Pivotable Or Rotatable Receiver Patents (Class 224/282)
  • Patent number: 6382484
    Abstract: A gun-mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further providing adaptability to a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, an interchangeable pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate, and an interchangeable bracket member attached perpendicular thereto adapted to receive the barrel portion of the gun boot. The bracket member, having an elongated opening for receiving the barrel portion of the gun boot, is provided with a polymeric edge molding and allows the barrel portion of the gun boot to extend therethrough to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its bar latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20020050501
    Abstract: A cup holding device for a vehicle includes a base member having an opening; a lid member supported at a lower end side of the base member and rotatably shifted between a closed position where the lid member covers the base member and an open position in a using state where the lid member is tilted relative to the base member; and a holding member for holding a periphery of a cup and assembled between the base member and the lid member to be shifted between a vertical housed state at the closed position of the lid member and a horizontal using state at the open position of the lid member. The base member and the lid member have receiving portions for jointly receiving a bottom of a cup to be disposed at the same level at the open position of the lid member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Naohiro Shimajiri
  • Patent number: 6345749
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly for transporting waste tanks by automotive vehicle without requiring the waste tank to be lifted from the ground. The recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly includes a connection member adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, an axle extending from the connection member, a deck assembly rotatably coupled to the axle, and a pin for securing the rotation of the deck with respect to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Edward B. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20010050299
    Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Robert J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6273310
    Abstract: A laptop computer workstation accessory for an automobile includes a portable case adapted to be transported manually by the driver and placed in an automobile intermediate the driver seat and the passenger seat. The case includes a lower portion with a pivotal laptop computer support structure on which to mount a laptop computer with hook-and-loop fabric fastener, and a lockable upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion for movement between a closed position in which the upper portion covers the laptop computer support structure and an open position in which it exposes the laptop computer support structure to the driver. The upper portion is adapted to hold a pad of writing paper and the lower portion includes a moveable printer support structure behind a moveable side panel on the passenger side. One embodiment includes a carrier harness with a shoulder strap arrangement for use in manually transporting the accessory to and from the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick C. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6253976
    Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Robert J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6237823
    Abstract: The carrier includes a main member supported rearwardly adjacent a vehicle by a coupler of the carrier inserted into the receiver of a vehicle mounted trailer hitch. The main member includes a curved portion extending transversely and rearwardly away from a straight segment of the main member disposed transversely of the vehicle-centerline. A swing arm is carried by a pivot at the extremity of the curved portion of the main member. A plate on the swing arm carries a lock assembly for securing the swing arm to and in parallel relationship with the main member during travel. A safety lanyard prevents accidental displacement of a locking pin inserted into the main member. The pivot is located adjacent the swing arm supported container and avoids extreme forces being imparted to the main member both in the travel position and a remote position permitting access to the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Ironwood Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stewart, Ryan K. Cox
  • Patent number: 6213533
    Abstract: A device for installation in a motor vehicle has a pop-out part which is movably guided from an initial position into a usage position and vice versa, a guide for guiding the pop-out part for movement from the initial position into the usage position and vice versa, and a safety locking device having a movable latch arranged to be brought by an acceleration into an engagement with the pop-out part so as to lock the pop-out part in the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ruediger Widulle, Michael Schmidt, Bernd Plocher
  • Patent number: 6168058
    Abstract: A wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Nikolas Christian Janek
  • Patent number: 6164506
    Abstract: An adjustable scoreboard mounting arrangement, which includes a positioning block fastened to a hollow main rod member in a golf cart, a scoreboard detachably fastened to the positioning block, and a locking lever pivoted to a bottom stem at the scoreboard and turned between a horizontal position where the scoreboard is firmly maintanined engaged with the positioning block, and a vertical position where the scorebard is disengaged from the positioning block and allowed to be rotated with the locking lever to the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: David Wu
