Auxiliary Article Compartments Patents (Class 296/37.1)
  • Patent number: 7766408
    Abstract: A forward/rearward slidable and upwardly pivotable armrest supported upon an open center console. Retractable pins associated with inner underside locations of the armrest are displaced upon actuation of a lever component associated with the armrest, and which selectively reseats the armrest at linear travel locations along first and second rails defined upon the side walls of the console. Seating locations established between a slidable and upper support portion of the armrest and the recessed stops defined along inwardly facing surfaces of the rails permit the armrest to be translated to either forward or rearward locations of a center nominal position, relative to a fixed lower carriage with pivot support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Joel T. Runyan, Eiji Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7744260
    Abstract: A straddle type vehicle includes a movable cover on a rear trunk space and a light assembly having a first light unit extending in a generally horizontal direction and a second light unit extending in a generally vertical direction. The assembly can also include two vertical light units, one positioned on the left side of the movable cover and the other positioned on the right side of the movable cover, and one horizontal light positioned below the movable cover. Connectors and fastening mechanisms can be utilized to connect the light units and movable cover of the assembly. In addition, the first light unit and the second light unit can both be a light-emitting diode (LED) light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7735893
    Abstract: An overhead storage compartment (10, 100, 200) is disclosed in which the storage compartment (10, 100, 200) is moveable into a collapsed state so as to lie substantially adjacent to a roof panel (2) of a motor vehicle (5) and not intrude significantly into an interior space of the motor vehicle (5) and is further deployable from the collapsed state into an in-use or deployed state in which it defines a cavity that can be used to transport articles in the vehicle (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Brown, Will Farrelly, Jonathan Young, Daniel Edward Stanesby
  • Patent number: 7735892
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure having a storage portion for facilitating maintenance for a vehicle front portion includes a first storage portion that includes a bottom portion extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, left and right walls extending upwardly from the bottom portion, a ceiling portion connecting the left and right walls and a back wall closing the respective backs of the bottom portion, left and right walls and ceiling portion. The first storage portion is provided with a maintenance opening formed to be spanned among the back wall, a left wall continuous with the back wall and the bottom portion continuous with the back wall, and with the lid body which covers the maintenance opening in an attachable and detachable manner. A key cylinder arrangement structure for a vehicle is provided that can significantly enhance operability of a key cylinder while preventing tampering or theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Sakamoto, Sadamichi Enjo, Hideo Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20100117392
    Abstract: A trim for a motorcycle windshield having windshield-adjacent storage compartments along the lower windshield edge. The trim includes a body with a shield portion and a mounting portion of rigid sheet material sufficiently flexible to conform to the windshield surface. The shield portion has a length for spanning the full width of the windshield lower edge and a vertical dimension sufficient to reach to a level along the tops of the windshield-adjacent storage compartments. The mounting portion extends below the shield portion to engage existing windshield-mounting hardware for securement of the trim to the motorcycle. The trim is secured to the motorcycle windshield by loosening the existing windshield-mounting hardware from a fairing at the windshield and pulling the top of the fairing away from the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: James Kendall
  • Patent number: 7712814
    Abstract: A vehicular storage device provided in opposed relation to a passenger seat. A convex part, protruding from a rear surface of a lid in a direction opposite from a vehicle occupant, has a deformation allowance part that deforms when an impact is applied to the convex part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Matsui, Toshikazu Kamioka
  • Patent number: 7708327
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a slidable, retractable, and foldable cargo floor organizer with a rotatable and extensible retention net frame and associated cargo retention net for the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle. The system additionally provides an interior cargo tray having multiple partitions. The system includes a cargo retention net frame disposed about the interior cargo tray, wherein the cargo retention net frame is extensible, and a cargo retention net, the cargo retention net being disposed about the retention net frame, and wherein the cargo retention net is extensible and extends as the cargo retention net frame extends. The system provides for the secure containment of cargo in the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Stephen T. Lim, Brett Ladetto, Aaron Schnepp, Louis A. Rhodes, Paresh Rana
