Vehicle Supported Patents (Class 108/44)
  • Patent number: 11801737
    Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle can include a panel and a table. The panel can define a cavity. The table can be modifiable between a stowable configuration and a standing configuration. In the stowable configuration, the table is configured to stow inside the cavity. In the standing configuration, the table is configured to stand on a ground surface when removed from the cavity. In the stowable configuration, the table may be configured to further rigidify the panel such that a user of the vehicle can store cargo on top of the tonneau cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott Louis Frederick
  • Patent number: 11724630
    Abstract: The present invention discloses combination tables and table-on-wheel structures. Each combination table includes two identical table-on-wheel structures connected side by side with two connection rods and stands firmly on grounds, roads or on object surfaces whether rough or smooth, flat or inclined. Each table-on-wheel structure includes a desktop frame; a stand frame; and two tail rods or connection rods connected together. With the implementation of the present invention, the combination tables or the table-on-wheel structures have the special benefits of being easy to set up or operate; and being able to stand firmly on the ground, no matter it is a level ground, a rough ground or a sloping ground. Each table-on-wheel structure sets firmly upon and applies to all kinds of wheels, whether large or small, and can thus be applied to all kinds of cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: FORMOSA SAINT JOSE, CORP.
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang
  • Patent number: 11554729
    Abstract: A vehicle roof lining includes a roof lining, a rail structure, a multifunction plate, and sleds. The rail structure is provided on both side edges of the roof lining. The multifunction plate is provided on the roof lining, with one edge of the multifunction plate being movable along the rail structure. The sleds are movable along inner portions of the rail structure and are fastened with one edge of the multifunction plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ji Ah Kim, Jin Ho Hwang, Min Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 11389737
    Abstract: A positionable dual-display system for exhibition of and interaction with multimedia content. The dual-display system is housed in an automobile in a retracted parallel configuration and extended into an actuated position at the exterior of the automobile. Patrons view and interact with multimedia content on the displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Ludan
  • Patent number: 11377160
    Abstract: A rack system that is configured to allow the omission of cross bars. The cross bars can be easily removable and replaceable or can be adjustable along a length of the rack system. In some configurations, the rack system includes at least one side support arrangement comprising a first vertical support and a second vertical support. Two or more side support arrangements can be provided on each side of the truck bed. Pairs of support arrangements on one side of the truck bed can be connected by one or more longitudinal supports. Accessories, such as tool boxes or gas cans, can be connected to the one or more longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Bernhard Leitner
  • Patent number: 11332059
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a vehicle interior includes a dashboard arranged in front of at least one front seat. A storage device is movable in a reversible manner, by way of a movement mechanism, from a not-in-use position in the dashboard into a use position in front of the front seat. The storage device is arrested at least in the use position. In the use position, the storage device has a carrying structure made up of two laterally arranged, inflated supporting elements. An approximately horizontally oriented table top is arranged on the two supporting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Schmid
  • Patent number: 11312283
    Abstract: A platform and a wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly comprises one of: i) at least one supporting plate on each side of the platform, facing lateral edges of the platform, the supporting plate mounting a least a bottom rotating wheel at a first height of the plate and a top rotating wheel at a second height of the plate, the second height being higher that said first height, an interspace between facing rotating circumferential surfaces of said wheels engaging a respective lateral edge of the platform; a rotation axis of the wheels being mounted on said plate with a controlled positional tolerance; and ii) at least one wheel mounted on lateral edges of the platform, a rotation axis of the wheels being mounted on the platform with a controlled positional tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: François Caron
  • Patent number: 11305914
    Abstract: A cargo pallet is disclosed. The cargo pallet may have a pallet base. The cargo pallet may also have a pallet liner. The pallet liner may have a pallet liner base. The pallet liner base may be positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may also have a pallet extension, which may be fixedly attached to the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may also have a support surface that may at least in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Frank J. LeRose
  • Patent number: 11273747
    Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a table that is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The table extends behind an external surface of an instrument panel such that the table is stored within an instrument panel structure when in the stowed position. When in the deployed position, the table is moveable between a plurality of use positions between a driver and a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yoon Kim, Alan Perelli
  • Patent number: 11234511
