Sized To Fill Vehicle Compartment Patents (Class 224/542)
  • Patent number: 11318890
    Abstract: Reconfigurable cargo screen assemblies for a vehicle are provided. The assembly includes a retracting component including a cassette member, a retractable screen, a first end beam, and a retraction mechanism. A first end of the retractable screen is connected to the first end beam, and a second end of the retractable screen is retractably connected within the cassette member by the retraction mechanism. The assembly further includes a middle cover component including a rod member, a middle screen, and a second end beam. A first end of the middle screen is connected to the rod member, and a second end of the middle screen is connected to the second end beam. Also included is a back component having a connection beam and a back screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Monica Sjöstedt, Peter Landqvist, Tony Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11259629
    Abstract: The vehicle trunk table is a folding table. The vehicle trunk table is formed with a form factor such that the will fit flush within the footprint of a trunk floor. The vehicle trunk table forms a raised supporting surface that covers the trunk floor. The vehicle trunk table is customized for an individual make and model of a vehicle. The vehicle trunk table can be extended to form a table. The vehicle trunk table includes a first leaf, a second leaf, a first support, a second support, and a hinge. The hinge attaches the first leaf and the second leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf from a flush horizontal surface that forms the superior surface of the vehicle trunk table. The first support and the second support raise the first leaf and the second leaf above the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Ari Rosario
  • Patent number: 11239346
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit relative to a wafer comprising a semiconductor substrate. The method first forms a first dielectric layer having a first thickness and along the substrate, the first forming step comprising plasma etching the wafer in a first substrate area and a second substrate area and thereafter growing the first dielectric layer in the first substrate area and the second substrate area. After the first step, the method second forms a second dielectric layer having a second thickness and along the substrate in the second substrate area, the second thickness less than the first thickness, the second forming step comprising removal of the first dielectric layer in the second substrate area without plasma and until a surface of the substrate is exposed and growing the second dielectric layer in at least a portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Howard MacPeak, Douglas Ticknor Grider, Brian K. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 11110969
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame and an operator cabin having a floor panel. The floor panel includes a floor plate, a floor mat, an access hole, and an access door assembly. The floor plate is connected to the frame. The floor mat is connected to the floor plate. The access hole is through the floor plate and the floor mat. The access door assembly is pivotally connected to the floor plate and positioned in the access hole. The access door assembly includes a door plate and a floor mat section. The door plate is pivotally connected the floor plate. The floor mat section is connected to and substantially covers the door plate. The access door assembly is configured to move between a closed state in which the access door assembly covers the access hole and an open state in which the access door assembly uncovers the access hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Rettick, Colton T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11091097
    Abstract: A reconfigurable system provides for adjustable support of a personal article of a user in a manner releasably anchored to a built in cup holder receptacle onboard a vehicle. A base portion fits within and substantially fills the cup holder receptacle. The base portion defines an internal bore formed to extending axially therein. A frame portion engages the internal bore of the base portion to extend longitudinally upward therefrom. The frame portion includes at least first and second sections telescopically coupled to one another for axial relative displacement in releasably locked manner. The first and second sections are mutually locked against angular displacement relative to one another during use, with one of the first and second sections defining an attachment end. One of a plurality of modular holder portions is coupled to the attachment end of the frame portion to define a support surface for the personal article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Eugene Woodward
  • Patent number: 11071379
    Abstract: The footwear storage for a vehicle trunk is a mechanical structure. The footwear storage for a vehicle trunk is configured for use in storing footwear and other articles. The footwear storage for a vehicle trunk is contained in the trunk of the automobile. The footwear storage for a vehicle trunk is formed with a cant. The cant forms an angle between the supporting storage surfaces formed by the footwear storage for a vehicle trunk and the force of gravity. The cant is selected such that objects will not slide out of the footwear storage for a vehicle trunk during the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The footwear storage for a vehicle trunk comprises a master pan, a plurality of footwear pocket structures, and a storage pan. Each of the plurality of footwear pocket structures mount on the master pan. The storage pan is contained within the master pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ron Clontz
