Complementary To Vehicle Patents (Class 224/539)
  • Publication number: 20080110948
    Abstract: A portable, adjustable, sporting articles holder for use within a vehicle. A base unit positions the device on the floor of a vehicle. A plurality of telescoping legs are attached to the base and extend upwardly therefrom for contacting the ceiling of the vehicle. A plurality of multi-function clamps are frictionally held to the telescoping legs, and the clamps are slidably adjustable with respect to the telescoping legs for vertical adjustment of the clamps. A plurality of tubular connecting bars are held in place by the clamps, and the tubular connecting bars are also slidably adjustable. Attached to the ends of the tubular connecting bars are a plurality of planar receiving members capable of receiving and supporting a number of sporting articles, such as fishing rods and firearms, wherein the sporting articles are received by a plurality of adjacent, spaced apart cut-outs contained within the receiving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Sutter
  • Patent number: 7328825
    Abstract: This application is directed to a dynamic storage compartment for modifying the interior space of a vehicle, either as originally equipped or as an after-market modification, so as to provide a means for providing enhanced storage capacity for a vehicle which is characterized by ease of use and the ability to provide secure out of sight storage for valuables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Dolores Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20080011753
    Abstract: Reconfigurable bins include at least one structural component formed of shape memory materials such as a shape memory polymer, a shape memory alloy, or a combination thereof. The shape memory material is in operative communication with an activation device adapted to provide an activation signal effective to change at least one attribute of the shape memory material such that the bin can be reconfigured from a first shape to a second shape. The reconfigurable bin can include a mesh network or may be formed of panels or a combination panels and mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, John A. Cafeo, Robert R. Mayer, Jan H. Aase
  • Patent number: 7188882
    Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a body and an article holder. The article holder has a support structure for supporting an article. The article holder is pivotally connected to the body and movable between a storage position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the support structure of the article holder is higher relative to a position of the support structure when the article holder is in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Patent number: 7168669
    Abstract: A beverage container holder for a vehicle includes a housing defining a space for storing a beverage container and at least one slidable container supporter. The housing further defines a horizontal direction, and the at least one slidable beverage container supporter has a first end and a second end for securing the beverage container in the housing. The beverage container may further include a guiding mechanism for guiding the slidable beverage container supporter to move within the housing, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the slidable beverage container supporter in a desired place with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Woo-Chul Park
  • Patent number: 7164452
    Abstract: A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is retained in place by the front seats. In a preferred embodiment, a television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention fits snugly between the front bucket seats of a vehicle. A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is further retained by the positioning of the bottom plate in between the front bucket seat inner mounting rails. A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is low enough for the vehicle's driver to see over it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Eric D. Alsberg
  • Patent number: 7131681
    Abstract: A trunk space storage platform for motor vehicles comprises and right support with at least one slot, a left support with at least on slot, a base, and at least one support stud. This trunk space storage platform allows users who cannot easily bend over to pick up or place objects into deep trunk spaces, such as the elderly or those with physical impairments, to raise or lower the base to a level more easily accessible for them depending on the articles stored in the trunk space of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Won-Tai Kim
  • Patent number: 7044348
    Abstract: A storage system including an outer covering enclosing an interior modular unit containing separate storage units for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John S. McKenzie, Jeff A. Kempf
  • Patent number: 7032964
    Abstract: The storage apparatus for removable roof panels of an automobile includes a roof panel rack having a base member, a top member, and at least one support member joining the base and top members such that the base and top members are separated by a distance substantially equal to the at least one support member. The at least one support member includes at least one bearing support that is adapted to supportively receive the removable roof panel and a locking bar. A locking bar body having a locking bar and a locking bar cover is operatively coupled to the roof panel rack and is designed and configured to secure at least one removable roof panel. A protective cover is disposed between two removable roof panels. The storage apparatus is adapted to be arranged as a stand outside the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Albert W. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6945582
