Open Truck Bed Patents (Class 296/39.2)
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Patent number: 11608012Abstract: The disclosure relates to a lining for a haul truck body, said lining being arranged to extend over a haul truck body for carrying a load, wherein the lining is formed by a plurality of lining elements comprising at least a first type of lining elements, termed load-breaking lining elements, and a second type of lining elements, different from the load-breaking lining elements, said load-breaking lining elements being structured and arranged to restrict, to a higher degree than the second type of lining elements, movement of said load in relation to the lining. The disclosure further relates to a haul truck body comprising the lining and a haul truck comprising the haul truck body.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Metso Sweden ABInventors: Henrik Persson, Fredrik Larsson, Magnus Johansson, Peter Ahlberg, Niclas Hällevall
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Patent number: 11485295Abstract: The disclosure relates to a lining for a haul truck body, said lining comprising a plurality of main lining elements arranged to extend over main surfaces of said haul truck body, and a plurality of transition lining elements arranged to extend over edge and/or corner portions of the haul truck body, wherein each transition lining element forms a lining transition between at least two non-parallel main lining elements of said plurality of main lining elements, and wherein said plurality of transition lining elements comprises at least one non-linear transition lining element which has a first and a second leg portion extending in non-parallel first and second leg directions, respectively. The disclosure further relates to a transition lining element for a haul truck body and a method for assembling a lining.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Metso Sweden ABInventors: Henrik Persson, Fredrik Larsson
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Patent number: 11414138Abstract: A method of assembling a unibody vehicle includes securing a cab back panel of a cab back panel directly to an upturned flange of a cargo box floor. A unibody vehicle assembly according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cab back panel, a cargo box floor, and a passenger compartment floor. The cab back panel is secured directly to the cargo box floor. The cab back panel provides a back wall of a passenger cab and a front wall of a cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Musheeruddin Zubair Syed, Shawn Michael Morgans, Steve William Gallagher, Joseph R. Antoni, Karen Nuler, Scott Stanley Seashore
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Patent number: 11358539Abstract: A container for transporting material including a main body and a liner disposed within the interior space of the main body. A gap is provided between a perimeter of the main body and a perimeter of the liner to allow the liner to move with respect to the main body. Also, a container for transporting material including a main body defining an interior space with a lift gate pivotably attached at an open end of the main body. When the container is placed on a transportation vehicle and the main body is raised, the engagement of a link between the lift gate and the vehicle automatically transitions the lift gate from a position in which the open end of the main body is covered by the lift gate to a position in which the open end of the main body is not covered by the lift gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: TMS International CorporationInventors: Miguel Tanudra, Fernando Rodriguez Anton, Mark Whalen
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Patent number: 11214204Abstract: A single-piece foldable cargo area liner includes a floor portion, a front wall portion foldably connected to the floor portion, and a first sidewall portion foldably connected to the floor portion. A first foldable intersection portion has a first section and a second section foldably connected to the first section. The first section is foldably connected to the first sidewall portion, and the second section is also foldably connected to the front wall portion. The first foldable intersection portion is structured to facilitate folding of the first and second sections with respect to each other so as to form a first flap extending between the front wall portion and the first sidewall portion. The first flap is structured to be rotatable to enable contact between the first flap and any of the front wall portion and the first sidewall portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jessica A. Riffe
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Patent number: 11142136Abstract: A vehicle cargo area assembly includes a cargo area structure, a tailgate structure and a flexible cover assembly. The tailgate structure is supported to the cargo bed structure for pivotal movement with respect thereto between a closed orientation and an open orientation. The flexible cover assembly has a first end attached to the cargo area structure and a second end attached to the tailgate structure. The flexible cover assembly covers a gap defined between the cargo area structure and the tailgate structure with the tailgate structure in the open orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Neelamkumar R Deshpande
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Patent number: 11104384Abstract: A side by side vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame having frame tubes extending from a front to a rear. A vehicle seat frame is positioned in a mid portion of the frame, and positions a seat frame at a raised position relative to the frame tubes. A powertrain is positioned rearward of the vehicle seat frame and is coupled to the vehicle frame. Side by side seats are supported by the seat frame; and one or more storage units are positioned under the side by side seats. The side by side vehicle also has a rear suspension comprising at least one rear alignment arm coupled to each side of a rear of the vehicle frame, where the alignment arms are coupled to the vehicle frame at front and rear connection points. A distance between the front connection points is greater than a distance between the rear connection points, and at least a portion of the powertrain is positioned between the front connection points of the alignment arms.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Angus M. Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Shawn D. Peterson, Richard D. Ripley, Brent A. Erspamer, Steven M. Schiebel
