Wheeled Vehicle Patents (Class 410/3)
  • Patent number: 11858575
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes a bicycle support structure that may be positioned as desired on upper and lower pivot bars. The bicycle support structure includes a wheel hoop that allows the front wheel and handlebars of a suspended bicycle to be leaned. The bicycle support structure may be pivoted relative to the upper and lower pivot bars. The upper and lower pivot bars may include a plurality of mounting points at close spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: East Mountain Outfitters, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Blake Owen, Bryce Allen Owen
  • Patent number: 11718333
    Abstract: A device for receiving, transporting and storing pieces of furniture includes a movable support rack and a lifting apparatus fastened to the movable support rack, wherein it is possible to lift a first piece of furniture using the lifting apparatus such that a second piece of furniture can be arranged below the first piece of furniture that has been lifted by the lifting apparatus. The movable support rack includes a locking apparatus for locking the second piece of furniture on or in the movable support rack. The support rack includes a base frame that is open at a front side such that the device can receive the pieces of furniture at the front side of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: SENKA SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventors: Ömer Kaydi, Mehmet Sen
  • Patent number: 11597461
    Abstract: A lift and storage device comprising, a base, a support structure secured to and emanating up from the base, a travelling assembly operationally associated with the support structure, a drive assembly operationally associated with the support structure and the travelling assembly, a support arm secured to and operationally associated with the travelling assembly, and engaged with a support tray comprising, a horizontal support member secured to the support arm, a front tire support assembly secured to the horizontal support member, a rear tire support assembly secured to the horizontal support member, the rear tire support assembly comprising a pair of adjustment rails secured to the horizontal support member, a pair of slide rails secured to the pair of adjustment rails and a pair of support rails slidably engaged with the pair of slide rails and a clamping assembly operationally associated with pair of support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Charles William Maclaskey, Clara Evelyn Maclaskey
  • Patent number: 11358512
    Abstract: A tire-mounting structure, the tire-mounting structure having a laterally extending end wall, two protrusions longitudinally extending from the end wall, the two protrusions spaced apart from one another, and a recess formed between the two protrusions. The recess is dimensioned such that a first distance between the two protrusions at a distal location relative to the end wall is longer than a second distance between the two protrusions at a proximal location relative to the end wall, where the first distance corresponds to a first tire dimension and the second distance corresponds to a second tire dimension, the second tire dimension being narrower than the first tire dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgardo Reyes-Crespo
  • Patent number: 11142272
    Abstract: A display fixture for holding one or more cycles includes a linear track, a stop, a wheel mount, and a coupling member. The linear track defines a channel along the linear track. The channel is open upwardly and extends from a first end to a second end of the linear track. The stop is secured to the first end of the linear track. The wheel mount is slidably received along the linear track. The wheel mount includes a cam member, slidably interacting with the linear track, and an extension member, extending as an upward bridge between opposing sides of the cam member to receive a wheel of one of the one or more cycles by extending over a portion of the wheel. The coupling member extends through the wheel mount and the linear track to selectively secure the wheel mount in of position along the linear track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel McDowell, Jeremy A. Clark, Scott E. Denby, Andrew J. Liesveld, Marian H. Locke, Christopher P. Doepke, Mark A. Campbell, Douglas J. Burman, Matthew D. Purrington
  • Patent number: 10946782
    Abstract: An assistance vehicle tilt lift supports an assistance vehicle above a bed of a hauling vehicle and includes one or more pivoting racks. Each pivoting rack includes a track to receive one or more wheels of the assistance vehicle. Each pivoting rack is rotatably attached to a pivot point near the front end of the bed of the hauling vehicle. One or more tapered rails are attached to the bed of the hauling vehicle. One or more roller support members are in contact with the one or more tapered rails and rotatably attached to the one or more pivoting racks. An actuator is operably connected to the one or more roller support members. The actuator raises and lowers the rear end of the one or more pivoting racks relative to the pivot point by moving the one or more roller support members along the one or more tapered rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Charlie Homer Thompson
  • Patent number: 10945898
    Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a drop-in system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate two separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at two separate attachment points and a bumper. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, a bumper and two restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures at a wall side of a wheelchair securement area or at a rear side of the wheelchair securement area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Valeda Company
