Pivotable Or Rotatable Receiver Patents (Class 224/282)
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Patent number: 8567651Abstract: A cargo rack apparatus for removable attachment removably attachment to the vertical supports of a boat tower. The boat tower including at least one port vertical support and at least one starboard vertical support, each vertical support including an upper end and a lower end, the apparatus including a cargo rack member providing storage. The boat tower also including a plurality of connectors releasably suspending cargo rack member within the vertical supports of the boat tower, wherein the cargo rack member is removably and pivotally attached to each port and starboard vertical supports at a location between the upper and lower ends thereof, and wherein the cargo rack member can tilt down within the said vertical supports of the boat tower for access to stored equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Raymond L. Jesewitz
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Publication number: 20130270313Abstract: A roof rack that is configured with hinges and lifting shocks that allows the center basket to be lifted while still attached to the frame. Additionally, the roof rack can be used to mount lighting to the vehicle. Embodiments of the roof rack allow the roof of the vehicle to be accessed without removing the rack from the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: David Ekstrom
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Patent number: 8540127Abstract: A vehicle instrument support and storage apparatus for a vehicle driven by a human driver who occupies a driver's seat of the vehicle provides a frame having a plate configured for attachment to a selected vehicle. The frame has a plurality of docking station positions. A rotary bearing is attachable to the vehicle. An instrument support includes a support panel and an arm having an inner and outer end portions, the arm inner end portion being connected to the rotary bearing. The instrument support panel is affixed to the outer end portion of the support arm. An interlock of the instrument support with one docking station places the instrument support panel in front of the driver of the vehicle. An interlock of the instrument support with the other docking station places the instrument support in a position that is spaced away from (laterally, circumferentially and/or radially) first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Kevin P. Collins
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Patent number: 8534520Abstract: A shopping cart tray apparatus includes a plate that has a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A top side of the plate has a depression therein. A coupler is attached to a bottom of the plate. The coupler is configured to frictionally engage the handle of a shopping cart and support the plate on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Mario Liparoti
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Patent number: 8511526Abstract: A mounting platform attached to a vehicle through an existing opening. A base portion having a clamp is placed through a brake light assembly opening, after the brake light assembly has been removed, and is securely held to the roof of a vehicle. A platform portion is attached to the base portion. The mounting platform is used to mount accessories such as light bars, emergency lights, antennas, or any other accessory desired to be mounted to the vehicle. The mounting platform may be easily installed and removed from the vehicle without any damage or modification to the vehicle and without drilling any additional holes in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Thomas E. Schellens
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Patent number: 8496260Abstract: A storage apparatus (10) attachable to a wheelchair (44) is pivotable and slidable from a storage position against the back of a wheelchair backrest to an access position adjacent to a wheelchair armrest. Pivoting and sliding is accomplished under power of an operator with the storage apparatus and slide mechanism (11) rotating substantially 90 degrees around vertical pivot member (30) and then sliding on a block member (18). A handle (24) is used to aide with the movement of the storage apparatus and to operate a locking mechanism (28), which secures the storage apparatus in access and storage positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventors: Leonard Jutkiewicz, Krzysztof Kotapka
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Patent number: 8469246Abstract: A cup holder apparatus for a vehicle may include an accommodating tray provided inside a vehicle compartment and having an accommodation space for accommodating a cup therein, a cup support member rotatably provided around a rotating shaft (Z axis) against the accommodating tray and including a bottom portion for safe-placing the cup in the accommodation space and a support portion formed in a stand from the bottom portion to support an outer periphery of the cup, and a release prevention member prepared separately from the cup support member and connected to the bottom portion of the cup support member, while being rotatably coupled to the accommodating tray, to prevent release of the cup support member from the accommodating tray, wherein the release of the release prevention member from the accommodating tray is hindered by an upper stopper formed on the accommodating tray while the cup support member is rotatably coupled to the upper stopper and is rotated around the rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Ecoplastic CorporationInventors: Young Ju Lee, Cheol Soo Choi, Dong-Jin Park
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Patent number: 8439239Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.Inventor: Michael F. Lee
