Rectilinear Movement Patents (Class 224/554)
  • Patent number: 9120496
    Abstract: The grocery cart beverage holder is configured for use in attaching itself in between the rear wall of a grocery cart and a pivoting child seat wall in order to support a beverage upright there between. The grocery cart beverage holder is constructed of a first member hingedly connected to a second member. The first member and the second member each have a beverage cutout that align with one another to collectively for a cup holder slot. The first member as well as the second member include a slideable member that extends distally away from the respective member. The slideable members each include a clip configured for use in securing the slideable member onto the surface of the grocery cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Adam T. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8919626
    Abstract: A power chair carrier system includes a power chair having an elevating motor mounted thereon for raising or lowering the seat of the power chair and for raising or lowering the power chair drive assembly including wheels when the chair is mounted on a vehicle. A hitch assembly is removably connected to a vehicle and includes a docking structure for removably connecting to an upper portion of the power chair to permit the drive assembly and wheels of the power chair to be raised while the chair is in a docking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8905276
    Abstract: Vehicle trunk mounting systems and methods are disclosed. A mounting system comprises a frame adapted to be secured within the trunk and a platform adapted to support a device thereon. The frame comprises a hinge portion and a guide portion. The platform is movably secured within the frame. The frame is rotatable around the hinge portion between a first position in which the platform is substantially horizontal and a second position in which the platform is substantially upright. The platform is slidable within the guide portion when the frame is in the first position. A mounting method comprises mounting the device on the platform, slidably repositioning the platform within the frame, and rotating the frame between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Havis, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bernert, David Enama, Mark P. Sundy
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 8733604
    Abstract: A roller load assisted roof-top carrier for elongate articles such as kayak boats. The roof-top carrier includes a space frame having at least a U-shaped portion, the legs of which are each slidingly mountable to each of a front and back cross bar of a vehicular roof rack. In this manner, the space frame translates unitarily relative to the vehicular roof rack. Forward and back cross members are provided that are mounted upon the space frame, the front cross member carrying a pair of kayak saddles, each faced with a friction inducing material for discouraging slippage between a secured kayak and the space frame and the back cross member carrying a pair of guide panels, each faced with a slip inducing material for encouraging slippage between a kayak being loaded on or unloaded from the space frame. A roller is mounted on a back bight portion of the space frame, the roller being located at a fixed spacing with respect to the front and back cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Frederick G. Murray, Kevin W. Harris
  • Patent number: 8613381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a truck mixer with at least one extension chute which for transport can be received on a holding means in a locked manner, wherein the holding means can be swiveled rotatorily and/or translatorily between a transport position and a removal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Mischtecknik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Müller, Martin Wittig
  • Publication number: 20130334269
    Abstract: A securement system for portable bottles, intended for use in a vehicle, is disclosed and claimed herein. In one particular embodiment, the securement system is constructed from a vertical stanchion. Disposed about the periphery, on four sides, are four vertically oriented mounting channels. A top bottle holder and a bottom bottle holder are installed in a selected mounting channel. At least the top bottle holder can be adjusted vertically to accommodate bottles with various heights. The bottom bottle holder includes a platform for supporting the bottle, and both the top and bottom holder include a cradle that receives a side of the bottle. Both the top bottle holder and bottom bottle holder include releasable, hook and loop straps to hold the bottle flush and secure against the cradles. The base of the stanchion includes features for securing the stanchion in a convention L-Track, of the type typically found in transit vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SURE-LOK INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Edgardo CARDONNA, Jason A. BANDI
  • Patent number: 8561863
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems described herein provide for removably attaching an electronic device holder to a set of headrest bars of a seat in a vehicle in a manner which allows the user, while seated in the backseat of the vehicle, to utilize the electronic device without holding the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie LaColla, Shraddha Patel, Mervyn Cheung, Soo Youn Kim
  • Publication number: 20130270316
    Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods for holding bags for transporting trash or holding displays on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatuses include an adjustable-size rack comprising one or more detachable members which are attachable to the receiver segment of a base member. A base member has an engagement segment for mounting the apparatus on a vehicle. In a first apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of the shoulder bolts used for installing the license plate on a vehicle. In a second apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of an adapter which is installed over the license plate of a vehicle. In a third apparatus, two straps link the engagement segment on the exterior to a restraining bar configured inside the trunk of a vehicle. In a fourth apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on an external spare wheel of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: SIDDHARTHA ANGARA
  • Publication number: 20120217278
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly includes a clamping arrangement mounted for vertical movement on a mounting structure and is movable between an engaged position and disengaged position relative to a self-contained breathing apparatus held in the mounting bracket assembly. A camming arrangement is located between the clamping arrangement and the mounting structure for permitting and preventing vertical movement of the clamping arrangement relative to the mounting structure. A powered latching mechanism is engageable with a portion of the clamping arrangement for providing unlatched and latched positions. A control arrangement separate from the powered latching mechanism is operatively connected thereto to selectively control the powered latching mechanism and effect release of the self-contained breathing apparatus from the latched position when the vehicle is in a stationary and parked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: H.O. BOSTROM COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul C. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, Matthew C. Horn
  • Patent number: 8177110
    Abstract: A utility box structure for pick-up trucks and the like, wherein a guide rail of the structure is adapted for mounting on the top rim of the sides and front of the cargo body of the vehicle within the cargo bay thereof, wherein the box is affixed to rail follower means mounted within the guide rail structure whereby the box can be moved by hand along the guide rail structure to easily position the box at the front or at either side of the cargo bay or at any location therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Robert S. Hines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8100307
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Chinn, Earl Choy
  • Publication number: 20110089210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for coupling equipment to a rail in a vehicle, said device (1) comprising both a main body (2) designed to be attached to the rail, and a connecting member (3) attached to the main body (2) and designed to be connected to said equipment, said device (1) being characterized in that the connecting member (3) comprises, as a minimum, both a first plate (4) mounted movably on the main body (2), and a first adjustment means (8) designed to allow a user to adjust, by manipulating the first adjustment means (8), the position of the first plate (4) relative to the main body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Antar Daouk
  • Patent number: 7762422
    Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks supported by the body, and a plurality of support member assemblies, each having a pair of end members engaged with and moveable along the tracks and a non-linear support member extending between and connected to the end members. The support member assemblies support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventor: Brian T. Dobrinski
  • Patent number: 7721926
    Abstract: A vehicle trim component that has a concealed storage compartment includes a mounting portion and a pair of generally parallel tracks that at least partially define an access opening of the trim component. A flexible lid slidably is disposed between the tracks for movement between a closed position and an open position relative to the access opening. The lid includes a flexible portion and a reinforcement portion coupled to the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured and arranged to span the access opening when the lid is in the closed position. The reinforcement portion has an array of sliding members and an array of hard, rigid reinforcement inserts. Free ends of each of the reinforcement inserts are located in the tracks. The sliding members are disposed on each of the reinforcement inserts to isolate the reinforcement inserts from contacting the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center Northe America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7641086
    Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Phillip Green
  • Patent number: 7309202
    Abstract: A system for transporting and storing a portable combination table/ramp device in a truck bed, including a substantially flat platform supported by a plurality of support members positioned between the platform and the truck bed and defining a plurality of elongated recesses therebetween. Elongated table top portion and elongated bench seat portions with tailgate-engaging portions connected thereto are received in the recesses. A plurality of retractable table leg assemblies are connected to the table top portion. A connector is coupled to each respective table leg assembly for connecting the elongated bench seat portion thereto. Each respective table leg assembly is retractable to a storage position substantially adjacent the elongated table top portion and extendable to a deployed position extending between the table top portion and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070278274
