Prior art — US Patent 9371096

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 9371096, I will examine the "Citations" section of the patent on Google Patents, as this lists the prior art references cited during its prosecution. I will then use the provided descriptions and the claims of US9371096 to assess potential anticipation.

Here are the patent citations listed for US9371096B2, along with their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, and potential claims they may anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The information is sourced directly from the patent text provided.

Prior Art for US Patent 9371096

US4270681A

Full Citation: US4270681A
Publication Date: 1981-06-02 (filed 1977-09-27)
Brief Description: This patent describes a slidable bracket for an article carrier. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the title suggests a mechanism for attaching items to a carrier in a movable fashion.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Without a more detailed description of US4270681A's mechanism from the provided patent text, it's difficult to pinpoint specific claims it anticipates. However, generally, any claim in US9371096 that broadly covers a "clamping device" being "positionable in engagement with the side panel anywhere in a range of locations along the length" (e.g., Claim 1, Claim 10, Claim 11, Claim 15) could potentially be anticipated if US4270681A's slidable bracket functions as a clamping device in a similar movable manner.

US4934572A

Full Citation: US4934572A
Publication Date: 1990-06-19 (filed 1988-09-09)
Brief Description: This reference pertains to a "Lockable clamping apparatus." The title itself suggests a device that clamps and has a locking feature.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Claims related to a clamping device with a locking mechanism would be most relevant here. Specifically, Claim 5 of US9371096, which describes a "lock plate" and an "opening in the portion of the lock plate projecting out of the body such that a locking mechanism can be inserted so as to prevent the clamping device from being disengaged," could be anticipated if US4934572A discloses similar locking means for a clamping apparatus. Broader claims (e.g., Claim 1, Claim 10, Claim 11, Claim 15) might also be implicated if the fundamental clamping mechanism is similar.

US5489172A

Full Citation: US5489172A
Publication Date: 1996-02-06 (filed 1991-04-27)
Brief Description: Titled "Quick-release fastening device," this patent describes a mechanism that allows for rapid attachment and detachment.
Potential Anticipated Claims: US9371096 emphasizes a clamping device that "can be both manually secured to the side wall surface 240 and released from the side wall surface 240 without the use of tools." Claims 1, 3, and 13, which discuss the actuator and handle moving fingers to engage and disengage the clamping device, and specifically highlight the ability to actuate without tools for quick attachment and release, could be anticipated by US5489172A if it features a similar quick-release clamping mechanism.

US6024402A

Full Citation: US6024402A
Publication Date: 2000-02-15 (filed 1997-11-21)
Brief Description: This patent is an "Accessory system for a vehicle cargo box." This broad title suggests it deals with methods and devices for attaching accessories to cargo boxes.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Given its general nature, this patent could potentially anticipate many aspects of US9371096, especially those related to the overall system of mounting accessories to a cargo bed. Claims 1, 10, 11, and 15, which describe an "apparatus for mounting accessories to a vehicle having a cargo bed" or a "utility vehicle cargo bed system," could be at risk if US6024402A discloses a similar system for accessory mounting on vehicle cargo boxes.

US6290441B1

Full Citation: US6290441B1
Publication Date: 2001-09-18 (filed 2000-03-31)
Brief Description: Described as a "Stake pocket tie down," this reference likely teaches a device that uses the stake pockets commonly found on truck beds to secure loads.
Potential Anticipated Claims: While US9371096 focuses on protrusions on side panels rather than stake pockets, the concept of securing items to a cargo bed through an engagement interface could be broadly related. If "stake pocket tie down" broadly covers a clamping mechanism engaging a structural feature of a cargo bed, then general claims of US9371096 (e.g., Claim 1) regarding a clamping device engaging protrusions might be relevant, although direct anticipation is less likely due to structural differences.