  • Patent number: 7708326
    Abstract: A lock device capable of locking, in a closed state, a lid member for each of side trunks provided on both sides of the vehicle body rear portion of a motorcycle. The lock device includes a plurality of catch mechanisms with catches that are swingably supported by a trunk main portion via a plurality of associated pivots, respectively. The lock device so configured expands the possibility of the layout of a plurality of catch mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Ikuo Hara, Yoshihiro Inoue, Masayuki Dazai
  • Patent number: 7695041
    Abstract: A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Camas Reed, Darin King, Mark Hegemann
  • Publication number: 20100072768
    Abstract: A storage compartment, in particular for a floor area of a motor vehicle interior, for stowing objects, includes, but is not limited to a trough-shaped or cup-shaped wall having a support area that forms a protrusion and which at least partially encloses an access opening and a lid element that can be laid on the support area to form at least one join section with the support area to cover the access opening means being provided for covering the join section in order to prevent penetration of objects, such as dirt into the join section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Reinhold STÖSSEL
  • Patent number: 7661741
    Abstract: An in-vehicle storage unit includes a base member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body and having an opening portion, a case which is openable and closable with respect to the opening portion, a pivot via which the case is rotatably supported by the base member, a gear disposed on a side wall of the case, the gear being an arc-shape having a center at the pivot, and a damper disposed on the base member. The damper is engaged with the gear to provide a damping force to the case when the case rotates from a closed position, at which the case is closed with respect to the opening portion, to an open position, at which the case is opened with respect to the opening portion. When the case is at the open position, the gear is disposed within an inner space of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shirena Takai
  • Patent number: 7654424
    Abstract: A method of carrying equipment on one side of an ATV having a front top rack, a rear top rack and a foot rest on the one side comprising the following steps: a) attaching a utility box carrying bracket to an outer side portion of the front top rack, the foot rest, and the rear top rack; and, b) mounting a utility box on each of the box carrying brackets. Then equipment may be conveniently carried in and removed from the mounted box. In a preferred aspect of this invention the utility box is generally rectangular in plan view and further comprises a utility box lid hinged to one long top side portion of the box and latched to the other opposite long side portion of the box so that equipment carried in the box is protected from the elements. A lateral side of the mounted box is dimensioned to generally follow the longitudinal shape of the fenders and running board so that the box generally fills the void above the running board and a central portion of the fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Kramp, Kelly G. Kramp
  • Publication number: 20100012411
    Abstract: A storage compartment, configured to be supported by a vehicle frame, includes a body having an inner surface defining a cavity and an opening for access to the cavity, a door movable between an open position in which the door exposes the opening and a closed position in which the door covers the opening, and a hinge assembly coupling the door and the body. The hinge assembly is enclosed within the cavity when the door is in the closed position. The hinge assembly includes a first four-bar linkage mounted to the body and a second four-bar linkage mounted to the door. The first and second four-bar linkages have at least two unitary links in common.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Fiacchino, George Konstantakis, James Braun
  • Patent number: 7644972
    Abstract: This invention provides a retractable, pivotable, slidable, and removable horizontal bar device designed for containing a cover to shield the rear compartment of an automobile from view. The bar also provides for securely holding in place conventional plastic bags when such bags, filled with groceries or other items, are being transported in a vehicle, maintaining the bags in an upright, suspended position on or above the floor of the interior trunk or cargo compartment of an automobile. A pair of the bars and holding systems may be used to further provide a detachable and removable cross support bar and dual covers to cover the entire rear compartment of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Lim
  • Patent number: 7641255