  • Patent number: 10897527
    Abstract: A personal device docking station can include a base, a neck with a stationary and non-stationary portion and a rest pad that can hold a personal device such as a smartphone or tablet. When a personal device is docked in the docking station, bidirectional audio feed is established between the personal device and the docking station. A user can receive audio feed from the docking station's speakers and transmit audio feed via a plurality of microphones. The rest pad of the docking station can have a window or cutout that aligns with the camera of the docked personal device. The non-stationary portion of the neck can include multiple motorized rotation heads that allow for horizontal and vertical rotation of the rest pad and docked device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Saieed Ahmed
  • Patent number: 10571068
    Abstract: A mobile device stand includes a supporting stand, an adjustable frame and an adaptive mounting arrangement. The adaptive mounting arrangement includes a mounting connector provided on the adjustable frame. The mounting connector includes a tubular mounting member having a mounting cavity. The mobile device stand is selectively operated between a stationary mode and a mobile mode. In the stationary mode, the tubular mounting member is arranged to detachably attach on the base member so as to detachably mount the adjustable frame on the supporting stand. In the mobile mode, the tubular mounting member is arranged to securely and detachably mount on a cap portion of a bottle so as to detachably mount the adjustable frame on the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Man Cho Nicholas Law, Man Shing Nathaniel Law
  • Patent number: 10467577
    Abstract: Arrangements relating to personal storage with shared vehicles are described. A shared vehicle, a user device, a storage compartment, a storage computing system, and/or a storage depot can be communicatively linked. The storage compartment can be configured to store one or more physical items as well as electronic data. The storage compartment can be configured to be selectively loaded within and unloaded from a shared vehicle during a use by a user. The storage compartment can be configured to be communicatively linked to the shared vehicle when in a loaded condition such that a component of the shared vehicle may access the electronic data during the use of the shared vehicle. Systems and methods described herein can be implemented with shared autonomous vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. James
  • Patent number: 10363859
    Abstract: A vehicle loadspace cover is provided that is securable to a portion of a vehicle. The loadspace cover comprises a cargo fixing point configured to secure an item of cargo to the loadspace cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Nicholas Murray, James Neugebauer, Bruce Southey, Richard Craven, Andrew John Murray, Ian Brazier
  • Patent number: 10173600
    Abstract: Storage bin arrangements for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, a storage bin arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a surround having a surround wall that defines a stowage space. A bin has a bin wall that defines a bin storage compartment. The bin moves in the stowage space between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the bin storage compartment is substantially disposed in the stowage space. In the open position, the bin storage compartment is substantially exposed. A flap arrangement includes a flap section extending between the bin and the surround wall. The flap arrangement moves the flap section relative to the bin during movement of the bin between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Louis Thomas
  • Patent number: 10112555
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo space comprising a package tray and an umbrella drainage system is disclosed. The package tray cooperates with a rear seat defining a cargo area beneath the package tray. The package tray has an umbrella storage receptacle with a drain hole. The umbrella drainage system has a flexible hose within the cargo area. The hose is fluidly connected to the package tray and a body drainage system such that water drains from the receptacle into the hose for expulsion via the body drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Miguel Alfonso Aguilera Ramirez, Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas
  • Patent number: 9956918
    Abstract: Cargo organizers may be used for various sized boxes and packages. A friction pad overmolded on a bottom panel of the organizer body prevents movement when the cargo is transported in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventors: Allan R. Thom, David S. Iverson, David F. MacNeil, Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9925903
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multi-functional catering module for arrangement in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The catering module is arranged to be mounted to seat rails of the passenger compartment and arranged to be movable along the seat rails between at least a first user position and a stowage position. The catering module comprises at least one service or entertainment option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Christiansson, Tisha Johnson, Todd Levy, Patrik Lundgren, Axel Ernstsson, Robin Page
  • Patent number: 9796317
