Positioned In Vehicle Crevice Patents (Class 224/556)
  • Patent number: 10895344
    Abstract: Equipment hangers, especially equipment hangers that can be used for hunting and camping. The hangers are especially constructed to be rugged and stable when in use as there is a stabilizing system that is integrally built into the hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Wayne Sokoly
  • Patent number: 10640126
    Abstract: A tailgating detection and monitoring assembly includes a speed detector, a sensor, a visual warning module, and an imager, which are configured to couple to a rear window of a first vehicle and are operationally coupled to a control module. The speed detector is configured to measure a speed of the first vehicle. The sensor is configured to measure a distance between the first vehicle and a second vehicle that is behind the first vehicle. The control module is positioned to determine a separation between the first vehicle and the second vehicle and a speed of the second vehicle based on signals from the speed detector and the sensor to determine a tailgating event. The control module is positioned to command the visual warning module to display a notification to a driver of the second vehicle and to command the imager to capture an image of the tailgating event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Edmund Watkins
  • Patent number: 9010600
    Abstract: A holster vehicle mount for mounting and securing a holster (such as that used with handguns or other devices) between a steering column and a lower dash panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Gum Creek Customs, LLC
    Inventors: George Bert Gleaton, Jimmy Fred Smallwood, David Glenn Wasson
  • Patent number: 9010550
    Abstract: A tool bar for securing under a hood of a car during repair and maintenance is disclosed. A rigid member spanning a substantial portion of the hood is flexibly secured to hooks. The hooks engage edges of the hood and may include a compliant covering. The hooks may secure to the rigid member by means of straps and the straps may be tensioned by means of tensioners secured to one of the hooks and the rigid member. A stabilizer secures to the rigid member and has an end that may be clipped or otherwise fastened to a portion of the hood to resist rotation of the rigid member. One or more tool retaining members secured to the rigid member, such as a socket rack, magnetic bar, hook groove, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Figueroa
  • Patent number: 8919718
    Abstract: An apparatus including one or more beverage container receptacles for holding a beverage container in the upright position in multiple convenient and possibly unstable locations is described. Slender legs separate the beverage container receptacles from direct contact with the mounting or bearing surfaces and serve to damp spilling forces transmitted from these surfaces when the apparatus is placed in various horizontal or vertical orientations such as vertically between couch cushions; or horizontally between a bed mattress and box spring; or on a picnic blanket. Multiple stemmed and non-stemmed beverage container types such as wine glasses, coffee cups, large soda cups are simultaneously held. Additional storage space for personal effects such as digital electronic devices, remote controls or reading glasses is included. One embodiment of the invention includes speakers, amplifying electronics and batteries for playing digital music from a users digital electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mark David Lueker
  • Patent number: 8870043
    Abstract: The invention is a assembly comprising of a flexible holding bracket and a tray. The bracket fit down between the window and rest on top of the door panel. The flexible backward s bracket fit's the inside part of the door panel for stability. At the end of the holding bracket is a tab for the tray with a slot in it to slide onto. The tray can be made with various types of reservoir combinations for holding different condiment packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Alvin Paul Strole
  • Patent number: 8757572
    Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a cup holder to securely hold a variety of objects that may be of different configurations, sizes and shapes. The apparatus comprises a lower portion with extending members for positioning the base of the apparatus within the opening of a cup holder or other open space. An upper portion is adapted to securely hold objects including but not limited to stemware such as wine glasses, an ash tray, coffee mugs, other oversized or small beverage containers, a portable lamp, a portable music player such as an iPod or other MP3 player, a portable computing device including but not limited to an iPhone or other smart phone, an iPad or other tablet computer, a laptop computer, a Kindle or other electronic reader, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely and usually within arm's reach of a seating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Judd E. Starr, Joseph L Gauntt, Robert Lee Biddlecome
  • Patent number: 8636183
    Abstract: A protective cover for a personal electronic device incorporates a case received over the personal electronic device and providing viewing of a screen on the personal electronic device. At least one suspension flap has a first position extending over an upper edge of the personal electronic device substantially flush with the case and a second position released from the upper edge and rotated rearward. The flap includes an angled element to engage a vent slat to suspend the personal electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Russell C. Steiner