    Abstract: A housing type cup holder includes: a holder housing in which a receiving part is formed; a holder including a main receiving part and a sub receiving part which is slidably connected to a lower portion of the main receiving part so as to descend by weight thereof when the main receiving part is drawn out and a holder support which includes a support lead having one end of which is connected through a hinge to the sub receiving part and the second end which is extended toward the inside of the holder housing; a support link which is connected through the hinge to the support lead and the second end which is housed in the receiving part in a state that the holder is drawn out, and a guide lead guiding the holder position of the support link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Je Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 7641256
    Abstract: A tonneau cover device comprises a tonneau cover and guide rails. A front end of the tonneau cover is pivotally supported at the vehicle. The tonneau cover comprises plural board members provided in a longitudinal direction and jointly connected to each other. The board member is supported by the guide rails to move vertically. A change of a longitudinal distance between a support pin portion of the board member at the guide rail and a pivot axis portion of the board member when the board member moves upward along the guide rails is absorbed by the joint connections of the tonneau cover. Accordingly, the tonneau cover can be opened widely and the tonneau cover can allow even large baggage to be carried in or out of the baggage compartment smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Kodaira, Tomohiro Hori, Yuzou Sato
  • Publication number: 20090302590
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle may include storage areas under the dash. The utility vehicle may include suspension systems for utility vehicles having shocks with both a fluidic stiffness adjustment and a mechanical stiffness adjustment. The utility vehicle may include an electrical power steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin Van Bronkhorst, Anthony J. Kinsman, Steven M. Schiebel, Kurt E. Stenberg, Louis J. Brady, D. Brett Gass, Jeffrey L. Gardner, Kelly J. Knutson, Robert A. Jacobs, Chris J. Hurd, Patrick James McArdle
  • Publication number: 20090306862
    Abstract: In a vehicle that features a luggage compartment with a cargo opening that can be closed, as well as an operating element that can be actuated in order to open the luggage compartment, an auxiliary function is provided for a function other than the function of opening the luggage compartment and assigned to the operating element while the cargo opening is open such that no additional operating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Girschick
  • Publication number: 20090302628
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle convenience unit having a cupholder and storage container that facilitates a lid to one of engage and disengage the storage container when the convenience unit is pivoted, militating against container spillage, by the use of a damping link arm. The assembly comprises a housing, a hinged convenience unit, a storage container lid, and a link arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Omar Cinco
  • Publication number: 20090295183
    Abstract: A storage system and a method for controlling the deployment of the storage system, wherein the storage system provides additional storage space without the need for a second glove box door and latch. The storage system includes a first storage compartment defining a first storage cavity, a second storage compartment defining a second storage cavity, and an articulating armatures coupled to the second storage compartment, wherein the armature links the second storage compartment to a portion of the support structure for controlling the motion of the second storage compartment relative to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Mark G. Piekny, Jeffrey Alan Binns, Tanya Sepell
  • Patent number: 7621587
    Abstract: A slidable storage tray adapted to be hydraulically actuated between a retracted position wherein the tray is nested inside a vehicle's storage compartment and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the tray is located outside of the vehicle's storage compartment. The slidable storage tray is dual directional so that it extends from either a first side or a second side of the vehicle. The hydraulic circuit comprises a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder. The rod of the first cylinder is attached to the vehicle/storage compartment frame and the rod of the second cylinder is attached to the slidable storage tray. The two hydraulic cylinders are attached together so their barrels cannot move relative to one another. The two hydraulic cylinders are facing the same direction so that their rods both extend in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, Stacy Hanser
  • Patent number: 7614678
    Abstract: A console (10) for a vehicle includes a body (12) having a back panel (14), the body defining at least one storage compartment (22). A support assembly (40) is secured to a back panel (14) of the body (12) and is configured for attaching the body to a seat back (38). A hinge assembly (58) is secured to the support assembly (40) and configured for enabling rotation of the body (12) from a first position against the seat back (38) to a second position aligned with a seat armrest (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rishabh Agarwal, Keith Chan, Anton Galkin, Ashwin Kapur
  • Publication number: 20090267374