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a door configured for translation between an open and a closed configuration, at least one receiver sidewall, and at least one first cup holder surface provided by a bottom surface of the door and configured to upwardly extend at least a portion of the receiver sidewall when the door is disposed in an open configuration. A retention system for a container is provided, including at least one container biasing member and at least one container supporting member. The container biasing member may be door-mounted or receiver sidewall-mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Neumann, Vikas Saigal, Christopher Emery Fesenmyer, Scott Simon
  • Patent number: 9731654
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a tonneau retractor assembly and an actuator disposed to urge the tonneau retractor assembly against a vehicle seatback. A flexible tonneau panel deploys from and retracts into the tonneau retractor assembly. The actuator includes a bracket arrangement including a pair of opposed brackets each slidingly receiving a tonneau retractor pivot rod end therein. The actuator further includes a biasing element configured to urge each bracket towards the vehicle seatback. A support member carries the bracket arrangement. Each bracket slidingly translates over a fixed pivot point. The biasing element is operatively connected at a first end to a bracket and at a second, opposed end to the fixed pivot point to urge the tonneau retractor assembly against a vehicle seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Leonard Gus Prezecki, II
  • Patent number: 9340932
    Abstract: A soil compactor, comprising a compaction roller (16) supported on a compaction frame (14) and rotatable around a rotational axis (D), wherein the compaction frame (14) comprises longitudinal frame areas on both sides of the compaction roller (16) in direction of the rotational axis (D) and a first cross frame area (34) connecting the longitudinal frame areas (30, 32) to each other and extending essentially in the direction of the rotational axis (D) is characterized in that at least one storage space (38) is provided in the first cross frame area (34), which is closed by means of a locking element (50) movable between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: HAMM AG
    Inventor: Matthias Meier
  • Patent number: 9227569
    Abstract: A loading shelf for a luggage compartment of a vehicle has one rear panel and at least one front panel coupled by means of a guide-and-slide device, which has two longitudinal channels, fixed relative to the rear panel, and two front slides and two rear slides, which are carried by the front panel and engage the channels; the rear slides are coaxial along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in which the front panel may slide; channels have respective openings having position, shape and size so as to let the front slides coming out of the channels; when the front slides are outside of the channels, the front panel is rotatable about the axis of the rear slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: FIAT Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Giorgis, Armando Spagnolini, Simone Rosetta, Caterina Cavagliato, Carlo Franco Torres
  • Patent number: 9218699
    Abstract: A firearm safe is described which may provide a firearm in a state for ready access such that release of the firearm from the safe is performed when a user's hand is in position to readily accept and use the firearm with no or minimal avoidance of obstructions. The firearm safe may maintain the firearm in a locked and protected position when access is not desired and may carry the firearm on a carriage assembly. The firearm safe may provide the firearm only upon activation by a user, such as by biometric or RFID readers. Upon such activation, the firearm safe may provide the firearm to the user. The biometric readers may be positioned such that, upon release of the firearm, the user's hand may be in position to receive the firearm with minimal or no obstructions and may readily grasp the firearm for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Safe Fast Guns LLC
    Inventors: Scott McIntyre, Jason Hartenberger
  • Publication number: 20150014381
    Abstract: A rack and tray device formed from a pair of side panels mountable on the floor of an area and attached to the sides of the area, such as the inside of a van. Guide members are on the side panels and include a channel shape extending inward to accept a tray member carried by the channel shape and maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation when objects are placed on the at least one tray member. The guide members are slidably mounted to further support the tray and prevent it from tipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: DeJana Cargo and Van Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Hanley
  • Publication number: 20140326768
    Abstract: An improved condiment packet holder of molded plastic has a generally centrally located aperture sized and shaped: to receive along a first orientation a body of a first condiment packet having a first shape, and to suspend that first condiment packet by supporting, on first portions of the surface surrounding the aperture, at least end portions of a flange protruding at the top of the first condiment packet, and to receive in a second orientation transverse to the first orientation a body of a second condiment packet having a second shape different that the first shape, and to suspend that second condiment packet by supporting, on second portions of the surface surrounding the aperture, at least end portions of a flange protruding at the top of the second condiment packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Philip J. Mango
  • Patent number: 8763871