  • Patent number: 8627990
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical accessory mounting device capable of adjusting an electrical accessory to the position viewable from a rider. The mounting device of the navigation apparatus 20 mounted on the steering stem pipe 3 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 comprises the fixture 4 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 1, the bracket 5 holding the navigation apparatus 20, and the angular setting means 37 making at least part of the bracket 5 movable to the fixture 4 in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-type vehicle 1 and setting an angle of the bracket 5 to a predetermined angle by the position corresponding to the movement of the bracket 5. The angular setting means 37 includes a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the fixture 4 and a pair of screws 36F, 36B moving along a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the bracket 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shoichi Nakajima, Shizuo Kawano, Yoshifumi Oe
  • Patent number: 8523032
    Abstract: A device for fastening a roof rack system contains, as a supporting element, a base plate with two supporting arms which can be respectively pivoted about an axis into an operative position and inoperative position. In the operative position, the supporting arms are vertically oriented in parallel and spaced apart from each other and, in the inoperative position, the supporting arms are folded up into a roof slot facing each other in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Neidlein
  • Patent number: 8505795
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Chance Dunn
  • Patent number: 8439238
    Abstract: An accessory holder system for securing a Personal Electronic Device (PED) for use in a golf cart whereby a golfer can easily view golf course GPS information on a display. The system includes a mount for insertion into a golf ball holder disposed in a golf cart; and an accessory holder for attachment and adjustment of the viewing angle of a PED in a variety of golf cart configurations. The accessory holder is typically composed of a mount with an attached rod for displacing an accessory away from interference with the golf cart dash board; a ball joint with a tensioning cap attached to the rod for adjusting the viewing position of an accessory; with a platform for mounting an accessory attached to the other end of the rod. The mount includes surface features which provide rotational stability for an accessory holder without relying on a friction-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Terrance Lee Harter, Ronald Scott Harter
  • Publication number: 20120168481
    Abstract: A carrier system for a vehicle having a frame with a mount attached to the frame. The mount is shaped and sized to mate and secure to a recreational article. A vacuum device attaches to the underside of the mount and includes a pad shaped and sized to detachably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum device includes a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator positioned on the plunger to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Charles L. Casagrande
  • 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: 20100084448
    Abstract: Linkage devices for connecting vehicle rack support members to preexisting attachment points on vehicle upper surfaces are disclosed. The linkage devices may include a body, a resilient pad, and an anchoring member. The body may include an interface, configured to engage and retain the support member, and a substantially hollow lower portion having a lower edge that defines a circumference of an opening. The resilient pad may be disposed on the lower edge and extend around at least a first substantial portion of the circumference of the opening. The opening may extend through the resilient pad and into the substantially hollow lower portion. The anchoring member may be configured to extend through the substantially hollow lower portion and through the opening, engage the attachment point, and selectively urge the body against the resilient pad and the upper surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Fjelland, Chris Sautter
  • Publication number: 20080017682
    Abstract: An innovative cargo carrying system specifically designed to be easily mounted at the rear of mid-size or small sedan vehicles that allow easy access to the cargo and has minimal or no effect on wind noise and drag. Mid-size and small sedan vehicles are typically the ones that have the greatest cargo volume limitations and therefore benefit the most of the extra cargo space, especially for long travel. This invention disclosure presents the system and the required hardware needed to attach various types of cargo carrying devices to these vehicles. The system is made of two brackets, a frame and mounts. Various cargo carrying devices can be attached to the frame of this system. Two examples are presented in this invention disclosure, one is a simple platform and the second is an enclosed cargo box that allows locking the cargo and also protects it from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Warnock, Francois J. Charette
  • Patent number: 7017788
