Instrument Panel Patents (Class 108/45)
  • Patent number: 11932153
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining a cabin having an interior and a passenger door, an interior panel located in the interior, a track located in the passenger door within the interior, and a desk operably housed in a slot in the interior panel and slidably coupled to the slot in the interior panel and the track to move between a stowed position within the interior panel and a use position extending outward from the interior panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein H. Berry, David Brian Glickman, Ryan Welch, Dustin Shedlarski, Micah Jones
  • Patent number: 11932154
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a dashboard located in the cabin interior, and a desk supported on the dashboard and movable between a stowed position on the dashboard and a deployed position extending outward from the dashboard, the desk comprising a plurality of interconnected panels having arms configured to engage a track to bend around at least a portion of the dashboard, and wherein the desk operably moves along the track when moved between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Dustin Shedlarski, Micah Jones, Ryan Welch
  • Patent number: 11858399
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a dashboard having a lower portion that defines a recess. The lower portion has a bottom surface and a recess surface. The bottom surface is adjacent to the recess surface, and the recess surface of the lower portion defines the recess. The vehicle also includes a desk operably coupled to the dashboard and movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In the undeployed position, the desk is received within the recess and an underside surface of the desk is generally flush with the bottom surface of the lower portion of the dashboard. In the deployed position, the position of the desk is further vehicle-rearward than the position of the desk in the undeployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Ryan Wayne Warner, Jesse Rene Diephuis, Andrew Brand, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 11623748
    Abstract: A galley message center defines a tablet recess were a tablet is docked, substantially flush with the surrounding bulkhead so that a utensil storage drawer may be closely disposed to the message center and slide out in front of the tablet without the tablet needing to be removed. The docking element of the message center may be hinged to allow the tablet to be folded down with the screen against a recessed surface to protect the screen and prevent undesired or accidental interaction. The utensil storage drawer includes a plurality of features for securely holding utensils when not in use and place all of the stored utensils within reach of the flight staff, in proximity to a galley working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Jolley
  • Patent number: 11577655
    Abstract: A flexible shelf guard for securing items or products in a shelf of a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The shelf guard is designed with a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section are molded to a middle section using a two-shot molding process, thereby producing the shelf guard. The shelf guard is securely and removably affixed to a top portion of the shelf by inwardly folding both end portions of the first section and the second section. The shelf guard comprises a holder and a drainer. The holder is molded to a front portion of the middle section of the shelf guard using any molding process. The drainer is configured to drain fluid/water within the shelf, thereby preventing the growth of molds and microorganisms by maintaining a dry environment within the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: John Joseph Hahn
  • Patent number: 11434680
    Abstract: A stabilizer comprises housing, a lever, and a plate spring. The lever has a shaft, a main body extending radially from the shaft, an elongated portion extending at an angle from the main body, and a cam portion extending from the shaft in a substantially opposite direction to the main body. A tip of the elongated portion extends outward through an opening in the housing. The plate spring has a plane portion fixed to the housing, and a curved portion pushed by the lever cam portion. When the stabilizer is attached to a fixed member (case). The lever tip portion extends from the opening of the housing and abuts to the surface of a slide member (holder). The lever tip exerts a constant load to the surface of the slide member, even if the distance between the fixed member and the slide member changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shinoda
  • Patent number: 11305703
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a device to a dashboard of a vehicle has a planar element having a first height, a first width, a front planar surface and a back planar surface, and a mounting element having a second height smaller than the first height, a second width smaller than the first width, and a length, the mounting element joined to the back planar surface of the planar element such that the length of the mounting element extends orthogonally to the back planar surface. The mounting element is adapted to fit into an existing opening in the dashboard of the vehicle, such that the planar element is supported and presented with the front planar surface upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Higaki
  • Patent number: 11142134
