Complementary To Vehicle Patents (Class 224/539)
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Patent number: 5979725Abstract: A multi-compartment organizer and storage enclosure includes a foldable partition assembly in which first and second divider panels are movably coupled together for folding and unfolding movement. The foldable partition assembly can be folded flat and placed in a first position resting across the top panel of the enclosure, and can be erected to an upright standing position relative to the enclosure. The divider panels are further movable to an unfolded position, thereby defining an upright corner frame for opposing shifting movement of a load carried on the top panel. A removable insulated container with retractable carry handles is mounted in a central compartment of the storage unit. A pull-out panel is slidably coupled beneath the storage unit and adjustable positioning arms are extendable for installation of the storage enclosure within the rear deck space of a minivan.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Mark A. Lehrman
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Patent number: 5970814Abstract: A housing supports a parking brake lever assembly, including a manual lever, a brake cable tension adjustment control, and a cable coupling assembly for coupling the lever to the vehicle's parking brake cables mounted to the chassis of a vehicle during assembly. The cable coupling assembly, tension adjustment control and parking brake lever assembly are inter-coupled and mounted to the housing forming a floor console which can be snap-fitted into a vehicle quickly during assembly with the parking brake lever automatically coupled to the vehicle's parking brake cables and the tension quickly adjusted external to the console for proper tension and operation during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen, Kim L. Van Order
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Patent number: 5971242Abstract: A vehicle accessory holder is adapted to fit on an adapter plug. The plug has a receiving end and a projecting end. The projecting end has a wider diameter than the receiving end. The vehicle accessory holder is shaped to slidably removably fit over the receiving end but cannot fit over the projecting end.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Linda J. Schuerman
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Patent number: 5961016Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a vehicle surface for gripping an article including a base member, side panels, at least one finger member, an adjustment member, and an attachment member. The base member includes a top surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. The side panels extend upwardly from each of the first and second side edges. The at least one finger member is slidably attached to at least one of the side panels. The finger member includes an extension region extending at least partially toward the opposing side panel so that the extension region together with the base member and the side panels define an inner region that facilitates retention of an article therein. The adjustment member adjusts the distance between the extension region of the finger member and the top surface base member, to in turn, accommodate articles of varying thicknesses. The attachment means facilitates attachment of the apparatus to a vehicle surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventors: Jerome Hartmann, Thomas R. Steinhagen
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Patent number: 5947358Abstract: A security shade for a rear cargo area of a motor vehicle. The security shade comprises a roller tube onto which a flexible shade panel is wound. A cover covers the shade panel and includes portions defining a slot through which the shade panel is extendable and retractable. A storage compartment is adjacent to and integral with the cover. The storage compartment includes an internal chamber that is defined by side walls, end walls, a bottom wall and a top which is moveable between a closed position and an open position permitting access into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Wieczorek
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Patent number: 5927784Abstract: An overhead console for a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft, is disclosed. The console includes a console housing having a leading end and a trailing end, a monitor mounted in the leading end of the console housing, and a compartment for storing a source of video signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
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Patent number: 5921519Abstract: A tray-like container holder includes an arm which pivots outwardly from a sidewall thereof and is detented to numerous fixed positions to divide the tray-like area into one or more storage areas of different sizes to accommodate different sized container holders on opposite sides of the arm. The arm can be retracted to provide a general storage bin.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Brian R. Dexter, David J. Spykerman
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Patent number: 5884799Abstract: A container for an installation into the interior of a vehicle, having a box with a box opening situated on top and a closing part covering it. For a compact construction of the container and a simplified installation mounting, the closing part comprises a guide plate, which rests inside the box opening and covers it partially, and a sliding lid which can be displaced in parallel thereto. On its transverse edge, which extends transversely to the sliding direction of the sliding lid, the guide plate is swivellably held on the upper edge of the box and is prestressed by a spring in a swivelling direction pointing away from the box bottom. The sliding lid is, on one side, guided in the sliding direction and with play in each transverse direction thereto on the guide plate and, on the other side, is guided via a connecting link guide on the box.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Daimler-Benz AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jurgen Korber, Tilo Volkmann, Jurgen Chaloupka