    Abstract: A central armrest display device includes a body in the central armrest that has a housing compartment with an opening directing rearwards to house and anchor a case. The display device may be erected on the case for viewing or housed in the case. The case can hold a multimedia player. Passengers on the rear seat of a car can see multimedia programs on the display device mounting on the central armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: E-Lead Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 6942269
    Abstract: A removable shelf assembly for vehicles (e.g., sport utility vehicles) to increase storage capacity in a generally flat rearwardly extending bed defined by a floor and pair of upwardly extending side walls, the shelf assembly comprising a frame composed of a plurality of U-shaped members, each member having a base and two spaced apart arms extending perpendicular to the base, a plurality of telescoping members associated with the arms, means for removably locking each arm of each the U-shaped member, whereby to adjustably fix the spaced apart bases; and, a first and second generally planar panel members positioned on the frame for receiving items to be transported thereon, the panel members associated with the frame to allow movement between the panel members. The frame preferably has a raised lip extending substantially around the frame so as to reduce movement of items placed on the frame. A downwardly depending leg which is able to pivot out of the way when needed provides additional load support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Katie-Korp of the Emerald Coast, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Mains
  • Patent number: 6938807
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Patent number: 6929304
    Abstract: A cell phone storage pocket for a vehicle console comprising a hinged armrest, a flip under tray, and a hinged mechanism. This invention provides secure storage for a driver or passenger's cell phone while maintaining it in an easy to read location. Also, this cell phone storage pocket allows a user to keep the cell in an accessible location which can lead to safer driving habits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Dry, Bogdan Radu
  • Patent number: 6832799
    Abstract: A loading compartment comprising a loading compartment base (2), in addition to two opposing lateral walls (3) is known in prior art. According to the invention, at least one lateral wall (3) comprising at least one dimensionally stable functional module (4a-4d) is provided. Said module is detachably mounted to the bodywork and has an open or closed receiving compartment for at least one functional element (5a-5d). The invention can used in estate vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kalus Haspel, Thomas Seeg, Werner P. Schlecht
  • Publication number: 20040211805
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Publication number: 20040188481
    Abstract: A storage system including an outer covering enclosing an interior modular unit containing separate storage units for a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: John S. McKenzie, Jeff A. Kempf
  • Patent number: 6796472
    Abstract: An automobile trunk compartmentalizer which provides for variable connection of shafts and shaft housings by use of lockable pins whereby great variety of compartment sizes and shapes is possible at the user's option. Creation of more than one row of compartments in the automobile trunk may provide shallow compartments which are desirable for an aging population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6793106
    Abstract: A removable, storage box for use within a canoe or other small boat. The shape of the box is such that it fits securely within the tapered bow or stem of a canoe or any watercraft having adequately shaped bow and/or stern regions, without degrading the watercraft's stability or seaworthiness. The key to the utility of the box is that because of its overall shaped it can be wedged in between the watercraft's floor and the underside of its gunwale flanges. Once the box is so situated, its wedged fit holds it in place both for water travel; during portaging, it can be removed for carrying on one's back or it can be left in place to be carried along with the canoe. Also, because of the wedge fit, the lid of the box is held firmly closed during travel by the gunwale flanges. Because of the thermal insulation of the box, this tight closure of the lid allows either hot or cold items to be transported without their undergoing undesired temperature chages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Parker Kerry
  • Patent number: 6779766
    Abstract: A securing device for releasable attachment of a tissues box to a car console. The device includes a trapezoidal template having a pair of opposite lateral side edge portions each with a lengthwise groove. Hook and loop fasteners releasably interconnect the template to the tissues box underface. A pair of arcuate wedge members are provided, to engage the opposite side upper wall corner portions of the car console. The first arcuate wedge member further includes a lateral side edge portion thereof forming a slider lip sized for complementary sliding engagement with the lengthwise groove of the first side edge portion of the template. The second arcuate wedge member further includes a lateral side edge portion thereof forming a slider lip sized for complementary sliding engagement with the lengthwise groove of the second side edge portion of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Hade, René Hade
  • Patent number: 6778811