    Abstract: A holder device includes a first joint portion, and a second joint portion. One of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is movable in a directions toward and away from the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion, and the one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is urged by an urging member to a side where the one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion contacts the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion. The one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided with an operating portion that moves the one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion in the direction away from the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion against an urging force of the urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takako Yamada, Yasuhisa Fujiwara, Yoshinari Maeda, Yukinori Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10640053
    Abstract: A display holder includes a display mounting stand that includes a pair of upper and lower holding parts configured to hold a display in a stand-up posture therebetween. Each of the holding parts has a cut-out in a portion of the holding part. An accommodating part includes an aperture through which the display mounting stand passes, and which is filled with one of the holding parts when the display mounting stand is accommodated. A portion of the aperture includes a projection projecting inward of the aperture. The projection located at a position through which the cut-outs pass while the display mounting stand is in the laid-down posture. The projection fills the cut-out of one of the holding parts when the display mounting stand is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takako Yamada, Yasuhisa Fujiwara, Kuniaki Hasegawa, Yoshinari Maeda, Yukinori Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10363853
    Abstract: A tray system for use in a vehicle may include a tray support base that fits between seats of a vehicle, and a tray platform to support an appliance. A container support platform can be supported by the tray platform for supporting a container removable from the appliance. The tray support base can comprise first and second support legs supporting the tray platform. The first support leg can have a recessed portion to accommodate a transmission hump of the vehicle. A receiver tray can receive and support first and second support legs. A tray system for use in a vehicle may include a tray support base that fits between seats of a vehicle, and a tray platform supported by the tray support base. The tray system includes at least one drawer and a lower compartment to contain an electronics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Forrest S. Baker
  • Patent number: 9888767
    Abstract: A towel rack with multiple usage modes, comprising: first connecting rod; second connecting rod; pair of large skeletons, first upper rod of left side large skeleton and right side large skeleton connecting to first connecting rod by first, second rotation positioning member, respectively, pair of large skeletons and first connecting rod being in relative rotation state or locked state when pressing or releasing first button; pair of small skeletons, second upper rod of left side small skeleton connecting to first lower rod of left side large skeleton, and second upper rod of right side small skeleton connecting to first lower rod of right side large skeleton through third and fourth rotation positioning member, respectively, pair of small skeletons and large skeletons being in relative rotation state when pressing second button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU SEAGULL KITCHEN AND BATH PRODUCTS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shuqi Gao, Rongbao Wei, Chunhua Wu, Qianfeng Peng
  • Patent number: 9878674
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a storage assembly to be at least partially received underneath a trim panel of a volume of space is provided to include a storage floor positioned at least partially within the volume of space, a first connector about which the storage floor pivots relative to the trim panel, a cover providing covering to the storage floor, and a second connector spaced apart from the first connector and supporting the cover such that the cover may be moved relative to the storage floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Holmes Dunham, Kathleen M Parlow, Elizabeth Cleary Johnston Tengler
  • Patent number: 9845037
    Abstract: Device for holding at least one container in a vehicle interior and armrest unit. The device has a carrier housing which encloses a receiving cavity open towards one end face, and having a carrier slide which is mounted to the carrier housing to be movable between a rest position plunged in the receiving cavity and a functional position moved out of the end face of the receiving cavity, wherein the carrier slide has at least one container recess and at least one bottom support part pivotably mounted to the carrier slide. The bottom support part is designed as a sheet-type component made of a flat material having uniform thickness connected to the carrier slide by at least one articulated hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bohlke, Wolfgang Sitzler, Wolfram Zummack, Bogdan Tutelea, Andreas Goebbels, Tanja Pink, Hartmut Heine, Jan Boddenberg
  • Patent number: 9831904
    Abstract: An adjustable cradle for mounting a mobile device includes a base having an attachment arrangement to removably attach the cradle to the mobile device or a case for the mobile device; and an arm adjustably extending from the base. The arm includes a roller disposed at an end of the arm opposite the base. The roller is configured and arranged to engage the mobile device or case to facilitate, in combination with the attachment arrangement of the base, retention of the attachment of the cradle to the mobile device or case. The adjustable cradle optionally includes a mount coupled to the base or mounting the cradle to a surface or for coupling to a mounting apparatus for mounting the cradle to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: National Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 9764693