  • Patent number: 6145720
    Abstract: This carrier is designed to be supported at the back of a vehicle by means of the receiver tube of a trailer hitch. The carrier comprises a frame having a U-shape portion releasably attached to a support member via a T-shaped sleeve with a main upwardly extending leg releasably attached to the middle of the bight of the U-shape frame a transverse leg inserted into the support member, itself and inserted into the receiver tube of the hitch. The two legs of the frame rearwardly extend from the vehicle and a cargo receiving container is pivoted to the rear ends of the frame legs for swinging movement between an upright transport position in which the container rests on and is supported by the frame and a tilted position rearwardly of the legs and clearing the frame to permit access to the back of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Serge Comeau
  • Patent number: 6123307
    Abstract: A center console having a storage compartment and an access opening with a lid pivotally attached to the storage compartment for closing the opening. A cupholder is attached to the front of the storage compartment and includes a plastic body portion having three generally cylindrical, recessed cup-receiving portions. Two of the cup-receiving portions are joined by a recessed channel portion capable of receiving a handle of a mug received in one of at least two cup-receiving portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Bain
  • Patent number: 6085953
    Abstract: A container holder for automotive use includes a mounting member wall having a recessed portion with an outwardly extending shelf. An outer member is pivotally mounted to the mounting member for pivotal movement between closed and open positions. The outer member carries container support means stored adjacent the recessed portion in the closed position and lying generally horizontal to support a container in the open position. The outer member includes a first pair of arcuate guide arms projecting from an upper portion of the outer member through laterally spaced slots formed in the wall adjacent laterally opposite sides of the recessed portion. An inner member includes a transverse guide portion connected at opposite lateral ends with a second pair of arcuate guide arms, extending through the slots and mounted for limited arcuate sliding motion of the inner member relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Brian Bober, Glenn M. Henige, Joseph Ferraiuolo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6065729
    Abstract: A tray-like container holder is slideably and pivotally coupled to one end of a pivot arm such that the container holder can both slide and pivot from a vertically stored position to a use position. The end of the pivot arm remote from the container holder includes an over-center spring which assists in moving and holding the container holder between a generally horizontal use position and a compactly stored vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Rick A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6062623
    Abstract: A storage bin is pivotally mounted to a housing and includes a recess having a latching surface which extends in a plane generally orthogonal to the direction of angular motion of the storage bin when it moves from a closed to an open position. A pivoted latch member is mounted in spaced pivotal relationship to the housing and has an end forming a latch stop which selectively engages the latching surface of the recess of the storage bin for preventing movement of the storage bin by blocking movement of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Curtis L. Lemmen
  • Patent number: 6059244
    Abstract: A convertible container holding assembly includes a housing fixedly secured to a structure such as an armrest or instrument panel. A base is movable into and out of the housing between retracted and extended positions. The base includes a support and a stabilizing edge. The support and stabilizing edge define a portion of a cupholding area. A stabilizing arm is pivotally secured to the base and is positionable in an infinite number of positions such that it is capable of positively abutting the container when the container is positively abutting the stabilizing edge, regardless of the diameter of the container. A brake prevents the stabilizing arm from moving to its outermost position once it is forced into engagement with the container. The stabilizing arm may be reset by forcing it to its innermost position or by retracting the base into the housing and moving the base back to its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Bilandzic, John Kacsala, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 6056175
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an installation device for a vehicle is disclosed which in particular is for the releasable mounting of a handheld mobile phone. The installation device is designed with a housing (2) which is opened toward the front and is to be arranged on a receiving shaft of a vehicle part (1), such as an instrument panel, console, or the like, with a carrying part (16) which can be pivoted into, and out of, the housing (2) via a substantially vertically aligned axis of rotation (5), with a bearing plate (7) which is arranged on the carrying part (16) and is intended for the mobile phone (12) when the carrying part (16) has been pivoted out of the housing (2), and with a substantially horizontally aligned pivot axis (11) between the carrying part (16) and a bearing plate (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Becker Group Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Alexander Schidan, Charles Roughton