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a table liftably provided at a center of a floor of a cabin of the vehicle; and multiple seats arranged around the table such that each seat faces the table. Preferably, the table is configured to be lifted up and down between a stowed position in which at least a part of the table is stowed in the floor and a deployed position in which the table protrudes more upward than in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mayumi Onoyama
  • Patent number: 11197396
    Abstract: An equipment assembly for cooling heat-generating electrical components is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing for containing a heat-generating electrical component. The housing includes an open end having a planar area. A closed-loop liquid cooling system includes a liquid coolant conduit in proximity to the heat-generating electrical component. The conduit allows circulation of a liquid coolant to extract heat from the heat-generating electrical component. A heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the liquid coolant conduit to extract heat from circulated liquid coolant within the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a shaped front facing the open end of the housing. The surface area of the shaped front is greater than the planar area of the open end. An air flow system propels ambient air through the shaped front of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Yu-Nien Huang, Tsung-Ta Li, Kuo-Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 11173938
    Abstract: An expandable rectangular platform, comprises a central panel to which two side panels are pivotally attached on either side by at least one pair of panel hinges. The platform can be expanded, with the side panels extended, so as to extend over the sides of the cart basket, in which extended configuration it can serve a load-bearing function. When the platform is not in use, the side panels are pivoted under the central panel, and their lengthwise sides are secured together by one or more panel connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald Murphy
  • Patent number: 11155323
    Abstract: In one implementation, an accessory mount system for a watersport tow boat includes a boat mount that is configured to be attached to a boat mounting surface that is adjacent to or part of a swim platform that extends from a rear of the watersport tow boat. The accessory mount system can further include an accessory arm that includes a first end and a second end, where the first end is configured to be fixedly attached to the accessory arm mounting surface of the boat mount and the second end is configured to be positioned above a top surface of the swim platform when the accessory arm is attached to the watersport tow boat via the boat mount. The accessory mount system can further include an accessory adapter positioned at the second end of the accessory arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dukes Marketing LLC
    Inventors: Luke Joseph Fournier, Gerald Geoffrey Lembas
  • Patent number: 11148601
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a moving multi console for a vehicle, which is designed to be used in various applications in the confined interior space in a vehicle, and which includes a second console slidably and rotatably mounted on a floor panel, a first console slidably and rotatably coupled to the second console, and first and second guide shafts, which are fixed at lower ends thereof to the floor panel and are inserted at upper ends thereof into the second console and the first console so as to guide and support sliding movement and rotating movement of the second console and the first console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eun Il Lee, Byung Seok Kong, Hyeon Ju An, Sung Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 11124301
    Abstract: A console assembly and aircraft passenger seat arrangement including the same, the console assembly including a vertical back panel for affixing to a side wall of a static structure. The console assembly further including upper and lower tiers affixed to and extending horizontally from the vertical back panel, in which the upper tier is above and spaced apart from the lower tier. The lower tier may include a modular front panel for mounting electric devices, such as power ports and in-flight entertainment devices, for example. Thus, the vertical stacking of the upper and lower tiers may allow for condensed stowage space, while maintaining clear visual aesthetics without hiding useful features from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Martin Hansson, Marc H. Schatell, Paul A. Evens
  • Patent number: 11097427
    Abstract: A handheld device is provided. The handheld device includes: a functional body to be used by a user; a handle provided with a first detection circuit configured to detect a movement state of the handle to acquire hand tremor information about a hand of the user; a movable connector through which the functional body is movably connected to the handle in such a manner that the functional body is capable of moving relative to the handle; a movement mechanism connected to the functional body and configured to drive the functional body to move relative to the handle; and a control circuit configured to control an operating state of the movement mechanism in accordance with the hand tremor information acquired by the first detection circuit, to drive the functional body to perform compensating movement relative to the handle, thereby to maintain the functional body at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 11034323
    Abstract: An assembly includes a seat including a seatback. An airbag is supported by the seatback and is inflatable to an inflated position. A tether is connected to the airbag. A pyrotechnic device is supported by the seat and connected to the tether. As the airbag inflates to the inflated position, the pyrotechnic device pulls the tether to position the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: S.M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, Anil Kalra
  • Patent number: 11001313
    Abstract: A tail gating apparatus including a horizontal frame with various tables positioned thereon on spindles that allow the tables to rotate in supports mounted on the frame. The frame also supports shade producing umbrellas and alternatively a cook's seat, a stabilizing plate and a wind protection shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Rayefield J Turner