US6722541B1

Full Citation: US6722541B1
Publication Date: 2004-04-20 (filed 2002-10-22)
Brief Description: This patent is titled "Article carrier for a truck bed." Similar to US6024402A, this broadly covers systems for carrying articles on truck beds.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Similar to US6024402A, this reference could potentially anticipate various aspects of US9371096 related to a system for mounting accessories to a vehicle cargo bed. Claims 1, 10, 11, and 15, which describe such systems, could be impacted if US6722541B1 discloses similar means for carrying articles on truck beds using a clamping mechanism.

US6742973B1

Full Citation: US6742973B1
Publication Date: 2004-06-01 (filed 2002-05-14)
Brief Description: This reference covers a "Carrying apparatus, device and method for use." This broad description indicates a focus on systems and methods for transporting items.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Given the very general nature of the title, it's difficult to identify specific anticipating claims without more detail. However, any claim in US9371096 that defines a system or apparatus for carrying accessories (e.g., Claim 1, Claim 10, Claim 11, Claim 15) could be broadly relevant, particularly if the carrying apparatus employs a clamping mechanism with engagement features similar to those described in US9371096.

US20040131439A1

Full Citation: US20040131439A1
Publication Date: 2004-07-08 (filed 2003-01-03)
Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Track slot fastener." This implies a fastener designed to engage with a track or slot system, likely for adjustable positioning.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Claims in US9371096 that involve the clamping device being inserted into "a channel formed in the side panel" and engaging with "slots" within the channel (Claim 2) are highly relevant. Claims 1 and 10, which describe the engagement of fingers with protrusions formed as an "engagement interface" and "channel," could be anticipated if US20040131439A1 teaches a track slot fastener with similar engagement features and functionality.

US6871895B2

Full Citation: US6871895B2
Publication Date: 2005-03-29 (filed 2003-01-29)
Brief Description: This patent is for a "Multi-functional cargo bed assembly and accessories therefor." This suggests a cargo bed designed to accommodate various accessories.
Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference is highly relevant to the overall system and apparatus described in US9371096. Claims 1, 10, 11, and 15, which cover systems for mounting accessories to a cargo bed and the associated clamping devices, could be anticipated if US6871895B2 discloses a cargo bed assembly with features and accessories that embody the elements of these claims, such as protrusions and a clamping mechanism for accessory attachment.

US20080025809A1

Full Citation: US20080025809A1
Publication Date: 2008-01-31 (filed 2006-05-24)
Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Cargo brace and release device." This implies a device for securing cargo with a mechanism for releasing it.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Claims in US9371096 related to securing the clamping device to the side panel and releasing it (e.g., Claims 1, 3, 4, 13) could be anticipated. The "actuator configured to move the plurality of fingers away from and toward the body" for unclamping and clamping is a core feature that might be present in a "release device" as described in this reference.

US20080101883A1

Full Citation: US20080101883A1
Publication Date: 2008-05-01 (filed 2006-10-31)
Brief Description: This reference is a "Rail attachment mount," suggesting a device for attaching to a rail system.
Potential Anticipated Claims: US9371096 addresses the problem of existing techniques involving "adding a rail system to the bed for accessory attachment." While US9371096's engagement interface isn't explicitly called a "rail," the concept of attaching a mount to an integrated feature (protrusions) of a side panel could be analogous to a rail system. Claims 1 and 10, which describe the clamping device engaging with protrusions along the length of the side panel, could be anticipated if the "rail attachment mount" of US20080101883A1 functions similarly to secure an accessory to a continuous or semi-continuous feature on a vehicle.

US20090274531A1

Full Citation: US20090274531A1
Publication Date: 2009-11-05 (filed 2008-05-01)
Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Universal Cargo Rail Clamp." This explicitly names a clamping mechanism for a cargo rail, highlighting its universal applicability.
Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference appears highly relevant. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, and 13, which describe a clamping device with fingers, an actuator, and engagement with an interface (which could be considered a "rail" or rail-like structure), are all potentially anticipated. The "universal" aspect also suggests the ability to position the device "anywhere in a range of locations along the length" of the rail, directly impacting Claim 1.

