Stakes And Sockets Patents (Class 296/43)
  • Patent number: 11685448
    Abstract: A draw bar stowage apparatus includes an opening through the bed floor of the cargo box of a pickup truck for receiving the insertion end of a draw bar. The stowage apparatus may include an additional bracket beneath the bed floor, bed protection, a plug and adjustable tether for securing a stowed draw bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Rock
  • Patent number: 10870453
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Patent number: 10189510
    Abstract: A stake pocket insert is structured to be positionable in a stake pocket of a vehicle cargo bed side wall. The stake pocket insert includes a stake receptacle defining a stake-receiving cavity and a mounting member secured to the stake receptacle and structured to define an opening leading from an exterior of the stake pocket insert into the stake-receiving cavity. A stake securement mechanism is mounted along a first portion of the stake pocket insert. The stake securement mechanism is structured to be operable to press against a stake positioned in the stake-receiving cavity so as to bias the stake against a bearing surface, thereby securing the stake within the stake receptacle between the stake securement mechanism and the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Higgins
  • Patent number: 10167887
    Abstract: A first beam (1) is inserted through a transverse opening (4) in a tubular second beam (2). A bolt (7) is inserted through unthreaded holes (9A, 9B) in the second beam. The bolt may be transverse to both beams. A wedge (5) is threaded onto the bolt inside the second beam (2). Tightening the bolt moves the wedge against a side of the first beam, forcing it against surfaces (11, 12, 13) of the transverse opening (4) opposite the wedge. The bolt counters the reaction to this force. The beams can be formed as extrusions. The joint only requires machining for the transverse opening (4) and smoothbore bolt holes (9A, 9B) for a single bolt. The second beam may have a rectangular cross section with relatively thicker corners (2A-2D) and thinner mid-walls (2E-2H).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Cal M. Phillips
  • Patent number: 10145795
    Abstract: First and second filter magazines in each of which plural filters having different transmission wavelengths from each other are arranged in a row are provided, and the first and second filter magazines are arranged next to each other in one direction. A light detection unit in which plural photomultipliers of first and second photomultipliers, each of which detects light that has passed through at least one of the filters included in the first and second filter magazines, are arranged in the arrangement direction of the filters is provided, and the light detection unit is placed in the one direction in such a manner to be parallel to the first and second filter magazines. The apparatus is configured in such a manner that the first and second filter magazines and the light detection unit are movable in the arrangement direction of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Saitou
  • Patent number: 9688127
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed side panel, a top cover, a clamp, and a plug. The truck bed side panel has a top defining a stake pocket and an overhang extending from the top. The top cover has an upper surface defining an aperture. The clamp is secured to the top cover and engages the overhang to secure the top cover to the top of the side panel. The plug is disposed within the stake pocket and aperture to prevent slippage of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski
  • Patent number: 9476673
    Abstract: A method of locking a handguard relative to an upper receiver of a firearm. The method includes providing a wedge assembly having a top wedge member and a bottom wedge member, each having complementary inclined surfaces; a barrel nut that is configured to receive an outer portion of an upper receiver; and a handguard that is configured to receive the barrel nut and the combined wedge assembly within a lower lip of the handguard. The wedge assembly may include an optional assembly screw and a locator pin where the top wedge member and bottom wedge member are tightly joined to each other via the assembly screw and the locator pin. In use, the lock-up system is used to join the handguard and barrel nut to a corresponding upper receiver with little to no play between the handguard and the upper receiver such that the connection between the two via the wedge assembly is intended to be permanent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, James E. Reid
  • Patent number: 9254777
    Abstract: Stake pocket formations are secured to a cargo bed frame of a land vehicle such as trailers and flatbed trucks for removably supporting sidewall supporting members. The formations include sidewalls secured to and projecting from the frame and an end wall extending between the sidewalls. An opening extends through the end wall and is adapted to receive the terminal end of a J-hook therethrough. The J-hook is secured to the formation by inserting the terminal end thereof into the pocket placing an upper edge of the end wall into the J-hook gap and rolling/rotating the J-hook thereby inserting the terminal end into the opening. The J-hook cannot be removed from the pocket unless it is rolled/rotated in the opposite direction. While within the stake pocket and without strap tension, the J-hook abuts the trailer frame and formation end wall and is, thereby, maintained within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Novac Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Bermes
  • Patent number: 9056541
    Abstract: A bow system is provided for an open-topped container body having a cover sized and configured to extend laterally across the body from one side rail to the other side rail. The bow system includes a plurality of curved bows pivotably mounted at one end to one side rail and sized to extend in a curved path over the open-top of the container body to engage the other side rail at an opposite end of the bows. A ridge pole assembly is provided that includes first and second ridge pole segments, each of the segments pivotably engaged to a corresponding number of the plurality of curved bows. A tether element is coupled between the facing ends of the ridge pole segments that permits movement of the segments relative to each other as the bow system is moved between a deployed configuration in which the plurality of curved bows extend across the open-top of the container body and a retracted position in which the curved bows are substantially outside the open-top of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Grimes