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a seating row that is oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seating row has a seat back that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for providing access to the storage compartment when the seat back is in a collapsed position. A battery having a top surface is mounted within the storage compartment. A receptacle is provided with a back surface that is connected to the top surface of the battery by a panel. The receptacle moves in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the battery between a rearward position within the storage compartment and a forward position within the passenger compartment. A face of the receptacle engages the seat back, and the panel extends from the receptacle to the battery in the forward position for providing a raised platform extending to the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, John Stephen Wuerth, Peter Daniel Houk
  • Patent number: 8662367
    Abstract: A method for use in an automobile includes the steps of: providing an inflatable device having a shell formed of an airtight, flexible and insulated material that is specifically sized and configured to fill a volume of space within a lower rear interior compartment of the automobile behind the front seats and below the level of a plane extending between the top of the front seats and a bottom edge of the rear window of the automobile; installing the inflatable device within the rear compartment of the automobile; inflating the device and causing the device to completely fill the lower rear interior compartment; reducing the interior air space within the automobile and preventing circulated air of the automobile's climate control system from circulating into the lower rear interior compartment, thereby improving the efficiency of the climate control system and fuel efficiency of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Miles R. Panaro
  • Publication number: 20140054345
    Abstract: Cargo organizers may be used for various sized boxes and packages. A friction pad overmolded on a bottom panel of the organizer body prevents movement when the cargo is transported in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: MACNEIL IP LLC
    Inventors: Allan R. THOM, David S. IVERSON, David F. MACNEIL, Frederick W. MASANEK, JR.
  • Patent number: 8500183
    Abstract: A wall liner system for installation within the cargo space of a van or other utility vehicle is provided. The system includes an inner panel configured to conform to and contact an inner surface of the vehicle side wall, an outer panel covering the inner panel, at least one article holder on the outer panel for stowing articles, and at least one connector fastening together the holder, the outer panel and the inner panel. The outer panel can be configured to cover and conform to the configuration of wheel wells and other components of the vehicle which protrude into the cargo space. The inner panel can comprise a rigid plate and the outer panel can comprise a less rigid moulded plastic panel, with the connector being configured to transfer substantially all of the weight of the holder onto the more rigid inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Malley Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Malley, Steen Gunderson, Erin Cooke, Joseph Laurie Chavarie
  • Patent number: 8483942
    Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporatioin Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130134195
    Abstract: A device for storing handled tools in a vehicle, formed from a three dimensional body sized to fit in a vehicle and having a vertical dimension defining a vertical wall. The body includes at least one tube extending from the vertical wall of the body through at least a portion of the body, the at least one tube being sized to accommodate a handled tool. The body has a top surface on the body having sufficient strength to support cargo carried in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kerry Liddle, Janette Liddle
  • Patent number: 8267291
    Abstract: An apparatus for obstructing gaps present between front seats and dividing consoles of automobiles comprising an elongated member, having a pliable, malleable character, that can accommodate a wide range of automobile makes and models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Simon, Mark Newburger
  • Patent number: 8240527
    Abstract: An extendable tool box includes a tool box, a table top and support legs. The tool box may be slidably reciprocated along a first horizontal travel path aligned parallel with the truck bed. The table top may be contiguously oriented parallel with the tool box and slidably reciprocated along a second horizontal travel path registered parallel to the first horizontal travel path. The tool box may include a bottom surface having a cavity whereby the table top may be stowed. A sliding mechanism may be connected to the bottom surface of the tool box and may permit the tool box to freely reciprocate along the first horizontal travel path. The support legs may be telescopically adjustable between extended and retracted positions. The tool box may include a plurality of storage compartments arranged on left and right longitudinal sides and equidistantly offset along a central longitudinal length of the tool box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: William Casselton
  • Patent number: 8235269
    Abstract: A cargo space floor is provided for a motor vehicle and a ski rack is positioned on the cargo space floor that may be pivoted from a lower nonuse position around a first pivot axis into an upper usage position, in which a ski may be fastened to the ski rack. The ski rack has at least one first support strut and one second support strut that are spaced apart from one another and have openings aligned with one another for receiving a ski. A motor vehicle is also provided having such an advantageous cargo space floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ernesto Rupar, Monica Felicio Fragoso, Andrew Dyson, Christopher Daab