US7785053B2

Full Citation: US7785053B2
Publication Date: 2010-08-31 (filed 2006-03-31)
Brief Description: This patent is for "Single tough locking seat fittings and methods." This suggests a durable, locking mechanism for securing seats.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Similar to US4934572A, this patent is relevant to the locking aspects of US9371096. Claim 5, which details the lock plate and locking mechanism, could be anticipated if US7785053B2 discloses a robust locking fitting with comparable functionality. The general concept of a secure, fixed attachment through a locking mechanism could also broadly relate to other claims.

US7845887B2

Full Citation: US7845887B2
Publication Date: 2010-12-07 (filed 2007-02-14)
Brief Description: This patent describes a "Vehicle rail clamp mount." Similar to US20090274531A1, this reference explicitly discusses a clamping device for a vehicle rail.
Potential Anticipated Claims: This is another highly relevant reference. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, and 13, concerning the clamping device, its fingers, actuator, and engagement with an interface (which could be considered a rail), are all potentially anticipated. The core mechanism of clamping to a rail-like structure would be a key point of comparison.

US20130038087A1

Full Citation: US20130038087A1
Publication Date: 2013-02-14 (filed 2011-08-12)
Brief Description: This patent application is titled "Vehicle panel and attachment system." This broadly describes a system for attaching items to vehicle panels.
Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference appears very pertinent to US9371096's core inventive concept. Claims 1, 10, 11, and 15, which describe an apparatus or system for mounting accessories to a vehicle side panel, would be directly implicated. If US20130038087A1 details a vehicle panel with protrusions and an attachment system that functions similarly to the clamping device in US9371096, it could anticipate many claims.

US8414052B2

Full Citation: US8414052B2
Publication Date: 2013-04-09 (filed 2006-01-13)
Brief Description: This patent describes a "Cargo bed insert for utility vehicle, front end mounting assembly, and optional accessories items for use therewith, along with utility vehicle incorporating the same." This covers a comprehensive system for cargo bed customization.
Potential Anticipated Claims: This is a highly relevant reference, given its focus on cargo bed inserts and accessory mounting for utility vehicles. Claims 1, 10, 11, and 15, which define the cargo bed side panel with protrusions and the clamping device for mounting accessories, could be anticipated if US8414052B2 discloses similar structural features and functional mechanisms within its cargo bed insert and mounting assembly.

US8474756B2

Full Citation: US8474756B2
Publication Date: 2013-07-02 (filed 2008-10-14)
Brief Description: This patent is for a "System for fixing." This broad title implies a general mechanism for securing objects.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Without more specific details from the patent text, it's difficult to identify precise anticipating claims. However, any claim in US9371096 that describes the fundamental act of "securing" or "fixing" the clamping device to the side panel (e.g., Claims 1, 4, 13, 15) could be broadly relevant if US8474756B2 discloses a fixing system with analogous clamping or engagement principles.

US20130256496A1

Full Citation: US20130256496A1
Publication Date: 2013-10-03 (filed 2010-10-28)
Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Seat fastening device." This implies a mechanism for securely attaching a seat, which often involves robust clamping or engagement.
Potential Anticipated Claims: Claims in US9371096 that deal with the fundamental clamping action and the engagement of fingers with protrusions (e.g., Claims 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 15) could be anticipated. If the seat fastening device employs a clamping mechanism with fingers and an actuator that engages with structural features in a similar way to secure an object, it could be highly relevant.

US8668181B2

Full Citation: US8668181B2
Publication Date: 2014-03-11 (filed 2008-01-04)
Brief Description: This patent is for a "Device for attaching a piece of furniture to the floor of an aircraft." This describes a specialized attachment mechanism, likely designed for high security and stability.
Potential Anticipated Claims: While the application is different (aircraft furniture vs. utility vehicle accessories), the underlying principles of a secure attachment device could be relevant. Claims in US9371096 that describe the clamping device's mechanism for resisting movement and providing a fixed attachment (e.g., Claims 1, 4, 13, 15, 16) could be anticipated if US8668181B2 discloses a device with similar clamping fingers, protrusions, and an actuator for engagement and disengagement.