  • Patent number: 8985664
    Abstract: Stake pocket formations are secured to a cargo bed frame of a land vehicle such as trailers and flatbed trucks for removably supporting sidewall supporting members. The formations include sidewalls secured to and projecting from the frame and an end wall extending between the sidewalls. An opening extends through the end wall and is adapted to receive the terminal end of a J-hook therethrough. The J-hook is secured to the formation by inserting the terminal end thereof into the pocket placing an upper edge of the end wall into the J-hook gap and rolling/rotating the J-hook thereby inserting the terminal end into the opening. The J-hook cannot be removed from the pocket unless it is rolled/rotated in the opposite direction. While within the stake pocket and without strap tension, the J-hook abuts the trailer frame and formation end wall and is, thereby, maintained within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Novae Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Bermes
  • Publication number: 20140255136
    Abstract: An adjustable headboard for a carrier vehicle includes a hoop with a first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connecting member extending between the distal end of the first frame member and the distal end of the second frame member. The hoop is moveable between a first position and a second position. The adjustable headboard further includes a stationary base with a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel and a retainer coupled to the hoop to secure the hoop in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATION
    Inventors: James F. Malcolm, Sanjeev T. Kuriakose, Brandon F. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8733814
    Abstract: A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Unruh Fab
    Inventors: Alex McDonald, Lee Davis Weinstein, Matthew Norton
  • Publication number: 20140132024
    Abstract: A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Alex McDonald, Lee Davis Weinstein, Matthew Norton
  • Patent number: 8573673
    Abstract: A stake pocket mounting bar for removably attaching a step to a truck bed or other generally horizontal surface, comprising: an anchor member defining at least one open slot for removably receiving a looped end of a strap; a leg member having first and second ends wherein the first end is attached to the anchor member and the second end defines a plurality of teeth. The anchor member may define two open slots. The leg member may define a bend, preferably about a 90° bend between its first and second ends so that when the leg member is inserted into a stake pocket of the truck bed, the teeth will be disposed generally horizontally such that they may engage the side of the truck bed. The anchor may be made of angle iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Lee Puglisi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8393666
    Abstract: A trailer or truck bed cargo retaining and pocket protector device for flatbed trailers, industrial trucks, and conestoga-style trucks is disclosed. The device includes a heavy duty steel channel orthogonally welded to a flat iron base plate, the finished unit dimensioned so as to fit within the interior of a trailer stake pocket. A length of ? inch grade 70 steel transport chain is permanently attached to a retaining rod which is welded to the exterior of the base plate. In this manner, cargo loads may be more reliably, efficiently, and safely secured in place on the truck bed by means of connection of additional lengths of chain, strap, steel rope, etc., to opposite-sided stake pockets, wherein each such stake pocket contains a pocket protector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Roy D. Rhoton, Larry F. Warren
  • Patent number: 8393657
    Abstract: Various wares are provided which alone and in combination with one another facilitate entry of a person into the cargo area of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck bed. A bumper is provided having increased access at its end portions and center, which function as steps in providing a first stepping level and a second stepping level. In combination with grab handles provided, entry of the cargo area of a vehicle is greatly facilitated, especially in the cases of vehicles having high suspension systems, and in cases of individuals of relatively short stature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: James Louis Duderstadt
  • Patent number: 8303017
    Abstract: A cover system for a substantially flat support surface on a vehicle includes multiple stakes having channels defined along longitudinal sides thereof and which are disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface such that the stakes extend substantially perpendicular and upwardly relative to the support surface, removable panels which are removably fitted to the channels of the of the stakes and extend substantially perpendicularly at the lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface and such that open gaps are defined between lower portions of the panels and the support surface, a tarp cover disposed between upper ends of the panels to cover an opening above the support surface, and a sealing device which seals the opens gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Sheri LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Patent number: 7971919
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vertanen Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Vertanen
  • Patent number: 7845702
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Patent number: 7832782
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Patent number: 7768428