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Patent number: 5881935Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Masayoshi Ono, Masahito Hiura, Hisashi Kubokouchi, Yoshiaki Hamamoto
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Patent number: 5878986Abstract: A cupholder assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with three intersecting circular cavities (16,18,20) formed therein. The outer two cavities (16,20) may act as receptacles for containers (12). The center cavity (18) includes a removable insert member (30) positioned therein. The insert member (30) includes pivotable arms (42) extending therefrom into the first and third cavities (16,20) to bias containers (12) of varying sizes against their respective cavity (16,20). The insert member (30) may be removed for use of the center cavities (16,18,20) as a storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Collins & Aikman Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Andy Kwan-Leung Sun, Bruce H.B. Chow, Edoardo Panziera
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Patent number: 5860573Abstract: A support system including one or more resilient cradles which mount to the dashboard of a vehicle to support sundry paraphernalia, e.g. guns, fishing rods, sunglasses, coffee cups. A preferred foam cradle includes surfaces shaped to fit a vehicle profile defined between the dashboard and window. Projections and reliefs mate with complementary structure at the vehicle. The cradles can include notches, holes, flanges, hooks, and straps to facilitate item support and storage. A composite cradle constructed of a plastic core and foam covers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Inventors: Lance Hossack, Leland Thill
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Patent number: 5855310Abstract: A removable storate container for a motor vehicle interior is disclosed. The storage container comprises first and second container halves and a hinge. The first container half has an indentation adapted to engage a projection on a floor of the vehicle. The second container half is disposed adjacent a side wall of the vehicle, and includes at least one hole adapted to removably engage a corresponding projection extending from a side wall of the vehicle. The hinge pivotably connects the first container half and the second container half. Optional features include foam padding disposed between the first container half and the second container half, and a handle connected to the storage container for carrying the storage container when the storage container is removed from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Jack Michael Van Ert, Dan Bernard Malski
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Patent number: 5836496Abstract: A phone presentation device for holding and displaying a portable telephone handset within an automotive vehicle has a housing, an adjustable cradle attached to an inner surface of the housing, and a pivoting mount member for pivotally mounting the housing to a trim piece in the vehicle for movement between a stowed position hidden from view within a depression in the trim piece and a deployed position in which the handset is presented for use. The adjustable cradle has an elongate base member with a handset receiving section, a fixed grip mounted on a first end of the base member, an adjustable grip mounted on a second end of the base member for movement between a first position biasing the handset longitudinally toward the fixed grip and a second position in which the handset may be released from the fixed grip, and a pair of springs for biasing the adjustable grip between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: David Hastings Levin, Jonathan Paul Grasso, Licheng Tseng
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Patent number: 5833102Abstract: A portable vehicle-mounted support comprising a one-piece spring action bracket capable of being mounted to the seat of a vehicle by a quick release buckle strap or belt or other appropriate securing means. The spring action bracket comprises a rigid, curved base, a U-shaped bracket rigidly supported on said curved base in a position perpendicular to said curved base, a pair of holes through the curved base, a pair of posts mounted on said curved base, a means of securing a quick release buckle strap or belt or other appropriate securing device, and a Velcro, or other quick release device, for further securing of a firearm in the U-shaped bracket of the spring action bracket. The spring action bracket of the present invention can be made of plastic or other resiliently flexible material.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Inventor: Jeffery Thomas Jacobson
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Patent number: 5813579Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual beverage container holder adapted to be mounted around a console gear shift. Each container bolder comprises a substantially L-shaped base member having a horizontal bottom support and a back support vertically depending therefrom. First and second curved arms extend from opposing sides of the back support for receiving and stabilizing a beverage container. A flexible strap is attached to an end of the first curved arm and has an attachment means on a distal end for selectively engaging a mating attachment means on the opposing second curved arm. Outwardly extending from the top end of the back support is a pair of substantially parallel tongues, each of which has a plurality of substantially aligned snap connectors thereon for selectively engaging apertures on the opposing beverage container holder. The aligned snap connectors allow the distance between the two beverage container holders to be adjusted as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Andrene Hendrickson
