On Trucklike Vehicle Patents (Class 296/37.6)
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Patent number: 7854458Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel having a perimeter conforming to a perimeter of the bed and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Droptop, LLCInventors: Dave Hobrecht, Scott Willis
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Publication number: 20100314899Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple hitch holding system for use in a cargo bed comprising: a plurality of holding bins; and a mounting mechanism, where said holding bins are affixed to the mounting mechanism and said mounting mechanism attaches the plurality of holding bins to a cargo bed side wall. In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting mechanism includes a rectangular tube and the plurality of holding bins is aligned in parallel along one side of the rectangular tube. The rectangular tube may include at least one opening at a first end and a second end, where said openings provide a mechanism for insertion of fasteners. The fasteners provide a mechanism secure the hitch holding system to an inside wall of the cargo bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: STEVE SLACKS
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Publication number: 20100314898Abstract: A multi-purpose container adapted to be carried by a wheeled vehicle, such as a pick-up truck or utility type trailer, or used by itself in a fixed location. In its alternative embodiments the container may be used for fixed storage or transport of goods. The container comprises cooperating structural elements including a floor, side and end walls and a roof, which elements are separately formed from suitable structural material such as foam-core panels or structural-grade sheet plastic and assembled by suitable joining means. An openable door panel completes the structure. Alternatively, the structural elements are formed as an integral unit from blow-molded structural-grade plastic or molded fiberglass, with a cut-in door opening and separately attachable door panel. The container features rain-shielded ventilation openings and reinforced hard points for securing the assembled unit to the bed of a vehicle, and for securing cargo within the container during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: David Hawkinson
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Publication number: 20100308614Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, a seat back, and a scat bottom. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame. The utility bed comprises a bed frame, a bed floor, and an end wall. The bed floor comprises first and second floor portions. The first floor portion is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The second floor portion is coupled with the frame. The end wall is movably coupled with the bed frame and is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position. The seat back is coupled with first floor portion. The seat bottom is coupled with the end wall. When the first floor portion is in the upright position with the end wall in the collapsed position, the seat back and the seat bottom cooperate to provide a seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: David W. Arnold
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Publication number: 20100301721Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end. Latch members mounted on opposite outer corners of the tray and cooperating with latch keepers on the housing, hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Stops mounted on the tray engage the latch keepers to limit the length of the tray that may be withdrawn from the housing and to prevent the drawer from sliding completely out either open end. Latch hold downs are formed on doors hingedly connected across the open ends. The latch hold downs engage the latch members when the tray is centered and the doors closed to prevent the door from coming unlatched.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
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Patent number: 7841638Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: 89908, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Smith
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Patent number: 7828356Abstract: A cargo bed management system including a storage system composed of a receptacle integrated into a sidewall of a bed of a motor vehicle and a dividing system that divides or extends a bed of the motor vehicle. The dividing system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are integral with the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Kenneth L. Wood, Ian N. Dupret, Derek Lane-Waters, Arif Abbasi
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Patent number: 7823948Abstract: A system for mounting adjustable shelves (206) in mobile truck body-applications. The system includes integrated attachment means adapted to receive a cross-member (202) for affixing thereto. The integrated attachment means are integrated into the panels forming the compartments (102,112,114,116) of the body side pack. The system further includes one or more shelves (206), which include at least two slots, disposed along the periphery surface of the shelf (206) so as to receive a corresponding fastener (208). The cross-member (202) includes at least two slots, corresponding to the slots in the shelf (206), such that a fastener (208) extends through the slots to secure the shelf to the panel of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.Inventors: Randal Redman, Karl J. Bauer
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Patent number: 7819295Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed structure includes a vehicle cargo area including a bed floor, a front cargo wall, a first side cargo wall and a second side cargo wall, each having at least one accessory attachment track fixedly attached thereto. A multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory is configured and arranged to be attached, detached and reattached any one of the accessory attachment tracks. The multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a central body portion and a first lateral body portion. At least one of the central body portion and the first lateral body portion includes a mounting structure configured and arranged to securely fasten the multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory to the accessory attachment track.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.Inventor: Richard Plavetich