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for portable electronic devices (hereinafter “PED”). More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting bracket and PED holder that allows the user to use and store their PED in a compact disk (“CD”) player of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chance Dunn
  • Patent number: 7204538
    Abstract: The invention provides a moveable storage compartment designed for camper trailers that provides for top access even when the camper is in use and is folded out and over the top of the compartment. The storage compartment's unique design and placement on a sliding track allow the user to move the compartment to either side of the trailer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running along the length of the trailer. Furthermore, the compartment has one or more lids that allow either side to be accessed depending upon on which side of the trailer access is desired. At least one lid of the compartment may easily convert for use as a table if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur G. Warlick, III, Michael R. Terlep, Jr., Robert R. Bradley, Gary L. Duncan
  • Patent number: 7175060
    Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IFW, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Carpenter, Steve Robinson, Dan Marshall
  • Patent number: 7165702
    Abstract: A cargo retention system is provided that allows the operator of a vehicle removably and securely fasten a cargo module to a vehicle. A guide is provided for aligning the cargo module within the retention system and aiding in the securing of the cargo to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rusty Billberg
  • Patent number: 6923354
    Abstract: A toolbox assembly for mounting in the box of a pickup truck includes a rectangular casing with an open front end; a drawer slidable in said casing; a lock on said drawer for locking the drawer in the casing; a pair of L-shaped brackets for mounting on the floor of the box immediately rearwardly of the wheel wells, the brackets slidably receiving the casing; and a lock mechanism for releasably locking the casing in said brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Garth Axelson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6641014
    Abstract: A cantilevered member mounted at a first end to the base and extending cantilevered from the base to an opposite second end, opposite to the first end, and a cross-member mounted to the second end of the cantilevered member, the cross-member having opposite first and second ends. The cantilevered member may be releasably pivotally mounted to the base so as to be selectively angularly positionable relative to the base. A rigid first arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the first end of the cross member. A rigid second arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the second end of the cross-member. The first and second arms are parallel to the cross-member and mounted for sliding and pivoting in a plane parallel to a plane containing the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Arliss McNalley
  • Publication number: 20030127482
    Abstract: A storage system is disclosed for a vehicle and includes one or more support members adapted to couple to the vehicle, a cargo storage platform coupled to the support members, and an adjustment device operably engaging the support members and the cargo storage platform to configure the cargo storage platform in one or more positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Dale A. Gort
  • Patent number: 6546598
    Abstract: A vehicle luggage compartment structure, facilitating the putting in and taking out of small articles from a tray provided in a luggage compartment, and enabling the luggage compartment to be partitioned by the tray by fixing a box to a floor surface of the luggage compartment. A first protruding portion and a second protruding portion for engagement of the tray are engaged with a first guide groove and a first anchor hole of the box, respectively, to hold the tray in the box. By sliding the first protruding portion for engagement along the first guide groove to pull the tray out to the rear of the vehicle, a top wall of the luggage compartment no longer covers an open top side of the tray, thereby enabling small articles to be easily placed into and taken out from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventors: Hideya Nakanou, Toshimitsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6516983
    Abstract: A cargo supporting device supports cargo within a vehicle compartment in more than one position. The cargo supporting device includes at least one moveable panel having a cargo supporting surface. The moveable panel moves from a first position that is relatively distant from a cargo access point to a second position that is closer to the cargo access point. The moveable panel effectively brings one or more cargo items closer to an individual to make them more readily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Sotiroff, Roch Joseph Tolinski, Charles Berry Hopson, George Rene Chene, Simon Blair Dobson, Enrico Fin
  • Publication number: 20030010800
    Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W McCoy, Thomas W Lindenman
  • Publication number: 20020125284