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Patent number: 5799850Abstract: A vehicle gun rack includes a base assembly mounted on the vehicle floor and having a plurality of compartments. An arm assembly includes an arm mounted on the base and a crossbar mounted on the arm. A pair of guns or other objects can be mounted on the rack with lower ends thereof received in compartments in the base and with upper ends thereof secured to the crossbar on each side of the arm assembly. The base compartments are adapted for holding various objects, such as beverage containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: Dennis R. Ryder
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Patent number: 5775762Abstract: An overhead console for a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft, is disclosed. The console includes an elongated console housing having a leading end and a trailing end, a monitor mounted in the leading end of the console housing, and a compartment for storing a source of video signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
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Patent number: 5769293Abstract: A trunk organizer is disclosed having a holding bar assembly, a plurality of receptacles and a mechanism for attaching the receptacles to the holding bar assembly. The holding bar assembly preferably comprises three axially aligned bars which longitudinally and axially slide toward and away from each other. Two of the bars can be axially moved away from each other for adjusting the length of the holding bar assembly. A compression spring between two of the portions allows for one portion to be held in a biased position relative to the other.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: Boris Zaretsky
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Patent number: 5727835Abstract: This invention relates to a storage container (26) having a security system for mounting within a bed (22) of a vehicle (20). The security system my be operated by a vehicle battery (34) and include an alarm system utilizing the safety equipment of the vehicle such as a horn (36) and a parking light (38). The container includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (28) containing a security system (64). Lower portion 30 includes a pair of spaced end walls (42) connected together by a pair of side walls (43). The security system includes an alarm including plunger switches (66, 68) connected to an alarm control module (70), a key operated entry lock (76) and a remotely operated solenoid lock release (78). Unless disarmed, the alarm becomes activated whenever the lid of the storage container is opened.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.Inventors: Paul R. Krush, F. William Dyer, II
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Patent number: 5713502Abstract: A collapsible trunk spacer apparatus (10) for the trunks of automobiles wherein the spacer apparatus includes a generally rectangular collapsible carrier unit (11) having generally rigid end panels (21, 22) and generally flexible side walls (23, 24) which are operatively associated with a telescoping support unit (12) for varying the length of the carrier unit (11), and moveable divider units (13) for creating individual compartments within the carrier unit (11).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventor: Ernestine Dixon
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Patent number: 5706991Abstract: A holder for tool transport and method for transporting tools is provided. The holder includes a compartmentalized top section with an optional handle. A securable cover may be included to protect tool during transport. The base of the holder includes both a contiguous edge that provides suitable support during placement on a flat surface and a curved cavity that provides suitable support during placement on a component of mobile machinery to be serviced. The component can be a wheel and the cavity can be configured to allow for placement on substantially all wheel types and size.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Jay NagengastInventor: Robert A. Stewart
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Patent number: 5702041Abstract: A cupholder assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with three intersecting circular cavities (16,18,20) formed therein. The outer two cavities (16,20) may act as receptacles for containers (12). The center cavity (18) includes a removable insert member (30) positioned therein. The insert member (30) includes pivotable arms extending therefrom into the first and third cavities (16,20) to bias containers (12) of varying sizes against their respective cavity (16,20). The insert member (30) may be removed for use of the center cavities (16,18,20) as a storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Manchester Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Andy Kwan-Leung Sun, Bruce H. B. Chow, Edoardo Panziera
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Patent number: 5687895Abstract: An interlocking arrangement of storage boxes in the rear section of a passenger vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle. The arrangement preferably includes at least three storage boxes. Two of the boxes are respectively secured to the side walls of the vehicle. These side boxes are spaced from each other and the third box is slidably receivable between them. In the preferred embodiment, the third box has lips on its sides that respectively interlock with lips on the two side boxes to prevent the third box from being removed by lifting it upwardly between the two side boxes. Forward stops on the side boxes prevent the third box from being moved forwardly beyond the side boxes and the vehicle's tailgate in its closed position serves to prevent the third box from being moved rearwardly out of the vehicle. In this manner and with the tailgate in its locked, closed position, the three interlocking storage boxes are securely held in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Gregory P. Allison, Dallas L. Vernon