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Publication number: 20100230985Abstract: A cargo lid assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a cargo lid, at least one lid-engaging member and at least one hinge member that is integral with a respective one of the at least one lid-engaging member and is configured for hinged connection to a body structure of a vehicle. The cargo lid includes an inner member and an outer member that cooperate to define a cavity. The assembly further includes at least one stiffener positioned within the cavity between the inner and outer members of the cargo lid. At least one lid-engaging member is secured to at least one stiffener.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: David Michael Edwards
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Patent number: 7794003Abstract: A modular storage system for use with a utility vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system can extend across the floor of the utility vehicle and have a central elongated bin that is located between two wheel wells and extends generally between a front wall and a rear door of a utility vehicle storage space. A side bin can be included and be located between the central elongated bin and one of the side walls of the storage space.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Patrick Crandall
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Patent number: 7780213Abstract: Heavy equipment having a tool box opening in forward direction of the equipment is provided, in which a tool box door mounted on an upper frame of an excavator can be simply opened and closed through pressing of a button, an auxiliary structure, such as a handrail that is used when an operator ascent toward an engine room, is not required, and the shape of the tool box door can be freely designed to sufficiently secure storage space.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden ABInventor: Sang Deuk Kim
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Publication number: 20100187849Abstract: A vehicle bed assembly includes a vehicle bed having a floor and first and second side walls, wherein the first and second side walls include a top portion with a cavity. At least one compartment is disposed below the floor of the vehicle bed. First and second rails are extendably received in the cavity of each of the first and second side walls, wherein the first and second rails are mounted in vertical tracks that provide for linear translation of the first and second rails between an extended position and a retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: Yitah R. Wu
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Patent number: 7758092Abstract: A cover configured to overlay a space and secure at least one item, includes selectively collapsible storage bins, and preferably includes a retraction mechanism operable to stow the cover, and a guide for automatically causing the bins to collapse as the cover is stowed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Jan H. Aase
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Publication number: 20100171334Abstract: A modular storage system for use with a utility vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system can extend across the floor of the utility vehicle and have a central elongated bin that is located between two wheel wells and extends generally between a front wall and a rear door of a utility vehicle storage space. A side bin can be included and be located between the central elongated bin and one of the side walls of the storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingInventor: Bryan Patrick Crandall
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Patent number: 7748764Abstract: A compartmentalised skirt for flatbed trucks and utility vehicles including in combination a skirt section for attaching to the flatbed or rear tray of a vehicle, the skirt section incorporating compartments in the skirt section which can be used for the storage of tools and equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Robert Paul Frankham
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Patent number: 7731260Abstract: A load-carrying bed system for a vehicle having a cargo bed includes a bed floor defining a cargo receiving area and first and second sidewalls disposed along lateral sides of the bed floor. A forward wall is disposed along a forward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewall. A tailgate is disposed along the rearward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewalls. A cargo bed divider is movable between a stowed state wherein the cargo bed divider is stowed in a cargo bed divider cavity defined in the tailgate and a dividing state wherein the cargo bed divider has a first end removably secured to the first sidewall and a second end removably secured to second sidewall to divide the bed floor into distinct storage areas.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Aaron L. Heller
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Patent number: 7726719Abstract: A tool storage container includes a body with top, middle, and bottom sections that is elevated above a bottom surface of a pickup truck bed during transport. The top section includes a base with a lid pivotally attached thereto, and a hollow cavity therein. The middle section is disposed below the top section, and is monolithically formed therewith. The bottom section is disposed below the middle section, and is monolithically formed with the middle section. Each of the sections includes isolated compartments for housing objects therein. A mechanism independently locks the compartments, and another mechanism transports and supports the body along a ground surface when the body is removed from the pickup truck bed. The transporting and supporting mechanism is attached to a bottom surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Robert Barron