    Abstract: An adapter bracket for use with a vehicle article carrier side rail to allow the side rail to be secured to channels formed in an outer body surface of the vehicle. The adapter bracket includes a channel coupling portion adapted to be secured to a bottom wall of the channel. An intermediate portion extends from the channel coupling portion to perpendicularly extending flanges of an outer surface portion. The flanges of the outer surface portion are coupled to the support foot of the side rail to allow the support foot to be mounted essentially flush against the outer body surface without the need for drilling additional holes outside of the channel. The adapter bracket thus allows a conventional elevated side rail to be quickly and easily secured to an existing channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Trambley, Donald R. Potter
  • Patent number: 6834786
    Abstract: A bicycle hauling rack for the bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. The rack increases the number of bicycles which can be hauled damage-free in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Clifton Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040094589
    Abstract: A carrier (10A and 10B) made of a flexible, rigid insulating material consisting of a longitudinal flap (16) with integral lobe (18) to enable the carrier to be secured onto the bed (30) of a pickup truck by trapping said lobe within the gap (34) between the pickup truck bed and truck tailgate (28). The top panel (42) and bottom panel (44) each consisting of zipper pulls (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) and said panel attachment onto common back panel (12) to permit opening and closing and serving further purpose as to permit complete collapsing and folding of the carrier. The carrier actually consisting of two identical mirror image configured carriers for maximum consumption of space generated by the width and height of said truck bed, and distance between said pickup truck tailgate and truck tubular-bed-extender (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip James Fricano
  • Patent number: 6669066
    Abstract: A holding device for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle which is disposed on the outside of a swivellable rear hatch. The holding device includes a wheel carrier which is held by support arms and bearings on the vehicle body so as to swivel. The support arms are spaced apart and project from the wheel carrier and end sides thereof are connected to the bearings which are held on the vehicle body. These bearings form a vertical swivel axis which is arranged independently of a swivel axis of the rear hatch. The wheel carrier is capable of being swung about this vertical swivel axis up to the rear hatch and into a fixing position. In a release position, the holding device is capable of being swung away freely in relation to the rear hatch about the vertical swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Eberle, Rüdiger Jahn, Oliver Benirschke
  • Publication number: 20030178458
    Abstract: An adapter bracket for use with a vehicle article carrier side rail to allow the side rail to be secured to channels formed in an outer body surface of the vehicle. The adapter bracket includes a channel coupling portion adapted to be secured to a bottom wall of the channel. An intermediate portion extends from the channel coupling portion to perpendicularly extending flanges of an outer surface portion. The flanges of the outer surface portion are coupled to the support foot of the side rail to allow the support foot to be mounted essentially flush against the outer body surface without the need for drilling additional holes outside of the channel. The adapter bracket thus allows a conventional elevated side rail to be quickly and easily secured to an existing channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Claude Trambley, Donald R. Potter
  • Patent number: 6550654
    Abstract: A cargo net assembly which may be installed and removed from between a pair of seats within an automotive vehicle. The net assembly includes a substantially rectangular interwoven mesh net. A retainer is mounted to each corner of the net for supporting the net within the vehicle. A mounting frame is secured to an interior of the vehicle and includes an aperture with an insertion section and a restraint section for receiving the retainer. The net assembly is characterized by a pair of locking tabs disposed on the mounting frame for retaining the retainer in the restraint section. The retainer also includes a clamping portion for anchoring the retainer to the corners of the net and fastening portion extending from the clamping portion for mounting the retainer to the vehicle. The clamping portion includes two interconnected sections with the corner of the net sandwiched between the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Interior Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Garth Crago
  • Patent number: 6530549
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container for upright installation in a motor vehicle has a carrier, guide means by which the carrier is movably guided from a retracted, basic position, into a raised, use position and vice-versa, a holding piece which is mounted on the carrier and has an insertion opening for inserted a beverage container, the holding piece being pivotally mounted on the carrier and being arranged to be pivoted from a basic position, wherein the holding piece is located approximately in a plane of movement of the carrier, into use position wherein the holding piece occupies an at least approximately horizontal position and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Falk Schaal
