mobile platform can allow the robotic system to be moved from place to place to locate the slave arms in a position for use. Additionally, the user can be positioned on the platform, such that the user can see and hear, directly, the slave arms and the workspace in which the slave arms operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sarcos LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, John McCullough, Glenn Colvin, Jr., Wayco Scroggin, Marc X. Olivier
  • Patent number: 9688216
    Abstract: First-truck-chap-assembly and second-truck-chap-assembly are removeably coupleable with the first-truck-bed-side and the second-truck-bed-side, respectively, such that the first-truck -chap-assembly and the second-truck-chap-assembly are able to be moved in relation to a truck -bed-box to protect the truck-bed-box from damage and to prevent contents, when filled, in the truck-bed-box from displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Rinetti, Diane Rinetti
  • Patent number: 9670704
    Abstract: A full width tailgate release handle is pivotably connected to tailgate and extends substantially along the entire width of the tailgate for a cargo bed or the like. The full width tailgate release handle provides access for an operator to open the tailgate at any location along the width of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Paul Huston, Roy L. Woodard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9573530
    Abstract: A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9366007
    Abstract: A first accommodating case (13) which is located more forward than a fuel tank (12) and is small in height dimension (H1) of an upper surface (13E) is provided on the right side of a revolving frame (5). A second accommodating case (16) the position of an upper surface (16E) of which is higher than the upper surface (13E) of the first accommodating case (13) and is lower than an upper surface plate (12E) of the fuel tank (12) is provided on the rear side of the upper surface (13E) of this first accommodating case (13). Moreover, a reducing agent tank (20) is provided in a tank accommodating space (15) in the first accommodating case (13) and articles such as a tool box (23) and the like are accommodated in an article accommodating space (17) in the second accommodating case (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Azuma, Takahiro Kobayashi, Jun Yamabayashi, Satoshi Tehara
  • Patent number: 9352698
    Abstract: A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory in a pickup truck bed. The system includes a main support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is engageable with the upper horizontal portion of the sidewall of the pickup truck bed and the lower end is engageable with the floor of the pickup truck bed. The main support member includes a transverse channel. The universal mounting system further includes a cantilever member extending through at least a portion of the transverse channel of the main support member. The cantilever member has a mounting system defining a pivot axis. A swivel plate is connectable to the accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Romanelli
  • Patent number: 9333924
    Abstract: A vehicle storage device for storing and organizing documents, rolled blueprints, and other objects needed when traveling to a construction site. The vehicle storage device includes a main compartment having an interior volume and an open front wall, wherein the main compartment can be integrated into the body of a vehicle. The vehicle storage device further includes one or more secondary compartments disposed within the main compartment, wherein at least one of the secondary compartments is movable between a stored configuration and an extended configuration so as to allow a user convenient access to objects stored therein. A door is secured to the main compartment and removably covers the open front wall thereof so as to remain flush with the exterior of the vehicle. In this way, the exterior of the vehicle has a continuous surface and the aerodynamics thereof are not impacted by the presence of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Glenn Beasley
  • Patent number: 9272740
    Abstract: A modular utility truck bed has a deck assembly comprising a center section, a right side section, and a left side section. The right and left side sections are bolted to the sides of the center section to form a substantially planar deck. A tail piece extends across a rear end of the deck assembly. The tail piece is bolted to rear ends of each of the center and side sections of the deck assembly. A front rack extends across a front end of the deck assembly. The front rack is bolted to front ends of each of the center and side sections of the deck assembly. The deck assembly, tail piece and front rack are modular components that can be shipped disassembled in a compact configuration and bolted together by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bradford Built, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradly D. Portenier
  • Patent number: 9260063
    Abstract: Provided herein are truck boxes, such as pickup truck toolboxes, that comprise an open box body and lid assembly fabricated from composite materials. The composite materials may be fiber-reinforced polymeric constructs and may have a solid laminate structure or a sandwich structure utilizing a plurality of plies. Also provided are composite toolboxes that have an open storage box and lid component affixed to an upper back edge of the box component in an opening and closing relationship and means for independently hinging and latching the lid component to the open storage box component. The open storage box and lid in the pickup truck tool box may each independently comprise a ply layup of fiber reinforced polymeric composites or may each independently comprise a solid laminate of a fiber reinforced polymeric composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Jarrad Scott Zaiser, Bruce Edward Toman
  • Patent number: 9255382
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine having a sufficient space for tool accommodation and allowing reducing agent to be supplied into a reducing-agent tank easily. The construction machine includes an engine, a reducing-agent tank having a tank body and a supply portion, and a tool box. The tool box includes a box body defining an accommodation space having an opening which opens the accommodation space outwards and allows a tool to be put into and taken from the accommodation space through the opening, and an opening/closing cover which opens and closes the opening. The tank body is outside the box body. The supply portion includes a basal end connected to the tank body and a distal end located in the accommodation space at a position making the distal end visible from the outside of the box body through the opening which is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Noda, Masakazu Ozaki