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Patent number: 5669537Abstract: A storage unit for an automotive vehicle storage area, defined by a floor bounded by generally vertically extending vehicle panels, has a base member, a pair of side supports attached at opposing ends of the base members, a pair of side members hingedly attached to the pair of side supports for pivotable movement between the deployed position and a stored position, a track system on a storage area facing surface of the side members, at least one removable shelf cooperative with the track system for alternatively dividing the storage area into generally vertical or horizontal storage compartments, and manually operable lock members attached to an outboard surface of the side supports and side members for releasable engagement with a lock engagement attached to the vehicle panels.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Abbas A. Saleem, William C. Bauer, John M. McGuckin, Mathew A. Demars, David H. Grandinett
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Patent number: 5669538Abstract: The present device relates generally to a bottom closure for an insulated sleeve-type beverage holder. The closure is composed of a rigid plastic material and is designed to be reliably affixed to the base of a tubular sleeve of insulating foam. In a preferred embodiment of the present device, the closure contains apertures therethrough to relieve vacuum and pressure conditions that might otherwise arise during the insertion and removal of a beverage container. On its upper side, the closure contains a plurality of circular ridges, the ridges possessed of an inside bevel, whose purpose is to improve the adhesion between the closure and the insulating sleeve. On its underside, the closure contains a short cylindrical sidewall which is designed to accept a removable storage portion, the storage portion adapting the insulated beverage holder to make it suitable for use in an automobile beverage holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: William M. Ward
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Patent number: 5657916Abstract: A molded shell with a hinged cover for carrying ballast or other items in pick-up truck beds. The shell is designed to fit into the bed of a truck and is formed to fit around the wheel wells. The shell is designed to be half the height of the side walls. This permits large flat objects to be placed on top of the container for convenient hauling. The entire lid is hinged in the front end (i.e., the end nearest the cab). This allows the entire hinge to be lifted and opened, giving access to the entire shell. A second hinge is provided that allows the rear one-third of the lid to open. This gives access to the back of the storage unit from the tailgate. This door can be used to remove sand to place under the wheels if more traction is needed, for example. It also can be used for quick access to frequently used items.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Inventor: John Tackett
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Patent number: 5653366Abstract: A safety box is adapted for use at any suitable location; however, it is designed especially for use in an automotive vehicle, and more specifically in a rented auto. An anchor member (perhaps a massive nylon block) is bolted to the floor of the vehicle or to another suitable stationary structure. The bottom of the box has a cavity which slips over and captures the anchor member, thus securing the box to the automotive vehicle floor or the like. A sliding door panel is located on the top of the box. In the back of the box, a sliding latch bar is completely enclosed within a vertical bore through the box wall. A spring biases the latch bar to a raised position where its lower end is outside the cavity. A closing of the lid pushes the latch bar downwardly and into the cavity, which traps the anchor member within the cavity to prevent a theft of the box. The closed lid, and therefore the trapped anchor member, is locked with a single key.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Inventor: Tony Liserre
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Patent number: 5647652Abstract: A dual-hinged center console that has a longitudinally extending cam rod retention cavity is disposed within each side wall of the center console adjacent to a lid, the cam rod retention cavity is also in axial alignment with the retention member in each side wall. Further, a cam rod is rotatably mounted in each side of the lid. Each cam rod is disposed in a corresponding cam rod retention cavity at the corresponding side wall when the lid is in a closed position. When the lid is in a open position, only one cam rod is disposed in one cam rod retention cavity of the corresponding side wall. Each cam rod has a latch handle that is attached at one end of the cam rod. Upwardly rotating the attached latch handle of one of the cam rods retracts that cam rod from the retention member of the corresponding side wall. This allows the lid to be rotated about the other cam rod to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Kenneth E. Zalewski, Gary D. Guichard