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Patent number: 8348110Abstract: A self-rotating cup holder comprising cup-shaped inner and outer bases, a weight disposed in the top edge of the inner base, the inner base can rotate within the outer base; two circular tunnels formed by circular tracks disposed in the top edges of the inner and outer bases; a spring mounting block disposed in each tunnel, springs extend from the mounting blocks through the respective tunnels in opposite directions; a stopper tunnel disposed in each tunnel and positioned opposite the mounting blocks, spring stoppers on the ends of the springs are positioned outside the respective stopper tunnels, wherein when the inner base rotates in a first direction a first spring is stretched in a first direction toward a first spring mounting block, wherein when the inner base rotates in a second direction a second spring is stretched in second direction toward a second spring mounting block.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: William O. Whynot, Enno Ferrara
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Patent number: 8342468Abstract: A drink container holding device for permitting articles and a beverage to be stored on a music stand includes a frame. At least one mounting assembly is coupled to the frame. The mounting assembly engages the stand to mount the frame to a stand. A sleeve is coupled to the frame. The sleeve has a beverage aperture extending therein through an upper end of the sleeve. The beverage aperture receives a drink container to allow the sleeve to support the drink container adjacent to the stand when the frame is mounted on the stand.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventor: Mark B. Strickland
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Publication number: 20120241485Abstract: A kit for securing ladders to a vehicle comprising at least two units, each unit comprising a body with a pivotally attached arm unit, wherein each unit is adapted to be secured to a portion of a ladder. Each arm unit comprises an arm body, with a pivot aperture, and two attached arms. The included angle between the two attached arms is 120°. A method for securing ladders to a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing two units, each unit comprising a body with a pivotally attached arm unit; attaching the two units to opposite sides of a ladder; placing the ladder in the bed of a pick-up such that the pivotally attached arm units are in contact with the cab of the pick-up; and securing the ladder to the pick-up to prevent unwanted movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Kevin Moore
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Patent number: 8261954Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.Inventor: Michael Lee
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Patent number: 8245894Abstract: A collapsible cup holder is provided. The collapsible cup holder is adapted to be coupled to a shopping cart and is rotatable between a retracted and deployed configuration. The cup holder includes a back with a top portion and a bottom portion. A top ring is rotatably coupled to the top portion and a base is rotatably coupled to the bottom portion. A strut extends between the top ring and the base and is rotatably coupled to both such that rotation of either the top ring or the base causes corresponding rotation of the other.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Alyson M. Buehler
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Patent number: 8141759Abstract: A container assembly for a motor vehicle passenger compartment includes a housing, a door, an arm, a helical spring and a cam. The door is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a first pivot between a closed position wherein the door covers an opening in the housing and an open position wherein the door is pivoted about the first pivot to allow access through the opening to a storage space in the housing. The arm is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a second pivot. The arm has a cam surface. The helical spring continuously biases the arm toward the first pivot. The cam is coupled to the door and movable with the door about the first pivot between the closed position and the open position. The cam has a center portion and a lobe extending outwardly from the center portion. The lobe remains in contact with the cam surface of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Joel T. Runyan
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Patent number: 8136708Abstract: Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Jeff Castro, Eric Roesinger, Kevin Lesley
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Publication number: 20120055399Abstract: A paint cart for transporting at least one component, the paint cart has a frame assembly, and at least one support extending upward from the frame assembly; the support is operable for supporting the component. The paint cart also includes a rotary device mounted to the frame assembly, the rotary device is operable for rotating the support and the component as the paint cart moves along a cart path. The paint cart moves through a paint booth located on the cart path, and there is a paint applicator inside the paint booth used for applying primer or paint to the component mounted to the support. The rotary device rotates the component as the paint cart moves along the cart path through the paint booth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Magna International Inc.Inventor: Karl Poehlmann
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Publication number: 20120048902Abstract: Assembly including a vehicle equipment designed to detachably hold an electrically powered electronic appliance (3) provided with a display screen (5) and manually activatable function keys (7), is characterized in that the equipment has a cavity (11) in which the appliance (3) is held and which for that purpose is open at the front where the cavity (11) is bordered by a part (13a) made of soft material connected to a plate (15) mounted so that it can rotate about an axis (15a) that is transverse to the back of the cavity (11), the appliance (3) being pressed up behind and/or against this part made of soft material (13a) under the effect of first and second thrusting elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCEInventor: Pascal Clochard