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Patent number: 7722111Abstract: A truck box includes front and rear corner brackets and an inner side panel having a first end fixed to the front corner bracket and a second end fixed to the rear corner bracket. A rail longitudinally extends substantially the entire length of the inner side panel and has a first end fixed to the front corner bracket and a second end fixed to the rear corner bracket. The rail has a center portion fixed to the inner side panel. The first and second ends of the rail are transversely offset and spaced apart from the inner side panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Alan Reich, Mark F. Werner, Gianfranco Gabbianelli
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Patent number: 7717486Abstract: A truck bed accessory for accommodating weights and stored articles. At least one panel is adapted to be situated between the wheel wells of the truck and over the rear axle of the truck. A receptacle is defined within the interior of the main panel over the rear axle. A weight holder for disposition in the receptacle includes a plurality of weight receiver bins adapted to secure weights therein so that the weight over the rear axle can be varied to increase traction. When the weight holder is not in use, the accessory can store other articles for covered transport.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Shawn P. Kokladas
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Patent number: 7708329Abstract: A stowable storage compartment for a motor vehicle having a frame and a flexible container portion attached to the frame, and a lid mounted on the frame, wherein the lid includes a receptacle for holding the flexible container portion when the storage compartment is stowed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Bernardo M. Duller
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Patent number: 7703826Abstract: An essentially flat base of a bed liner is positioned on a vehicle cargo bed. The base includes a forward edge and a rear edge. A plurality of panels extend upwardly from the base. A front panel includes a protrusion projecting beyond the base forward edge. The base includes one or more continuous recessed channels extending from the base rear edge to the protrusion. Each channel includes a continuous track for receiving a movable tie-down device. The tie-down device includes a portion contoured to slide within the track and an anchor portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Mark K. German
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Patent number: 7686365Abstract: A storage module having at least one exterior panel of a motorized vehicle, at least one door, and at least one inner panel. The door is at least partially formed by at least one of the exterior panels. At least one of the exterior panels and at least one of the interior panels define at least one area to form the storage module.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: John L. Thelen, Kevin R. Smith
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Publication number: 20100026029Abstract: A storage compartment for truck tractor lines closed, when installed, on all sides except for that portion of a shelf necessary to admit and hold the glad hands and power plug. An optional lower cover can close the entire container when no glad hand or power plug is present. Access is through a rear door which can preferably be placed and remain in either an open or a closed position. Optionally, at least one projection is attached to the front of the container to hold extra rubber grommets for the glad hand; and at least one spring is similarly attached for releasably retaining a flashlight, pressure gauge, or other items of use to a truck driver, such as an air line repair kit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: John M. Easling
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Patent number: 7651146Abstract: A vehicle cargo sidewall structure includes a vertical inboard wall panel, a vertical outboard wall panel, door panel and a storage bin. The inboard wall panel includes an access opening. The outboard wall panel extends along side the inboard wall panel to define a side wall structure with a concealed storage space located between the inboard and outboard wall panels. The storage space is accessible via the access opening. The door panel moves between a closed position overlaying the access opening concealing the storage space and an opened position exposing the storage space. The storage bin is coupled to the door panel for movement therewith such that with the door panel in the closed position the storage bin is disposed within the storage space and with the door panel in the opened position the storage bin at least partially extends out of the storage space.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Erik Anderson, Richard Miller, Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 7631919Abstract: A vehicle body for a vehicle having a load-carrying bed includes a bed floor, a trunk, a trunk lid, and a bed divider. The bed floor defines a load bearing surface of the load-carrying bed. The trunk is found below the bed floor. The trunk lid connects to the bed floor and covers the trunk. The bed divider connects to the bed floor and covers the trunk lid. The bed divider and the trunk lid are movable as a unit to provide access to the trunk.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael A. Schrader
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Publication number: 20090294497Abstract: The invention comprises a combination storage unit and step for a pickup truck, comprising: a) a body, containing an interior cavity for storage of items; b) one or more doors providing access to the interior of the storage body; c) one or more step assemblies mounted to the storage body and located adjacent to one or more of the doors; d) one or more brackets to secure the storage body to the undercarriage body mounts of the pickup truck, wherein the storage unit is mounted in a location between the front axle and rear axle of the pickup truck on one of the driver side and passenger side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: APPOLO MACHINE LTD.Inventor: Petar Todorovic