    Abstract: An electronic device with a concealed firearm. The device includes a housing having an interior face and an exterior face and with a cavity therein. The housing has a plurality of buttons and digital electronics. A tubular wall with a rigid central bore is adapted to function as the barrel of a firearm. The tubular wall has an interior end communicating with the cavity and an exterior end communicating with exterior of the housing. A chamber is provided for receiving a bullet adjacent to the interior end of the bore. A striker element is positioned at the end of the bullet with a point adapted to strike the shell to discharge the bullet and propel the slug thereof outwardly therefrom. An actuator is located on the side of the striker remote from the bullet to initiate movement of the striker element. A mechanism, when activated, is adapted to release the actuator to move the striker element and discharge the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Grove
  • Publication number: 20040145206
    Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus comprises a base. At least one storage panel is provided for storing a variety of articles thereon. The base has at least one slot capable of engaging a portion of the storage panel and retaining the storage panel in a vertical position. The storage panel may be removable mounted within the motor vehicle storage apparatus or stored outside the storage apparatus. The storage panel has at least one attachment location for attaching articles thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hicks, Gary J. D'Annunzio, Timothy Smith
  • Publication number: 20040144818
    Abstract: A portable archery bow holder for supporting one or more archery bows in a generally horizontal position in the interior of a motor vehicle is disclosed. A tubular, lightweight frame structure, for example of aluminum construction, has a plurality of leg and horizontal support adjustments to accommodate the verity of make and model interior vehicle dimensions, i.e., cargo area of an SUV, back seat of a car, jump seat of a pick-up truck, and limb supports to hold one or more archery bows. The limb supports of the rack or bow holder are preferably padded so as to protect the bow limbs from any damage while in the bow rack and while the vehicle is in transit. The rack is lightweight and not permanently attached to the vehicle. It requires no structural alterations to the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Frank J. Marhefka
  • Patent number: 6766927
    Abstract: A gun holder for use in vehicles comprises a pair of elongated bendable sidewalls having upper and lower portions. The upper portions of the sidewalls are joined by a strip of flexible material. The cross-sectional shape of the sidewalls forms generally a “V” shape, and when the lower narrow edge of the V is inserted into a seating gap in a vehicle seat, an open, upwardly facing pocket is formed by the flexible sheet material and the sidewalls. A gun may then be inserted into the pocket, and is securely held there for increased safety and protection of the gun, while still permitting very rapid access to the gun when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce A. Cart
  • Patent number: 6763985
    Abstract: A truck bed cargo stabilizer and organizer portable apparatus is provided for storing, stabilizing and organizing items placed in the bed of a pickup truck. The truck bed cargo stabilizer and organizer apparatus is comprised of a hollow structure for a bed of a truck having an upper portion and a lower portion forming a T-shape with a generally flat upper surface which includes a plurality of bucket receiving cylinders and a toolbox receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Newlyn Stephenson, Sr., George E. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6749079
    Abstract: A storage box including a body, a lid and an arm member. The body is provided with a storage portion and a guide portion. The lid is provided with a sliding portion engaged with and directed by the guide portion. The arm member is held rotatably by the body at a first end thereof, and is held rotatably by the lid at a second end thereof. This construction accommodates various loads or forces applied to the lid during opening and closing, thereby decreasing overall strain upon the storage box and eliminating the need to reinforce the body, the lid and the arm member. The result is a functionally simplified yet strengthened storage box capable of being manufactured at reduced costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei, Co., LTD
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Katagiri, Masanobu Muto
  • Patent number: 6732895
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments are provided and include cover panels that are pivotally secured to cargo compartment walls and are movable between a closed position covering a storage area and an open position substantially transverse to the wall allowing access to the storage area. One or more additional panels may be provided that are movable between respective stored positions and operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Duane Poliquin, Robert Mamo
  • Patent number: 6732894
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly comprising a vehicle component including a cup holder opening therein and an aperture formed adjacent the cup holder opening. A base injection molded from a first material and including an attachment feature which extends into the aperture and is selectively movable between extended and collapsed positions with respect to the aperture. An arm cup injection molded from a second material at least partially around the base and including an arm, wherein the second material is overmolded onto the base but not chemically bonded to the first material so that the arm cup and arm are rotatable with respect to the base for adjustably securing a cup in the cup holder opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Hubbert, Joseph J. Davis, Jr., Michael J. Hier, Jack S. Palazzolo, Dean Corrion
  • Patent number: 6729514