  • Patent number: 8186736
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism 29 that rotatably provides a luggage board 27 and an auxiliary board 28 continuously with each other while interposing an integral hinge 13 therebetween, in which a space portion S is provided between mutually opposite end surfaces 20 and 21 of the luggage board 27 and the auxiliary board 28, wherein a restoring force generation portion 30a of a spring member 30 is housed in the space portion S, and in addition, both end portions 31 and 32 of the spring member 30 are fixed to the luggage board 27 and the auxiliary board 28, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Meiwa Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Jouraku
  • Patent number: 8167352
    Abstract: A floor carpet (40) for covering a vehicle floor as well as a tool storage area is disclosed. The floor carpet has an overlapping flap (57) for overlapping a rear surface (33) of a peripheral edge of an opening (32) formed in a vehicle body (11) when the opening is closed, the flap being able to be pulled toward the surface of the opening when opened. The overlapping flap has a plurality of small lap portions (61) and a plurality of large lap portions (62) for overlapping the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the opening to a small degree and a large degree. The small lap portions and the large lap portions are alternately arranged in a wave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8162189
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of an automobile accessory comprising an envelope that fits between the center console of an automobile and either the front driver's seat, or the front passenger's seat, for catching items that would otherwise end up between an automobile seat and the center console or under the seat. In addition, the accessory may act as a convenient storage location for items intentionally placed inside it. Also included are methods of using embodiments of the automobile accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Robins
  • Publication number: 20120080467
    Abstract: A transportable barbeque support and combination allows for safe transport and easy sliding access to a full size barbeque, fuel tanks, and coolers. A base is mounted securely to the truck bed, trailer, or RV and a sliding frame is movable thereon for movement between a transport position and an operating position. The barbeque is fit to a distal end of the sling frame and storage including fuel tanks at an inside or proximal end. A heat shield can be positioned between the barbeque and storage. A locking mechanism between the sliding frame and base ensures the barbeque remains securely in either the transport or operative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONCUSSION OILFIELD SERVICES LTD
    Inventors: Christopher IRWIN, Daniel ISELY, Tyler MAYO, Geoffrey MAYO
  • Patent number: 8127962
    Abstract: A lid body is constituted so as to enable to selectively take a lid closing preparation position wherein the lid body is moved forward to a housing frontward side with an approximately horizontal condition and projects to a housing front, a lid closed position closing an opening portion of a housing with an approximately vertical condition, and a lid open position wherein the lid body is moved to a housing backward side with an approximately horizontal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Kogami
  • Publication number: 20120000954
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. At least two of the side walls include a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled to the first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallel when the container is collapsed. The collapsible container can be configured in a storage configuration for containing objects or a collapsed configuration occupying less volume than the storage configuration for stowing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Shea, Tomohito Hashikawa, Martin Petersen, Angelo Parisi, Hugh Francis, Kelly Schlotterer
  • Patent number: 7950712
    Abstract: A deck board includes a board body arranged in a luggage area of a vehicle so as to be capable of being moved between an upper position and a lower position. The board body in the upper position separates the luggage area into upper and lower areas. The deck board further includes a front support portion that is rotatably connected to the front end portion of the board body via a hinge portion so as to guide the board body being moved between the upper and lower positions. The end portion of the front support portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion is pivotally supported by the sidewalls of the luggage area via a support pin. Further included is a spring unit arranged to bias the board body and the front support portion to be drawn to each other across the hinge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Karaki, Mikihiro Kito
  • Patent number: 7938471
    Abstract: A deck board includes a board body arranged in a luggage area of a vehicle so as to be capable of being moved between an upper position and a lower position. The board body in the upper position separates the luggage area into upper and lower areas. The deck board further includes a front support portion that is rotatably connected to the front side of the board body so as to support the front side of the board body. Further included is a support pin that pivotally supports the fore end portion of the front support portion on the opposite side of the board body, so that a hinge portion can rotate. The deck board further includes a tension spring arranged to bias the front side of the board body toward the support pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Karaki, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Mikihiro Kito