    Inventors: John Goss, Jean-Marc Girardin, Joe Esteireiro
  • Patent number: 10773630
    Abstract: An assistance vehicle tilt lift supports an assistance vehicle above a bed of a hauling vehicle and includes one or more pivoting racks. Each pivoting rack includes a track to receive one or more wheels of the assistance vehicle. Each pivoting rack is rotatably attached to a pivot point near the front end of the bed of the hauling vehicle. One or more tapered rails are attached to the bed of the hauling vehicle. One or more roller support members are in contact with the one or more tapered rails and rotatably attached to the one or more pivoting racks. An actuator is operably connected to the one or more roller support members. The actuator raises and lowers the rear end of the one or more pivoting racks relative to the pivot point by moving the one or more roller support members along the one or more tapered rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Charlie Homer Thompson
  • Patent number: 10144377
    Abstract: A truck bed guard is provided that includes an undulating protective panel having a plurality of longitudinally aligned bends that forms at least one groove and at least one protrusion configured to increase impact resistance. A first flange extends transversely from the top of the panel to provide a first attachment feature, and a second flange extends vertically down beneath the panel to provide a second attachment feature. The guard may be attached to a bed wall of a truck via the first attachment feature and the second attachment feature. A gap between the undulating protective panel and the bed wall is configured to prevent damage to the bed wall. The truck bed guard provides impact resistance to protect the bed wall from objects transported in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Roadmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9663016
    Abstract: A framework assembly apparatus for use in a transport vehicle having a bed with a motorcycle having a foot pedal includes a track that attaches to the bed and has a longitudinal open channel. The framework assembly apparatus further includes an arm that has an upper end that engages the foot peg and a lower end that is connected to the track such that the arm pivots upwardly and downwardly from a fixed position on the track. The framework assembly apparatus further includes a holder that engages the foot peg and the arm in order to hold the motorcycle to the bed of the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Scott Sutton
  • Patent number: 9623784
    Abstract: A motorcycle tie-down apparatus for securing a motorcycle for transport. The apparatus includes a base secured to a transport vehicle and a clamp that is clamped to lower frame members of the motorcycle. The clamp includes a telescoping tubular structure and extends outwardly beyond sides of the motorcycle. The base includes a pair of latches with slots that translationally receive respective end portions of the clamp. The slots extend downward to compress the suspension of the motorcycle during engagement of the clamp with the base. Latch plates pivot to capture the clamp in the slots and locking levers and release levers selectively restrict pivoting of the latch plate and thus withdrawal of the clamp from the slot. The locking levers and release levers employ a dual-motion action from a user to release the clamp from the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventors: Travis M. McCall, Joseph W. Works, Cody Rietcheck
  • Patent number: 9199681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular parking place for bicycles, formed by one or more compartments (2), each intended for housing a bicycle (1), each compartment (2) being formed by two sets of symmetrical profiles parallel to one another, between which a protective cover (3) is arranged on the upper portion and a door (4) is arranged on the front portion, while the lower portion of each compartment (2) has a longitudinal channel (5) for supporting and guiding bicycles (1), whereas the set of compartments (2) is closed by means of side cover plates (8) at the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: EMAÚS BILBAO, SCIS
    Inventors: Irene Gonzalez Hernandez, Susana Blanco Trueba, Victor Furundarena Moreno, José Ramón Vilariño Torreiro, José Manuel Gómez González
  • Patent number: 9096159
    Abstract: In one example, a tie-down apparatus can include a tie-down device and a housing adapted to receive the tie-down device. The tie-down apparatus can be transitionable between a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowed state, the tie-down device can be stored entirely within the housing. The stowed state can be convenient for storing the tie-down device when not in use. In the deployed state, certain metal portions of the tie down device can be concealed within the housing while other portions of the tie-down device (e.g. attachment mechanisms) are deployed through openings in the housing. The deployed state can be convenient for securing cargo without damaging (e.g. scratching or denting) the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Edwin A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20150086288
    Abstract: An anchor detachably connects a wheelchair securement apparatus to a support surface within a motor vehicle and includes a plate having a top surface defining an opening therein, a receiving member secured to the plate and defining an elongated bore to receive and engage a pin coupled to the wheelchair securement apparatus, a plunger within and axially movable along the bore, and a first biasing member between a bottom surface of the plunger and a wall of the bore. The plate and the receiving member are together mountable to the support surface. The first biasing member acts against the bottom surface of the plunger to bias the plunger away from the wall of the bore toward the opening defined through the plate, and the plunger movable toward the wall of the bore against a biasing force of the first biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Keith James Williams