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Patent number: 5642845Abstract: A tool box locking device includes a base plate secured to opposing side walls in an interior of a tool box. The base plate has a pair of slots formed therethrough on opposing sides thereof. A pivot shaft is secured to the base plate between the pair of slots formed therethrough. The pivot shaft has end portions extending over the pair of slots through the base. A U-shaped handle has free ends thereof pivotally coupled with the end porions of the pivot shaft. A U-shaped locking bar is positionable at an exterior of the tool box with free ends thereof extending inwardly of the tool box through the slots thereof and through the slots of the base plate to be pivotally coupled with the free ends of the U-shaped handle. A locking mechanism is included for selectively locking of the U-shaped handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Inventor: Micheal Van Kooten
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Patent number: 5639002Abstract: A coverable container for the seat-area of vehicles, having a box-like housing which is open towards the top, and a flap or cover which can be pivoted on the housing and is designed as an arm rest for a seat occupant. To provide a vertically adjustable arm rest, a support lever is articulated on the underside of the flap at a distance from the pivot axis of the flap, which support lever, by means of a latching lug, can latch, into latching grooves arranged one above the other. The support lever is guided, by means of a guide pin, in a guide track which has two separate, spaced-apart track sections connected by upper and lower junctions to provide a continuous guide track.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Klaus Weitbrecht, Jurgen Korber
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Patent number: 5628442Abstract: A package-retaining accessory for the cargo area of vehicle includes a package-retaining closure that is attachable to a wall or a divider of the cargo area. The accessory is comprised of a collapsible fabric material or a rigid material. The top portion in the fabric embodiment is supported in an upright position either by a pair of extension lines or by a plurality of brackets. The brackets may be fixedly attached to the wall or may be pivotably attached so that the bracket may be moved from an extended, closure supporting position to a folded position where the closure is relaxed. A retractable, foldable top is provided with fasteners to tie it in either an open position or a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1994Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventor: Mark Wayne
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Patent number: 5628438Abstract: A portable storage unit for a vehicle seat includes a generally rectilinear housing having a plurality of pull-out drawers and a fixed shelf with an overlying cover serving as a writing surface. The drawers and shelf may be compartmentalized to provide storage compartments for various articles such as pens, pencils, paper, and food articles, such as packets of condiments. The storage unit may have a beanbag-type flexible container secured along its bottom surface enabling the flexible container to conform to the contours of the vehicle seat such that the flexible container maintains the overlying housing in a stable, upright position on the seat. Personal safety and security features may include a telephone handset and cord carried by the housing whereby use of a telephone may be simulated by the driver, as well as a mannequin which can be extended from the housing to simulate the appearance from outside the vehicle of another individual with the driver.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventor: Mary K. Legrow
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Patent number: 5620124Abstract: A method of attaching a load carrying bag inside the body of a pickup truck. The method requires first installing a tonneau cover which utilizes a rail with snaps, the rail is attached to the top edge of the truck body walls. The load carrying bags are equipped with straps extending upward from the back of the bag. The bag is place in the body of the truck body and the straps are extended over the side walls of the truck body. Snaps on the end of the straps are engaged with snaps added to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1996Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Inventor: William F. Geier
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Patent number: 5615922Abstract: A vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, having a cargo bed is provided with one or more openings which pass through side walls of the bed to provide access to the interior of the bed without the need to reach over the top edge of the side walls. Frames are disposed within the openings to line the peripheries thereof, the frames extending between inner and outer panels which make up the side walls. A hinged door is fitted to each opening to close of the opening when desired. Compartment covers may be installed inside of the bed to form storage compartments accessible through the openings. The storage compartments do not interfere with fitting of a cover or cap over the top of the bed, and are located so as to be compatible with other vehicle usages such as carriage of a bed-mounted camper unit or towing of a fifth-wheel trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Roamer CorporationInventor: Raymond W. Blanchard
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Patent number: 5615815Abstract: A storage rack for an automotive anti-theft device, comprising a framework for holding the automotive anti-theft device. A structure is for retaining the framework to a stationary surface, to retain the automotive anti-theft device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventor: Christopher M. Hogan