  • Patent number: 6481604
    Abstract: A vehicle rack which supports different accessory having mounting pegs on a pickup truck bed is provided. The vehicle rack includes a plurality of retaining arms wherein each of the plurality of retaining arms are received within a stake pocket of the pickup truck bed. The invention further includes a panel and a locking member where the panel is integral with the plurality of retaining arms and may extend along a side wall of the pickup truck. The panel defines a plurality of apertures for receiving the mounting pegs of the at least one accessory. The locking member is moveably affixed to the panel, and has a plurality of obstructions which partial close the openings of the plurality of apertures when the locking member is slid into a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Beene, Kathryn Cohen, Linda Bliss, Lauren Icken, Samuel Ferraro-Pollak, Sreekumar Vijaykumar
  • Patent number: 6478204
    Abstract: Known covers, for example for receptacles in automobiles, have drawbacks in that they require several components in addition to the depositing receptacle and/or require additional reception space clearly exceeding the dimensions of the deposition receptacle for opening, and/or cannot be installed if only limited installation space is available in the depth or width direction, and/or the cover does not present sufficient sturdiness during use. The cover (2) of the invention is to eliminate these drawbacks as a whole and moreover be characterized by low costs per unit, low components weight and an appealing exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Carsten Lange, Herbert Beier
  • Patent number: 6441872
    Abstract: A vehicle reversal monitoring device mounting fixture that provides for the installation of a vehicle reversal monitoring device (used for observing images to the rear while a vehicle is driven backwards) against the air conditioning output vent fins at the driver's seat in a simple and convenient installation procedure and, furthermore, the mounting fixture offers increased safety during vehicle reversal and greater practicality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Photic Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Ting Ho
  • Publication number: 20020047032
    Abstract: A device for the fixation of dimensionally stable suitcases, for example, for the cargo space of a motor vehicle. Receiving tracks are provided in a cargo space floor, which tracts are associated with securing means for the suitcases, corresponding securing elements are provided on the suitcases, which can be engaged with positive lock with securing means in the cargo space, and actuation means are provided, in the cargo space or on the suitcase, for the manual separation of the securing means and the securing elements from each other, for use, for example, in station wagons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Werner P. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 6367673
    Abstract: A sports equipment rack for mounting to a vehicle, the vehicle including a first generally planar surface expanse and a second generally planar surface expanse disposed adjacent the first surface expanse in a concave relation thereto to form a corner. The rack comprises a base, the base including a first surface-contacting portion for supporting the base against the first surface expanse, a second surface-contacting portion for supporting the base against the second surface expanse, and an equipment-supporting portion for supporting equipment on the rack. The rack also includes at least one securing structure coupled to the base, wherein the securing structure is configured to simultaneously urge the first surface-contacting portion against the first surface expanse and the second surface-contacting portion against the second surface expanse to thereby secure the rack to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Smith, Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20010054632
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Lance E. Larsen, Joanne H. Cole, Neil J. Bush, Mark A. Caye, Gregary A. Haupt, Benjamin R. Judy, Daniel J. Koester, David J. Spykeman, Roger A. Whitley, Detlef Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6239841
    Abstract: A clamp for fixing a small electronic device on an upper end of a rectangular panel. The upper end of the panel has a horizontal top end, a front edge and a rear edge, the front and rear edges being perpendicular to the top end of the panel. The clamp includes an L-shaped assembly, an elastic module, and a base. A vertical side at the front of the L-shaped assembly engages the top end and the front edge of the panel. An elastic module fixed at a rear end of the L-shaped assembly has an arc-shaped plate bending towards the rear edge of the panel so that the L-shaped assembly will attach tightly to the top end and the front edge of the panel. The base is fixed on the L-shaped assembly and is used to fix the small electronic device. When mounting the clamp to the upper end of the panel, the upper end of the panel will slip across the arc-shaped plate and be clamped between the arc-shaped plate and the L-shaped assembly of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Kris Verstockt, Hui-Yi Lin, Hsiao-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 6129253