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Publication number: 20120018473Abstract: A trim element is provided. The trim element includes an upper surface extending between a front edge and a rear edge, a holder is arranged on the upper surface and a flap. The flap is rotatably movable around an axis (A) of rotation between a retracted position, in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the upper surface, and an upright position, in which the flap forms a non-zero angle with the upper surface. The flap includes a front edge and a rear edge. The axis of rotation (A) of the flap extends near the rear edge of the flap. The flap pivots towards the rear edge of the upper surface between its retracted position and its upright position. A motor vehicle dashboard is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIEInventors: Sergio Da Costa Pito, Christian Brancheriau, Christophe Brunard, Didier Ponthieu, Clement Pinson
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Patent number: 8100306Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) includes an elongate load carrying member (13) selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (20). A crossbar portion (15) of the elongate load carrying member (13) is wider than it is thick and is orientated such that the width of the crossbar portion (15) is vertically arranged when the roof bar (10) is in the deployed position so as to increase the resistance to vertical bending of the crossbar portion (15).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming, Danny Edward Stanesby, Alicia Agius, Will Farrelly, Ian Sutherland Wright
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Patent number: 8065996Abstract: A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventor: Dan Neuvelt
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Patent number: 8052190Abstract: A vehicle console having a cargo holder that can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cargo holder is mounted to a top of the vehicle console and includes a rigid frame and a pliable web spanning at least a portion of the frame. In its deployed position, the cargo holder extends forward of the top of the console and can be used as a flexible tray. In its stowed position, the cargo holder can rest upon the top of the console and be used as a map pocket.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Anthony D'Alessandro
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Patent number: 8025194Abstract: A cargo rack apparatus for removable attachment to a boat, such as to the vertical supports of a wakeboard boat tower. One embodiment includes one or more peripheral rails defining front, back, and side walls, and an interior volume, and one or more crossmembers between walls to provide a support surface for stored items. The apparatus can be attached to the vertical supports of the boat tower by releasable connectors or mounts at a plurality of points, and can subsequently be easily and completely removed from the tower. Upon release of only some of the connectors, the rack pivots relative to the tower to enable the storage area of the rack to be brought closer to the user, making it easier to load and unload cargo. The entire rack can also pivot and fold down with the boat tower for storage, towing, and areas of limited clearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Raymond L. Jesewitz
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Patent number: 7896206Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey Myron, Elizabeth Myron
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Patent number: 7870984Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding objects, preferably a telephone, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle, with a frame or receptacle and a reversibly closable lid which is mounted so that it may be swiveled in each case about one of the rotary axes arranged in the region of the upper closing edges of the side walls of the frame or container and lying essentially parallel to the closing edges. The lid has an opening and closing mechanism which is arranged in a function carrier frame that may be connected to the lid. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the production of a device for holding objects, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbHInventors: Michael Perl, Georg Sigl
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Publication number: 20110006091Abstract: An adaptable platform for a vehicle is provided having a main body, at least one support arm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The at least one support arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface arm are adjustably coupled to the main body. The main body, the at least one support arm, and the panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure the adaptable platform to the vehicle. The adaptable platform couples to the vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Alan Lee Schafer
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Patent number: 7866620Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