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Patent number: 5609382Abstract: A central console for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, has prefabricated connections. At least one add-on part which is provided with optional additional devices and/or operating elements can be fitted on the prefabricated connections.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Peter Schmid, Siegfried Schreiber, Helmut Grantz
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Patent number: 5584524Abstract: A liner for the loading and unloading of objects for use with a rear-opening truck bed. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies virtually the entire surface area of the truck bed. The liner can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the truck and folded downwardly to enable the user to pull the liner toward the rear opening to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1994Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: Tony Vogel
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Patent number: 5582336Abstract: A letter tray is conveniently installed in a delivery vehicle that provides for improved paging and access to the envelopes contained therein. The tray is slightly uplifted along a leftmost open side to prevent the mail from falling out of the open side of the tray, in addition to aiding in facing the envelopes. A specially designed end panel allows for visibility of addresses and paging or bending of the letter mail for easy viewing of the next address in the bundle of mail. The tray is preferably made of a clear plastic material for a complete view of the envelopes. A back support member acts to hold the mail in place, even as envelopes are removed from the front of the stack. The back support member is angled backward to allow for partial separation at the top of the envelopes, while still securely holding the envelopes at the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Roxanne Kutnyak
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Patent number: 5580019Abstract: The retrofitable fuel cap holder of this invention is and can be fixed on inner surface hinged vehicular gas cap lids. The cap includes a base, a support and a compression mechanism. Fuel is compressible in a direction substantially normal to an inner surface of the lid. The base has a fuel cap retainer, such as a notch, where the gas cap is placed during refueling. The support has adhesive for attachment to the inner surface of the lid and one of the base and support are conformable to the inner surface of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventor: Louis S. Glesser
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Patent number: 5568890Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle storage cabinet which fits on the floor of the cargo compartment of a utility vehicle. Articles may be safely and securely stored or transported inside the vehicle storage cabinet and other articles may be stored or transported on top of the vehicle storage cabinet. Storage compartments are provided which are accessible through the top of the vehicle storage cabinet and other compartments are provided which are accessible only when the cargo compartment of the utility vehicle is opened. The vehicle storage cabinet is portable and may be transferred to and from the vehicle with relative ease.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventors: Jack C. Magee, George Thompson
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Patent number: 5560676Abstract: A desk for use in a vehicle has a top that defines receptacles therein for holding office supplies and equipment. The desk is mounted in the passenger seat and held by the normal lap belt of the vehicle supports are adjustable to allow the height of the top of the desk to be varied, and to allow leveling of the desk. A slide is movable from the top so the slide can extend towards the driver's seat, and the slide is adapted to receive a portable computer. One corner of the desk mounts a cup holder to be adjacent to the driver, and a holder for eyeglasses is adjacent to the cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Stephen T. Griffith, Wayne Roberts
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Patent number: 5556064Abstract: A golf-bag cradle that consists of two rounded end brackets spaced several feet apart and conforming to the shape of a golf bag, so that the bag may be laid to rest between them. Each bracket is attached to a vertical support anchored to a common base with horizontal transverse extensions to provide stability in the trunk of a vehicle. The vertical supports may be vertically extendable to adjust the height of the brackets, and the base may be horizontally extendable to adjust the distance between the vertical supports, such that different-size bags may be accommodated. In another embodiment, the cradle comprises two sets of brackets stacked vertically to stow two golf bags. Finally, a side pocket may be provided with compartments for storing golf shoes, balls, and other articles of interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventor: Alexis M. Cowe
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Patent number: 5551616Abstract: A universal vehicle organizing container for automobiles and trucks which sits on the right of a driver, and contains specialized surfaces for holding items necessary for a traveling businessman, such as laptop computer, cellular phone, and more. The container is secured to the seat back by means of a strap which can also act as a carrying means. The inside of the container is insulated and partitioned, so that items may be carried securely, and food items will stay hot or cold longer. The container is connected by dual wires to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and multiple cigarette lighter type adapters are located on the top surface of the container to power electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Robert StittInventors: Robert N. Stitt, Kenneth Tarlow