    Abstract: An electronic device holder for uses such as within a motor vehicle. The holder preferably works with gravity and angular forces using the weight of the electronic device, which can be a smart phone or tablet. Top and bottom contact pads can be provided secure and prevent movement of an inserted electronic device. The twisting action of the electronic device to insert the phone into the holder exerts pressure on the lower part of the holder portion, with enough pressure to stabilize and prevent movement or any significant movement of the electronic device with respect to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Barry Biondo
  • Patent number: 9758249
    Abstract: A support structure for attachment to a tray table for a passenger seat, a tray table for a passenger seat, and a passenger seat. The support structure comprises a support arm shaped to substantially match at least a first portion of a peripheral contour of the tray table; and a connecting structure for connecting the support arm to the tray table in a manner such that the support arm is configurable into a stowed position in which the support arm extends substantially along said at least first portion of the peripheral contour of the tray table and at least one support position for supporting an item on the tray table in an angled orientation between a surface of the item and the surface of the tray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd., Tenryu Aero Component Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guo Ying Zheng, Herng Huei Foong, Teruo Sawada
  • Patent number: 9661767
    Abstract: A mount for holding a display device includes a main support, a plurality of arms, and a locking assembly. The main support includes a front surface and a rear surface. The plurality of arms extends from a periphery of the main support. The main support and the plurality of arms are configured to retain the display device. The locking assembly is connected to the rear surface of the main support, and is configured to secure the display device. The locking assembly includes a locking arm and a locking mechanism. The locking arm is translatable relative to the main support, and is configured to support the display device in a secured position. The locking mechanism is connected to the locking arm. The locking mechanism includes a lever connected to the locking arm for releasing the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Danicich, Curtis Wicks
  • Patent number: 9302629
    Abstract: An integrated tray table is provided for a motor vehicle. The tray table includes a support that extends in a first plane and a retention panel that includes a pivot connecting the retention panel to the support. The retention panel is pivotally displaceable about the pivot between a home position wherein the retention panel extends in second plane substantially parallel to or the same as the first plane and a deployed position wherein the retention panel rests within a third plane in an angle to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amber LaVerne Hall, Sean David Fannin
  • Patent number: 9296340
    Abstract: A device for attaching a tablet computer to the rear-side of a motor vehicle seat has a support (5, 50, 50?, 50?, 59, 150) for receiving the tablet computer (6, 60). The support (5, 50, 50?, 50?, 59, 150) can be moved between a first position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a?, 60a?, 160a) of the tablet computer (6, 60) is arranged on the side opposite the vehicle seat part (1a, 1b, 1c, 1c?, 1c?, 10a, 10a?, 10b, 10c) and aligned essentially vertically and a second user position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a?, 60a?, 160a) is oriented upwards and essentially horizontally or oblique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Kinetix AG
    Inventors: Peter Ackeret, Juergen Siegfried Skott
  • Patent number: 8714093
    Abstract: An instrument panel (10) for a motor vehicle, with an upper side comprising a raisable cover (30) which, at a forward edge, as observed in the direction of forward movement of the vehicle, is supported for pivoting relative to a shell (20) of the panel, and with a storage space (40) delineated thereunder. The instrument panel has a board unit (50) which at a transverse edge is supported for pivoting relative to the shell (20) between the cover and the storage space, and comprises a pair of board leaves (60,70) pivotably connected to one another at an opposite transverse edge in such a way that a first board leaf (70) can be deployed, from a retracted working position abutting against the second board leaf (60) under the cover, to a deployed working position situated in a substantially horizontal plane with the second board leaf (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Tomas Rignér, Daniel Johansson, Joel Åhl, Carl Pantzar
  • Patent number: 8646393
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a writing support in a motor vehicle. The device includes: a tablet that can be mounted in the motor vehicle element that includes an opening; a translation mechanism for allowing translationary movement of the tablet between a rest position in which the tablet is housed in the motor vehicle element and an intermediate position in which the tablet is extracted from the motor vehicle element through the opening; a rotation mechanism that rotates the tablet to allow the tablet to be rotated from the intermediate position into a position of use in which the tablet is inclined to form a writing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Arnaud Souillac