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Patent number: 7857176Abstract: A video system includes a display, and a media source operatively coupled to the display, wherein the display and the media source are mounted to a vehicle seat, and at least the display is capable of being fixed to different positions using a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may include at least one of a bracket, a post and a wedge.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventor: George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 7845667Abstract: A device to help an individual with a disability carry his or her bag or storage unit on their wheelchair or other mobility device, without requiring a large space to deploy the storage and retrieval product. The invention consists of a set of arms, connected to a sliding mechanism along a track. When the user wishes to access his or her belongings, the bag slides from a storage position behind the wheelchair to a retrieval position perpendicular to the wheelchair's armrest. The deployment process is accomplished without rotating the entire mechanism around a central axis. Thus, the invention keeps the storage unit close to the wheelchair and therefore takes up less space during retrieval and increases stability during deployment.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Sebastian Mahler, Alec E. Beasley, Ramy Wassef, Vanja Kravarusic, Shawn Shoemaker
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Publication number: 20100272300Abstract: A device for holding vehicle sensors in a vehicle, wherein the device includes a housing, at least one holder for mobile terminals, wherein the first holder for mobile terminals is designed such that the mobile terminals are affixed to the housing via the holder by a releasable connection, and the holder, which includes a ball, is connected to the housing by a ball socket. An inside mirror of the vehicle is affixed to a holder arm which is rotatably connected to the housing, and the housing has an installation space for holding sensors, provisions for communication, provisions for position determination, and actuation provisions for making calls.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Patrick Schlitt, Wilhelm Beer
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Patent number: 7806307Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes a holding column and a support device. The holding column is movable between a horizontal position and an upright position. The holding column is operable for receiving a crank arm of a pedal of a bicycle when the holding column is in the upright position. The support device fixes the holding column in the upright position when the holding column is in the upright position.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
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Patent number: 7770767Abstract: A convertible gun carrier is to be mounted on a front of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) which quickly transitions from a horizontal gun rack position to a vertical gun rest position. This gun carrier holds a gun or rifle securely during ATV travel and also doubles as a shooting rest when the ATV is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Michael Richard Bartholdy
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Publication number: 20100155441Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with at least one holding device, a holding device with at least one band unit and a band unit for a holding device used to clamp objects in place, which includes, but is not limited to an oblong band element with two band ends. The band element at least partially encompasses a flexible band material and the hinged units are secured to the band ends in order to realize an arrangement in which the band unit is hinged to the holding device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Klaus Kuhlmann, Werner Berhard
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Publication number: 20100157431Abstract: The invention relates to a display device, particularly for an automotive vehicle, that comprises an unfolding member (1), the display device including a mounting member (10) for attaching the unfolding member in at least a first inactive position and in at least a second unfolded position, the display device being adapted so that the unfolding member follows an unfolding movement between the first and second positions thereof, the movement of the unfolding member including at least partially a translation portion and a rotation portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Laurent Montarou, Olivier Luneau, Robert Arnould
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Patent number: 7723935Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overhead stowage bin compartment in a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft. A motor is operatively coupled to the compartment for moving the compartment between open and closed positions. A remotely located control system is in communication with the motor and supplies a current signal to the motor to drive the motor. The control system monitors operation of the motor and senses when the compartment is obstructed by sensing the current being supplied to the motor. The control system also senses a position of the compartment and, along with the computed required current, uses this information to determine if the weight of the compartment exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Heidi J. Kneller, Dennis C. Lin, Bret L. Lamoree, James L. Tylee
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Patent number: 7703623Abstract: A lid device driving an opening operation of a lid body by an urging member such as a coil spring and capable of opening the lid body securely. Of a guide portion for guiding an engaging end of the urging member of the lid device, a first guide portion for guiding the engaging end in moving the lid body from a closed position to an open position is provided with an initial guide portion and a later guide portion so that the urging member releases a large urging force when the engaging end is guided by the initial guide portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuhiro Katagiri, Masaki Ohmiya