  • Patent number: 6045173
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes an enclosure having a top defining an access opening communicating with an internal storage bin and a cupholder recess spaced forward of the access opening. A cover mounted on the enclosure has three operating positions including a closed position covering both the cupholder recess and the access opening, a partially open position exposing the cupholder recess for use but covering the access opening, and a fully open position uncovering both the cupholder recess and the access opening for access to the storage bin. The cover is mounted for slidable movement between the closed and partially open positions and for pivotal movement between the partially open and fully open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Frank Tiesler, Peter Andrew Lawlis, Arthur Edward Pryde
  • Patent number: 6036152
    Abstract: A container holder is described having a support member (9) that is both pivotally and slidingly attached to a frame (14) attached to part of the body structure (13) of a motor vehicle. The support member (9) is moveable from a stored or concealed position to an in use position by a combination of sliding and pivotal movement with respect to the frame (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventors: Ian Hiscox, Alan Francis Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6021936
    Abstract: A gun mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further provides adaptability of a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, a pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate and a rotatable bar loop, which is fully adaptable to gun boots having a variety of shapes and sizes. The bar loop is provided for insertion of the barrel portion of the gun boot therein to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its latching mechanism. The bar loop, being rotatable, allows the loop to be rotated to more closely conform to the boot's width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Patent number: 6019334
    Abstract: A cup holder of the invention is attached to a panel or console of a vehicle. The cup holder is basically formed of a case with an inclined opening and a recessed portion extending downwardly from the opening, a lid formed of first and second lid portions, a link connected to the first and second lid portions, and a spring device connected between one of the first and second lid portions and the case to rotate the one of the first and second lid portions to at least one of the open and close directions. The first and second lid portions are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the case for covering the opening. The first and second lid portions have open positions for revealing the opening, and closed positions for covering the opening. Also, the link is connected to the first and second lid portions so that when one of the first and second lid portions is moved, the other of the first and second lid portions is moved in association therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Shinomiya
  • Patent number: 6010047
    Abstract: A container holder for vehicles includes a foldable assembly slidably received in a housing defined trough including a bottom and side members with an optional top wall. The assembly is stored in a folded position and is slidable out through a front end of the housing to an unfolded operative position ready to receive a container. The assembly includes a support member with a base and a pair of side walls pivotally mounted on the support member. Dual guide arms are pivotably mounted along upper edges of the side walls and are pivoted downward between the side walls in the stored position of the assembly. The arms have inner ends linked for simultaneous movement with the side walls. A resilient element, such as a spring, urges the side walls in an outwardly pivoting direction. Upon sliding of the base outward from the stored position to the operative position, the side walls are pivoted to angle outward and the guide arms are pivoted upward toward horizontal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Ralph Osborn
  • Patent number: 6006971
    Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies are modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Robert J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6007128
    Abstract: A carry-all box for use in combination with a vehicle bed having a floor and first and second sides, the box having an elongated, generally rectangular configuration and having first and second end sections, a front side, a rear side, and a bottom to which the end sections and sides are affixed and extend generally upwardly, a pivot mechanism having a hinge component on the vehicle bed adjacent the first side thereof and a cooperating hinge component on the first end section of the box for allowing the box to pivot in an arc path substantially in a plane parallel to the plane of the bed between a generally lateral forward position and a generally longitudinal rearward position relative to the bed, the end sections, sides and bottom of the box being dimensioned to extend substantially laterally across the bed while allowing the second end section to clear any obstruction which may be in its arc path such as a bed side or wheel well housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Robert S. Hines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6007036