  • Publication number: 20150071726
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Michael K. Burke
  • Publication number: 20150071725
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: STANDARD CAR TRUCK COMPANY
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Michael K. Burke
  • Patent number: 8939426
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier having a bottom frame which is composed of a left beam, a right beam and a bridging beam, characterized in that: the vehicle carrier further has an accessorial frame. A first vehicle plate is laid between the accessorial frame and the left beam, while a second vehicle plate is laid between the accessorial frame and the right beam. Compared with the prior art, in the present invention, the accessorial frame is disposed on the bottom frame, and the span length of the vehicle plate is smaller, so the material used for manufacturing the vehicle plate can be thin. Therefore, in the present invention, the materials can be significantly saved and the cost can be reduced, moreover, it can avoid the vehicles shifting on the direction when the vehicles enter into the vehicle carrier to ensure that the vehicles park in the right position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ningbo Bangda Intelligent Parking System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhua Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140356090
    Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein relate to a wheelchair securement system that includes a wheelchair securement area, wherein the securement area comprises a front end and a rear end. The securement system includes a first restraint, a second restraint, a third restraint, and a fourth restraint, each of which is anchored near the front end of the securement area and is adapted to extend from the front end of the securement area, wherein the first restraint and the second restraint are adapted to connect to a front portion of the wheelchair, and the third restraint and the fourth restraint are adapted to connect to rear portion of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Valeda Company (d/b/a "Q'Straint")
    Inventor: Edgardo CARDONA
  • Publication number: 20140271017
    Abstract: Inflatable bumper system that stabilizes and protects one or more motorcycles during transport by applying force on both sides of each motorcycle and the walls of the truck or trailer, securing each motorcycle in an upright position, and absorbing any forces resulting from poor road conditions or abrupt driving actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: William M. Watson
  • Patent number: 8757948
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie-down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the tie-down device is a clamp comprising a first half-clamp pivotally coupled to a second half-clamp. Each half-clamp has an inner lining for protecting the vehicle from damage, and an opening for receiving a fastener. The inner linings of each half-clamp are also sized and dimensioned to come into juxtaposing contact with one another before the half-clamp openings are completely overlapping. In this manner, the tie-down device is configured to snugly grip a vehicle member as a fastener disposed through the half-clamp openings is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Patent number: 8747037
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the vehicle is secured during transport. The inventive apparatus may be used to secure a variety of vehicles having at least one generally rigid, elongated member, such as handlebars or a tubular frame member, to which the device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Patent number: 8690503
    Abstract: An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
  • Publication number: 20140064869
    Abstract: A method for transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. A chock including at least one wheel positioning bump is placed on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Brian Glickman
  • Publication number: 20140023451
    Abstract: A device for securing a mobility device in a mobility vehicle or on a lifting device that is installed in or on a mobility vehicle or trailer. The securing device comprises a docking assembly, a locking assembly and a guide assembly. The locking assembly includes a receiving member having an interior passageway and a locking pin. The guide assembly includes a support plate attachable to the mobility device and an alignment rod whereby the alignment rod extends out from one side of the mobility device and engages the receiving member. The alignment rod is sized and configured to extend into the interior passageway thereby allowing the locking pin to extend into the interior passageway to secure the alignment rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Aucoin
  • Patent number: 8602699
    Abstract: An automatic locking system for locking a movable device to a transport device or non-movable bed and for quickly and easily unlocking the movable device while preventing the locked in place device from moving and possibly becoming damaged having a trigger engaged by the movable device operating trigger to release a drop bar lowering inside a collar on the movable device locking the movable device and an angled piece keeps the movable device from rising. Locking brackets on upper and lower portions of device prevent unauthorized release of locking device and protect movable device from theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Alan G. Dickson