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Patent number: 7621587Abstract: A slidable storage tray adapted to be hydraulically actuated between a retracted position wherein the tray is nested inside a vehicle's storage compartment and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the tray is located outside of the vehicle's storage compartment. The slidable storage tray is dual directional so that it extends from either a first side or a second side of the vehicle. The hydraulic circuit comprises a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder. The rod of the first cylinder is attached to the vehicle/storage compartment frame and the rod of the second cylinder is attached to the slidable storage tray. The two hydraulic cylinders are attached together so their barrels cannot move relative to one another. The two hydraulic cylinders are facing the same direction so that their rods both extend in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: HWH CorporationInventors: Paul E. Hanser, Stacy Hanser
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Patent number: 7611185Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a vehicle body portion, a body panel and a fluid dispensing device. The body panel is coupled to the vehicle body portion to move between a closed position and an extended position. The fluid dispensing device is coupled to the body panel to move therewith when the body panel is moved to the closed position and when the body panel is moved to the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.Inventor: Diane Allen
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Patent number: 7607692Abstract: An automobile ballast device includes a bladder member configured to hold various amounts of matter and having an inlet for selectively allowing the matter to enter the bladder member. The automobile ballast device further includes a plurality of lower panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform below the bladder member, each lower panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective lower panel. Similarly, the automobile ballast device includes a plurality of upper panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform atop the bladder member, each upper panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective upper panel. The ballast device also includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer being coupled to respective lower upper panels for maintaining a selected distance therebetween. Each spacer includes indicia indicative of a volume or weight of ballast matter.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventors: Edie A. Adams, Caren M. Wiersema
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Publication number: 20090250962Abstract: A deployable storage system for a vehicle bed is provided. The vehicle bed is partly defined by a tailgate, first and second opposing side walls and a floor. The deployable storage system includes a panel assembly secured to and that may be nested within at least one of the tailgate, the side walls and the floor of the vehicle, and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The panel assembly does not enclose the bed when in the stowed position and generally defines along with the tailgate, the walls and the floor, an enclosure of a portion of the bed adjacent the tailgate when in the deployed position. Because the deployable storage system encloses a rear portion of the vehicle bed, air drag on the vehicle is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Kevin G. Kolpasky
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Patent number: 7571947Abstract: The present invention extends the truck bed, thus increasing cargo space by the length of the truck tailgate. One embodiment of the invention comprises rotatably attaching an end panel to the tailgate, with rotatable and storable support members. Another embodiment comprises right and left side panels rotatably attached to the end panel. When the assembly is stored, either the support members or the side panels are rotated inward to rest against the inner surface of the end panel and the end panel is rotated downwardly and secured against the upper surface of the tailgate. When the assembly is deployed, the end panel is unsecured from the tailgate and is rotated upwardly until approximately perpendicular with the tailgate and the cargo space bed. The support members or side panels are rotated outwardly and secured to complete deployment.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Inventor: Ronald Hawley
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Publication number: 20090189405Abstract: The instant invention is a truck bed accessory for accommodating weights and stored articles. At least one panel is adapted to be situated between the wheel wells of the truck and over the rear axle of the truck. A receptacle is defined within the interior of the main panel over the rear axle. A weight holder for disposition in the receptacle comprises a plurality of weight receiver bins adapted to secure weights therein so that the weight over the rear axle can be varied to increase traction. When the weight holder is not in use, the accessory can store other articles for covered transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Shawn P. Kokladas