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Publication number: 20090302628Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle convenience unit having a cupholder and storage container that facilitates a lid to one of engage and disengage the storage container when the convenience unit is pivoted, militating against container spillage, by the use of a damping link arm. The assembly comprises a housing, a hinged convenience unit, a storage container lid, and a link arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: Omar Cinco
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Publication number: 20090295183Abstract: A storage system and a method for controlling the deployment of the storage system, wherein the storage system provides additional storage space without the need for a second glove box door and latch. The storage system includes a first storage compartment defining a first storage cavity, a second storage compartment defining a second storage cavity, and an articulating armatures coupled to the second storage compartment, wherein the armature links the second storage compartment to a portion of the support structure for controlling the motion of the second storage compartment relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Mark G. Piekny, Jeffrey Alan Binns, Tanya Sepell
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Patent number: 7621575Abstract: A funeral urn transport device for storing and facilitating the transport of a funeral urn in a vehicle, typically, a hearse. The transport device includes a compartment that pivots within an opening in the floor of the rear compartment of the hearse for storage below the floor of the hearse when not in use and pivots to rise above the floor of the hearse to securely contain, hold and display a funeral urn, in an dignified manner, for transport to a service or repose.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Eagle Specialty Vehicles, LLCInventor: Michael R. Kellerman
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Patent number: 7621431Abstract: A folding stroller tray that finds particular use with folding strollers commonly used with small children. The present invention provides a folding stroller tray with a plurality of members which have complementary nested portions that are connected by fasteners that pass the nesting portions to define axis about which the members rotate and join the members to define a desired plane of contact among the assembled members. The present invention includes a method for providing a folding stroller tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Chicco USA, Inc.Inventor: Bruce L. Williams
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Patent number: 7588026Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for a securing device for securing a fuel tank to an outdoor gas grill. The invention helps ensure that the securing device will be used to secure the fuel tank in position within the grill to prevent unnecessary shifting or movement of the fuel tank. The securing device can include an extension arm adapted for being carried by the grill, at least one retaining member that defines a collar area for receiving the collar of a grill and a regulator receiving arm carried by the retaining members that defines a regulator area for allowing the device to place the fuel tank in a secured position without being hindered by the fuel line, collar, or regulator.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The Grill Company, LLCInventor: John Ducate, Jr.
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Patent number: 7578406Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a guide, and an urging member. The cover body opens and closes an opening, formed in an accommodation housing. The guide is disposed in the accommodation housing, and extends in a direction crossing a direction, in which the cover body opens and closes the opening, partially at least. The urging member has a fastened end, fastened to the cover body, and an engagement end, engaged with the guide, and is expandable and contractable for accumulating an urging force as the cover body opens and closes the opening. The urging force urges the cover body in at least one of occasions, when the cover body opens the opening and when the cover body closes the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuhiro Katagiri
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Patent number: 7565990Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted combination bike rack and workout station is provided. The device can be used to store and carry up to three bicycles, and can also be used as a workout station for pull ups, dips, sit ups and other exercises.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: Frederick E. Bryan, IV
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Patent number: 7566084Abstract: A lid opening-closing mechanism of a container device for a vehicle, including: a container device body provided in a vehicle interior of a vehicle; a lid attached freely openable and closable to the container device body; an elastic member interposed and provided between the container device body and the lid configured to bias the lid in an opening direction and a closing direction of the lid with biasing force; and a bidirectional damper attached to the container device body configured to attenuate the biasing force of the elastic member with attenuating force, wherein the elastic member includes a reversal spring in which biasing directions of the biasing force are reversible based on a reversal point in which one of the biasing directions is in the closing direction of the lid in a closed side of the lid of the reversal point and in which the other of the biasing directions is in the opening direction of the lid in an open side of the lid of the reversal point, and wherein the bidirectional damper includeType: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventor: Masami Kikuchi