  • Publication number: 20130323006
    Abstract: An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Robert Smithson
  • Publication number: 20130284730
    Abstract: The subject innovation relates to a container for transporting a vehicle, the container being of substantially cuboid construction with a first and a second end face, two longitudinal sides, a bottom and a top. The problem addressed by the subject innovation is that of producing a container for transporting vehicles which is suitable for transport by air or sea freight and by land, and which requires a minimized amount of space when transported empty. The vehicle should be protected from the sight of unauthorized persons and not have to be unloaded from the container even when transported in a mixed manner by land, sea and/or air. To that end, according to the subject innovation, a container is proposed, the bottom having a base element opposite which a cowl containing the second end face, the two longitudinal sides and the top can be displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Sven Kohlgrüber
  • Publication number: 20130280001
    Abstract: In a tie down system and method for securing a vehicle tire to a wire grate, a slotted overlay panel rest on top of the wire grate. A clevis assembly having one end of a tire trap assembly attached thereto is provided along with the winch assembly having a winch for receiving an opposite end of the tire strap assembly. Each of the clevis assembly and winch assembly have a T hook with a T portion which is insertable through a respective slot of the overlay panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Richard A. Tatina, Robert J. Cencer
  • Patent number: 8544812
    Abstract: A motorcycle restraint device is provided. The motorcycle restraint device comprises a base assembly, a catch assembly and a catch pin assembly. The base assembly comprises at least one base mounting box, at least one front ramp and at least one rear ramp. The catch assembly is mounted to a top portion of the base assembly comprising at least one catch arm, at least one catch arm keeper, at least one bolt traversing the base assembly, at least one front plate, at least one top plate located perpendicular to a front portion of the top plate, at least base side plates, at least two springs vertically mounted between at least one locking rod and at least one spring backup rod. The catch pin assembly is secured to a frame of a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Clint Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130216324
    Abstract: In a vehicle tie down system and method for securing a vehicle to a wire grate, a strap is positioned over and around a portion of the vehicle tire. A connection assembly connects to a first end of the strap. A winch assembly connects to an opposite second end of the strap. Both the connection assembly and the winch assembly have a frame, a hook member, a grate lock member, and a gravity lock member. The winch assembly also has a mandrel and a mandrel locking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 8490993
    Abstract: A self-tracking cart is provided and includes a body defining an enclosure into and from which a secondary cart is receivable and removable, selectively rotatable first and second hitch assemblies, first and second motive elements, first and second steering assemblies to turn the first and second motive elements in opposite directions responsive to rotations of the first and second hitch assemblies and a linkage, which is coupled to the first and second hitch assemblies to cause the first and second hitch assemblies to rotate jointly in opposing directions, the linkage being disposed for non-interference with the secondary cart during reception and removal thereof into and from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Serge Benoit
  • Patent number: 8465236
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly to be mounted in a deck portion to secure an object to the deck portion, including a frame and a pair of ratchet subassemblies. Each ratchet subassembly includes an elongate ratchet body to which a selected one of two straps is attachable, and a ratchet head secured to the ratchet body. Each of the ratchet bodies is mounted in the frame to permit rotation thereof in a predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto, for securing the object to the deck portion. Each ratchet subassembly additionally includes a pawl, for preventing rotation of the ratchet head engageable therewith about the axis thereof in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotary direction. Each of the ratchet bodies is rotatable in the same predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Empey
  • Patent number: 8459910
    Abstract: An adjustable wheel stop system for limiting movement of an ATV in a pickup box is provided for protecting the cab and rear window of the pickup. The system includes a pair of wheel stop devices for engaging right and left front wheels of the ATV, respectively. Each wheel stop device comprises a base frame adapted to rest on a floor of the cargo area of the pickup, and an upstanding frame having a lower end connected to the base frame and an upper end supported above the base frame for engaging a front side of a front wheel of the ATV. An adjustable bumper protrudes from a front end of the base frame for engaging a front wall of the cargo area. The bumper is adjustable in a longitudinal direction to adjust a spacing between the upstanding frame and the front wall of the cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Stewart Brinegar, Robert Dankenbring
  • Patent number: 8459909