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Publication number: 20090189404Abstract: A vehicle cargo sidewall structure includes a vertical inboard wall panel, a vertical outboard wall panel, door panel and a storage bin. The inboard wall panel includes an access opening. The outboard wall panel extends along side the inboard wall panel to define a side wall structure with a concealed storage space located between the inboard and outboard wall panels. The storage space is accessible via the access opening. The door panel moves between a closed position overlaying the access opening concealing the storage space and an opened position exposing the storage space. The storage bin is coupled to the door panel for movement therewith such that with the door panel in the closed position the storage bin is disposed within the storage space and with the door panel in the opened position the storage bin at least partially extends out of the storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Erik Anderson, Richard Miller, Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 7566085Abstract: A cargo support apparatus is attached to a tailgate of a vehicle and includes a platform unit suitably adapted to be connected to the bottom of the tailgate, platform-to-tailgate orientation and support members connected between the platform unit and the tailgate for orienting and supporting the platform unit with respect to the tailgate, and a platform-to-tailgate locking assembly connected to the platform unit for locking the platform unit in a raised condition with respect to the tailgate. The subject tailgate-attached cargo support apparatus is suitably adapted to be raised up and locked in position in the “up” condition when not in use and subsequently “unlocked” so as to be lowered to a horizontal orientation for receipt of cargo to be supported thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: David A. Jaskolski
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Publication number: 20090184530Abstract: The invention relates to a locking element (1) for attaching a housing (2) of a high-frequency device of a vehicle to a holder (4). Said locking element (1) can be actuated by means of a tool (8) for removing the device from the holder (4). The inventive locking element (1) is embodied as a planar punched bent part that comprises a first section (11), a second section (13) that forms an angle and adjoins the first section (11), and a locking section (14) adjoining the second section (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventor: David Silva
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Publication number: 20090184531Abstract: A utility vehicle including: a vehicle body frame; a pair of left and right front wheels and at least a pair of left and right rear wheels that are supported on the vehicle frame; a front seat that is provided to the rear of the front wheels; a rear seat that is provided to the rear of the front seat having an in-use position, a transition position, and a non-use position; a cargo bed, disposed to the rear of the front seat including: a bottom wall portion whereon the seat cushion portion of the rear seat is provided movably; a left side wall portion and a right side wall portion that are provided on the left and right side portions of the bottom wall portion, wherein the left side wall portion and the right side wall portion extend forward to the rear seat in its non-use position; and a rear wall portion that is provided at the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion; and a rear floor provided between the front seat and the rear seat and lower than the bottom wall portion of the cargo bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: Takashi Yamamura, Craig Smith
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Patent number: 7562925Abstract: The present invention is a container for a light-duty automobile such as a light-duty pickup truck or sport-utility vehicle having at least one opening, operably associated with the quarter panel of an automobile, an inner wall operably associated with the container, and a cover having a closed position and an open position operably associated with the opening. The cover includes a door inner, and a door outer. The invention also includes a first rail positioned between the container and the quarter panel. The container is integrally formed with the first rail, and is located between the first rail and the inner wall. The first rail supports the container, and the cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position, allowing access to the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Magna InternationalInventors: Jack Vernon Henderson, Peter Vincent MacLean
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Patent number: 7552944Abstract: A vehicle ballast system for providing added weight over the wheels of a vehicle for increased traction and to also serve as a storage container. The system also acts as a storage or utility container when the internal bladder is removed. The vehicle ballast system includes a base container, a liner removably positioned within the base container and a bladder unit removably positioned within the liner. The bladder unit includes a nozzle and is able to retain a volume of a liquid substance. The vehicle ballast system also includes a cover that is removably attached to an upper end of the base container.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Chaden L.L.C.Inventor: Dennis M. Breidenstein
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Publication number: 20090146443Abstract: A storage apparatus is provided. In one example embodiment, the storage apparatus may be mounted on a utility vehicle. The storage apparatus includes a lid assembly and a side door assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Edward G. Guirlinger
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Patent number: 7537264Abstract: A cover assembly for a pick-up truck cargo box includes first and second rails attachable at the sides of the box. A cover has a first resilient hinge strip connecting a first panel to a second panel and allowing the first panel to pivot relative to the second panel. A third panel is attached to the second panel by a second resilient hinge strip, which allows the second panel to pivot relative to the third panel. The panels are supported on the rails. Latches on the panels hold the panels onto the rails. The cover may be opened by sequentially releasing the latches and folding the panels over onto each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventors: Israel Maimin, Julian Maimin