  • Patent number: 7226138
    Abstract: A drawer includes a case, a drawer member, a switching member, and an urging-direction changing member. The case is buried in a panel. The drawer member is drawable out of the case, and is accommodatable in the case. The switching member is capable of outputting an operation force applied thereto in a forward direction and in a reverse direction in a switching manner. The urging-direction changing member receives outputs from the switching member, and is capable of urging the drawer member in a drawn-out direction and in an accommodated direction in a changing manner. The drawer can urge the drawer member in both directions, the drawn-out direction and the accommodated direction, with a reduced number of component parts and with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6817372
    Abstract: A multipurpose carrying tray includes a housing for containing items. The housing includes a top surface and a support base wherein the top surface has a depth. A drawer is disposed within the housing below the top surface of the housing. The drawer is smaller in depth than the depth of the top surface and is disposed above the support base. At least one opening in the top surface is provided so that an item can be placed through the top surface and supported by the support base. The tray is designed to be connected to a walker, and may be designed to be removable. By having an ability to remove the tray, the fold-up portability of the walker is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Stella G. Ennals, James L. Marshall, Sr., Richard A. Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20020073899
    Abstract: A foldable table for steering wheel with features and devices that include: a table angle control (9), a springing strip (31), a limit stopper (32) and reinforcing rib (34) on the support (3) to restrict the foldable table not to fall apart in fold-up position for easy carrying and storage; different ways of easily and rigidly mounting the foldable table on a steering wheel which can be removed just as easily as mounting; and a oblong slot on the surface of the foldable table for storage of pens, utensils, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Zhong Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6315252
    Abstract: A computer stand for holding a notebook-type computer at a convenient height for use in a motor vehicle. The stand, which is free-standing, holds the computer in sight and reach of the driver and is particularly useful for reading location maps. It also facilitates the use of the computer in modem/facsimile operations while a commuter is in transit. The computer stand comprises a weighted base, a flexible column and a platform for detachably mounting a laptop computer. Weights in the base provide ballast for the computer stand. The column has both a telescopic section and a flexible segment so that the position of the platform can be easily adjusted, bringing any computer mounted thereon in reach and sight of the user without interfering with the seating or control of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jefrey S. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6095060
    Abstract: A tray apparatus securable to the windshield via suction cups or the like, and for providing a second pair of suction cups which are adjustable in height to be attachable onto the dash board. There is further provided a framework which allows the tray to slide from the frame and rotate to a position below the dashboard at the level of the lap of a driver of a car. When not in use, the tray is returnable to the tray framework so that it may be stored atop the dashboard for further use. There are further included cup holders foldable out from the tray surface for supporting cups therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Ma
  • Patent number: 5820194
    Abstract: An adjustable tray table for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A base is fixed to a dashboard in the vehicle, and a platform is attached to the base. The platform or tray table has two sides and a substantially flat surface, and is adapted for movement between an extended position and a retracted storage position. When in the retracted storage position the platform closely conforms to the contour of the vehicle dashboard, and projects outwardly therefrom when in the extended position. Slidably engaging rails are provided to controllably direct the platform between the active and retracted storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Slayter
  • Patent number: 5813583
    Abstract: A new portable CD holder for holding a portable compact disc player for use in a motor vehicle. The inventive device includes a bracket arrangement adapted for securement to an underside of a dashboard of a vehicle below a radio thereof. A pair of circular hook and loop patches are provided. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to the bracket arrangement. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to an underside of a portable CD player. The pair of hook and loop patches secure the portable CD player to the bracket arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Paulo Benedeti
  • Patent number: 5769369