    Abstract: A restraint system that supports a motorcycle during transportation comprises a base (20), a rear frame (202) positioned on the base and operable to receive a rear wheel of the motorcycle, and a front frame (102) positioned on said base and operable to receive a front wheel of the motorcycle. The front frame has a linear range of movement relative to the base (20) to accommodate movement due to the suspension of the motorcycle. A first restraint assembly (150), in use, passes over the rear wheel and cooperates with said rear frame (202) to restrain the rear wheel in a vertical orientation relative to the base; and a second restraint assembly, in use, passes over the front wheel and restrains the front wheel relative to the front frame (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Quinton Renshaw Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8439610
    Abstract: A load securing element with a base body includes a coupling portion for coupling a stop means, a support portion provided for insertion into an opening, and a connecting portion, which connects the coupling portion and the support portion to one another and thus keeps them spaced apart in such a way that a slot-like receiver is formed on the base body. The receiver is delimited at its upper side by the coupling portion, at its lower side by the support portion and at its rear by the connecting portion and is otherwise open, wherein the width of the receiver corresponds to a multiple of its height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventor: André Mamié
  • Patent number: 8439612
    Abstract: An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
  • Patent number: 8430612
    Abstract: A vehicle tie-down system for securing an ATV or similar vehicle to the bed of a truck or trailer includes a pair of spaced apart rails secured to the truck bed. First and second chocks are detachably secured between the rails and are positioned to provide a cradle for receiving the ATV wheel or tire. A flexible strap having a metal hook at one end is attached to a first chock and extended about the periphery of the tire and threaded through a rotatable cross-member in a second chock. The flexible web is wound upon the rotatable cross-member and locked in a tensioned position with a ratchet and pawl locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Kyle Reese Randall
  • Patent number: 8393837
    Abstract: A deck and ramp system for allowing a motorcycle to be secured behind the cab or sleeper of a semi/tractor featuring a deck platform and two attachable ramps. The deck platform is attached to the frame behind the cab or sleeper such that it is accessible from the passenger side or driver side of the semi. The two ramps attach at an angle with respect to the deck platform. Channels are disposed in the ramps and deck platform and allow a motorcycle to be easily rolled up the ramps and onto the deck platform. One or more securing means are disposed on the deck platform so as to secure the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Bradford J. Lien
  • Patent number: 8348561
    Abstract: A motorcycle restraining device for securing a motorcycle to a trailer or other transport device is provided. The restraining device includes first and second brackets permanently attached to opposite sides of a motorcycle. A connecting rod is inserted through the brackets when the motorcycle is to be loaded onto the transport device. The motorcycle with the rod then approaches first and second receiving members, which constitutes an anchor, and the rod is secured to the receiving members. As the receiving members are adjustable and the design of the brackets adjustable as well, the motorcycle restraining device of the present invention may be used with generally any make and model of motorcycle. In addition, the brackets are permanently attached such that they do not create any problems or prevent ride ability of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Joey Bauer, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120321408
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the vehicle is secured during transport. The inventive apparatus may be used to secure a variety of vehicles having at least one generally rigid, elongated member, such as handlebars or a tubular frame member, to which the device is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Publication number: 20120321407
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a personal transport vehicle (PTV) such as a motorcycle or ATV on a truck bed or the ground includes a pair of handlebar struts each adjustable to a length fixable by a first key lock, an upper hook lockable by a second key lock to a handlebar of a PTV, a lower hook securable to an anchor member fixed to a truck or the ground, by a third key lock, and a cross-lock arm adjustable to a length fixable by a cross-lock arm key lock. Each cross-lock arm has at one end a swivelable hook attachable to a PTV, and at the other end a fixed hook for engaging an eye plate of the strut. A pair of struts is used to secure a single PTV using a pair of cross-lock arms or a pair of PTV's joined by a single cross-lock arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Kelly Lindsey, Glen Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20120301243
    Abstract: An adjustable wheel stop system for limiting movement of an ATV in a pickup box is provided for protecting the cab and rear window of the pickup. The system includes a pair of wheel stop devices for engaging right and left front wheels of the ATV, respectively. Each wheel stop device comprises a base frame adapted to rest on a floor of the cargo area of the pickup, and an upstanding frame having a lower end connected to the base frame and an upper end supported above the base frame for engaging a front side of a front wheel of the ATV. An adjustable bumper protrudes from a front end of the base frame for engaging a front wall of the cargo area. The bumper is adjustable in a longitudinal direction to adjust a spacing between the upstanding frame and the front wall of the cargo area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Stewart BRINEGAR, Robert Dankenbring