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Patent number: 11059359Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly located over the cargo bed of a truck is provided. The tonneau cover assembly includes a base panel that extends over the cargo bed of the truck. The tonneau cover also includes at least one cover section that selectively shrouds the cargo bed and is located adjacent the base panel. The tonneau cover assembly includes either one or both a tie-down block assembly and/or a tether assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLCInventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Christopher David Mattison, John William Bevis, III
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Patent number: 10744959Abstract: A protective device for a cargo carrier is provided that includes a deflective portion disposed proximate to an intersection between a top surface of a cargo deck and an interior surface of a wall of a cargo carrying vehicle. The deflective portion includes a beveled part and a convex part connected to the beveled part that deflects objects from an interior surface of the wall of the cargo carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Ridge CorporationInventors: Raymond Augustus McDonald, Jr., Dominic Plauche Grandominico, Gary Alan Grandominico, Stuart Dailey, Crystal Hill, Bret Jameson Moss, Christopher J. Gelin
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Patent number: 10730453Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel, a door trim mounted at an inner side of the door panel, and a garnish mounted on the door trim. The garnish includes a first region and a second region. The first region forms a part of an external surface of the garnish and has a first pattern layer. The second region forms another part of the external surface of the garnish and has a second pattern layer. The garnish includes a groove provided between the first region and the second region. The second region is formed to protrude relative to the first region and includes a smooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Dong Han Kim, Kyung Soon Jang, EunPyo Hong, Wansu Park
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Patent number: 10549782Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure include an improved frame-to-bed assembly, which allows the pickup bed to be attached directly to the pickup truck frame without or with the reduced use of cross-sills. Instead, the pickup bed is directly attached to the frame cross-members via an attachment assembly to retain the pickup bed in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Frank Nick Casali
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Patent number: 10526023Abstract: A tailgate includes an internal panel, external panel, upper panel, lower panel, latching mechanism, and access panel. The internal and external panels are each secured to the upper and lower panels. A cavity is defined between the upper, lower, internal, and external panels. The latching mechanism is disposed within the cavity and is linked to a handle located on the external panel. The access panel is secured and extends adjacent to the internal panel beyond the upper panel. The cavity is exposed when the access panel is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua R. Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic
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Patent number: 10494036Abstract: A tailgate cover assembly may include a first panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a first ledge extending from one end of the first panel, and a second panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a second ledge extending from an end proximate to the first panel, the second ledge configured to overlap the first ledge to attach the first panel to the second panel wherein the flat side of the first panel aligns with the flat side of the second panel to form a tailgate cover having a beaded side and a flat side.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman
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Patent number: 10323735Abstract: A tailgate adjuster in a preferred example comprises an adjustably locking rotatable bracket comprising a plurality of rotatably linked shank components, with at least one shank component joined to a sprocket component having a plurality of sprocket teeth, and at least one other shank component joined to a rotatable trigger component having a sprocket-engaging trigger tooth. The trigger component is preferably spring biased to maintain the trigger tooth in an engaged position with the sprocket teeth, and can be adjusted to disengage the trigger component from the sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth are spaced to permit the locking of shank components at a desired angle to each other. Holes at each end of the tailgate adjuster permit the rotatable mounting of one such end to a vehicle tailgate or hatchback and the other end to a fixed location of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Castel Innovations, LLCInventors: Guillermo Castelblanco, Carl Steven Castelblanco
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Patent number: 10308156Abstract: A vehicle cargo management system includes a screw drive and lock system that allows the user to extend or retract a loaded tray with ease on un-level ground without the use of a power source (i.e., hydraulic or electrical assistance). The lock prawl system allows for locking positions at very short intervals which are helpful when a vehicle is backed up close to objects or buildings. The screw drive lock prawl system is actuated by a locking handle. Therefore, if the locking handle is locked in place, the tray cannot be extended from the bed, and the tray itself or any toolboxes or items bolted to the tray cannot be stolen from the vehicle (i.e., the bolts holding the frame of the cargo system to the vehicle cannot be accessed for removal).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventors: Eric Buck Adams, Darrell Adams