    Abstract: A load carrying vehicle accessory includes rear, medial, and front carrier units each, having a laterally extending chassis-mounted socket member that telescopically receives a sleeve having a pair of posts thereon, the posts having adjustable spacing from a side extremity of the vehicle. The socket members can be clamped under the vehicle chassis and/or incorporated in vehicle bumpers. An optional configuration has front and/or rear mounted a base to which the socket member is pivotally mounted as an arm, the posts being foldable in-line with the arm, the arm also folding inwardly from the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: W. Anthony R. Cook
  • Patent number: 6390344
    Abstract: A modular hitch mount connection for attaching a tubular carrier structure to a load arm that is inserted in the receiving tube of a receiving type hitch. A tubular seat is provided that has an open end for slidably receiving the support tube in an open end of the seat. Correct positioning of the support tube in the tubular seat produces alignment of holes in walls of the tubular seat with orifices in sidewalls of the support tube. A tensioning bolt inserted through a hole in the seat wall and a corresponding orifice in the sidewall of the support tube screwably engages a threaded nut located inside the support tube to secure the support tube to the tubular seat and in the process reduce play and wobble between them. Further play and wobble may be eliminated from the modular hitch mount connection by further inserting a connecting bolt through a hole in another wall of the tubular seat and a corresponding orifice in the second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Edgerly
  • Patent number: 6315180
    Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera in a motor vehicle in which an elongated tubular body supports a pivotally mounted camera with the tubular body attached to headrest supports in a seat of a vehicle with the camera disposed substantially centrally relative to a central axis of the vehicle beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the vehicle such that the imaging apparatus is unobstructed for receiving images by use of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: D. Scott Watkins
  • Patent number: 6250400
    Abstract: A carrier for a jackhammer which may be mounted to the tongue of an air compressor is disclosed. The carrier includes a support column, an adjustable bracket slideably mounted to the support column, and a pocket secured to the lower end of the support column for receiving the jackhammer. Mounted to the support column is an L-shaped bracket which may be secured to the tongue of an air compressor. The adjustable bracket includes a U-shaped member with two arms and a rear wall. The jackhammer is placed between the arms and an elongated rod is used to retain the jackhammer in place. The pocket has two converging walls which do not contact each other. An opening is formed between the bottoms of the two walls and a bar is placed within the opening. The bar is short enough in length so that the opening is not completely closed, thereby preventing rainwater or other precipitation from collecting within the pocket. Once the jackhammer has been placed within the carrier, the blade of the jackhammer rests on the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Bucko
  • Patent number: 6193123
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying panel materials adjacent to a truck side panel has a stationary workpiece resting surface mounted on the truck side panel and a movable workpiece clamping and supporting device positioned adjacent to the stationary workpiece resting surface and mounted to the truck. A motive device such as a motor engages the truck and is connected for moving the workpiece clamping and supporting device toward and away from the workpiece resting surface for sandwiching a workpiece between the workpiece resting surface and the workpiece clamping and supporting device for enabling the truck to transport the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jozef Adamczewski, Ruth Esther Gosey
  • Patent number: 6116485
    Abstract: An improved bracket for connecting a camera mount to rectangular supports for headrests in automobiles is disclosed. A camera support having extendable telescopic legs for bearing against a surface in the automobile provides improved support for larger, heavier cameras supported on the camera mount for recording images during operation of the automobile. A cushion pad attaches to a front or rear face of the camera mount, for example, to guard against bruises to a person operating the camera in a back seat of the automobile. Improved pivotable supports for the camera are also disclosed, whereby the camera is selectively positioned at a horizontal angle for recording images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: D. Scott Watkins
  • Patent number: 6024262
    Abstract: A releasably mounted equipment rack mounted to a roll bar and windshield me of a vehicle, allowing a viewing device to be mounted for viewing by a front seat occupant of a soft top vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Edwin L. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6019265
    Abstract: A snowboard rack, for transporting a snowboard in a pickup truck having a cab and a bed, the bed having a bed front, a bed rear, and bed side walls, comprising a header shaft and at least one carrier extending rearward from the header shaft. The carrier has a carrier sleeve which extends over the header shaft to allow slidable movement thereupon. The relative position of the carrier and the header shaft is fixed by tightening a set screw on the carrier sleeve. The header shaft extends across the bed near the bed front. The header shaft has a pair of side poles which engage the bed side walls and are spring tensioned thereagainst. The carrier has a pair of cradles which support the snowboard therein, and a strap mechanism which secures the snowboard within the cradles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Deloza