  • Patent number: 10934010
    Abstract: Control systems and methods for controlling an engine. The control system includes a computation module and an input/output (I/O) module attached to the engine. The computation module is located in an area of the engine, or off-engine, that provides a more benign environment than the environment that the I/O module is subject to during operation of the engine. The I/O module includes a first processor and a first network interface device. The computation module includes a second processor with higher processing power than the first processor, and a second network interface device. The control system also includes a sensor configured to provide sensor readings to the first processor. The first processor transmits data based on the sensor readings to the second processor. The control system also includes an actuator operably coupled to the I/O module and that is controlled by the first processor based on commands from the second processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Bingham, Michael T. Elliott, James McPherson, Chris Ruff, Andrew Terbrock, Kerry Wiegand
  • Patent number: 10730154
    Abstract: A workpiece conveyance pallet which can reduce the manufacturing cost and improve the reliability. The workpiece conveyance pallet includes a rest surface on which a workpiece is mounted, and a clamping mechanism which clamps the workpiece, the clamping mechanism including an openable and closable, first claw and second claw, a biasing section which biases the first claw and the second claw in the closing direction, and a movement restriction section which detachably engages with the first claw and the second claw when the first claw and the second claw are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihide Maede, Hiroshi Inutake
  • Patent number: 10710486
    Abstract: Described are latching mechanisms having an eccentric member configured to interact with a support assembly, such that the eccentric member can cause a passenger article to displace relative to the support assembly. Also described are seat assemblies employing latching mechanisms for causing a passenger article to displace into a stowed configuration in the seat assemblies, and methods of stowing a passenger article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Newbold
  • Patent number: 10689116
    Abstract: A seat system for a passenger aircraft. The seat system includes at least one passenger seat and a mounting option for electronic devices attached to the passenger seat. The mounting option may include (i) a bracket adapted to be attached to the backrest of the passenger seat; and (ii) a first mount including a tilt assembly attached to the bracket for receiving a first electronic device having a monitor or a knockout blank for a monitor; and (iii) a second mount including a shelf attached to the tilt assembly for receiving a second electronic device having a monitor or a knockout blank for a monitor. The seat system may further include a quick detach mechanism for removing the first electronic device having a monitor from the first mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: HAECO Americas, LLC
    Inventors: Sam J. Ahad, Arakel Melidonian
  • Patent number: 10632933
    Abstract: A flexible motor vehicle work surface is operably coupled with a motor vehicle seating assembly and includes a deployable support structure operably coupled with the motor vehicle seating assembly, the deployable support structure comprising an integrated guide member movable within an arcuate recess disposed on an upper surface thereof and defining an arcuate travel path. A movable horizontal surface is operably coupled with the integrated guide member and deployable support structure and has a first stored position and a second deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Alan George Dry, Amaury Diaz Serrano, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 10599182
    Abstract: A docking station apparatus (apparatus) for a portable electronic device such as a laptop computer. The apparatus includes a base section having electronic circuitry, electrical wiring and at least one battery compartment. A support section is attached to the base section and includes a bearing surface for receiving a portable electronic device. The apparatus further includes an enclosure structure attached to the support section for retaining the portable electronic device on the bearing surface. The enclosure structure includes a rear wall and sidewalls configured parallel to each other and contiguous with the rear wall. The bearing surface extends between the sidewalls of the enclosure structure. The rear wall and sidewalls of the enclosure structure are substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface. The enclosure structure includes at least one electrical connector electrically connected to the electronic circuitry within the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Juan C. Roman-Sanchez, Andrew Czop, Carlos Ramos Garcia, Michael DelSignore
  • Patent number: 10577857
    Abstract: A tambour door has an elongated first slat, at least one elongated second slat extending parallel to and adjacent the first slot and a deformable connecting strip extending along the first and second slats. Interengageable anchor formations on the strip and on the slits coupling same together while permitting the slats to move limitedly transversely of themselves relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Luber, Manuel Sauer, Tobias Schneeberger
  • Patent number: 10569718
    Abstract: A quick release assembly for use in mounting a display system to a fixture. The system includes an attachment assembly on a back side of the display system that receives pins from a mounting bracket into openings of lock modules that include a latch that holds at least one pin in place. The latch is held in the lock position by spring bias. An actuator wire made of a shape memory alloy contracts when an electrical current is applied. The contraction of the wire overcomes the spring bias to move the latch from the lock position to an unlocked position to allow the display system to be removed from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Barnes, Steven Vazquez, David Diaz
  • Patent number: 10507753