    Abstract: A stowable support apparatus is disclosed and includes an elongate, horizontally oriented track with a slide mounted and reciprocally movable thereon. A support arm is pivotally coupled to the slide, and a mounting bracket that receives a display unit and includes a handle is pivotally coupled to the support arm. The apparatus further includes a lock mechanism that selectively secures the slide in a defined position on the track and includes a bias mechanism that urges the slide away from the lock mechanism. The apparatus, including a supported display unit, is selectively adjustable from a stowed position, in which the display unit is stored within a box-like housing on which the track is mounted, and a user-viewable position, in which the display unit is pivoted out of the housing and presented in an elevated viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Rosen Products LLC
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5992718
    Abstract: A new container attachment for attaching to a hood of a vehicle for holding a wipe cloth therein. The inventive device includes a mounting bracket, a container, and a lid. The mounting bracket having first and second spaced apart panels and a connecting portion connecting the panels of the mounting bracket together. The first panel of the mounting bracket is adapted for attachment to a structure. The container has base and a perimeter side wall. The perimeter side wall of the container has a front, and a back. The perimeter side wall of the container defines an interior space. The perimeter side wall of the container has a terminal edge which defines an opening into the interior space of the container. The lid has first and second surfaces, a front, and a back. The back of the lid is pivotally coupled to the back of the perimeter side wall of the container. The lid has a slot therethrough which extends between the front and back of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Fred Zaranek
  • Patent number: 5961272
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted carrier for lifting and securing in an elevated position waste receptacles and other articles for transport. A housing including a pair of side plates, a rear plate and a bottom plate having aperatures for mounting to a conventional trailer tow hitch assembly or to a vehicle bumper. A pair of lever arms terminate at one end in a channel for receiving the article of transport and are pivotably connected to the housing at the opposite end. A latch assembly is provided for securing the article of transport in an elevated position and for selectively releasing allowing the user to controllably lower and disengage the article of transport. The latch assembly includes a latch bar operably secured to one of the lever arms and a spring secured to the latch bar and to a lever handle. A pair of lever arm stop elements are secured to the housing and limit the rotation of the lever arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Russell J. Short
  • Patent number: 5881935
    Abstract: A container holding device of the invention is used for holding small things and a container. The container holding device includes a base having a bottom section and an upstanding section extending upwardly from the bottom section, a support member formed near an upper surface section of the upstanding section, and an arm member rotationally attached to the support member to take first and second positions. The bottom section and the upstanding section define at least a part of a holding space in the base. At the first position, the arm member is located on the upper surface section. The arm member can be located above the bottom section, i.e. second position, by changing the position to thereby form a container holding hole together with the upstanding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ono, Masahito Hiura, Hisashi Kubokouchi, Yoshiaki Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 5855308
    Abstract: A coin holder for motor vehicles has a housing which can be inserted into a control panel and a receptacle element for a plurality of coins. The receptacle element is rotatable by a rotation bearing about a horizontal axis of rotation out of the housing of the coin holder from a storage position to a removal position. So that the receptacle element in the removal position can yield resiliently if it is touched unintentionally or if the middle armrest is lowered onto it, the receptacle element is arranged in the housing to be additionally resiliently displaceable linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christiane Ziegler, Rudiger Widulle, Carsten Lange
  • Patent number: 5820094
    Abstract: A cup holding device is designed to hold cups therein, and is formed of a case having a storing portion therein; a rotating member rotationally supported by the case and rotating between a storing position for closing the storing portion and a using position; two cup holders axially supported by the rotating member to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a rotating direction of the rotating member and having holding portions for the cups; a guided portion provided at at least one of the two cup holders; a guiding device formed in the case for guiding the guided portion; a first urging member for urging the rotating member to rotate from the storing position to the using position; and a holding member for holding the rotating member at the storing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5803421
    Abstract: Cup holder with a housing is integrated into a center console of a passenger car. The cup holder includes a supporting carriage which has a stable one-piece frame in which two recesses are arranged as cup receiving devices. The supporting carriage is arranged in such a manner on a supporting arm guided linearly along the moving range that, in the moving range between a first and a second operating position, the frame can additionally be swivelled about a swivel pin horizontally relative to the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kerner, Peter Seifert