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a step assembly having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is mounted with respect to the vehicle body and defines a cavity having an opening. The second portion is mounted with respect to the first portion and is selectively movable between a closed position in which the second portion obstructs the opening and an open position in which the second portion does not obstruct the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary A. Mulder
  • Patent number: 7597372
    Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle (1) includes a floor panel (P) having a plane portion and a concave portion (11), a floor lid (28) for selectively closing and opening the concave portion (11), a floor bucket (14) provided in the concave portion (11) in a detachable manner; and a tray (15) disposed in the floor bucket (14), which is rotatable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane portion of the floor panel (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20090206624
    Abstract: Storage unit mounting apparatus removably and lockably attachable to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a single, cantilevered support member removably and irrotationally attachable at its proximal end to the vehicle, the distal end of the support member supporting a receiver having integral mounting means to which the storage unit is attachable. The apparatus is especially suited for vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), bicycles and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Mann
  • Publication number: 20090184536
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a cargo deck provided above rear wheels and a folding rear seat disposed on a front portion of the cargo deck. A seating surface covers an opening portion of an article storage area when the seating surface is set to allow an occupant to be seated on the seating surface. A backrest is rotated forward about rear rotation axes to cover the opening portion when the seating surface is rotated forward about the front rotation axes, thereby covering the opening portion of the article storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Satoshi Kubota
  • Patent number: 7562924
    Abstract: An installation is provided in a cargo area of a vehicle for the stowage of a vehicle jack and tools useful in the changing of a wheel of the vehicle. The installation includes a receptacle in a recess in a deck of the cargo area. The receptacle includes an open top container having space to accommodate the jack and the tools. A cover plate across the top of the container covers a portion of the top only, leaving an access opening through which the jack and the tools may be inserted into and removed from the space in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Carl J Schultz, Ian N Dupret, Henry J Ziaja, Randolph C Smith
  • Publication number: 20090159108
    Abstract: Camping accessories have use in conjunction with transporting vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization requiring an increase of available living space and storage facilities including vehicle storage. Structures for added living space include tent-like enclosures, bathroom facilities and food storage facilities. Organizing accessories include bags, boxes, bins, shelving, waste containers, tool caddies and clothes racks suitably mounted for temporary use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: CHRIS DANNEWITZ
  • Publication number: 20090140544
    Abstract: A tailgate arrangement which is located in the region of the rear opening (12) of a vehicle and in the closed position borders a cargo space (16), has an upper tailgate part (18) which is coupled in the region of the upper edge (20) of the rear opening (12) and a lower tailgate part (22) which is coupled in the region of the lower edge (24) of the rear opening (12) of the vehicle and is aligned essentially horizontally in the open position. An expansion element (28) is detachably fixed on the inside of the lower tailgate part (22) and in the open position of the lower tailgate part (22) expands the cargo space (16) and closes it relative to the exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Martin Pollak
  • Patent number: 7540391
    Abstract: A door shutter is disposed in a device having an opening, and side portions for defining the opening. The other side of the opening extends higher than the one side. Guide grooves are formed along the side portions. The shutter includes main bodies bendable in a sliding direction for opening and closing the opening on the device, and projecting portions projecting from lateral sides of the main bodies in a width direction thereof and slidably engaging the guide grooves. The main body has first and second sides corresponding to the one and the other sides of the device. The wall thickness at the second side is thicker than that at the first side corresponding to the other side to form a substantially uniform surface from the one to the other sides through the main bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masakatsu Kato