    Abstract: An trunk caddy particularly configured to cradle a golf bag in an easily accessible position above the floor of the vehicle trunk compartment, the cradle being supported at either side by adjustable straps which attach to the rim of the trunk compartment opening using generally S-shaped brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: John T. Brown
  • Patent number: 6098860
    Abstract: A cup holding device includes a main beverage container holding member, conformed to hold large heavy drinking cups, two support straps are connected to one side of the main cup holding member, one strap is connected at the top of the main cup holding member and the other strap is connected at the bottom of the main cup holding member, directly below the first strap. A hook member attached to the free end of each strap hold the main cup holding member in an upright position against a motor vehicles dash. These support straps are adjustable in length to allow for the several different makes and models of motor vehicles on the road today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: David X-ace Phillips
  • Patent number: 6095388
    Abstract: A vehicle umbrella holder comprising a plastic member providing an elongated half round tray into which an umbrella can be positioned. The tray is shaped to conform to a removable open celled absorbent sponge liner that is attachable to the interior facing surface of the tray and which can absorb water dripping from the umbrella. A pair of attachment tabs extend outward from the tray structure and are adapted to be inserted between the back of the seat and the rear deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Roland J. Neville, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6065656
    Abstract: A beverage container having elongated side walls is provided. The container side walls are preferably generally cylindrical and having an upper end and a lower end. The container also having a base portion that is connected to the side walls at the lower end of the side walls. The container further includes a stabilizing arm that has a first end and a second end. The stabilizing arm is movably connected to the base portion so as to be movable with relation thereto. The stabilizing arm may thus be moved from a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is proximate to the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion to a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is extended away from the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion. The first end of the stabilizing arm, when extended away from the base portion, may be inserted within the crease between the seating portion and the back support portion of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Image Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Elshof
  • Patent number: 5979724
    Abstract: A universal mounting apparatus to hold personal devices such as cellular telephones, walkie talkies, etc., by attaching onto a vehicle grill vent in the vehicle dashboard. This apparatus is not configured to any particular year or model of automobile or other vehicle, but is adaptable in several different ways so as to provide different attachment configurations. It is attachable without tools to most automobiles by use of two cable tie-like straps. One end of each strap hooks around a rib in the vent grill and the other end extends through a member which is held against a bracket, the feet of which bear against the dashboard immediately surrounding the vent grill. This allows the apparatus to conform to different sizes and shapes of vent grills while maintaining a firm connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Command Audio Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Loewenthal, Jr., Robert B. Brownell, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5901890
    Abstract: A support rack for use on a watercraft to hold several scuba gear and other equipment such as dive tanks, lights, radar, spear guns and a dive flag, the rack including oppositely disposed base members and a bridge structure including opposite vertical portions each attached to and extending upward from a corresponding one of the base members, and a horizontally extending portion integral with upper end zones of the vertical portions. The opposite base members removably mount to the watercraft to support the bridge structure above the stern or gunwale. Mounting structures are provided on the base members and bridge structure for holding the gear on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Donald R. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5860573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Lance Hossack, Leland Thill
  • Patent number: 5785222
    Abstract: An article holder for mounting in a vehicle includes a panel member carrying pockets and components for holding articles. Two hangers are connected to the panel member at the rear face thereof for supporting it selectively on vehicle structure edges of two different thicknesses for which reason, one hanger extends rearwardly a greater distance the other. The one hanger folds against the panel member rear face when the other hanger is being used to support the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Paul T. Basso, Donald C. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 5730346