  • Patent number: 6003926
    Abstract: A stowing aid for the interior of motor vehicles. The stowing aid includes a retaining plate which is connected with elastic elements, usually in the form of cables, near the periphery of the retaining plate. The elastic elements are also connected to a fastening element attachable in the interior of the motor vehicle so that the elastic elements pull the retaining plate toward the fastening element. The fastening element is provided with a recess for receiving the retaining plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Lucas Labeur
  • Patent number: 5954252
    Abstract: A slidable support device for garments for use in a vehicle includes a support, a hook, and a locking mechanism. The support is coupled to the vehicle. The support includes two longitudinally extending grooves that are spaced from one another. The hook includes two longitudinally extending contact surfaces that are spaced from one another. The hook contact surfaces are shaped to mate with the support grooves in a sliding engagement. Upon engagement of the hook with the support, the hook slides relative to the support. The locking mechanism releasably retains the hook at various longitudinal positions along the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Girma M. Gebreselassie, Mark F. Heinz
  • Patent number: 5947359
    Abstract: A device for holding a portable telephone including a body element suitable for being attached to a desired position in a vehicle compartment, a holder element pivotally hinged to an end of the body element and having a longitudinal telephone holding surface on which a portable telephone is placed, a pair of holding elements attached to the holder element and urged to mutually spaced positions by a first spring exhibiting a first resilient force, so as to be moved toward a position pinching the portable telephone, and a pair of slidable members attached to the body element and urged toward a mutually approached position by a second spring exhibiting a second resilient force stronger than the first resilient force of the first spring, the pair of holding elements and the pair of slidable elements being engaged by engaging projections formed in the holding elements and having inclined side faces acting as an actuator to actuate either the movement of only the holding elements or both of the holding and slidable
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Yoshie
  • Patent number: 5938093
    Abstract: An L-shaped support has a rearwardly extending tubular arm formed of a thin-walled tube. The end of vertical leg of the support is cold formed into a U-shaped, double-walled channel which fits between the sides of a brace which is rigidly mounted to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A plastic bracket has a split ring clamp which fits over the rearwardly extending arm of the support. The entire bracket may pivot about the axis defined by the arm. An alternative embodiment attachment device for restraining a bicycle tube on a horizontally extending carrier arm is formed as a single molded part of thermoplastic rubber. The attachment device has a strap with an array of two rows of holes which engage with a square array of four mushroom-head type fasteners to attach the end of the strap to the attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bloemer, John M. Kaloustian, Todd W. Lassanske
  • Patent number: 5938091
    Abstract: A cupholder that is mountable on the interior of a supermarket cart and which includes flanges that can be used for directly mounting the cupholder to the cart wall, or for slidably fitting into a track which in turn is mounted on the cart wall. The cupholder can be moved along the track to permit moving it out of the way of packages that are stacked in the cart. The cupholder can be adapted to fit onto end walls, sidewalls, or even onto the child seat in the handle area of a cart and can be made to move with folding cart walls or placed in regions left clear when empty carts are nested together so that it is out of the way when the carts are stacked. The cup holder can be supported using a hanger that fits over the upper edge of the supermarket cart wall and is then retained in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Media Technology Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. A. Bergin, Bruce D. Clark
  • Patent number: 5871131
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for supporting bicycles in an upward standing position at the back end of a vehicle with the bicycles standing in a substantially vertical position angled horizontally at the back end of the vehicle. The trailer hitch sleeve mounted bicycle rack supports bicycles, each in an upward standing position on a center support post. The bicycle rack includes a base member (22) of which the tongue portion (23) slides into a trailer hitch sleeve (11). An adjustable sliding member (21) slides onto the base member (22). A vertical support post (20) is affixed to the sliding member (22). A series of horizontal trays (31) angled from the base of the vertical support post (20), and a series of bicycle front fork mounts (32) at the top of the vertical support post (20). The horizontal trays (31) receive a portion of the rear wheel of a bicycle so as to cradle the wheel and support the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: Michael C. Low, Rodney C. Low
  • Patent number: 5870236