  • Patent number: 8303240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Stidd
  • Patent number: 8292557
    Abstract: A vehicle transporter includes a frame with a load deck, a slidable undercarriage mounted on the frame and a subframe movably mounted on the frame between raised and lowered positions. Wheel wells are formed in the deck when the subframe is lowered relative to the frame. A pair of outrigger assemblies each includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder lift unit for raising and lowering the transporter whereby the undercarriage can be slid between fore and aft positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Landoll Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Landoll, Loren F. Wassenberg, Phillip R. Landoll, Jim R. Ladner, Kyle D. Swart
  • Patent number: 8286996
    Abstract: A system and method for protecting a vehicle and, more specifically, a truck bed is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a system with three parts: a protective bar, one or more joint pieces attached to the protective bar, and one or more brackets attached to the one or more joint pieces. The brackets fit over the back end of the truck bed to hold the protective bar in place, while still keeping the overall system easily removable from the truck bed. Embodiments include both a single bracket as well as multiple brackets. The protective bar prevents cargo from impacting the front of the truck bed or back window while the cargo is being loaded, unloaded, or transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Norman Grant
  • Publication number: 20120257942
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly to be mounted in a deck portion to secure an object to the deck portion, including a frame and a pair of ratchet subassemblies. Each ratchet subassembly includes an elongate ratchet body to which a selected one of two straps is attachable, and a ratchet head secured to the ratchet body. Each of the ratchet bodies is mounted in the frame to permit rotation thereof in a predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto, for securing the object to the deck portion. Each ratchet subassembly additionally includes a pawl, for preventing rotation of the ratchet head engageable therewith about the axis thereof in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotary direction. Each of the ratchet bodies is rotatable in the same predetermined rotary direction to tighten the selected one of the straps attached thereto respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Empey
  • Patent number: 8267627
    Abstract: An apparatus utilized to lock a transportable vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV) to a bed of a transporting vehicle generally comprising a locking bar assembly and a locking mechanism assembly. The locking bar assembly is securely mounted to the front of the transportable vehicle. The locking mechanism assembly mounts to a forward vertical wall inside the bed of the transporting vehicle and includes a guiding feature that aligns with the locking bar assembly. The transportable vehicle is guided into place until the locking bar assembly engages the locking mechanism assembly. A locking arm is locks the locking mechanism assembly to the lock bar assembly, thereby securely holding the transportable vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Casey Ward
  • Patent number: 8235633
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel tie down devices for securing a vehicle to a surface. In one preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the vehicle is secured during transport. The inventive apparatus may be used to secure a variety of vehicles having at least one generally rigid, elongated member, such as handlebars or a tubular frame member, to which the device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Bar Cuffs, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Ewles
  • Publication number: 20120183369
    Abstract: A vehicle transporter includes a frame with a load deck, a slidable undercarriage mounted on the frame and a subframe movably mounted on the frame between raised and lowered positions. Wheel wells are formed in the deck when the subframe is lowered relative to the frame. A pair of outrigger assemblies each includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder lift unit for raising and lowering the transporter whereby the undercarriage can be slid between fore and aft positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Donald R. Landoll, Loren F. Wassenberg, Phillip R. Landoll, Jim R. Ladner, Kyle D. Swart
  • Patent number: 8206069
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or two personal transport vehicles such as motorcycles or ATV's in an upright position on a support surface such as the bed of a truck or the ground includes a pair of elongated straight handlebar struts telescopically adjustable to a length fixable by a first key lock. Each strut has an upper hook lockable by a second key lock to a handlebar of a personal transport vehicle, and a lower hook securable within a perforation through an anchor member such as a truck bed component or an elongated, perforated channel member, by a third key lock. The apparatus includes an elongated cross-lock arm telescopically adjustable to a length fixable by a cross-lock arm key lock. Each cross-lock arm has at one end thereof a swivelable hook for engaging a structural member of a personal transport vehicle, and at the other end a fixed hook for engaging a perforation through an eye plate protruding from the strut, the longitudinal position of which eye plate is adjustable on the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Kelly D. Lindsey, Glen M. Sawyer