Michael J Hooper

US Patent:

6349865, Feb 26, 2002

Filed:

Mar 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/516411

Inventors:

Alan Tolley - Belmont NC
Michael Hooper - Coronado CA
Blake Leary - Charlotte NC
Hong Xu - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

Tibs Corporation - Belmont NC

International Classification:

B60R 900

US Classification:

224404, 224539, 224543, 224572, 296 376

Abstract:

The present invention provides a device for storing or securing objects in a truck bed. The device comprises a collapsible compartment and two or more straps, each strap comprising a first end attached to the compartment and a second end having a fastener affixed to the second end for securing the second end to a rigid component of the truck, such as the truck frame. The storage compartment and system secures objects from sliding around the bed and protects the objects from damage during transport or inclement weather. The device may be installed without invasive modification of the truck bed, conserves cargo hauling capacity of the truck by including a compartment that is collapsible, and, optionally, provides tie downs for securing oversized objects in the truck bed.

US Patent:

63020955, Oct 16, 2001

Filed:

Mar 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/537340

Inventors:

Alan Tolley - Belmont NC
Michael Hooper - Coronado CA
Blake Leary - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

TIBS, Inc. - Belmont NC

International Classification:

F24C 1536

US Classification:

126 25R

Abstract:

A burn prevention screen for use with an outdoor cooking grill. The burn prevention screen has a piece of high temperature tolerant material and a fastener for securing the high temperature tolerant material to the external surface of the grill. The high temperature tolerant material should be flexible, weather resistant, have a low thermal conductivity and be stable at temperatures in excess of 450. degree. F. to 800. degree. F. for extended periods of time. Examples of suitable material include felts, woven ceramic fiber, polymer sheet, composite fabric, other similar materials, or combinations of these materials. The fasteners are preferably magnets, with the preferred magnet being a rare earth magnet or other high temperature tolerant magnet that will retain its magnetic performance after repeated heating and cooling cycles.