    Abstract: An elongated lockable rainproof storage container for use transversely at the forward end of a bed of a pickup truck ahead of typical wheel wells to store and protect tools or other valuable personal items. The container has a horizontal bottom to rest on the bed floor, a first vertical rear wall and two vertical end walls fixed relative to the bottom, and a vertically extending fourth wall facing the pickup tailgate. These four walls are of equal height and support in sealed relationship a top rainproof container closure. An elongated rectangular swingable panel forming a large portion of the fourth wall is connected along its lower long edge to the container bottom by an elongated continuous flexible waterproof plastic hinge permitting the panel to swing about ninety degrees inwardly from a vertical wall position to a horizontal floor position lying atop the container bottom where it provides a load supporting upper surface parallel to the bed floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Armando Delgado
  • Patent number: 6722540
    Abstract: A console with adjustable pivoting arms. The preferred embodiment has a pair of drink holders each having an adjustable arm that pivots to vary the size of drink holder. The arms can preferably be locked into position. A ledge is positioned below the pivoting arms to support drinks held therein. The body of the console preferably contains several storage sub-compartments, which may be configured to retain specific items such as CD's, cassettes, sun glasses, telephones, flashlights, change, and etc. The console is also preferably provided with several electrical sockets, a power cord configured to plug into a power source such as the 12 volt DC cigarette lighter socket present in most automobiles, and a circuit to operatively connect the console sockets to the power source. The circuit may be provided with a power inverter so that at least one of the sockets can provide alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Tse Sau Ling
  • Patent number: 6719347
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base having a surface, a rear panel pivotally attached to the base, and a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in an open position, wherein the locking member is configured to move independently relative to the rear panel and upwardly and downwardly relative to the base, and wherein the rear panel is allowed to pivot when the locking member is moved upwardly and wherein the rear panel is maintained in the open position when the locking member is moved downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Brian Flaman
  • Patent number: 6719343
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle including a video entertainment system includes a console housing having a storage compartment and a storage compartment closeout section pivotally connected to the console housing positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. An armrest is pivotally connected to the closeout section and is positionable between a closed position disposed adjacent the closeout section and an open position allowing access to a video monitor and monitor mount stored below. A video monitor mount pivotally connects the video monitor to the console assembly and allows for selective adjustment of the video monitor so that the screen is visible to rear seat occupants in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Emerling, Bruce F. Brewster, Joseph P. Taylor, Steven M. Kowalski, Erin Daly, Jason Whitman, Thomas S. Hicks, John Sumbera
  • Publication number: 20040056058
    Abstract: A cargo storage system has two panels pivotally mounted above a base frame for rotation between a closed position where the panels are generally co-planar and have inner longitudinal edges adjacent each other, the panels then cooperatively defining a generally flat surface, and an open position where the panels are generally parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The panels are pivotally mounted at opposite ends thereof adjacent outer longitudinal edges thereof. The cargo storage system further has spaced-apart foldable elements between the panels to define storage areas between the foldable elements and the panels. A releasing mechanism is included for releasing the panels from their stored position. A spring or the like preferably then moves the panels to the open position automatically. The panels are connected to each other via an actuator mechanism for movement of the panels in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick T. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20040056059
    Abstract: A portable and compact storage rack for vertically dividing the cargo area of a vehicle. The storage rack includes a first base panel and a second base panel, each having a center end and a leg end. The center end of each base panel is pivotally attached to the center end of the other base panel. The rack further includes a first and a second leg, each leg being pivotally attached to the leg end of a base panel. When in a collapsed orientation, the legs are folded against the base panels and the base panels are folded together. In the collapsed orientation, the storage rack is well-suited for easy movement into and out of a vehicle, storage in small spaces, particularly under a seat of a passenger van, station wagon or sports utility vehicle, and on a shipping crate or pallet for store merchandising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Manuel M. Delgado, Annamaria Delgado, Cristina Faulkner
  • Publication number: 20040050889
    Abstract: The cargo management device (24) includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame may be made of multiple frame portions that are attached to each other using hinges or other like mechanisms. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor (18). The cargo management device (24) also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the two opposing sidewalls (12,14) of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor (18) so that the articles being stored may he suspended from the frame or organized using netting and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Russell P. Shafer, Jr., Martin Burke, Robin Hoot, Richard N. Svenson, Christopher Gattis