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and holding an electronic organizer device for use in a vehicle, includes a generally rectangularly shaped cradle member for retaining the device. At least one pair of opposing jaw members are mounted on opposed peripheral edges of the cradle member for releasably holding the device in the cradle. The jaw members are biased toward one another by attached tensioned springs. An elongated stand member has on a first end a universal ball and socket joint assembly for attachment to the cradle, and can be releasably locked for holding the cradle in a spatial orientation selected by a user. The opposite second end of the stand member is adapted to releasably mate with a stand member for engagement with a surface for supporting the cradle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: James Meinel
  • Patent number: 5671686
    Abstract: A writing table (10) includes a hinge (16) and support table (18) pivotally secured to the hinge (16). The hinge (16) secures the support table (18) to a trim member (14), such as in a vehicle. The hinge (16) and support table (18) may be molded of plastic. The support table (18) is molded in two halves and secured about the hinge (16). The writing table (10) includes an interacting stop (34) operatively connected between the hinge (16) and support table (18) to establish the full movement between full open and closed positions. Also included are resistance members (36) to provide resistant and controlled movement of the support table (18) between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Manchester Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Hurley, Kevin Whalen
  • Patent number: 5667180
    Abstract: A shelf bracket designed to adapt a standard vehicle ashtray into an open receptacle for retaining items, such as beverage containers, in a way that resists both horizontal and vertical motion. The shelf bracket consists of a planar shelf positioned horizontally over the ashtray and is secured in position by an ashtray straddling means that consists of at least one pair of downwardly extending rigid tabs positioned on each side of the shelf. The distance between the tabs of each individual pair is slightly less than the thickness of an ashtray wall and the distance between the two opposing tab pairs is approximately equal to the width of the vehicle ashtray, thus allowing each of the ashtray side walls to be inserted between a pair of tabs which clamp firmly against the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: David Lewis Duckworth
  • Patent number: 5660311
    Abstract: A novel dashboard organizer (10) for mounting on the dashboard of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat or airplane provides security and ready access for various items such as pens, pencils, calculators, rulers, letter openers, maps, notes, or turnpike tickets. The organizer has a base (20) that attaches to the upper surface of the vehicle dashboard, and approximately conforms to the general shape of the dashboard. The body (30) of the organizer is attached to the base such that the body is held in a substantially vertical position. The forward-most portion (32) of the body is arranged so that it comes in contact with the vehicle's windshield, and the remainder (34) of the body is arranged to provide storage (42, 44, 46, 48) for one or more of the above mentioned objects. When mounted in proper position on the vehicle dashboard, the organizer lies generally perpendicular to the long axis of the dashboard, thus dividing the dashboard into two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: William V. Soltau
  • Patent number: 5615620
    Abstract: A portable desk according to a preferred embodiment includes a base plate securable to a vehicle floor board by conventional fasteners such as bolts or screws. A centrally disposed fixed cylindrical pedestal extends upwardly from the base plate into an open bottom end of a tubular vertical support column. A first set screw secures the support column in a rotationally and vertically adjusted position to the pedestal. A mounting standard includes a straight lower leg portion secured in a telescopically adjusted position within an open upper end of the vertical support column by a second set screw. An upper leg of the mounting standard is inclined at a forty-five degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support column. A third set screw adjustably secures an upper end of the inclined upper leg of the mounting standard in telescoping relation within a mounting socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Assembled Products Corporation
    Inventor: Noel S. Owen
  • Patent number: 5584531
    Abstract: A face to face play area including a base portion that has a plurality of cylindrical members. The cylindrical members are positionable adjacent a corner of the base portion. Included is a top portion that has an upper side, an underside and a pair of circular openings. The upper side has a rectangular play area that is spaced between the circular openings. The underside has a plurality of cylindrical slots, with each slot capable of receiving one of the cylindrical members of the base portion. Each circular opening forms a peripheral ledge along the underside of the top portion. Each ledge has at least four pegs projecting. Lastly, included are a pair of seat members, with each seat member has a pair of elongated straps. Each strap pair has a disc-shaped cushion positioned within. Each strap has a pair of supporting ends with a pair of keyholes. Each keyhole couples with at least one of the pegs of one of the circular openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Judy Bowman
  • Patent number: 5427447