  • Patent number: 5799849
    Abstract: A safety carrier for stabilizing a pressure-fluid bottle in an upright position in a pickup box in a truck has a carrier frame operatively anchored to the truck's frame and a rigid ring connected to the frame in an articulated manner. The ring is on a swivel mount at an end of a pivoting arm. The arm is attached to the frame. The ring may be selectively changed by a user, without disconnecting from the frame, between an operative configuration and a stowage configuration. In the operative configuration, the ring is generally horizontal and projects out over the pickup box's floor to receive and fit closely about the pressure fluid bottle. An adjustable strap attached at one end to the ring includes a hook at an opposite end for securing a flange on the bottle. In the stowage configuration, the ring is rotated to a generally vertical position and the arm is pivoted to swing the ring flush against a wall of the pickup box. The carrier frame is anchored to a lip on the pickup box wall by a clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Ivan L. Beer, Loydene M. Beer
  • Patent number: 5795005
    Abstract: A storage compartment has a cover which pivots between a closed position and an open position and is pivotally mounted to a vehicle panel, such as a door, on one vertical edge. The cover includes a foldable floor section having one edge mounted to the edge of the cover and an opposite edge mounted to the vehicle such that the floor folds up when the cover is closed and opens flat when the cover is moved to an open position. A sidewall extends from the vertical edge of the cover opposite a pivot connection and is made of a collapsible material which folds in an accordion-like fashion to allow the compartment to fully collapse when the cover is moved to a closed position and expand and provide a generally triangular shaped storage compartment when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas A. Garfias, Stephan D. Faulkes
  • Patent number: 5791533
    Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire on a vehicle that has a hatch and a door frame that partially surrounds the hatch. The system includes an exterior tire mounted mode and an interior tire mounted mode. The system also includes an exterior holder device disposed in the hatch and an interior holder device disposed in an inner side wall of the vehicle. Further provided is an arm that is swivelably mounted to one side of the door frame of the vehicle at a first end portion. The arm has a middle portion and second end portion that has the spare tire mounted thereon. The system further provides an engagement member attached at the second end portion of the arm. The engagement member includes a device for engaging the exterior holder device when the system is in the exterior tire mounted mode and for engaging the interior holder device when the system is in the interior tire mounted mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel D. Neag, Thomas R. Carbone, James P. Salva, Stylianos A. Meidanis, Leonard C. Paul, Jr., Jeffery E. Long
  • Patent number: 5788135
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a monorail support in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the monorail by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The monorail ("M") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear slider shank connecting the M to the truck, and (ii) a support beam telescopable on the slider shank. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the M, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches and an attachment latch, it is preferred to use, in addition, a second attachment latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Nikolas Christian Janek
  • Patent number: 5775761
    Abstract: A holder for small articles of the invention is provided in a ceiling of an automobile. The holder is formed of a frame member fixed to the ceiling in a cabin of the automobile, and a movable member including a rotating shaft pivotally attached to the frame member, a lid portion for opening and closing an opening of the frame member, and a case portion provided at a rear side of the lid portion. When the lid portion is opened, an opening of the case portion is exposed in the cabin. A stopper projection is formed at a back portion of the case portion and has a projecting edge for defining an open position of the lid portion by engaging the frame member. The projecting edge is located on an imaginary circumferential line having a radius substantially equal to a length from a center of the rotating shaft to the opening edge of the lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Goro Asami, Tomoo Eguchi, Osamu Takezawa, Yuji Saito, Hideyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 5762245
    Abstract: An automobile accessory to be attached to the inside of the trunk lid. When the trunk lid is open, it provides a horizontal shelf in its operative position. The horizontal shelf provides space and support for various items, such as food and beverages. The device has two planar elements hingedly attached to each other along one edge, respectively. The two opposite edges of the planar elements are attached to each other by flexible adjustable straps. One planar element is fabricated with a uniform pattern of aperatures to cooperate with the trunk lid structure and provide different attachment points necessary for different automobiles. Fasteners, extending through the selected aperatures, are attached to the appropriate points on the inside of the trunk lid by bracket, magnet or otherwise adhered thereto, affixing the planar element to the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew Hurst
  • Patent number: 5762246