  • Publication number: 20090115216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a cargo space (12) of a motor vehicle, said cargo space being bordered by an outwardly pivotable vehicle lid (14), in particular a trunk lid, said device comprising an extractable roller blind device (26, 22, 24) which can be driven at least in the retraction direction and which forms a roller blind web (22) which extends over an area in its extracted state between a first end (26) of the roller blind and a second end (24) of the roller blind, and first and second positioning means (32, 34, 31) arranged in the vehicle for positioning the first and/or second ends (26, 24) of the roller blind(s) by means of which the roller blind web (22) can be extracted into a covering position in which the roller blind web (22) extends essentially horizontally over the cargo space (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Ulf Plettrichs, Jurgen Klingenberg, Fritz Wegener, Peter Biecker
  • Publication number: 20090108608
    Abstract: Disclosed is a housing with a coin holder for use in a motor vehicle, the housing having a coin holder with a generally vertically aligned coin slot. The coin slot has an arcuate back wall that adjoins a generally planar first side wall to an oppositely disposed and spaced apart generally planar second side wall. The first side wall, the second side wall and the arcuate back wall define a chamber that is dimensioned such that a coin can slide in a generally vertical direction therein. The coin slot also has a throat adjacent to the chamber, the throat having a first flange that extends from the first side wall and a second flange that extends from the second side wall. The first and second flanges define boundaries to a side opening to the chamber, the opening dimensioned such that the coin is retained in the chamber when the coin is aligned in a generally non-vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Porcs
  • Patent number: 7523975
    Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle has a storage compartment cover which is pivotably mounted toward two sides. The latter can be pivoted either toward one side or toward the other side. In order to design the storage compartment such that it can be operated as simply and conveniently as possible and is secure, provision is made for the storage compartment cover to have two locked axes of rotation in its closed position. After one axis of rotation is released, a driving device automatically pivots the storage compartment cover in a damped manner into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Juergen Chaloupka, Oliver Hasenoehrl, Ralf Zipperle
  • Patent number: 7520364
    Abstract: The present invention can speedily and easily perform the maintenance or the like of hydraulic equipment and the like. Accordingly, in the present invention, in a tractor in which a prime mover portion is arranged on a front portion of a machine body, a driving portion is arranged behind the prime mover portion, a transmission portion is arranged below a driver's seat which is formed in the driving portion, left-side and right-side rear wheels are mounted on the transmission portion by way of a rear axle case, and a cover body is extended over the driving portion, the transmission portion and the left-side and right-side rear wheels, the cover body constitutes a step portion of the driving portion and, the cover body covers the transmission portion from above and covers the left-side and right-side rear wheels from the front side and above, the cover body is formed of a plurality of split-portions, and at least the split-portion which covers the transmission portion from above is detachably formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yozo Oka, Nobuaki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090096238
    Abstract: A removable roof panel storage apparatus for Jeep vehicles wherein the removable roof sections are stored within a semi soft storage apparatus with hinged support members for ease of loading roof panels, furthermore separated by a spacer of a semi-soft panel for protecting each panel, and additionally having a plurality of straps and or other fastening means utilizing a Velcro or like attachment means attached to the roof panel storage apparatus wherein the invention is designed and configured to conform to an interior compartment of a Jeep model vehicle and to securely hold the removable roof panels within the interior compartment and to be adaptable to either front of back seat attachment while additionally having a carrying means for ease of removal of said roof panel and storage apparatus from the vehicle for external storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Doug Misch
  • Patent number: 7503609
    Abstract: A storage box structure includes a pair of left and right seat cowls for covering sides of a vehicle body frame under a seat. Storage boxes are formed by the seat cowls so as to protrude outwardly in the direction of the vehicle width and provided with openable and closable lids on the outsides of a vehicle. The storage boxes include a projection projecting toward the center of the vehicle body. The projection includes an opening which is in communication with the interior of the storage box and is fitted at least to the projection of the other storage box. The opening brings the interiors of the left and right storage boxes into communication with each other. The storage box structure so configured achieves a reduction of the number of components, improvement of rigidity, and improvement of mounting accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Ikuo Hara, Yoshihiro Inoue, Masayuki Dazai
  • Publication number: 20090033117