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Publication number: 20090127881Abstract: An adjustable toolbox for use in conjunction with a bed on a pickup. The adjustable toolbox includes a base portion, a mounting portion and a lid portion. The base portion has a recess formed therein that is adapted to receive at least one object. The mounting portion is operably attached to the base portion so that at least part of the mounting portion is slidable with respect to the base portion to adjust a width of the adjustable toolbox. The lid portion is operably attached to at least one of the base portion and the mounting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: TruXedo, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Spencer
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Patent number: 7533922Abstract: A vehicle having an endgate counter balance for use with an endgate of the vehicle, and a method of operating, is disclosed. The endgate counterbalance may include a hinge arm extending from the hinge, an energy storage device and a crank mechanism connected between the hinge arm and the energy storage device. The endgate counterbalance is configured to create a cross-over position for the endgate between closed and fully open where the endgate counterbalance does not exert a rotational bias on the endgate.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Krajenke
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Patent number: 7530618Abstract: A vehicle cargo storage system attaches to a truck bed, providing a plurality of beams that can support individual fasteners (e.g. eyebolts) to which cables can attach for securing a load. Alternatively, a load carrying module having a cargo deck and an under deck storage area is affixable to the beams. Optional devices (e.g. toolbox, grill, table, storage containers/boxes) can be supported upon the cargo deck or under deck storage area of the load carrying module.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventors: Manuel Collins, Dorrick Prentice
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Patent number: 7527324Abstract: A universal rail system for a vehicle having a bed is provided, including at least first and second rails adjustably affixed to a respective one of the opposed sidewalls of the vehicle bed. The rails extend proximate an inner surface of the sidewalls in the longitudinal direction between a front wall of the vehicle bed and a tailgate thereof, and each rail includes at least one elongated channel extending along a longitudinal direction thereof. Mounting means are provided, associated with each rail, to adjustably affix the rails to the sidewalls. The mounting means is adapted to cooperate with the rails to adjustably compensate for a degree that the sidewalls deviate from a parallel alignment position along the longitudinal direction between the front wall and the tailgate of the vehicle bed so that the rails have a substantially parallel relationship with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: Richard S. Clonan
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Patent number: 7524156Abstract: A portable ramp and tool container for use in the bed of a pickup truck where the container includes interchangeable retractable and extendable ramps and tool trays which pull out from the container. Portions of the ramps can pivot downward to contact the ground while the tool tray may have a leg attached for support.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: Larry Vern Garbes
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Publication number: 20090102219Abstract: A vehicle body for a vehicle having a load-carrying bed includes a bed floor, a trunk, a trunk lid, and a bed divider. The bed floor defines a load bearing surface of the load-carrying bed. The trunk is found below the bed floor. The trunk lid connects to the bed floor and covers the trunk. The bed divider connects to the bed floor and covers the trunk lid. The bed divider and the trunk lid are movable as a unit to provide access to the trunk.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael A. Schrader
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Publication number: 20090096239Abstract: A vehicle utility deck and storage system provides improved storage for bedded vehicles. In one embodiment, the deck system (104a) is positioned within the bed (108) of a pickup (102). The system (104a) includes a deck (114a) that substantially matches the dimensions and contours of the bed (108) and support legs (122) for supporting the deck system (104a) on the surface of the bed (108). The system (104a) further includes a number of removable storage bins (124) that can be accessed via hinged hatches (116a).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Dave Martin
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Patent number: 7516632Abstract: A remotely controlled lock apparatus is attached to a container, such as a tool box, that includes a container lid portion and a container body portion. The apparatus includes a manual key-operated cylinder connected to a wall of the container. A manually-operated lock latch assembly is supported by a wall of the container and includes a pivoted manually-operated lock latch member which includes a latch-to-container locking portion and a blocking-member abutment portion. A remotely controlled electrically powered linear mechanism assembly is connected to a wall of the container, and a dual latch control unit, is connected between the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly and the manually-operated lock latch assembly and between the manual key-operated cylinder and the manually-operated lock latch assembly, for selectively controlling locking and unlocking of the lock latch assembly by the electrically powered linear mechanism assembly or by the manual key-operated cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: James W. Poppell
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Publication number: 20090066104Abstract: A stowable storage compartment for a motor vehicle having a frame and a flexible container portion attached to the frame, and a lid mounted on the frame, wherein the lid includes a receptacle for holding the flexible container portion when the storage compartment is stowed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Bernardo M. Duller