Patents Assigned to Prince Corporation
  • Visor cover hinge
    Patent number: 5098150
    Abstract: The present invention includes a spring clip hinge for pivotally attaching a cover to the body of a vehicle accessory such as a visor such that the cover is urged toward an open or a closed position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the spring-clip hinge is an integral S-shaped member defining opposed sockets with one socket receiving the accessory body for mounting the hinge to the body, and the remaining socket cooperatively receiving the cover for urging the cover between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, Thomas C. VandenBerge
  • Vehicle foil laminated lamp mount
    Patent number: 5091831
    Abstract: An electrical component mounting system includes a substrate having a foil laminate on one side configured to provide a pair of spaced conductors extending adjacent a socket aperture formed through the substrate. An electrical component includes a socket that fits into the socket aperture to engage the foil for providing activating power to the component directly through the foil covered substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Jerry M. DeJong, Kenneth M. Lindberg
  • Multiple container holder
    Patent number: 5087008
    Abstract: A container holder selectively allows the compact storage of the container support assembly including overlapping sections for allowing use of the container holder selectively for one or two containers. The assembly occupies a relatively small space for compact storage in a vehicle armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Miller, Ronald Dykstra, David Spykerman, Joseph Buonodono
  • Console
    Patent number: 5085481
    Abstract: An open framework is designed with parallel curvilinear rails which form windows for receiving multiple inserts such that various console storage components to define different console arrangements can be easily constructed. Such construction allows users to select a console configuration for their use even on an individual trip basis. Also such flexibility allows dealers to provide aftermarket options for the basic console after the original vehicle purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Fluharty, Thomas E. Arbisi
  • Visor rod mount
    Patent number: 5082322
    Abstract: A snap-in visor rod mount inserted within the supporting structure of a vehicle roof includes a molded-on torque fitting which integrally includes a spring clip for lockably mounting the visor rod end to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle includes a conically shaped socket having a keyway formed therein terminating in a horizontally extending flange and the spring clip includes an end with and inclined edge which lockably engages the flange of the socket while the torque fitting includes a key which aligns with and prevents rotation of the torque fitting within the socket allowing the visor rod to rotate with respect to the torque fitting. Also in a preferred embodiment a bezel is provided which includes an upwardly extending leg extending behind the spring leg to lock the spring leg into position once installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Cekander, Doug J. Redder, Chris R. Waldron
  • Visor
    Patent number: 5080420
    Abstract: A visor system including first and second visors mounted between a pair of visor mounting brackets which include spring clips which cooperate with the pivotal axles of a visor to selectively urge the visor toward a raised stored position and hold it in such position. The visor in a preferred embodiment includes a pair of panels with a first panel mounted to the brackets to be spring-actuated to a raised stored position and a second panel slidably mounted to the first panel by interlocking arms which permit the second panel to be extended from either side of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hemmeke, Scott A. Spykerman
  • Visor
    Patent number: 5078445
    Abstract: A visor assembly including a pivoted cover for a vanity mirror which includes camming surfaces on the pivot socket for urging the cover between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the visor is selectively illuminated by the operation of a cover controlled switch. In another embodiment, the mirror and cover assembly is snap fitted within the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. VandenBerge, Scott A. Spykerman, Kenneth D. Kreuze
  • Vehicle armrest
    Patent number: 5076641
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes a storage compartment formed therein and having a cover which opens in two direections to increase accessibility to the inside of the compartment. A preferred embodiment includes an intermediate ring pivotally coupled to the cover and to the compartment and latches for allowing the cover and ring to pivot open in one direction and the cover to pivot open in another direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Lindberg
  • Pivoted arm cupholder
    Patent number: 5072989
    Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle is stored in an armrest and can be moved to a use position exposing a container supporting element. Upon returning the container holder to its storage position, at least one arm of the container holder is retracted by the action of the top of the armrest contacting a support member. A slide mechanism couples at least one arm of the holder to the support member to effect the retraction of the arm for storage with the movement of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, David P. Marcusen, Scott W. Doenges
  • Visor
    Patent number: 5071186
    Abstract: A pair of visor mounting brackets include spring clips which cooperate with the pivot axles of a visor to selectively urge the visor toward a raised stored position and hold it in such position. The visor in a preferred embodiment includes a pair of panels with a first panel mounted to the brackets to be spring-actuated to a raised stored position and a second panel slidably mounted to the first panel by interlocking arms which permit the second panel to be extended from either side of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hemmeke, Scott A. Spykerman