    Abstract: A Safety Warning Device which when the visual tape and laser mechanisms are components of vertical posts (both primary and corresponding), can be mounted to a base (permanent or portable) or customized to fit on a flatbed trailer, which when the visual tape is extended and the laser mechanism is activated provides both an audible and visual warning, notifying person(s) when they are in danger or in a restricted/unauthorized area. The tape is a visual warning which is high enough to be seen by person(s). The height can be adjusted on both the primary and corresponding posts. The laser is both a visual warning (as the light/laser beam is visible) and an audible warning when the laser connection is disturbed or interrupted. This can be an immediate warning as well as a signal sent to an alternative warning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Lynn Leisure
  • Patent number: 7731259
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Publication number: 20100109367
    Abstract: A partition support member is disclosed for placement on a trailer, truck bed or the like. A support member is provided to engage a preexisting cavity on said trailer or truck bed. At least one and preferably a series of channels are provided on the device so that a partition or partition support may be slidingly engaged thereto. A plurality of the devices may be used to support partitions to subdivide said truck bed or trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Mihalko
  • Publication number: 20100096874
    Abstract: A cover system, for protectively covering a trailer, includes a plurality of stakes, stake-supported panels and stake-retaining pockets. Each pocket includes a base section, adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, and a movable section which moves between open and closed positions of the pocket. The stake-retaining pocket is formed when the movable section is in the closed position. Each stake includes an inner section and an outer section selectively connectable to the inner section to define a pair of panel-receiving recesses therebetween. The inner stake section is thicker than the outer section, and the outer section includes an intermediate portion for separating the panel-receiving recesses when the stake sections are connected together. Rails may be used above the stakes to hold the panels in place, and a plurality of bows may adjustably or non-adjustably support a tarp above the rails. A trailer incorporating the cover system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Sheri LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Publication number: 20100072771
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Publication number: 20100072770
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Publication number: 20100072780
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Publication number: 20100052354
    Abstract: A panel for a stake rack assembly for a cargo area of a truck bed includes a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first and second surfaces include a plurality of openings to define generally horizontal sections and generally vertical sections that form rails and stakes of the panel, wherein the panel is formed of a polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ABC DISTRIBUTION, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick Scott MacLeod, Keith Ping
  • Publication number: 20100007164
    Abstract: A sidewall system for receipt by pockets of a flatbed trailer includes a T-stake having a post portion and a wall panel retaining portion. A sleeve has a body of a selected size to be received in the pocket of the flatbed trailer and has a channel sized to receive the post portion of the T-stake. The sleeve may also include an outwardly projecting flange, and may be attached to the post portion of the T-stake. The sleeve is adapted to convert a variety of pocket sizes into a single universal size for receipt of a standard T-stake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20090261611
    Abstract: A buffering structure for the side gates of a cargo box of a truck is disclosed. The buffering structure includes front and rear side gates pivotally mounted on each side of the cargo box, and a middle column interposed between the front side gate and the rear side gate. Buffer members are interposed between the middle column and the front and rear side gates to resiliently support the front and rear side gates. Since the buffer member for resiliently supporting the front and rear side gates is installed on the middle column of the cargo box, deformation of the side gates is prevented and thus the lifespan of the cargo box is extended. Also, the generation of vibration and noise by friction comfort is reduced to improve driving comfort, as well as the smooth opening and closing of the side gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Chul BAIK
  • Patent number: 7581756
    Abstract: The cab guard for a pickup truck has a horizontal base member made of square hollow structural steel; an upright structure extending upward from the horizontal base member, and two anchor brackets for attachment to sides of a pickup truck box. Each of the anchor brackets has a stem made of square hollow structural steel and an anchor plate extending at right angle from the stem. Each stem is telescopically engaged in one end of the horizontal base member. The cab guard also comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks extending through the anchor plates for attachment to the stake pockets of a pickup truck box, for retaining the anchor plates to the sides of the pickup truck box. The universal cab guard is mountable to the front stake pockets of a pickup truck box and is adjustable to match the width between the stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Leslie Cole
  • Patent number: 7571949
    Abstract: A cover system for a support surface on a vehicle includes multiple retaining pockets disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface, multiple stakes having lower ends which are removably received in said retaining pockets, respectively, such that the stakes extend substantially perpendicular to the support surface, multiple panels retained by said stakes at the lateral side of the vehicle, a rail supported on upper surfaces of said stakes such that the rail extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a locking mechanism which selectively locks the rail to at least one of said stakes and at least one of said pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventors: Sheri LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Publication number: 20090133616