    Abstract: The preferred towing extension mirror apparatus includes a support strap, an extension mirror coupled with one end thereof, and coupling assemblies for coupling the strap with the side mirror assembly of the vehicle adjacent the rear side of the side mirror housing. One coupling assembly couples the strap with the side mirror housing on the outboard side of the side mirror, and the other coupling assembly couples with a support rod extending from the vehicle adjacent the inboard side of the side mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Brian Barksdale
  • Patent number: 5833101
    Abstract: A mount for use in an automobile to support a camera for recording images during operation of the automobile. The camera mount comprises an elongate member extending between and rigidly connected to the headrest supports in the seat of the car. A camera mounts to a pivotable support connected to the member with bolts extending through an elongate slot, whereby the camera is selectively positioned along the member. The elongate member connects to the headrest supports with j-bolts that are received through a pair of second slots in the elongate member. The j-bolts extend around the headrest supports and a nut threaded on the j-bolt secures the member to the headrest supports. An alternate embodiment is disclosed for vehicles which do not have separate headrest supports. A method of mounting a camera in an automobile is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: D. Scott Watkins
  • Patent number: 5813583
    Abstract: A new portable CD holder for holding a portable compact disc player for use in a motor vehicle. The inventive device includes a bracket arrangement adapted for securement to an underside of a dashboard of a vehicle below a radio thereof. A pair of circular hook and loop patches are provided. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to the bracket arrangement. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to an underside of a portable CD player. The pair of hook and loop patches secure the portable CD player to the bracket arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Paulo Benedeti
  • Patent number: 5518156
    Abstract: A cooker mounting assembly operable to rotatably receive a charcoal cooker assembly thereon and readily connected to a portion of a vehicle for support. The cooker mounting assembly includes 1) a vehicle anchor assembly secured to a portion of the vehicle; 2) a telescoping support assembly connected to the vehicle anchor assembly operable to be moved from a storage transport to a usage position; and 3) a cooker support assembly mounted between the telescoping support assembly and the charcoal cooker assembly. The cooker support assembly allows for rotation of the charcoal cooker assembly to a desired usage and storage position. Another embodiment of the cooker mounting assembly provides a pivotal connector assembly which allows not only rotational adjustment but vertical adjustment of the charcoal cooker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5501500
    Abstract: An elongated plate, shaped to fit within a pick up truck bed, extends past the end of a opened tailgate on the truck. The plate serves to extend the usable length of the truck bed. The plate is supported at a front end by two stabilizer bars, telescoping adjustable tubular supports, which extend from the forward sides of the plate up to the inner lip of the truck bed. The rear of the plate is supported by an undercarriage which is attached to the bumper by a speed connection, which locks the undercarriage to the truck bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Paul W. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5460309
    Abstract: A container for installing in a vehicle has a housing having an open front side, a cover pivotally mounted on the housing at the open front side, a storage receptacle formed as a storage tray and connected to the cover so that when the cover is opened the storage tray is displaced out of the housing into a removal position, a slide guidable and lockable in the housing, the storage tray being hingedly mounted on the slide, a drive member moving the slide toward the open front side of the housing, and a coupling link which connects the storage tray to the cover and having a control pin connected to the storage tray and displacing the storage tray outside the housing into the removal position in which the storage tray is partially uprightly oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Nehl, Torsten Bieck
  • Patent number: 5449105
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing coins in a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be located in a vehicle. A carrier is movably connected with respect to the housing and includes a coinholder. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing to conceal the coinholder and a use position outside the housing to expose the coinholder to a user. A spring and latch are provided to facilitate movement between the stored and the use positions. Responsive to a push from a user, a carrier travels from the stored position to the use position. The carrier may be returned from the use position to the stored position by a further push from the user. A method for providing coin storage in a vehicle is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon D. Schiff, Daniel R. Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 5445350
    Abstract: An adjustable container holder of the present invention comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the jaws having mutually opposed arcuate surfaces that define an adjustable aperture. An adjusting knob can move the movable jaw toward and apart from the fixed jaw, so that the adjustable aperture defined by the arcuate jaw surfaces can be adjusted to grasp containers having differing sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Rigsby