  • Patent number: 7931177
    Abstract: A storage container for use in a boot of a motor vehicle, which container is fastenable on the lower side of a rear parcel shelf and, for loading, is movable into at least one loading and/or unloading position, and which includes a frame, a supporting surface and at least one essentially inelastic side wall connecting the supporting surface to the frame, wherein the side wall can be deformed, and therefore the height of the storage container can be varied. A module for fitting a storage container in a vehicle is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bohlke, Olaf Bueschgens, Andreas Goebbels, Wolfgang Sitzler, Werner P. Schlecht, Juergen Salewski
  • Publication number: 20110036881
    Abstract: A golf cart storage accessory including a storage tray defining a support surface and opposing sidewalls and end walls extending upwardly from the support surface, and mounting structure attached to the storage tray having a shape corresponding to the shape of at least one golf ball, the mounting structure being configured to engage a conventional golf ball holder of a golf cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Mustang Motion LLC
    Inventor: William G. Higgs
  • Publication number: 20110031291
    Abstract: A storage container for a vehicle is provided and includes a bottom wall and an outer wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the outer wall together define a storage compartment. The storage container is configured to be removably secured to a rack of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Philip A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 7866620
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Publication number: 20100127032
    Abstract: A removable in-floor storage device for a vehicle floorpan well, including a lid assembly have a frame mounted on a floorpan surface about the periphery of the floorpan well so as to define a frame opening, and a lid pivotally mounted on the frame to move from a closed position to an open position allowing access to the frame opening. The storage device further includes a removable storage bin adapted to be received within the frame opening and supported within the frame opening by the frame, to thereby define a storage chamber within the vehicle generally beneath the floorpan surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: JAMES D. SCHUBRING, Werner H. Schneider, Eugene Bowerman
  • Publication number: 20100019010
    Abstract: Organizer, formed within an internal framework of tubular aluminum secured together by pop rivets, fits into rear of pick-up truck for transport t sporting events, picnics, parties, etc. When tailgate on truck is dropped into open position, organizer, which has wheels at each corner, is rolled off truck and onto metal platform. Platform has U-shaped channels along opposite sides of upper surface, and wheels on organizer fit into channel so that organizer can be pushed onto platform with minimal effort. Once in position, doors on organizer are opened to reveal contents of diverse compartments formed within framework. Compartments are commodious, and store diverse items and supplies. After party is over, unused supplies can be returned to assigned compartments, doors are closed, and organizer is wheeled back to pick-up truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7543873
    Abstract: A roll-out drawer system for a vehicle comprising a planar framework comprising a plurality of pipe-over-pipe mechanisms. The roll-out drawer travels over the planar framework permitting the drawer to travel lengthwise from an internal position within the bed of the vehicle to an external position where the drawer is partially extended from the bed. The pipe-over-pipe planar framework permits the user to gain access to the drawer to load, position and unload contents that would otherwise be difficult to reach within the bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Warren Thornsberry
  • Patent number: 7494033
    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: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Dolores Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20080283565
    Abstract: An apparatus for obstructing gaps present between front seats and dividing consoles of automobiles comprising an elongated member, having a pliable, malleable character, that can accommodate a wide range of automobile makes and models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Simon, Marc Newburger
  • Patent number: 7413154
    Abstract: A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Harshman, Ted Rickabus, Gerald Bekes, Ralph Provitz, Stewart MacDonald
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7140586
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of holding an object in cooperation with a cup holder of a vehicle comprises a support (110), a post (120) coupled to the support, and a base (130). The post has a first end (221) and a second end (222), and the base is capable of receiving the first end of the post. The base is sized to fit within the cup holder of the vehicle. A distance between the support and the base may be adjusted, and an angle between the support and the post may also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Belkin Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Ernesto Quinteros, Vijendra Nalwad