    Abstract: A truck bed stake hole assembly comprising a shaft with a threaded end; a bottom plate shaped like a rectangle with a corner missing and with a threaded hole in which the threaded end is receivable; and a top plate with a downward extending post that aligns with the missing corner of the bottom plate and with a hole slightly larger than the threaded end. To use, the shaft is placed through the hole in the top plate and threaded into the hole in the bottom plate; the bottom plate is inserted into a truck bed stake hole; the top plate rests atop the stake hole; and the bottom plate is rotated to wedge within the stake hole. To remove, the bottom plate is rotated counterclockwise until the post in the top plate acts as a stop and prevents rotation, and the assembly is then removed from the stake hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: GAMEDAY, LLC
    Inventors: Luther McKinley "Joe" Karnes, Brian Joe Karnes, Roy Jeffery Lashley
  • Patent number: 7527324
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Richard S. Clonan
  • Patent number: 7399038
    Abstract: A mortar buggy with stake bed assembly provides a removable flat heavy duty base platform and a rear panel that can be fitted onto the chassis of an existing mortar buggy or similar conveyance in place of a hopper. The stake bed assembly provides removable front and side panels made of solid steel or similar alloy that can be configured to attach vertically in a hopper configuration or horizontally in an extended flat bed configuration, to provide additional loading surface for long or large items. The stake bed assembly also provides for a removable front tailgate with the ability to hinge at both its top and bottom so that the front tailgate can swing either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Vandewinckel, Francis W. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7396046
    Abstract: The cab guard for pickup truck has a horizontal base member made of square hollow structural steel; an upright structure extending upward from the horizontal base member, and two anchor brackets for attachment to the sides of a pickup truck box. Each of the anchor brackets has a stem made of square hollow structural steel and an anchor plate extending at right angle from the stem. Each stem is telescopically engaged in one end of the horizontal base member. The cab guard also comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks extending through the anchor plates and having means for attachment to the stake pockets of a pickup truck box for retaining the anchor plates to the sides of the pickup truck box. The universal cab guard is mountable to the front stake pockets of a pickup truck box and is adjustable to match the width between the stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Leslie Cole
  • Patent number: 7350842
    Abstract: A cover system, for protectively covering a trailer, includes a plurality of stakes, stake-supported panels and stake-retaining pockets. Each pocket includes a base section, adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, and a movable section which moves between open and closed positions of the pocket. The stake-retaining pocket is formed when the movable section is in the closed position. Each stake includes an inner section, and an outer section selectively connectable to the inner section to define a pair of panel-receiving recesses therebetween. The inner stake section is thicker than the outer section, and the outer section includes an intermediate portion for separating the panel-receiving recesses when the stake sections are connected together. Rails may be used above the stakes to hold the panels in place, and a plurality of bows may adjustably or non-adjustably support a tarp above the rails. A trailer incorporating the cover system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Sherry LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Publication number: 20080012378
    Abstract: A cover system, for protectively covering a trailer, includes a plurality of stakes, stake-supported panels and stake-retaining pockets. Each pocket includes a base section, adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, and a movable section which moves between open and closed positions of the pocket. The stake-retaining pocket is formed when the movable section is in the closed position. Each stake includes an inner section, and an outer section selectively connectable to the inner section to define a pair of panel-receiving recesses therebetween. The inner stake section is thicker than the outer section, and the outer section includes an intermediate portion for separating the panel-receiving recesses when the stake sections are connected together. Rails may be used above the stakes to hold the panels in place, and a plurality of bows may adjustably or non-adjustably support a tarp above the rails. A trailer incorporating the cover system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Sheri LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Patent number: 7252317
    Abstract: An integral stake rack panel, for constructing a box of a truck or trailer, includes a base structure fabricated from a single sheet of material, and containing a plurality of corrugated regions. The panel also includes generally flat regions between adjacent corrugated regions, wherein each generally flat region contains a plurality of apertures. A plurality of mounting members are attached to the corrugated regions, wherein the an end of each mounting member extends past the bottom parallel side of the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rugby Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Lowell S. Boe
  • Patent number: 7229115
    Abstract: A cargo enclosure for a vehicle includes a side panel having at least one pocket is formed therein. The pocket has a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a front wall having an aperture therein. A bottom surface of the pocket is canted downwardly from the back wall toward the aperture in the front wall such that any debris or other material that may infiltrate the pocket will readily slide down the canted bottom surface, through the aperture and onto a bottom surface of the cargo enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Wilson, Bradley J. Hanson, Anthony J. Sanville