    Abstract: A cup holder includes an enclosure portion configured to hold a drink container inserted therein so as to surround the drink container from an outer peripheral side. An inner peripheral surface of the enclosure portion includes inner peripheral supporting surfaces and recessed surfaces arranged side by side in a circumferential direction, the inner peripheral supporting surfaces extending in the circumferential direction so as to continuously or intermittently draw arc surfaces concentric to each other with the same diameter, the recessed surfaces extending in the circumferential direction in a shape recessed radially outward relative to the inner peripheral supporting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shuhei Kondo
  • Patent number: 10486815
    Abstract: An aircraft table configuration includes a first table section and a second table section. The first and second table sections are hingedly connected along a first hinge line so that the second table section is configurable between a deployed, opened position and a folded, closed position. The first table section presents a first angled side and the second table section table presents a second angled side. The first angled side defines a first angle with respect to the first hinge line, and the second angled side defines a second angle with respect to the first hinge line. The first angled side and the second angled side are opposite to one another on either side of the first hinge line, wherein the first and second angled sides are adapted to define an aisle width in the aircraft. The aisle width does not change between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventors: Seung Joon Bang, Tim Michael Fagan, Bruce Malek
  • Patent number: 10479506
    Abstract: A partition system (and method of forming the same) that is configured to be secured to a seat assembly. The partition system includes a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. The barrier is moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly. The stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest. The deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian Colletti
  • Patent number: 10434914
    Abstract: The armrest of an operator's chair in a cab of an agricultural machine is configured to include a support attachment for enabling multiple touchscreens to be supported by and oriented with the chair. The support attachment allows multiple arms supporting the touchscreens to be joined below the armrest. The multiple arms can advantageously rotate around an axis defined by the support attachment, and the touchscreens can advantageously move to face multiple directions and lock in a desired position. As a result, when an operator adjusts the seat in the cab for optimum driving conditions, the touchscreens can better adjust with the operator accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Steven N. Winkel
  • Patent number: 10421383
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seatback having a rear-mounted and rotationally operable tray table selectively operable between a plurality of rotational positions. An actuator is coupled to the seatback and the tray table, wherein in response to a decelerating impact, the actuator applies a generally downward force that biases the tray table toward a safety position against a back surface of the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Agnes S. Kim
  • Patent number: 10362873
    Abstract: A child safety anti-tipover protection device, including (i) a first bracket extending between first and second ends and having first and second sides, (ii) a second bracket hingedly connected to the first surface of the first bracket at an intermediate position between the first and second ends, and having first and second sides, (iii) a first strip of fastener material disposed on the second surface of the first bracket, the first strip of fastener material extending between the first and second ends and crossing the intermediate position; and (iv) a second strip of fastener material disposed on the first surface of the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Todd A. Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 10363854
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Personal Electronic Device (PED) positioning apparatus that stows within a tray table. An articulated holder includes a crossbar arm that slides on at least one support shaft to a position where a crossbar can be rotate to provide an angled surface relative to the tray table to support a PED. When stowed, the crossbar presents a minimal profile with respect to the tray table. The exposed surface of the crossbar can be made to match the color and appearance of the tray table so that the apparatus has minimal visual impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventors: John S. Lamb, Dennis P. Markert
  • Patent number: 10358072
    Abstract: A retractable tailgate table provides a folding table structure that is operable from the tailgate of a vehicle, so as to expand the functionality of the vehicle by providing a supportive and adjustable table that can be retracted for stowage or folded out from the tailgate for operational usage from the tailgate. The table comprises a mounting plate that fixedly mounts to the tailgate. The mounting plate may include a channel that enables a strap to wrap around the tailgate and through the channel for detachable attachment. A hinged arm hingedly articulates from the tailgate to move the table between a stowed position and an operational position. A platform pivotally joins the hinged arm, providing a supportive surface therefrom. The platform pivots to a desired slope and slides to and from the tailgate. A stabilizer bar extends from the platform to the ground surface to provide vertical and lateral stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: CJ Wereski
  • Patent number: 10326299
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering power from an aircraft power system to a tray table is provided. The system may include a moveable assembly in connection with the tray table. Cable may be routed to each tray table through the moveable assembly. The power is processed into a useable form for electronics mounted in the tray table. The tray table may include a wireless charger, and may harvest data from user electronics. The tray table may also push data to the user's electronics. The system may include a wireless communications client to take advantage of the wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) system on board many transportation platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Jouper, John S. Lamb, Dennis P. Markert