    Abstract: The compact disc storage device of the present invention provides maximum storage capacity of compact discs while being interconnected to a visor, e.g. a sun-visor in an automobile. The invention allows the storage device to be temporarily pivoted on the sun-visor, for example, to expose a vanity mirror located on the sun-visor, without requiring the disconnection of the storage device from the sun-visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Case Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence Martin Drew
  • Patent number: 5738261
    Abstract: A base plate is securable to a vehicle bumper using a threaded bolt attachment and supports a rectangular support which in turn is secured to and supports a planar top plate. A front plate is angularly positioned between the top plate and base plate to provide the combined support structure of a vehicle hitch securable to a vehicle bumper. A transversely extending saddle plate is spaced from the front plate at the lower edge thereof defining a lower channel therebetween. A pair of latch arms each defining respective notches therein are pivotally supported upon the vertical support and are coupled to a transversely extending angularly disposed cam plate. A return spring is operative to urge the latch arms to an upward locking position. An elongated handle is secured to one of the latch arms and extends downwardly therefrom. A pool cart or the like having an upper tube and lower tube is received within the latch arm notches and lower channel respectively to secure the pool cart to the vehicle hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Tom Dula
  • Patent number: 5732866
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a frameless L-shaped support beam in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the rack by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The L-shaped support beam ("L") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear rail connecting said L to the truck, (ii) an overlying strut telescopable on the rail, and (iii) a rectilinear transverse strut integral with the overlying strut. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the struts of the L-shaped support beam or supported on pivot pins. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches, it is preferred to use, in addition, an attachment latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Nikolas Christian Janek
  • Patent number: 5709328
    Abstract: The storage device for an umbrella includes a quiver-shaped receiving housing (1, 30) provided with an opening (2) at one end for the umbrella (3) and a base wall (4, 34) at another end remote from the one end; a mounting device (18) including a base plate (19) and a mounting pillar (20) having a flange and arranged substantially at right angles to the base plate; and a joint (13) pivotally connecting the receiving housing (1,30) with the mounting means (18) so that the receiving housing (1,30) is pivotable from a stowed-away position (P1) into a swiveled-out position (P2) for insertion and removal of the umbrella (3). The joint (13) has a swivel axis (SA) about which the receiving housing (1,30) pivots and the swivel axis (SA) extends transversely to a receiving housing longitudinal axis (15). This joint (13) is arranged on a side of the base wall (4, 34) opposite from a receiving housing interior and hingedly connects a fixing bolt (14a) to the base wall (4, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 5697593
    Abstract: A holding device to receive a drink container is provided for installation in a horizontal surface, for example a central console of a motor vehicle. In order to be able to accommodate the holding device in a small installation space and to recess it completely in its installation surface, the invention proposes a pivot arm which, after being unlocked, pivots, actuated by a spring, from a recumbent position into an upright position and thereby displaces a displaceable, upright arm upwards into a holding position. In order, with a narrow installation space, to engage securely around an inserted drink container, the holding device further has holding wings which, during the displacement of the displaceable arm into the holding position pivot out laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: fischwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Torsten Bieck
  • Patent number: 5692658
    Abstract: A holder for drink containers in a motor vehicle has a slider member that can be pulled out and on which are mounted pivot arms which, when pulled out, pivot laterally outward, and which, with cut-away portions in the slider member, form insertion openings for drink containers, and has supports which pivot downwards when the slider member is pulled out. In order to support securely drink containers of different sizes which are inserted, the supports are pivoted outward, forcibly controlled, by the pivot arms through half the pivot angle of the pivot arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignees: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Mercedes Benz AG
    Inventors: Heinz Fischer, Ulrich Nienhaus, Bernd Schenk
  • Patent number: 5685686
    Abstract: An articulable, hitch-sleeve-mounted, wobble-resistant, article-carrying rack is movable from an inclined position for carrying articles, to a declined position in which such carried articles may be removed. The rack includes a hitch mount which is insertable into a vehicle's hitch or hitch sleeve and is adapted for engaging the hitch internally thereof for reducing the tendency of the rack to wobble. First and second elongate frame members are pivotally mounted on the hitch mount, and each includes an upper end longitudinally spaced from the hitch mount. The frame members are maintained in a generally parallel relationship with one another. A latch member connects the upper ends of the frame members and locks the frame members in either of the inclined or declined positions. At least one support bar is pivotally mounted on the frame members adjacent the upper ends and extends generally horizontally away therefrom for supporting articles thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Yakima Products