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Patent number: 10053024Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo box is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a frame, at least one seat connected to the frame, a motor connected to the frame, a plurality of ground engaging members, and a cargo box connected to the frame. The cargo box comprises a floor comprising at least one recessed region, a front wall defining a first vertical notch, a first side wall defining a second vertical notch, a second side wall defining a third vertical notch, the second and third vertical notches being rearward of the recessed region, a first accessory wall being selectively received in the first vertical notch and a second accessory wall being selectively received in the second and third vertical notches, the at least one recessed region being disposed between the first accessory wall and one of the first and second side walls and between the front wall and the second accessory wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Mikhael Simard, Frederic Martineau, Maxime Dumont, Tom Aube
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Patent number: 10005405Abstract: A protective device for a cargo carrier is provided that includes a deflective portion disposed proximate to an intersection between a top surface of a cargo deck and an interior surface of a wall of a cargo carrying vehicle. The deflective portion includes a beveled part and a convex part connected to the beveled part that deflects objects from an interior surface of the wall of the cargo carrier.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Ridge CorporationInventors: Raymond Augustus McDonald, Jr., Dominic Plauche Grandominico, Gary Alan Grandominico, Stuart Dailey, Crystal Hill, Bret Jameson Moss, Christopher J. Gelin
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Patent number: 9896052Abstract: A cargo bed of a utility vehicle includes a front wall, a left wall, a right wall, a rear wall, and a partition member configured to partition a storage space that is surrounded by the front wall, the left wall, the right wall, and the rear wall. The left wall and the right wall are each provided with a first groove configured to be engaged with the partition member to fix the same, and a second groove configured to store the partition member.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9796429Abstract: A tailgate cover assembly may include a first panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a first ledge extending from one end of the first panel, and a second panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a second ledge extending from an end proximate to the first panel, the second ledge configured to overlap the first ledge to attach the first panel to the second panel wherein the flat side of the first panel aligns with the flat side of the second panel to form a tailgate cover having a beaded side and a flat side.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman
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Patent number: 9713988Abstract: Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility Vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturer's specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Vertanen Industries Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Vertanen
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Patent number: 9707888Abstract: A removable cargo liner for selectively illuminating a vehicle rear cargo area is disclosed. The removable cargo liner may include a planar body portion, a light element assembly, and a photovoltaic cell circuit. The light element assembly provides selective illumination, and is in a fixed relation with the planar body portion. The photovoltaic cell circuit being received by the planar body portion, wherein the photovoltaic cell circuit is oriented to receive light energy and to produce therefrom a photovoltaic charge signal. The photovoltaic cell circuit includes a controller coupled to the charging circuit and to the light element assembly. The controller is operable in a first mode for charging the voltage source and in a second mode for discharging the voltage source to the light element assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Ryan C. Harris
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Patent number: 9649798Abstract: A lining part, in particular for the interior of a motor vehicle, has a base body which is formed of a wood material. Slip-prevention elements which have a higher adhesion force than the surface of the base body are located on the surface of the base body.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Johanna Hoch
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Patent number: 9623809Abstract: A storage compartment assembly has a main body including an inboard panel and an outboard panel defining a storage compartment therebetween. With the storage compartment assembly installed to a side wall, at least a first portion of the main body extends under an overhanging portion of the side wall and a second portion of the main body extends inboard relative to the overhanging portion over an area of a cargo area floor. An upper end of the first portion of the storage compartment assembly includes at least one upwardly extending projection that extends upwardly adjacent to the overhanging portion within a space between the upper end of the side wall and a utility attachment track such that the utility attachment track restricts movement of the upper end in an inboard direction with the storage compartment assembly installed to the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Sterling, Robert Speights
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Patent number: 9316044Abstract: A structure attached to a tailgate of a loading bed of a vehicle includes a first planar portion that positions substantially over a gap created between the tailgate and the loading bed, in a horizontally laid position of the tailgate, to prevent debris from falling into the gap. A second portion of the structure includes a first surface attached to a lower portion of the tailgate, and a second curved surface adapted to face the loading bed in the horizontal position of the tailgate.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Joshua Hemphill