    Abstract: A drawer unit which includes a unit body 2 in the form of a parallelepiped box which is open at the front thereof and a drawer member 4 accommodated for drawing out movement in the unit body 2 is constructed such that, when the drawer member 4 is drawn out from the unit body 2, as the drawer member 4 moves forwardly in the unit body 2, a guide projection 47 on the drawer member 4 is slidably moved in a guideway 25 of the unit body 2 such that it is slidably moved laterally sidewardly under the guidance of an oblique portion 25a of the guideway 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Satoh
  • Patent number: 5419265
    Abstract: A tray for use in a truck having a peaked dash is provided with a support yoke and suction cups attached to the tray at its windshield end. Because the mounting mechanism is simple and all at the windshield end, the tray is easily mounted and dismounted and is unlikely to interfere with dashboard gauges or instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Gerd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5390609
    Abstract: A desk structure is provided for adjustable positioning upon vehicular consoles of variable contours and dimensions in tight gripping relation therewith, and yet readily removable to transfer to a different environment providing generally similar support therefor. A pair of precisely contoured leg members support a cavitated table top member, the leg members being formed of a substantially rigid transparent thermoplastic material and each having a rearwardly facing curvilinear surface providing ease of access by the vehicle operator or driver to control mechanisms on the console. Structure is provided on the leg members for lateral adjustment thereof to accommodate consoles of varying dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Carl B. McKee
  • Patent number: 5337677
    Abstract: Vehicle snack tray with at least one keyhole-shaped opening for supporting a beverage container with or without a handle. Below the opening is a platform for resting the beverage container when it is placed loosely within the opening. A plurality of beamsprings extend radially into the opening to stabilize the beverage container from horizontal motion. The snack tray has a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle dashboard. One bracket embodiment is fixedly attached to the tray. Another embodiment has dovetail-shaped surfaces which slidably engage the tray. Still another bracket embodiment is fixedly attached to the vehicle dashboard. Bracket alternatives are designed to fit predefined features of specific vehicles such as minivans. One alternative embodiment has three parallel male members which friction fit into a rectangular orifice in the minivan dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Sherman L. Peeno
  • Patent number: 5322021
    Abstract: A collapsible portable desk has a plurality of planar leaves that are foldably connected to selectively assume an extended configuration, in which the desk may be used, and a collapsed configuration, in which the desk may be carried by an exposed handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Byron R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5127720
    Abstract: A lottery ticket scratch tray is herein provided to promote the clean and efficient removal of opaque coverings shielding lottery ticket variables. The device includes a square or rectangularly shaped smooth surface surrounded by four walls. Built into the device is a slot through which debris from spent tickets may be deposited. This debris stored beneath the smooth surface and may be disposed of through the removal of a slidable drawer which serves as the storage compartment. The device further contains a novel hook-and-loop fastening system to aid in the storage of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Florance Shultz
  • Patent number: 4909423
    Abstract: This car serving tray is designed to be supported quickly and easily to the dashboard of an automobile. Primarily, it consists of a rectangular panel having a pair of hooks on one edge that will engage with a pair of hinge rods mounted to the dashboard, and an adjustable brace rod is provided and engages with a dashboard mounted bracket for support of the rear portion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Benis Isak
  • Patent number: 4896611
    Abstract: A drink holder for mini-vans is detailed and described which does not require a fixed physical attachment to a mini-van, the drink holder having a flat surface tray with a plurality of openings therethrough adapted to receive various sized drink containers or soft drink cans, and a coffee cup, together with a rectangular shaped receptacle providing a cavity below the surface of the top, the cavity for receiving small food or non-food items. Attached to the bottom surface of the top are a pair of "J" shaped legs, the elongated portion of the legs adapted to be frictionally secured interiorly to a compartment provided in the mini-van front console and dashboard assembly and thereby to secure the tray in a fixed level portion. The legs are each hinged to the bottom surface of the tray to swing in towards the tray for minimum storage room and protection against breakage of the legs during non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: James W. Lorenzini
  • Patent number: 4846382
    Abstract: A vehicle dash mounting device for mounting at least one accessory to a top surface of a vehicle dash includes a housing for mounting to the top surface of the vehicle dash with an upper housing surface and hook and eye fabric fasteners for detachably securing the accessory to the upper housing surface. The housing is also detachably mounted to the dash by hook and eye fabric fasteners. Additionally, for vehicles with a defroster-type vent in the dash, a hook is mounted to the upper housing surface to engage the vent. The housing is generally of a wedge shape, tapering with the downwardly sloping top surface of the dash to position the upper housing surface in a substantially horizontal plane. For accessories with bottom mounted speakers, such as some CB radios, the upper housing surface has an aperture beneath the radio, and the front face also has one or more apertures to allow sound from the speaker to be heard within the vehicle passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Nancy E. Foultner