    Abstract: A lockable glovebox cover unit is configured for mating engagement with a frame mounted on a motorcycle. The unit includes a rigid cover element presenting a front and back. Portions of the back extend outward. A locking apparatus is received through the cover and includes a rotatable latch on the back of the cover element. When the latch is placed in the locked position access to the interior of the glovebox is not possible. A keyhole is formed on the front of the cover element for access to the interior of the glovebox. Additionally, the cover unit may also be removed from the frame when unlocked. The cover element is preferably made of a synthetic resin. In particularly preferred embodiments the cover unit includes a metal flange affixed to lower portions on the back of the cover. The flange is adapted for mating, gripping engagement to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: James Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7481343
    Abstract: A vehicular container holding structure includes a body with an opening at its top for holding containers, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. To hold containers of various sizes, the body has a partition member having a second bottom positioned upwardly of a first bottom defining a deepest bottom of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Misumi
  • Patent number: 7478856
    Abstract: A kit for conversion of a horizontally hinged door of an external storage compartment of a recreation vehicle to a table, including first and second frame clamps adapted to be mounted in at least proximity to the bottom frame member of the storage compartment in spaced apart relationship to one another along the bottom frame member, first and second door plates adapted to be mounted to the inside surface of the door in spaced apart relationship to one another, first and second length-adjustable elongated stanchions, each having an inboard end and an outboard end, multiple removable fasteners adapted to temporarily secure the first ends of the elongated stanchions to respective ones of the first and second frame clamps, and the second ends of the elongated stanchions to respective ones of the door plates. In one embodiment there is provided carrier means adapted to receive a portion or all of the kit components for storage and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Philmar, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip Ellis
  • Publication number: 20090008962
    Abstract: Described is a cubby hole device for vehicles which includes a cubby hole, a first holder, a second holder, a lock and a carrier. The carrier is connected, on the one hand, to an outer frame, on the other hand, to one of the two holders. The cubby hole is connected to the other of the two holders. The first holder and the second holder are mounted rotatably against each other. The lock locks the first holder and the second holder against each other. The cubby hole is displaced against the outer frame by high pressure produced in particular by impact of a vehicle occupant on the cubby hole as a result of which the carrier is deformed plastically by the high pressure and/or the first holder is deformed plastically and/or the first holder is rotated against the second holder. This displacement of the cubby hole by only the constructional elements which are related to the cubby hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Rolf Sauer, Oliver Guth, Gunter Plaggenborg
  • Publication number: 20080277956
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that offers a flexible amount of vehicle cargo space, allowing a vehicle user the option of additional vehicle cargo space when needed. A first member is operatively connected to the vehicle door, is nestable within a door cavity within the door, and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially defining an exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second member is substantially nested within an additional cavity formed in the first member and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially enclosing the exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second vehicle door substantially identical and adjacent to the first vehicle door includes members substantially identical to the first and second members positionable to define, along with the first and second members and the doors, the exterior cargo space. A method for achieving this flexible cargo space is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Senthil N. Karuppaswamy
  • Patent number: 7448663
    Abstract: A guard structure for a vehicle seat lock includes a cable 54 operatively connecting between a seat locking mechanism (49) for a vehicle seat and a key device (51) adapted to be actuated by a key. The guard structure also includes a guard body (81) for blocking an access from outside of a vehicle body to the cable (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Katsuji Fujii, Ichiro Umetani
  • Publication number: 20080258497
    Abstract: A travel trailer having exterior unitary lower and upper shells, an interior lower shell defining a pre-molded floor and side walls with a seating area, a cabinet for refrigerator and stove top, an opposing bench, a bathroom sink, and defining an aisle centrally therebetween; a shower pan attached to a side wall; an interior upper shell defining a pre-molded ceiling, side walls, and storage areas; a wall defining a door to a bathroom portion; and a wheeled chassis connected to the exterior lower shell with an extending tongue for attaching to a trailer hitch of a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: PRECISION POLYMERS, LLC