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Patent number: 9302718Abstract: A pickup truck having an access door in a side panel of the truck bed is provided. The access door pivots between a closed positioned and an open position. The access door defines an opening in the side wall, the opening being created by the access door being moved from the closed position to the open position. The pickup truck has a cap member, the cap member releasably coupling to the side walls of the pickup bed and having a gap in one side portion thereof, the gap being positioned above the opening, such that the gap and the opening communicate with one another. The pickup truck has an extension body that releasably couples to the access door and pivots with the access door. The extension body is configured to functionally engage the gap in the cap member under the condition that the access door is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Clay Bates
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Patent number: 9063399Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing; and a vent unit provided to the housing, the vent unit having a two-dimensional lattice unit and a column part, the two-dimensional lattice unit including one-dimensional lattice parts intersecting each other, the column part being provided at an intersection of the one-dimensional lattice parts and protruding to at least one of the inside and the outside of the two-dimensional lattice unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventor: Hiroshi Morohoshi
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Publication number: 20150125256Abstract: An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: David G. Bemis
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Patent number: 9016753Abstract: A tailgate gap cover is mountable to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, so as to cover the gap between a truck bed and a tailgate surface. One edge of the gap cover is confined within an elongate mounting rail wherein the mounting rail is crimped at the opposite ends so as to prevent lateral movement of the cover. This mounting rail is secured directly to the truck bed to provide a rigid mount on the truck bed side of the gap. The opposite free edge of the cover overlies the tailgate includes connector formations or fastener structures which releasably snap onto corresponding connector formations or fastener structures on the tailgate.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Inventor: Martin Daniel McDermott, III
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Patent number: 9010833Abstract: The invention relates to a wear-resistant lining element which is intended for a surface on a truck haul body subjected to wear. The wear-resistant lining element has an outwardly directed surface, over which material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move, and has an inwardly directed surface intended to face the truck haul body surface. The wear-resistant lining element comprises elastomeric material. The wear-resistant lining element is characterized in that the wear-resistant lining element comprises at least one open cavity in the inwardly directed surface. The invention also relates to a wear-resistant lining, a truck haul body and a method for disengaging material adherent on a truck haul body surface having a wear-resistant lining.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Metso Minerals (Sweden) ABInventors: Anders Burstrom, Jonas Hansson, Henrik Persson
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Publication number: 20150061311Abstract: The disclosure describes a truck load comprising of noise suppressing and wear resistant load body liners. The liner assembly is made of sheets of rubber bonded to base plates. The base plates are removably attached to the load body floor, side walls and transition surfaces. The rear portion of the load body is provided with wear resistant grid liners containing retaining pockets.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Yagneshwar Natarajan, Theodore Alvin Moutrey, Joshua M. Meyer
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Patent number: 8960756Abstract: In an embodiment, a bedliner is configured to cover at least a floor of a bed of a truck and receive a collapsible storage container. The collapsible storage container is configured to move into and out of a collapsed position. The collapsible storage container may include a connection device that is configured to connect the collapsible storage container to the bedliner of a bed of a pickup truck. The collapsible storage container includes an enclosed area, which is accessible, when the collapsible storage container is out of the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventors: Robert Roach, Craig Wieland
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Patent number: 8955898Abstract: An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: David G. Bemis
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Publication number: 20140361570Abstract: A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes a bed liner, storage bin sides, storage bin tops, and storage bin dividers. The storage bin sides and storage bin tops are attached to the bed liner to create storage bins, and the bin dividers attach to both the storage bin sides and bed liner to divide the storage bins into smaller sections. Storage bin tops may include a center section cover to selectively cover the center section in between the storage bins in order to provide the full bed area above the storage bins for transporting construction material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Kip D. Weller
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Publication number: 20140354004Abstract: The invention relates to a wear-resistant lining element which is intended for a surface subjected to wear and which has an outwardly directed surface, over which material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move. The wear-resistant lining element comprises elastomeric material, and is characterized in that it has a metal profile at least partly embedded along an edge of the wear-resistant lining element by vulcanization or hardening. The invention also relates to a wear-resistant lining, a truck haul body and a method for manufacturing a wear-resistant lining element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: METSO MINERALS (SWEDEN) ABInventors: Anders Burstrom, Jonas Hansson, Henrik Persson