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Patent number: 5535931Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle having a floor and a wheel well defined in the floor includes a compartment-defining structure having a pivot for pivotally attaching the structure to the vehicle for movement between a first position wherein the structure straddles the wheel well and a second position wherein the structure is located generally adjacent the wheel well on the vehicle floor. A compartment defined by the compartment-defining structure is accessible in one or both of the first and second positions. In one aspect, the compartment-defining structure includes a curved sidewall shaped to be mateably positioned over the wheel well when in said first position, and an outer sidewall spaced from the curved sidewall defining one or more compartments between the two sidewalls. In another aspect, the compartment-defining structure includes an elastic fence allowing access to the compartments in the compartment-defining structure when in the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: John R. Barlow, Russell S. Stephanchick
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Patent number: 5526972Abstract: In order to partition a storage area of a vehicle so that bags of groceries and the like can be arranged in a neat orderly manner, a space organizer includes a backboard which extends laterally across the storage area and at least two wing-like partition members which can be either fixed or hinged and which partition a given area of the storage area into three cells or sub-areas for bags and the like. A lid member can be provided to enclose at least the top of the center cell and in the case where the partition members are hingedly connected to the backboard a bungee cord can be used to retain the two partition members in desired space dividing positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Inventors: Richard K. Frazier, Barry V. Davis
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Patent number: 5520314Abstract: A truck bed divider having a unitary, one-piece structure which may be eay positioned in and instantly removed from a truck bed includes a dividing portion having a plurality of bars for preventing articles in the truck bed from moving or sliding in the truck bed. The divider further includes top and bottom frame portions which are joined to the divider portion and which support the divider portion in the truck bed. Retaining or bracing portions brace the truck bed divider against the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Peter R. Tkachuk
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Patent number: 5520316Abstract: A storage rack for automobile trunks, which consists of two supporting bars, two bracing bars, and a multiple number of sliding and tightening pieces. The storage rack for automobile trunks, which can be readily installed in a typical automobile trunk, may be used to secure objects of different sizes, thereby preventing these objects from being damaged during transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Shu F. Chen
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Patent number: 5511711Abstract: A camouflaged item holder for holding at least one item, such as a gun or the like, in a vehicle, such as a car or the like, includes a lid and a housing having an interior with an opening for holding at least one item. When the lid is in a closed position, the lid and housing appear like a single unit having a function other than holding an item, such that the presence of the at least one item inside the interior of the housing is camouflaged. The lid has the appearance of a portion of an electronic device and is dimensioned to cover the opening to the interior of the housing. The lid may be coupled to the housing by at least one hinge so that the lid can be opened and closed, and the housing may include at least one mounting structure that can couple the housing to the vehicle. The camouflaged gun holder may also include a lock mechanism to secure and lock the lid to the housing when the lid is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Inventor: Richard F. Kunz
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Patent number: 5511842Abstract: Modularized vehicle security mounting system for converting a conventional four-door motor vehicle into a safely and well-equipped security vehicle having full conventional vehicular safety features while isolating passengers in the rear seating area and also while providing for running of wire harnesses from trunk to dashboard and for providing rear seating area climate control and sanitation.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Inventor: John A. Dillon
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Patent number: 5505358Abstract: An auto trunk organizer comprising a cabinet member, a storage member, and mechanism for detachably securing the storage member to the cabinet member. The cabinet member has an outer housing enclosing an interior cavity, a plurality of draw members having draw latching mechanisms, and at least one pivoting door member having a latching mechanism. The storage member is portable and includes multiple, separate compartments suitable for storing documents. The storage member preferably includes an accordion type file folder. The attachment mechanism is connected between the cabinet member and the storage member. The attachment mechanism allows the storage member to be detachably secured to the cabinet member. Any attachment mechanism that will allow the storage member to be detachably secured to the cabinet member may be used. The attachment mechanism preferably includes either, or both, a hook-and-pile type fastener or a snap type fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: Charles P. Haase