    Abstract: A strap assembly is provided for securing an object adjacent to a vehicle. The strap assembly includes an elongated strap of predetermined length. An anchor is attached to the strap at a location along its length. The anchor is shaped to be captured by panels of a vehicle so that opposed ends of the strap extend outwardly from the vehicle. A fastener is connected to one of the opposed ends of the strap and is adapted for connecting the ends to secure one or more objects. A bracket is preferably provided so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the strap assembly and bracket are provided in the form of a kit so that the strap assembly can be used to secure objects adjacent to a vehicle or adjacent to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: It's A Cinch, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Adams, Robert D. Hellyer
  • Patent number: 5676290
    Abstract: An umbrella rack for motor vehicles, including a casing defining a chamber and having a plurality of top holes in communication with the chamber, a plurality of telescopic sockets respectively mounted in the top holes of the casing for holding an umbrella respectively, a sliding water tray mounted in the chamber of the casing for collecting water from the umbrellas being mounted in the top holes of the casing, and a mounting device adapted for securing the casing to the backrest of a vehicle chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Chang-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 5673835
    Abstract: A beverage container holder comprising a basket which is suspended from a vehicle. The basket has first and second rings which define a vertical axis. The vertical portions of a U-shaped support member and a suspension arm are mounted to the rings. The horizontal portion of the support member and a portion of the arm provide a bottom support for a container. An engagement segment of the arm, which intersects the axis defined by the rings, is inserted into a mounting orifice in the vehicle to install the holder. The edge of the orifice engages a center portion of a semi-circular shaped engagement segment of the arm. Generally a beverage container is inserted through the first ring and rests on either the second ring or the horizontal portion of the support member and the arm portion. Therefore, the center of gravity of a loaded beverage container holder is vertically aligned with the point of engagement between the vehicle and the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Southington Tool & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Edward W. Kalat
  • Patent number: 5628440
    Abstract: A collapsible, lightweight bicycle carrier for a vehicle that can be installed and removed easily by one person. When removed from the vehicle, the hollow and capped tube, that serves as the anchor for the front looped straps, is utilized to store the strapping components of the carrier. The capped tube is dimensioned to fit in a standard water bottle carrier supplied with the bicycle. The bicycle is attached to the vehicle using two looped straps dimensioned to fit over the storage tube. The tube is anchored through a vehicle opening. The bicycle is furnished with protective pads that fasten to the bicycle frame and handlebars. The bicycle is inverted and attached to the trailing ends of the looped straps that extend through the gap of the vehicle opening. The posterior of the bicycle is then fastened to the vehicle using two straps with adjusting buckles. A rear support structure may also be secured to the seat post of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Silvio Gallazzini
  • Patent number: 5490622
    Abstract: A commuter mug and holder assembly connectable onto the door of an automobile to supply a hot beverage to the driver or an occupant of the vehicle in the course of travel. The mug is formed by a container for the beverage and a removable lid therefor, the lid being divided into front and rear semi-circular sections each having an arcuate wall, below which is a flexible shutter disc hinged to the rear section thereof to normally seal the container whereby when the disc is deflected it then creates an outlet for the beverage in the front section whose arcuate wall is curved toward the outlet to define a drinking spoon. Pivoted on the wall of the rear section is actuator having lugs projecting therefrom to engage the disc whereby when the actuator is depressed by a user holding the mug, the disc is deflected so that the user may then drink from the drinking spoon the beverage flowing out of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Genin Trudeau
    Inventor: Pierre Tardif
  • Patent number: 5489055
    Abstract: A cup holder for use in various locations within the interior of a automobile includes a planar member, and a gimbal mechanism attached to the planar member which includes a C-shaped support member, and a cup retaining member. The planar member may be inserted and secured in various compartments, including the ashtray and glove compartment. The C-shaped member is pivotally mounted to the planar member, and the cup retaining member is pivotally mounted between the arms of the C-shaped member. Once mounted in the automobile, a container may be secured in the up right position within the automobile. An alternative embodiment includes a window attaching portion which allows the device to mounted from an automobile passenger window. Another alternative embodiment includes a cylindrical support base which allows the cup holder to be mounted in a cigarette lighter socket. Another embodiment includes a cup with pins attached for pivotally mounting the cup on the C-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Dror Levy