  • Patent number: 6663155
    Abstract: A console-stored video display unit is provided that can be extended to a viewing position wherein the video display unit is adjustable both about a vertical pivot axis as well as a horizontal pivot axis to allow tilting and other reorientation of the video display unit to provide for optimal viewing results by occupants of the passenger compartment of a vehicle. In addition, the video display unit, when extended to the viewing position, can be vertically adjusted to place the video display unit in an optimal viewing height for whatever the ergonomic considerations happen to be for occupants of the vehicle interior. The display unit also includes a console interface portion forming a smooth, aesthetically-pleasing surface for the console when the display unit is positioned in a retracted position within the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Meridian Automotive Sytems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Malone, Timothy J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6644710
    Abstract: A box container and loading space for a motor vehicle are provided, in which the box container is provided with wall parts that are parallelogrammatically movably mounted around axes parallel to each other relative to one another between a collapsed inoperative position and a mounted or erected operational position, particularly for use in passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Holger Seel, Werner P. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 6644526
    Abstract: A motor vehicle central console comprising an enclosure having a base and four lateral faces arising from the base forming an opening opposite to said base, and at least one lid comprising a recto face and a verso face, having means for coupling to the enclosure co-operating with complementary coupling means borne by the enclosure, and at least partially closing said opening. The lid is completely removable. Said coupling means of the lid are completely and simply disconnectable from said complementary coupling means of the enclosure. In the mounted position, the coupling means of the lid co-operate with the complementary coupling means of the enclosure, regardless of which face of the lid is facing the base of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sai Automotive Allibert Industrie
    Inventor: Nicolas Pegorier
  • Patent number: 6641212
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle seat back formed with a throughgoing aperture has an annular frame fixed in the aperture and at least one electrical contact exposed on the aperture frame. An insert has a frame complementarily fittable with the aperture frame, an electrically powered module, and at least one electrical contact on the insert frame electrically connected to the module and engageable when the insert is fitted to the aperture frame with the contact of the aperture frame. Respective latch formations on the frames are relatively displaceable between a holding position securing the insert in the aperture frame with the contacts in electrical connection with each other and a releasing position permitting the insert to be separated from the aperture frame. A latch mechanism on the aperture frame displaces the latch formation of the aperture frame into the releasing position for freeing the insert from the aperture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Sitzler
  • Patent number: 6616206
    Abstract: A center console assembly including a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls, the sidewalls being interconnected at a forward end thereof by a bar member assembly. The bar member assembly includes an upper bar member and a lower bar member. The upper bar member defines a first catch that a latch of an upper lid is releasably secured thereto. The lower bar member defines a second catch that a latch of a front panel assembly is secured thereto. The front panel assembly and sidewalls cooperate to releasably retain the front panel assembly in a partially open position or a full open position. The front panel assembly holds a mobile telephone and other small items, such stored items being accessible when the front panel assembly is in one of the open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Neal W. Luginbill, Frank Paluch, Michael Tsay, Chad Harrison, Doug Fischer, Taro Shimokobe
  • Publication number: 20030111503
    Abstract: An automobile trunk compartmentalizer which provides for variable connection of shafts and shaft housings by use of lockable pins whereby great variety of compartment sizes and shapes is possible at the user's option. Creation of more than one row of compartments in the automobile trunk may provide shallow compartments which are desirable for an aging population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: William C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030090120
    Abstract: A cargo management system of this invention includes a deep well storage area beneath a cargo floor, which well may be horizontally and/or vertically divided and which preferably includes a plurality of doors to access the well. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system also includes a panel which may be placed into three positions: a first storage position in which the panel is flush against the back of the rear seat; a second shelf position in which the panel is horizontal and spaced from the cargo floor by a first distance; and a third privacy shield position in which the panel is also horizontal but is spaced from the cargo floor a second distance, the second distance exceeding the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Barber, Jonathan A. Dykstra, Darren C. McIntire, Leif A. Norland, Donald L. Sauer, David B. Fry