    Inventors: James Oliver, Daniel Oliver, Scott Oliver
  • Patent number: 7438340
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a storage compartment structure having an improved outward appearance by avoiding exposure of one or more fasteners utilized in connection with the storage compartment structure to a driver's side of the motorcycle. A storage compartment comprises a leg shield and plates separate from the leg shield. The plates are detachably mounted to the leg shield by one or more clamping members or fasteners, such as screws, which are inserted into the leg shield in a direction from the front of the motorcycle toward the rear of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20080224492
    Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: John R. Adams, E. Mackey King, Paul G. Lester, Alan Townsend
  • Publication number: 20080211250
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a body frame having at least a pair of right and left or front and rear frame members with a storage box that is open upward between the pairing frame members. A riding seat covers the opening end of the storage box from above. The storage box includes a box main body arranged between the pair of frame members with a box constituent member that is detachably mounted below the box main body so as to form an electronic component storage chamber in cooperation with the box main body that composes a part of the wall portion of the storage box. The box constituent member is overlapped with at least a part of the frame members of a pair of frame members viewed in a plane with the box constituent member mounted to the box main body. The box constituent member bulges from the box main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kengo YANO, Atsushi Hatayama, Michio Atsuchi, Kazuhiko Mori, Naoki Okada, Junichi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7407211
    Abstract: A cargo slide-out for a vehicle includes a drawer slideable within a guide frame. Glides, such as rollers or sliders, are mounted to two sides of the drawer and to the associated sides of the guide frame so that at each side of the drawer at least one glide extends toward the guide frame and at least one extends toward the drawer. A sliding double-run track is disposed between the drawer and the guide frame at the two sides of the drawer. Sliding engagement of the tracks and glides connect the drawer to the guide frame and allow the drawer to slide out fully from the guide frame so that the user can access the back of the drawer. Preferably, the tracks each define a pair of v-shaped grooves and a pair of v-shaped rails matable with v-shaped surfaces of the glides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Publication number: 20080179907
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo lid for a vehicle is provided that functions as a floor for a main storage area, a lid for a storage well, and as an elevated shelf. The cargo lid includes a first panel pivotally connected to a cargo lining behind a rear seat of the vehicle and a second panel pivotally connected to the first panel. When the cargo lid is in a first configuration the first and second panels are substantially horizontal and are flush with a floor of the vehicle. When the cargo lid is in a second configuration the first panel is substantially vertical and the second panel is elevated above the floor but remains substantially horizontal. A side latching device that pivots from each rear sidewall of the vehicle is adapted to receive and horizontally secure the second panel thereby securing the cargo lid in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Troy Medlar, Ruben Guanzon
  • Publication number: 20080164708
    Abstract: The moveable storage assembly of the invention is well suited to vehicles with tall ceilings, such as a truck cab. The storage assembly has a storage unit attached to guide assemblies. The guide assemblies allow the storage unit to move on guide rails from a retracted to an extended position for easy access to items within the storage unit. The guide assemblies have guides slidingly engaging the guide rails and end brackets at each end of the guide rail. A linear actuator attached to the storage unit moves the storage unit on the guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Hirsch, Lluis Penalver-Aguila, Laura Rose Semo Scharfman, Joshua Sztul
  • Publication number: 20080156561
    Abstract: A motorcycle that can facilitate identification of and taking in and out of an article stored below a rear seat includes a storage box that is mounted to a body frame. The front portion of the storage box is covered by a front seat. The rear portion of the storage box is covered by the rear seat and the rear seat is surrounded by the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler has an opening portion that is almost-rectangular as viewed from above. When the rear seat is removed, an article can be put in and taken out from the storage box through the opening portion. A first seal member is attached to the bottom plate of the rear seat, and is pressed against the circumferential edge portion of the opening portion to thereby seal between the rear seat and the rear spoiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kengo Yano, Mamoru Ito, Sadamichi Enjo, Fujio Nakamura, Naoki Okada