    Inventors: Jerry L. Foultner, Wesley F. Foultner
  • Patent number: 4842235
    Abstract: An illuminated clipboard for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a male cigarette lighter adapter plug which is placed into a female cigarette lighter socket on a dashboard for supply power to a lamp of the clipboard. The male adapter plug stabilizes the clipboard so that a person can see information and write on the clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4842174
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus including a flexible, generally tubular support arm having threadably attached to one end thereof an equipment mounting member, and having threadably attached, at the other end thereof a vehicle support attachment member. A first attachment member is configured for mounting to a somewhat horizontal portion of the vehicle such as the floor, while a second attachment member is configured for side mounting. The flexible support arm is configured to provide a measure of resistance to flex sufficient to support the equipment without movement during operation of the vehicle, while sufficient to flex away from the occupants in the event of impact. The mounting member and the attachment member are relatively small in dimension and secured at extreme ends of the flexible portion of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Mark E. Sheppard, David L. Yacobucci
  • Patent number: 4792174
    Abstract: An automobile dashboard is provided with a slidably movable flat snack tray which can be selectively withdrawn outwardly from the dashboard into a cantilevered use position and pushed inwardly within the dashboard into a storage position. The flat body of the snack tray is adapted for supporting various snack items and is also provided with a plurality of holes for receiving and retaining drink containers in an upright disposition. In an alternate embodiment, an articulable support is assembled with the snack tray for spaced disposition relative to the tray body in its use position to support the base of drink containers received within the holes and for nesting position with the tray body in its storage position within the dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Shioda
  • Patent number: 4756528
    Abstract: A video system incorporated into the back of a typical passenger seat, as on an airplane, bus, etc. The system includes a TV screen disposed normally in an upright position and recessed at least in part in the usual recess in a seat back. The arm rest of the seat next rearwardly carries various controls by means of which several modes of TV operation are available, along with the playing of music, commentaries and the like via cassettes in the arm rest, a master array of cassettes located centrally in the aircraft, disk drives, and improved power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Ramon Umashankar
  • Patent number: 4717193
    Abstract: A shelf for carrying articles in a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, is formed from a single piece of metal, such as steel or aluminum to provide an elongated shelf having an up-turned and inwardly angled rear lip to prevent articles placed on the shelf from falling off. Mounting brackets are attached to the opposite ends of the shelf. The mounting brackets each have flange portions which extend inwardly toward one another over the shelf member itself; and these flange portions have holes in them to permit mounting of the shelf in the sunvisor mounting holes already in the vehicle. When installed, the mounting brackets are essentially concealed and the shelf is spaced a short distance from the roof of the vehicle immediately adjacent the upper edge of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: Ernest Noriega
  • Patent number: 4521021
    Abstract: A video console for passenger vehicles having a video display integrally formed as a table positioned within a recess of an adjacent passenger seat forwardly disposed of the intended user, rotated from a stored to an access position, the video display table having separable top and bottom surfaces providing access to an interior with instrumentalities disposed therein for providing amusement and educative benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Claude E. Dixon
  • Patent number: 4174669
    Abstract: The assembly of a vehicle tray and a mounting bracket with the latter either adapted to be mounted over the dash or adapted to be mounted on the floor of an automobile or truck. The tray is readily separable from the mounting bracket to be stowed elsewhere in the vehicle, the mounting bracket of the "over the dash" type is readily adjustable and installable without tools on dashes of different fore and aft depth and the mounting bracket of the "on the floor" type is readily collapsible with the tray removed therefrom for a minimum of encumbrance on the floor of the vehicle. The mounting bracket in either embodiment is of L-shape configuration including a horizontally extending arm, a vertically extending arm, and an upstanding pin readily engaging in an upright hole forming a socket in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Inventor: A. Roger Lalonde