  • Patent number: 6561399
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable container holder assembly that attaches to the sidewall of a pickup box above the fender well, for holding one or more liquid containers. The adjustable container holder assembly is best suited for square jugs with the opening and handle on the top, where such jugs are fabricated from plastic. The container holder assembly holds the containers above the bed of the box in an area that is of limited use due to obstruction by the fender wells. The placement of the container holder assembly adjacent to the sidewall provides easy access to the containers from outside the pickup box. The rack also protects the containers from damage by other implements that are often transported in the box bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Loren E. Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 6547117
    Abstract: A container holder for receiving and securing a container is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the container holder comprises a base surface, at least one moldline structure unit, and a sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the container in the holder and induces deformation in the moldline structure unit such that the container is secured in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Robert Edward Belke, Jay DeAvis Baker, Joseph Mario Giachino, Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Myron Lemecha
  • Patent number: 6520364
    Abstract: A storage system in which a base is preferably molded of a lightweight polymeric material and includes a peripheral raised edge for hingedly receiving front, rear, and end walls. The end walls of one embodiment are foldable, such that they collapse integrally with the front and rear walls. Each of the front, rear and end walls can be folded flat for compact storage of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Bradford J. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6502728
    Abstract: An accessory type carrier rack extension adapted for easy attachment to existing tubular racks generally provided on all terrain vehicles. The rack is provided in a variety of models to mate with and compliment existing tubular carrier racks and may be provided with flattened expanded metal panels that may be slotted at assembly to fit around any protrusions on the existing carrier rack that may exist but are unaccounted for by the manufacturer. The accessory carrier rack includes a tubular base frame fabricated from bent tubular members and various truss members. Some of the truss members are positioned parallel to the bent tubular members and/or parallel to adjacent truss members in a manner that defines elongated slots for adjustable positioning of the accessory carrier rack relative to an existing carrier racks generally found on ATVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20030000980
    Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Neel Mack
  • Publication number: 20030000982
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative (i.e., open) position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel. The end panels are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel. The end panels move from their respective stored positions to operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel from its closed position to its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas F.J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Brian Flaman
  • Patent number: 6499785
    Abstract: A storage device is provided with a sliding lid slidably contacting guide rails formed at both side ends of an opening of the storage device, and when the sliding lid is stored in an accommodating section formed continuously to a rear end of the opening, the sliding lid opens at the storage device. In the storage device, in sliding sections where the guide rails and sliding lid slidably contact each other, there are formed buffer sections for allowing the sliding lid to be displaced toward a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction. Therefore, the buffer sections are deformed during the opening and covering movements, so a play can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20020190183
    Abstract: The package fixing device is supporting instrument made of rigid material that supports things placed in a vehicle bout, and prevents them from moving. It has at least two planar surfaces joined to each other along a line. At least one of the planar surfaces has a normal hooked portion of a hook and loop fastener connected to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gyorgy Haas
  • Publication number: 20020179663
    Abstract: A retractable device compartmentalizes a vehicle cargo area. The device may be incorporated directly into the floor of the cargo area, or the device may comprise a housing removably disposed on or within the cargo area floor. An interior cavity is defined within the housing. A panel is selectively movable between a closed position wherein the panel covers the cavity and comprises at least a portion of the cargo area floor, and an open position. While in the open position, the panel divides the cargo area into at least two compartments. An optional partition is disposed within the housing and is selectively movable between an operative position and a storage position. A mechanism is provided for retracting the at least one partition into the cavity to the storage position. While in the operative position, the at least one partition divides the cargo area into at least two compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Donal Moore, Brian Bateman