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Patent number: 8883285Abstract: A sandwich-type, composite component such as a motor vehicle component and unitary structural assembly utilizing same are provided. The component has a sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge. The component includes a first outer layer having an A-surface, a second outer layer having a B-surface and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An edge portion of the component is locally crushed by the press molding so that the layers are bonded together to form the sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Publication number: 20140327265Abstract: The invention relates to a wear-resistant lining element which is intended for a surface on a truck haul body subjected to wear. The wear-resistant lining element has an outwardly directed surface, over which material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move, and has an inwardly directed surface intended to face the truck haul body surface. The wear-resistant lining element comprises elastomeric material. The wear-resistant lining element is characterized in that the wear-resistant lining element comprises at least one open cavity in the inwardly directed surface. The invention also relates to a wear-resistant lining, a truck haul body and a method for disengaging material adherent on a truck haul body surface having a wear-resistant lining.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Metso Minerals (Sweden) ABInventors: Anders Burstrom, Jonas Hansson, Henrik Persson
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Publication number: 20140312642Abstract: A liner for a machine body includes a first layer including a first polyurethane having first material characteristics, and a second layer coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes a second polyurethane having second material characteristics different than the first material characteristics, and the first layer and the second layer are chemically bonded to one another. A liner system includes a liner and a liner retention system configured to couple the liner to the machine body. The liner retention system includes at least one retention strip configured to be coupled to the machine body. The retention strip has a cross-section forming a lateral profile. At least one edge of the liner has a shape configured to substantially correspond to the lateral profile of the retention strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Aaron K. Amstutz, Daniel R. Hettinger
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Patent number: 8859074Abstract: A sandwich-type, generally planar, structural member having an attachment feature and an assembly utilizing same are provided. The member includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. A portion of the member is locally crushed by the press molding to form a depression. The depression has bottom and side surfaces formed by the first outer layer. The member further includes a connector fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the depression to attach a second generally planar member to the first outer layer of the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8852711Abstract: A carpeted, vehicle load floor including a pivotable, carpeted cover segmented into articulated sectional members is provided. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel and the segmented cover to removably cover a storage area in the interior of the vehicle. The cover is segmented into articulated, planar sectional members to allow desired cover positioning over the storage area. The members are pivotally connected to one another for folding one over the other. The load floor also includes a substantially continuous carpet layer bonded to a top support surface of the panel and top support surfaces of each of the members. A first living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions and a second living hinge allows the members to easily pivot and fold one over the other in a compact, folded, open position of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8840166Abstract: A slidable cargo area floor liner and cargo management device for a vehicle, and in particular, it is a substantially flat, rectangular sheet of material which is independent of the vehicle, which slidably moves on the floor of the cargo area of the vehicle and may be completely slidably removed from the vehicle. In addition, the device also provides protection to the floor of the vehicles cargo area, organizes cargo, and secures cargo through the use of a plurality of openings and tie down points integrated into the device. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies the cargo area of a vehicle without attaching itself to the cargo area or vehicle frame. The liner is equipped with a set of handhold openings that can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the vehicle to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: SlideLiner, L.L.C.Inventors: David S. Derbes, Jeffrey D. Buck
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Publication number: 20140265412Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a bedliner ballast system for pick-up trucks, vans and other vehicles to allow the operators of vehicles to increase traction on the driving wheels by adding and removing weight to the bed of their vehicle and therefore adjusting the traction of the driving wheels without sacrificing load carrying space. The design permits the owner to easily and quickly add or remove weight as needed by using a liquid contained within the bed liner. Liquid may be added to directly weight, for example, the rear wheels with a garden hose or water faucet at a filling station while preserving the entire rear bed for passengers or freight and the additional load may be easily and quickly removed. The design permits custom modification for a variety of vehicles and vehicle configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Jennifer Ellis, Tom Ellis