    Inventor: John Burns
  • Patent number: 5685468
    Abstract: An adjustable, portable tool tray assembly for external mounting on a motor vehicle. The tool tray assembly has an open tray compartment, a means for removable engagement with the motor vehicle which extends from the tray and a slidably adjustable, hinged brace for positioning the tool tray assembly on numerous locations on the motor vehicle. The tray may be composed of two tray components which may be adjusted with respect to each other to vary the size of the open tray compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Juan M. Hernandez, Maria Z. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5683021
    Abstract: A gun case for mounting in a vehicle is disclosed including a container within which the gun is substantially entirely contained and a lid which is locked to such container. An electrically actuated lock is employed which includes a plurality of latches spaced along the gun case and a common actuator plate which slides longitudinally to unlock the latches in response to an electrical actuator device such as a solenoid or an electric motor. The container pivots down to a lowered unlocked position away from the lid to enable the gun to be removed from the container. A cam actuated locking mechanism is provided to lock the container to the lid when the container is pivoted upward to a raised locked position. A key actuated mechanism moves the actuator plate to unlock the container when the electrical actuator does not operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: J. R. Setina Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 5680974
    Abstract: A cupholder assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting in a vehicle, and a cupholder unit comprising a cupholder base for supporting the bottoms of a pair of cups, and a pair of cupholder arms pivotally connected with respect to the base and moveable between an extended position for laterally supporting the cups and a stored position. The cupholder unit is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a stored position inside the housing, wherein the arms are retracted, and a use position extended at least partially outside the housing, wherein the arms are extended. The cupholder unit is adapted to receive a cover for covering the cupholder unit when in the stored position. The assembly further comprises an ashtray unit with an ashtray cover pivotally coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 5680976
    Abstract: A cargo and accessory carrier for attachment to a vehicle receiver hitch includes a riser assembly secured to the vehicle, a door assembly pivotally secured to the riser assembly, and a platform assembly pivotally secured to the door assembly for carrying cargo at a desirable elevation above ground level, such that the door assembly can be pivotally rotated in a horizontal plane and a parallel plane while secured to the riser assembly. The platform assembly can be rotated about the door assembly and maintained in a vertical or horizontal position relative to ground, whether or not it carries a load or it is installed on the vehicle. The carrier provides a multipurpose support assembly which can be used as a "stand alone" unit to carry cargo, and which can be used in combination with other accessory carriers such as a cargo chest, bicycle carrier, ski carrier or any number of other accessory-carrying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventors: John A. Koliopoulos, Matthew L. Simons
  • Patent number: 5676292
    Abstract: An automotive remote carrier deck for transporting equipment or other material and attachable to a standard trailer hitch tongue. The remote carrier deck has a trailer hitch assembly which attaches directly to a trailer hitch tongue and which elevates the entire remote carrier deck to a height which is substantially above the trailer hitch tongue. The remote carrier deck hinges about a first securing pin allowing the entire deck to be raise in a vertical stored position or a usable horizontal position. A second securing pin allows the deck to be locked in the vertical and horizontal position. There is also an adjustable stop which determines the extent of downward rotation and horizontal level of the deck. The stop allows the horizontal angle of the deck to be adjusted when heavy items are placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Dick D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5671877
    Abstract: A container holder device including a case which is installed in a body of a vehicle, the case having a pair of generally vertical side walls defining a part of a storage chamber. A base is pivotally supported by the case so as to be movable between a stored position and a use position. At least one movable arm has one end supported by the base so as to be movable with respect to the base to contact a periphery of a container when the base and the at least one arm are in the use position. The at least one arm is guided to move from an outside to an inside of at least one of the side walls upon movement of the base from the use position to the stored position so that the at least one arm contacts the at least one wall in the storage position. Urging structure is provided for urging the at least one arm toward the outside of the at least one side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yabuya