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Publication number: 20090159623Abstract: A storage compartment, especially to a holder for holding a drinks container, such as, for example, a beverage can, so that it does not tip over, in a motor vehicle, for matching to different drinks container diameters, has a compartment divider which can be pivoted inwards and, on the outside of the compartment divider, a support which has a parallel offset pivot axis and a return blocker which supports the compartment divider against pivoting out from the container receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Peter Kreutmayr
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Patent number: 7533789Abstract: A spare tire mounting apparatus includes a mounting including a male hitch coupler and a female hitch coupler that are attached together. The male hitch coupler may be extended into and secured to the receiver hitch. A pole is attached to and extends upwardly from the mounting. The pole has a front side and a back side. The pole has a break therein such that a first portion and a second portion are defined. The first portion abuts the mounting and is hingedly coupled to the second portion. The hinge is positioned on the front side of the pole. A rod for removably receiving a tire is attached to the pole and extends outwardly away from the front side of the pole. The rod is positioned on the second portion of the pole. The rod is threaded and a threaded locking member is selectively positionable on the rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Inventors: Stephen J. Seely, Sally J. Seely
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Publication number: 20090050659Abstract: The present invention discloses a breakaway tray assembly for supporting items, the tray assembly having a first tray that is movably attached to a support structure and a second tray that is pivotally attached to and extends from the first tray. The first tray has a generally flat top surface, the top surface being operable to support an item when the first tray is in an extended generally horizontal position. The support structure has a bracket that supports the first tray in the extended generally horizontal position and can assist in holding the first tray in a generally vertical position when said first tray is placed in a stored-away position. The second tray has an upright position wherein it is generally coplanar with and semi-rigidly extends from the first tray. The second tray also has a breakaway position where it is not generally coplanar with the first tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Warren J. Chou, Lauren M. Marzolf
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Patent number: 7481343Abstract: A vehicular container holding structure includes a body with an opening at its top for holding containers, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. To hold containers of various sizes, the body has a partition member having a second bottom positioned upwardly of a first bottom defining a deepest bottom of the body.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Misumi
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Publication number: 20090008420Abstract: A container such as a case or box is provided with at least one fitting that has an adjustable arm provided with a connecting opening for receiving a connecting part of a motor vehicle. An insertion opening that is size-adjustable opens into the connecting opening. The connecting opening is defined by a hook of the adjustable arm and by a counter member that is adjustable relative to the hook. The hook is provided at the free end of a rod of the adjustable arm and the counter member is provided on a free end of a sleeve of the adjustable arm movable on the rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicants: ZAT AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH, SCALA DESIGN TECHNISCHE PRODUKTENTWICKLUNG GMBHInventors: Werner Zimmermann, Renate Zimmermann, Gerald Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20090001112Abstract: A storage bin assembly is for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a storage bin and a housing. The storage bin has a storage space extending between spaced apart sides, a guide pin extending outwardly from at least one of the sides of the storage bin, and a pair of retainer clips disposed on opposite sides of the storage bin. The housing has spaced apart side walls for receiving the storage bin therebetween, a pair of bosses each extending through one of the pair of retainer clips for pivotally interconnecting the bin to the housing for movement between open and closed positions relative to tile housing, and a track disposed on at least one of the side walls and in which the guide pin slides during the movement of the storage bin between the open and closed positions. Each of the retainer clips and the track has an open end facilitating removal of the storage bin from the housing and reinstallation of the bin to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Warren J. Chou
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Publication number: 20080290681Abstract: An in-vehicle storage unit includes a base member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body and having an opening portion, a case which is openable and closable with respect to the opening portion, a pivot via which the case is rotatably supported by the base member, a gear disposed on a side wall of the case, the gear being an arc-shape having a center at the pivot, and a damper disposed on the base member. The damper is engaged with the gear to provide a damping force to the case when the case rotates from a closed position, at which the case is closed with respect to the opening portion, to an open position, at which the case is opened with respect to the opening portion. When the case is at the open position, the gear is disposed within an inner space of the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Shirena Takai