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Patent number: 8834985Abstract: A sandwich-type composite component having imprinted 3-D structures which provide at least one pattern at an outer surface of the component is provided. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer comprises an integral, unitary structure including 3-D structures imprinted by the press molding. The 3-D structures are sized, shaped and arranged in one or more patterns at the outer surface. The one or more patterns may form a textural surface finish, a logo or indicia such as instructions at the outer surface. The component may be a vehicle interior component such as a vehicle load floor component.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8827344Abstract: A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes a bed liner, storage bin sides, storage bin tops, and storage bin dividers. The storage bin sides and storage bin tops are attached to the bed liner to create storage bins, and the bin dividers attach to both the storage bin sides and bed liner to divide the storage bins into smaller sections. Storage bin tops may include a center section cover to selectively cover the center section in between the storage bins in order to provide the full bed area above the storage bins for transporting construction material.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Kip D Weller
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Patent number: 8808828Abstract: Cargo management system including a vehicle load floor to compartmentalize a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The system includes a composite plastic first outer layer having a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment. A composite plastic second outer layer has at least one cavity defined by lower surfaces of the second outer layer. Each cavity has a size and shape which corresponds in size and shape to a vehicle component to restrain movement of the vehicle component and to prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. A core including adjacent core portions has different thicknesses. At least one of the core portions has a large number of cavities and each of the core portions is positioned between and bonded to the outer layers by press molding to form corresponding panel portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808830Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature with a substantially hidden core, assembly utilizing same and panel for use in a vehicle load floor assembly are disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An interior portion of the component enclosed by the rest of the component is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression. A cut-out extends completely through the component at the interior portion of the component. Side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the component.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808835Abstract: A system including a panel assembly having a container and a compression-molded, composite cover for covering the container is provided. The system may be a flooring system such as a vehicle flooring system and the assembly may be a floor panel assembly. The assembly includes at least one load-bearing component positioned between a lower outer layer of the cover and a bottom wall of the container in a closed position of the cover. Each component is bonded or joined to the outer layer and is in abutting engagement with the bottom wall in the closed position of the cover to transfer a load appearing at an outer surface of an upper outer layer of the cover to the bottom wall of the container. The system also includes a structure such as floor having a cavity for receiving the panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808833Abstract: A compression-molded, composite component having a sandwich structure and having integrally formed strengthening structures is disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Portions of at least one of the outer layers are sized, shaped and arranged laterally adjacent to each other in a pattern to provide the component with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808827Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a vehicle component receiving feature is provided. The load floor compartmentalizes a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment. The system includes a first generally planar member having a first depression of a first predetermined depth and a compression-molded, composite, second generally planar member having a second depression of a second predetermined depth. A portion of the second member is locally crushed by press molding to form the second depression. Opposed surfaces of the first and second depressions cooperate to restrain movement of a vehicle component positioned in a cavity defined by the first and second depressions between the first and second members and prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808831Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite component including at least one hingedly connected portion which pivots with reduced or eliminated hinge binding and a cargo management system and vehicle load floor utilizing the component are provided. Elongated first and second interior portions of the component are locally crushed by the press molding to form a living hinge having a pivot axis and an elongated depression, respectively. The component includes an elongated cut-out which extends completely through the component at the elongated depression to obtain a clearance between a first portion of the component hingedly connected to a second portion of the component by the living hinge. The living hinge and the clearance allow pivotal movement of the first portion between different use positions relative to the second portion with reduced or eliminated hinge binding during the pivotal movement about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
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Patent number: 8808829Abstract: A panel assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel is provided. The panel has first and second outer layers and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The assembly also includes a component pivotally connected to the panel and a living hinge which allows the component to pivot about a pivot axis between different use positions relative to the panel. The assembly further includes a stiffening support having a support axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The support is bonded or joined to the panel to locally reinforce the panel adjacent the living hinge. The stiffening support eliminates the need for a metal hinge and provides for a light weight assembly with improved aesthetics and function.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila