Vehicle Retainer* Patents (Class 410/7)
  • Patent number: 6752574
    Abstract: A method for transporting a recreational vehicle, such as a motorcycle or snowmobile in the cargo box of a pickup truck in a fashion that enables the tail gate of the pickup truck to remain closed. A first step involves providing a pickup truck having a cargo box with an open end closed by a tail gate. A second step involves placing the recreational vehicle in the cargo box of the pickup truck with a rear portion of the recreational vehicle protruding past the open end. A third step involves positioning a support into the cargo box adjacent to the open end. A fourth step involves lifting the rear portion of the recreational vehicle onto the support until the rear portion is elevated sufficiently to provide clearance to enable the open end to be closed by the tail gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Widdowson
  • Patent number: 6749379
    Abstract: A u-shaped trailer frame that includes a drawbar that is connectable to a trailer hitch. The u-shaped frame includes forward holding means and also a pair of axle supports for the wheel axles of the greens mower once the wheels have been removed. The trailer includes a pair of wheels that have special mounts, allowing the frame to be positioned as close to ground as possible, thus eliminating the need for any pivot members to raise the greens mower as found in the prior art. A special offset draw bar configuration is also provided to allow the ground hugging trailer frame to be attached to a conventionally located trailer hitch mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Orrin W. Feld, Ho Phi Tang
  • Patent number: 6729827
    Abstract: A universal power wheelchair lift and restraint system for attachment to a rear of a vehicle. The system includes a lift platform having a substantially flat, uninterrupted generally rectangular support surface sized in length and width to be similar to, and to supportively receive, a broad size and configuration range of power wheelchairs thereon. A power lift mechanism is attachable to the rear of the vehicle and supportively connected to the platform for elevating and lowering the platform with the power wheelchair positioned thereatop. A locking tiedown mechanism is pivotally connected in proximity to each corner of the platform and in proximity to each of the corner areas of the power wheelchair atop the platform. Each tiedown includes an elongated flexible strap extendable from a rolled configuration and having an attaching member securely disposed at a distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Chadco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Williams, Jeff Duval
  • Patent number: 6715972
    Abstract: A non-compressing device for securing a two-wheeled vehicle to a towing apparatus has a triangular shaped structure with a base and two legs, the two legs attach to the base to form a triangle. The base of triangular shaped structure is then attached to the towing apparatus. A clamp is attached to the legs of the triangular shaped structure. Alternately, a T-shaped structure has a foot and pedestal and is attached to the towing apparatus. Retractable legs and a foldable base of the triangular shaped structure for the purpose of storing or transporting when not in use or detaching the foot from the pedestal on the T-shaped structure for the purpose of storing or transporting when not in use may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rueben Dale Jackson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6705811
    Abstract: A tie-down (9, 38) includes two straps (12, 21) with hooks (17, 24) secured to their ends, the other end (29) of a first strap (21) being workable with a buckle (15, 39) to provide tension. The buckle is captured in a loop (13) formed in the second strap (12), along with a soft loop (10), into which the hook (17) can be engaged so as to avoid damaging an article being restrained by the tie-down. The soft loop (10) is fashioned by stitching (33) of three contiguous layers of strap in a region (32) between the two loops, adjacent to the buckle; the stitching being perpendicular to the direction of tension (35) in the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Keeper Corporation
    Inventor: Ricky W. Selby
  • Patent number: 6698983
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint has four primary components: a base assembly, two pivot members or arms, hinges and belt assemblies. The base assembly is used to mount the restraint to a vehicle. The arms are connected to the base assembly and each retain a belt assembly via a respective hinge. The arms pivot independently from a horizontal operating position about a horizontal axes to a vertical storage position. The vehicle restraint allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair, while maintaining the integrity of the straps/belts and prolonging strap/belt life by storing the straps/belts out of the range of the elements that would otherwise deteriorate them. In the storage position, the area can be used by other passengers not requiring securement and remain out of the way during wheelchair ingress and egress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: USSC Group Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Kiernan, Richard A. Watts, Rick Klotz
  • Patent number: 6685403
    Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce J. Constantin
  • Publication number: 20040005203
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Publication number: 20030231936
    Abstract: A device for securing mobility equipment and a mobility equipment hoist in a motor vehicle. The device comprises a structural configuration, at least one wheel chock, and a tie-down system. The structural configuration affixes to pre-installed anchors on the motor vehicle. The at least one wheel chock secures the front portion of the mobility equipment. The tie-down system secures the rear or center portion of the mobility equipment. A method of securing mobility equipment and a mobility equipment hoist in a motor vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Richard C. Prusinowski, Gary L. Talbot
  • Publication number: 20030190208
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for securing a mobility aid to the interior of a motor vehicle, such as a bus. The invention includes one or more retractors typically positioned forward of the mobility aid, and one or more retractors typically positioned behind the mobility aid. Some or all of the retractors are provided with a powered tension apparatus for providing opposed tension to the front and rear of the mobility aid, securing it from movement in the vehicle. The tensioning system is capable of being remotely controlled, enabling the securement and release of the mobility aid to be performed easily by either the mobility aid occupant or an operator in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Edgardo Cardona, Joseph Takacs, Thomas C. Adams, Steven I. Reger
  • Patent number: 6616388
    Abstract: An improved transport bed for use with trailers or the like and having improved clamp-down and tie-down structures is disclosed. A telescoping clamp-down device operable in conjunction with a retention channel mounted in the bed provides variably positioning capabilities of clamp-down. Slidable tie-down mechanisms can be utilized in the same retention track. Improved structural members for supporting and protecting the bed material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne G. Floe
  • Patent number: 6575677
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Patent number: 6558092
    Abstract: A manually operated winch system secures cargo to a transport vehicle. The winch system has a shaft rotationally mounted relative a frame. A ratchet drive mechanism controls rotation of the shaft. A handle received in the drive mechanism can be used both to control rotation of the shaft and to control operation of a pawl. The drive mechanism is configured such that tilting the handle moves a member axially. Sufficient axial movement of the member causes the pawl to disengage mating ratchet teeth and thereby allows the shaft to rotate freely. In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism limits the extent to which the member can move axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Rollin Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6543974
    Abstract: An improved trailer bed structure for use with trailers or the like and having an improved structural member. A bed structure having a least one bed member having a predetermined number of edges, with at least two support members joined in a predetermined configuration and a loading frame structure to support and protect the loading edge of the bed. The loading frame structure has a removable elongated member in cooperation with a frame member, each having mating structures to permit slidable removal and replacement of the removable elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne G. Floe
  • Patent number: 6530729
    Abstract: In a method and system for tying a tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform, at least first and second integral winch and chock assemblies are aligned at both ends of at least one of the tires of the vehicle so that a chock surface of the respective assemblies abuts the tire at both ends thereof. Each of the assemblies is providing with a winding mandrel. The winch and chock assemblies are locked to the platform to prevent lateral, longitudinal and vertical movement of the assemblies. A tire harness connects to the two winch and chock assemblies, the tire harness wrapping around a top portion of the tire. At least one or both of the winding mandrels of the winch and chock assemblies are then rotated to tighten the harness on the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 6524039
    Abstract: A system for restraining a wheelchair in a vehicle comprises a barrier having housings for restraining belts thereon. A remote release assembly is mounted on the barrier remote from the housing and is connected to the housing, as by a cable. The wheelchair is secured by first operating the assembly to release the belt from the housing to allow the vehicle operator to withdraw the belt from the housing and attach it to the wheelchair before the wheelchair is fully in the securing area Then, as the wheelchair is moved fully into the wheelchair area the operator again operates the remote assembly to cause the housing to retract the belt into the housing to tension the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Richard Magnuson, Douglas Fassett, Bernard Harold, III
  • Publication number: 20030012617
    Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce J. Constantin
  • Publication number: 20020197126
    Abstract: In a method and system for tying a tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform, at least first and second integral winch and chock assemblies are aligned at both ends of at least one of the tires of the vehicle so that a chock surface of the respective assemblies abuts the tire at both ends thereof. Each of the assemblies is providing with a winding mandrel. The winch and chock assemblies are locked to the platform to prevent lateral, longitudinal and vertical movement of the assemblies. A tire harness connects to the two winch and chock assemblies, the tire harness wrapping around a top portion of the tire. At least one or both of the winding mandrels of the winch and chock assemblies are then rotated to tighten the harness on the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 6474916
    Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce J. Constantin
  • Patent number: 6471454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for provisionally connecting a fastening strap, specially a wheel chair strap, to a fixing rail (12) with a longitudinal groove. A securable and removable locking member of the fastening strap can be inserted into said longitudinal groove. A pivoting point for the fastening strap is arranged above a connecting member which can be anchored in the fixing rail (12) adjacent to the latter. A ball-and-socket joint (51) can be mounted on the connecting member. The joint can be connected to the connecting member and the fastening strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ancra Jungfalk GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Koller
  • Patent number: 6464436
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting a greensmower over a golf course. A deck of the trailer supports the greensmower, and a universal coupler of the trailer secures the greensmower to the deck. When the greensmower is secured to the deck, a rear driver roller of the greensmower abuts the deck, and a cutting reel drive, a bed knife, a front roller, and a grass conditioning roller of the greensmower suspend above the deck. A pair of wheels are rotatably coupled to the deck, and a pair of bumpers extend from the deck to deflect objects away from the wheels and associated wheel axles. A ramp support slidably adjoins a ramp to the deck, and the ramp is movable along the ramp support between a retracted position and an extended position. A ramp prop is adjoined to the deck to uphold a portion of the ramp adjacent the deck when the ramp is in the extended position. The universal coupler includes a latch assembly adjoined to the deck and a plurality of braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: GreensGroomer Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6439814
    Abstract: An improved transport bed for use with trailers or the like and having improved clamp-down and tie-down structures is disclosed. A telescoping clamp-down device operable in conjunction with a retention channel mounted in the bed provides variably positioning capabilities of clamp-down. Slidable tie-down mechanisms can be utilized in the same retention track. Improved structural members for supporting and protecting the bed material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne G. Floe
  • Publication number: 20020114679
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Publication number: 20020110434
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing one or more wheelchairs to a vehicle includes a plurality of straps for holding the wheelchairs to the vehicle. Some of the straps are attached to a movable element that can be moved into or out of the area to be occupied by the wheelchairs. This allows the area to be utilized by other passengers when no wheelchairs are present and also facilitates ingress and egress of the wheelchair. In the preferred embodiment, movable elements, which carry housings for wheelchair-engaging belts and passenger restraint belts, are mounted to the side wall of the vehicle for pivotal movement about vertical axes between storage positions and operative positions. The apparatus allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair and maintains the integrity of the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: James A. Ditch, Frereidoun Razavi, Richard C. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 6428254
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Patent number: 6406230
    Abstract: A belt (3) can be pulled out from a spring biased retractor reel (2) when a ratchet mechanism (16) is released. The belt (3) is entrained around a movable shoe (4) before being led to a fastening point. When fastened, the spring bias in the reel (2) takes up the slack. Operation of an actuator, such as by depression of a pedal (10), first causes the ratchet mechanism (16) to engage and then shifts the shoe (4) to stretch and tension the belt between the reel (2) and the fastening point. The pedal (10) is retainable in its fully depressed, belt-tensioning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: C. N. Unwin Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Leslie Mason, John Chatterley Perring, Cecil Norman Unwin
  • Publication number: 20020064433
    Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce J. Constantin
  • Patent number: 6382891
    Abstract: A tie down device for securing equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators to the deck of a trailer comprises a retractable arm which hangs under the trailer deck when not in use but which may be extended above the deck in order latch onto a mating projection on the equipment to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6361256
    Abstract: A wedge-shaped vehicle carrier for supporting and transporting multi-vehicle loads having high structural strength and stability with a substantially decreased carrier weight. The vehicle carrier includes a lower frame having a forward end with a hitch for connecting the carrier to a truck and a rearward end downstream from the hitch and an upper deck having a face side and a back side. A triangular truss structure is positioned to distribute the load resting on and supported by the face side of the upper deck, the lower frame being positioned a spaced apart distance below the upper deck and connected to the upper deck by the triangular truss structure securedly attached between the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame. In the preferred embodiment, the truss structure includes a triangle truss component extending between the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame and a vertical component attached to and connecting the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robb Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6352396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving a vehicular wheelchair restraining device back and forth between a remote, stowed position and a deployed position from which it may lockingly engage a wheelchair to prevent it from freely moving around the vehicle. The mechanism includes a shallow platform having ramped sides over which a wheelchair may easily roll, and a motor and drive train for moving the wheelchair restraining mechanism between its remote position and its deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Lewis Budd, Jeffrey J. Hermanson
  • Patent number: 6347779
    Abstract: A pair of cams having helical ramps rotate on each other to produce an extension or retraction of the cams. A handle on one of the cams provides leverage for turning the cam to convert radial force to axial force. The cams can be used in conjunction with a shaft and ratchets to produce jacks. The cams can also be used to produce clamps such as for securing lids to containers. When a shaft is secured at one cam and connected to a trailer, truck or other vehicle bed, an object can be secured to the vehicle bed by the other cam engaging and placing a downward force on the object when in the extended position. When used as a clamp the cams can secured or release the object being held with a partial rotation of the cam. The cams are simple one piece devices having a bearing portion on one cam inserted into a bore on the other cam to provide concentric rotation of the cams. There are no moving parts to wear out or break. The cams and handle can be scaled up or down to any size needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Korin
  • Publication number: 20010055520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for automatically moving a vehicular wheelchair restraining device back and forth between a remote, stowed position and a deployed position from which it may lockingly engage a wheelchair to prevent it from freely moving around the vehicle. The mechanism includes a shallow platform having ramped sides over which a wheelchair may easily roll, and a motor and drive train for automatically moving the wheelchair restraining mechanism between its remote position and its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Alfred L. Budd, Jeffrey J. Hermanson
  • Patent number: 6328511
    Abstract: An anchor for securing an end of a vehicle tie-down member to a wire grid floor of a vehicle transporter distributes the tension load from the tiedown member over a plurality of the wires making up the grid. The anchor has a base plate with six integrally formed grid engagement members arranged in three pairs. A fitting is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate for connection with the end of the tie-down member and is rotatable about a vertical axis with respect to the base place. The anchor is placed on the top of the wire grid floor such that the grid engagement members pass through six adjacent openings in the grid and the distal ends of the members project generally in the direction in which the tie-down member is to extend when attached to the vehicle, and the tie-down member is tightened to urge the grid engagement members tightly into engagement with the wires of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Edgardo Cardona
  • Publication number: 20010031183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving a vehicular wheelchair restraining device back and forth between a remote, stowed position and a deployed position from which it may lockingly engage a wheelchair to prevent it from freely moving around the vehicle. The mechanism includes a shallow platform having ramped sides over which a wheelchair may easily roll, and a motor and drive train for moving the wheelchair restraining mechanism between its remote position and its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Alfred Lewis Budd, Jeffrey J. Hermanson
  • Publication number: 20010024604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving a vehicular wheelchair restraining device back and forth between a remote, stowed position and a deployed position from which it may lockingly engage a wheelchair to prevent it from freely moving around the vehicle. The mechanism includes a shallow platform having ramped sides over which a wheelchair may easily roll, and a motor and drive train for moving the wheelchair restraining mechanism between its remote position and its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Alfred Lewis Budd, Jeffrey J. Hermanson
  • Patent number: 6287060
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system which includes a floor mounting track, anchor means slidably mountable in said mounting track, a seat belt retractor means and a rigid bracket means for mounting the retractor means to the anchor means, swivelly mounted at one end thereof to said anchor means so as to hold said retractor means at a selected angle, greater than zero, relative to said floor mounting track. In a preferred embodiment a seat belt anchor pin is also mounted in overlying relationship to the seat belt retractor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jean Marc Girardin
  • Patent number: 6237931
    Abstract: A towbar adapter assembly that attaches to a towbar boom and acts as a link between the towbar boom and a vehicle attachment point. The assembly has a base for attachment to the towbar boom and an anchoring strut that attaches to the vehicle. The base is incrementally positionable with respect to the towbar boom and the anchoring strut is incrementally positionable with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Tru-Hitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin A. Marola
  • Patent number: 6234732
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a base frame having a longitudinal axis, and a forward end and a rearward end joined by a first side frame and a second side frame, each side frame being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The wheelchair also includes a first motor and a second motor. A first mounting bracket is affixed on the first side frame and a second mounting bracket affixed on the second side frame. The first and second mounting brackets have a main body including a motor gear bore for securing the first motor or the second motor, a front tie down point directed toward the forward end of the frame, and a rear tie down point directed toward the rearward end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Darin J. Trippensee, Paul C. Dickie
  • Patent number: 6231283
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for three or four-wheeled personal vehicles commonly called “scooters” and wheelchairs comprising a baseplate, left and right wheel clamp assemblies slidably mounted on the baseplate, and a cable drive connected between the wheel contact assemblies to pull them together on demand to clamp the outside surfaces of the rear wheels of the scooter. An emergency release is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stowers
  • Publication number: 20010001031
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Patent number: 6171035
    Abstract: A securement device uses a pedestal secured to a support structure and comprising an outer casing with securing brackets. A receiving area is proximate one end, A mid-brace is secured at both ends to the interior. A release bar is pivotally affixed at one end with the other end extending through the casing. A vertical sleeve is secured between the mid-brace and the partially open top and contains a receiving area and an open channel. A spring is placed within the vertical sleeve and a capture rod, having a wedged receiving area, retained within the sleeve, resting on the spring. A draw rod is permanently secured to the capture rod at one end and slideably connected to the release bar at the other end. A locking member has a locking rod pivotally connected to the mid-brace and a locking bar affixed at a right angle. A release rod is affixed to the locking bar and extends into the partially open first end. A spring bar maintains pressure on the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Colin McLaurin, Greg Shaw
  • Patent number: 6171036
    Abstract: A tie-down system for a vehicle transporter comprises a tie-down apparatus for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter, comprising a vehicle support assembly, including a front deck and further including a rear deck that is variably positionable with respect to said front deck. At least four variably positionable securement devices are associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective flexible tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices to enable nonuniform variations in relative positions of the securement devices, each tension member portion capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Boydstun Metal Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Boydstun, IV, John T. Huey, Todd Papasadero, Michael Pritchard
  • Patent number: 6164882
    Abstract: A tie-down mechanism for securing a snowmobile to a trailer wherein the trailer has an elongated track member embedded in the upper surface thereof which defines an elongated opening in the upper end thereof. The tie-down mechanism comprises a bolt having a head portion which is received in the channel of the track member so that the threaded shank thereof extends upwardly therefrom. An elongated ski bar is mounted on the bolt above the track member and has end portions which are adapted to be positioned over the skis of the snowmobile. An actuating lever is threadably mounted on the bolt above the ski bar and is pivotally movable between locked and released positions. When the lever is in its locked position, the ski bar is drawn into engagement with the skis of the snowmobile to maintain the snowmobile in place on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Jirosel Corp.
    Inventor: James E. Selle
  • Patent number: 6161996
    Abstract: Apparatus for immobilizing at least one wheel of a wheeled vehicle resting upon a support surface of a transporting conveyance includes paired gripping members adapted to hingedly engage the support surface in a manner permitting rotative motion between a storage state which disposes the gripping members upon the support surface, and an active state disposing the gripping members in facing parallel spaced apart relationship upright from the support surface. Levered locking mechanisms associated with the extremities of the gripping members are adapted to draw the gripping members together, producing the active state which applies compressive force upon the sidewalls of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Jerrold Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6149359
    Abstract: A wheelchair anchor for use in a vehicle is movable between a retracted position in which it takes up a relatively small amount of floor space within the vehicle and an extended position in which it provides a plurality of anchor points to which one or more wheelchairs may be secured. An elongated track plate is secured to the floor of the vehicle so that it extends transversely to the direction of vehicle motion, and a beam assembly made up of three beams telescopingly engaged with one another is slidable along the track plate between a retracted position adjacent a first end of the track plate and an extended position wherein the beam is slid toward the opposite, second and the track plate. The distal end of the beam assembly is securable to the track plate adjacent the midportion of the track to maintain the beam assembly in the retracted position adjacent the first end of the track, and is alternatively securable to the track adjacent the second end to maintain the beam assembly in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Edgardo Cardona
  • Patent number: 6139235
    Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Vander Koy, Todd Krzanowski
  • Patent number: 6139230
    Abstract: There is provided a system for locking skis of a snowmobile to a platform. The system includes a shaft having a lower portion secured to the platform and an upper portion for supporting an adjustment nut and a handle that rotates about the upper portion. The upper portion of the shaft has threads at its outer surface. Also, a bar is situated below the adjustment nut so that it may be adjusted between a first position where the bar holds the skis against the platform, and a second position where the bar releases the skis. In particular, the adjustment nut changes its vertical position when rotated about the upper portion of the shaft and, thus, is capable of adjusting the vertical position of the bar as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Imvento Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Blake Zizzi
  • Patent number: 6113325
    Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Richard D. Craft
  • Patent number: 6113326
    Abstract: A system and device for loading and transporting a vehicle on a vehicle transporting surface simplifies the loading of vehicles by aligning the vehicle as it is loaded and holds the vehicle securely in alignment once loaded. The vehicle loading device is formed with an angulated surface that is attached to the side of the vehicle transporting surface. A flat plate attaches to the angulated surface and a brace extends downward from the far edge of the flat plate and rests against the side of the vehicle transporting surface. The vehicle is loaded onto the vehicle transporting surface with the angulated surface pressing against the interior of tracks or wheels of the vehicle. The angulated surface forces an initially misaligned vehicle to slide into proper alignment on the vehicle transporting surface. Opposing forces are thus exerted on the inside of the tracks and wheels which cause and maintain proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: George E. Nicholson
    Inventor: George E. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6099218
    Abstract: A snowmobile trailer with an open, flat trailer bed and hold down assemblies to accommodate one or two snowmobiles. The hold down assemblies include hold down brackets fixed to the trailer bed and laterally aligned across it. The brackets are spaced back from the front edge of the trailer bed a sufficient distance so that the struts holding the snowmobile runners are located between the brackets with the bottoms of the snowmobile skis in full contact with the trailer bed. Hold down rods extend between the hold down brackets and cooperate in pairs to straddle the snowmobile struts to restrain the snowmobiles from movement on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Ricky J. Ferrari