  • Patent number: 9238437
    Abstract: Storage compartments are formed in the bed of a pickup truck using a bed liner and doors in the exterior side panels of the truck bed. The bed liner includes sidewall containers that define the storage compartments. The liner is shaped and sized to fit within the bed of the truck. Lockable access doors provide access through the exterior side of side panels of the bed to each compartment. A mechanical key actuated lock or electromechanical lock may be provided for each door. Hinges allow pivoting opening motion of the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventors: Harry Lang, Donnie Mangrum
  • Patent number: 9193290
    Abstract: A cargo management system can include a receptacle and a removable storage device. The receptacle can be formed relative to an exterior panel of the vehicle and can have a rear wall spaced apart from an outer surface of the exterior panel. The outer surface can have a first contour. The removable storage device can be removably received in the receptacle and selectively secured to the vehicle. The storage device can include an upper portion, a lower portion and a latch mechanism. The upper portion can be pivotable relative to the lower portion to provide access to an interior of the storage device. The latch mechanism can selectively secure the storage device to the vehicle when in a stored position in the receptacle. An outer surface of the upper portion and the lower portion can include a second contour, where the second contour can substantially match the first contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Lazarevich, David B. Reed, Peter W. Mattes, Gary D. Lock
  • Patent number: 9120427
    Abstract: The swiveling tailgate support system includes an outer support assembly that is affixed to an inner surface of a tailgate. An inner support assembly connects to and rotates with respect to the outer support assembly such that as the tailgate is raised or lowered, the inner support assembly rocks at a level orientation. The outer support assembly includes an in outer support plate on distal ends, which receive inner support plates located at distal ends of the inner support assembly. The outer support plate is able to rotate from a prone position to an erected position. The outer support plates each include a lock pin that extends outwardly with respect to the vehicle, and which enables a pivot bracket of the inner support plate to engage, lock, hang, and pivot there from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce E. Wolski
  • Patent number: 9096180
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include a self-securing container to the back of a pickup truck. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the bottom side of the container may be shaped to be securely mounted on the left or right hump in the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include at least one protruding portion to securely fit a channel guide on the right or left side wall of the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include a tool box that may be secured to the back of the pick-up truck without the use of any additional tools or other structures or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Dan Malin
  • Patent number: 9085267
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include a self-securing container to the back of a pickup truck. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the bottom side of the container may be shaped to be securely mounted on the left or right hump in the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include at least one protruding portion to securely fit a channel guide on the right or left side wall of the bed. According to other embodiments, the present invention may include a tool box that may be secured to the back of the pick-up truck without the use of any additional tools or other structures or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dan Malin
  • Patent number: 9079548
    Abstract: A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9039062
    Abstract: An enclosure device for forming a secured enclosure area within a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The enclosure device includes a front panel and a generally planar deck panel that extends from the front panel. The deck panel includes a pair of pair of spaced apart left and right sides that are adapted for extending over the wheel wells and the sidewalls. The deck panel also includes an aft edge that is adapted for extending to a location directly below an upper lip of the aft end of the cargo area when the front panel is adapted for fastening to the vehicle. At least one of the spaced apart left and right sides includes an abutment edge that is adapted for being positioned next to the sport cage upright, so that the secured enclosure area is created below the deck panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Tuffy Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Gregory
  • Patent number: 9016750
    Abstract: A vehicular storage system includes a frame coupled to an interior of a rear of a vehicle and a drawer, which is movably coupled to the frame. The drawer of the system is movable between a stowed position in which most or at least a substantial portion of the drawer is within the rear of the vehicle and a deployed position in which a substantial portion of the drawer is positioned rearward of the vehicle in a manner that makes the contents of the drawer accessible to a user outside of the vehicle. The drawer includes drop rails on opposing sides engageable with a pair of corresponding stationary frame rollers so that the drawer is movable along a path defined by the drop rails relative to the frame rollers of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Cap-Pack Truck Products LLC
    Inventor: Jake Izydorek
  • Patent number: 9010832
    Abstract: A multi-piece tank enclosure comprises a horizontal cover and a vertical panel removably connected to each other and to the vehicle body such that they form a space for enclosing a tank that is mounted on the vehicle body. The horizontal cover can comprise an assembly formed by a lid and a toolbox bin, and the vertical panel can be provided with an opening for accessing the tank fittings. The multi-piece tank enclosure can be installed on a vehicle by removably attaching the horizontal cover and the vertical panel to the vehicle body. The multi-piece tank enclosure can accommodate toolbox bins of different sizes, each matched to a different sized tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Howell, Paul G. Guaresimo, William G. Szuch