  • Patent number: 7222905
    Abstract: A reconfigurable truck bed has a plurality of receivers. A variety of accessories have structure that mates with the receivers in order to support the accessories on the truck bed. The accessories may be selectively positioned in a particular receiver or set of receivers. The accessories may also be conveniently oriented or reoriented for a particular circumstance or use. As such, the truck bed may be selectively reconfigured to meet the needs of a user and provide a particular benefit. In another aspect, a body structure or a chassis structure of any motor vehicle may be provided with receivers. Frames providing the receivers may be added onto bodies or chassis of any motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Jaeck
  • Patent number: 7201453
    Abstract: A mortar buggy with stake bed assembly provides a removable flat heavy duty base platform and a rear panel that can be fitted onto the chassis of an existing mortar buggy or similar conveyance in place of a hopper. The stake bed assembly provides removable front and side panels made of solid steel or similar alloy that can be configured to attach vertically in a hopper configuration or horizontally in an extended flat bed configuration, to provide additional loading surface for long or large items. The stake bed assembly also provides for a removable front tailgate with the ability to hinge at both its top and bottom so that the front tailgate can swing either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Vandewinckel, Francis W. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7121585
    Abstract: The cab guard for pickup truck has a horizontal base member made of square hollow structural steel; an upright structure extending upward from the horizontal base member, and two anchor brackets for attachment to the sides of a pickup truck box. Each of the anchor brackets has a stem made of square hollow structural steel and an anchor plate extending at right angle from the stem. Each stem is telescopically engaged in one end of the horizontal base member. The cab guard also comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks extending through the anchor plates and having means for attachment to the stake pockets of a pickup truck box for retaining the anchor plates to the sides of the pickup truck box. The universal cab guard is mountable to the front stake pockets of a pickup truck box and is adjustable to match the width between the stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Leslie Cole
  • Patent number: 7059813
    Abstract: A guide is attached to the top of a glass rack on a glass transporting vehicle. When attaching a brace to the rack, the top stake is engaged to the guide. The guide automatically directs the top stake into its corresponding spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Richard A. Howard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6945589
    Abstract: A truck bed cap assembly having a rigid truck bed cap and a truck bed cap retention device having two generally vertical sections and a cross section connecting the vertical sections wherein the two generally vertical sections protrude through holes in the roof of the cap and are adapted to be attached to a truck to provide positive retention of the truck bed cap to the truck in at least one direction, and wherein the cross section alone or in combination with the vertical sections substantially spans the lateral direction of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Quesenberry
  • Patent number: 6857677
    Abstract: A portable safety rail arrangement is sized to be selectively mounted and removed from a flatbed trailer. A flatbed trailer includes a deck and at least one safety rail arrangement that is selectively mountable and removable from the trailer. In certain preferred implementations, there are a plurality of safety rail arrangements provided for the flatbed trailer, which can be arranged to form a continuous fence around the perimeter of the trailer. A method for providing a safety arrangement for a flatbed trailer includes mounting a single-piece safety rail onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Integris Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Giles, Thomas C. Sundberg
  • Patent number: 6834786
    Abstract: A bicycle hauling rack for the bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. The rack increases the number of bicycles which can be hauled damage-free in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Clifton Hansen
  • Patent number: 6722828
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Great Lakes Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig French
  • Patent number: 6641200
    Abstract: A tonneau cover attachment system for a motor vehicle having a cargo area defined by a first side wail having a stake pocket includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first end and a second end and is positioned within the stake pocket. The second plate has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second plate is coupled to the second end of the first plate. The first end of the first plate is coupled to the first end of the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Budd Company
    Inventor: William D. Rusu
  • Patent number: 6543834
    Abstract: A flip top locking topper for a pickup truck having a forward wall and a shell. A hinge support is rigidly attached to a forward end of the pickup box along with the forward wall. The shell, attached to the hinge support by one or more hinges, pivots to open and closed positions. A lift mechanism, such as a hydraulic cylinder, linear actuator, or mechanical screw operates to open and close the shell. One end of the lift mechanism can be attached to a lower position on the hinge support. The other end is attached to an inside top surface of the shell. One or more lock blocks are positioned on a lower edge of the sidewalls of the shell. As the shell is lowered, the lock blocks engage and enter stake bed opening on the truck bed sidewalls. From the closed position, the lift mechanism first lifts a forward edge from the forward wall, the pushed the shell rearward to disengage or unlock the lock blocks, and then the shell is pivoted upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Sisson