  • Overhead light
    Patent number: 5070434
    Abstract: A directional courtesy light for a vehicle includes a reflector which is moveable with respect to a bulb between a first position for providing unfocused light to a second position for providing focused light. In the second position, the reflector can be tilted to direct the focused light in a specific direction. The courtesy light may include a lens to further control the light. The reflector is mounted to a bulb holder for translation with respect to a bulb therein and the bulb holder is mounted to a carrier attached to the vehicle for pivoting the holder with respect to the carrier. The courtesy light components snap together and snaps in place in the vehicle for quick assembly and installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Suman, Jonathan A. Dykstra
  • Flexible sun visor with over-center spring
    Patent number: 5067765
    Abstract: A flexible sun shading membrane has an edge coupled to a window frame and an opposite edge attached to a moveable member which has at least two stable positions, one being closed adjacent and conforming to the window frame and a second position extended and lowered from the window frame to stretch the membrane into a sun blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Dale J. Frye, Michael J. Suman
  • Visor with extendable panel
    Patent number: 5067764
    Abstract: An automotive visor includes a visor body with a slot for slidably receiving a panel which may include an illuminated vanity mirror. The panel is slidably mounted to the visor body and stabilizing structure assures that the panel moves smoothly between a stored position within the visor body and a use position extended from the visor body. In one embodiment the stabilizing structure includes cords which extend through the panel to opposite corners of the visor body. In another embodiment the stabilizing structure includes guide tracks and followers on the panel which are made of material to magnetically attract the followers to the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Lanser, Steven E. VanderVeen, David J. Becker
  • Snap-in visor mount
    Patent number: 5061005
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a vehicle headliner and visors to a vehicle includes a spider-like mounting member for each visor and which includes a central hub with alternate sets of legs. A first set of legs extend downwardly from the hub and terminate in mounting bases to which a visor mounting bracket is attached, while a second set of downwardly extending legs terminate in ends which engage and grip the upper surface of the vehicle roof when the mounting member is inserted into an aperture of the vehicle roof to snap-fit the visors and attached headliner to the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Todd A. Zandbergen, Rodger A. Price
  • Snap-in visor mount
    Patent number: 5056853
    Abstract: A snap-in visor rod mounting assembly includes a mounting plate which is adapted to receive a conventional visor rod mounting bracket. The plate is provided with a spring either integrally formed thereon or attached thereto. The visor rod mounting bracket is preassembled to the mounting plate in a conventional manner and subsequently the mounting plate is snap-fitted into an aperture formed in the vehicle roof during assembly of the visor into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Kim L. Van Order
  • Modular vehicle electronic system
    Patent number: 5040990
    Abstract: A modular interchangeable electronic system for providing a number of different options for a vehicle which can be selectively plugged into a base unit. The base unit can receive or be replaced by selected optional units which interface with vehicle controls or provide desired control or display functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Suman, Sheldon J. Watjer
  • Vehicle seating system
    Patent number: 5039155
    Abstract: A seating system includes a load bearing shelf which is provided for carrying seats, cargo and the like. The shelf is slideably supported on opposite ends in spaced, parallel, horizontally extending tracks mounted longitudinally in the vehicle. Seats may be removably and lockably mounted to the shelf which, upon removal, allows use of the shelf for storage and other functions. The shelf is removable, and may be reversibly reinstalled in a front-to-rear reversed orientation and locked into various positions. Further, the shelf may include upper and lower convenience structural features such as pockets, sliding trays, and compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Suman, David A. Muyres, Kenneth M. Lindberg, Nathan W. Young, Mark R. Litke
  • Pivot down vanity mirror assembly
    Patent number: 5039153
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly includes a housing which is adapted to be mounted to the roof structure of a vehicle and a generally L-shaped pivot rod with one end locked to the housing and an opposite end pivotally mounted to a vanity mirror frame. The pivot rod includes an offset portion defining a cam which engages a cam surface on the frame to control the pivotal motion of the frame with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Lindberg, Craig Robbins
  • Vehicle door actuating control having a flexible sealing membrane
    Patent number: 5039145
    Abstract: A movable door actuating member is mechanically connected to a door latching control through a flexible sealing membrane in the door panel. The door actuating member is movably mounted to the door panel and includes a camming surface which deflects the membrane which in turn engages a cam follower of the latching mechanism for actuating the door latch for opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Dale J. Frye
  • Vehicle interior light
    Patent number: D324111
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Arbisi