  • Patent number: 10303216
    Abstract: A docking station is provided for a portable electronic device having a keyboard portion and a display portion that is removably coupled to the keyboard portion. The docking station includes a base for supporting the keyboard portion, and a display support adjacent the base and configured to support the display portion when the display portion is coupled to the keyboard portion. The display support includes a lock movable relative to the base between a first position to engage the display portion of the portable electronic device and prevent removal of the display portion from the keyboard portion when the lock is in a locked state, and a second position to disengage the display portion of the portable electronic device and allow removal of the display portion from the keyboard portion when the lock is in an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Mounting Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Reuben C. G. Powell, Jozef P. Holewski
  • Patent number: 10293756
    Abstract: An article organizer includes three interconnected panels which are foldable relative to each other from a flat position to an assembled position. One panel is a base panel that attaches to the window frame of an airline cabin window. A second panel is a support panel that extends outwardly from the base panel, transversely thereto and has opening into which articles may be placed. The third panel is a brace panel that extends at an angle to the base and support panels and which gives the organizer an overall triangular shape. Openings in the brace panel create support edges that engage the bottoms of articles placed in the support panel openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Michael C Kollias
  • Patent number: 10293758
    Abstract: A mounting assembly, for mounting an electronic device to a steering wheel assembly, includes: a base, attached to a first portion of the steering wheel assembly; a stud shaft, protruding from the base and to which the electronic device is selectively attachable via a clip attached to a back surface of the electronic device; a restraining leash, a first end of which is attached to a second portion of the steering wheel assembly, and a second end of which is secured to the base such that the base is attached to the steering wheel assembly at the first portion and the second portion; a locking mechanism, for selectively locking the electronic device to the stud shaft; and a stabilizing wand, for preventing inadvertent rotation of the electronic device about the stud shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lowell
  • Patent number: 10266096
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle with a deck includes an enclosure structure for selectively enclosing all or a portion of the deck. Components of the enclosure structure can be used as a ramp for loading and unloading items from the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: JAYCO, INC.
    Inventors: Randall L. Graber, Jason T. Martin
  • Patent number: 10189416
    Abstract: A storage compartment for an interior trim of a vehicle including a storage-compartment bottom, which transitions at an inner corner region into a side wall raised up from the storage-compartment bottom and which is lined with an insertion mat, which forms a support surface for at least one small object, in particular coins. The insertion mat at least partially bounds at least one free deformation chamber. In the event of manual application of pressure to the support surface, for example by fingertips, the insertion mat is deformed with curvature into the deformation chamber and an undercut, accessible to the fingertips, for reaching below the object is formed between the deformed support surface and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Rehling
  • Patent number: 10189392
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle includes a lid and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes a working surface. The working surface is deployable while the lid is in a closed position. The pivoting assembly is independently operable from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Q. White
  • Patent number: 10185404
    Abstract: A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventors: Feng Jiang, Shrenik Shah
  • Patent number: 10183603
    Abstract: An armrest is provided for a seat. That armrest includes a body and a deployable cup holder carried on the body. The deployable cup holder includes a translating base and an erectable well wall carried on the translating base. A seat assembly including an armrest is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 10116817
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display and an image forming unit. The display includes a display screen to display a preview image before an image is formed on a recording medium. The image forming unit forms, on the recording medium, an image corresponding to the preview image displayed on the display screen. Each of a vertical length and a horizontal length of the display screen is equal to or greater than a length of a long side of a maximum size recording medium on which an image is to be formed by the image forming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Goro Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 10112546
    Abstract: A generator storage system for securing and transporting a generator includes a vehicle that has a back side. A mount is coupled to the back side of the vehicle and a cage is coupled to the mount. A lid is hingedly coupled to the cage such that the lid selectively closes the cage. A generator is provided and the generator is positioned in the cage for transporting the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Hall
  • Patent number: 10106206
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle can include a front seat facing rearward, and a rear seat facing forward. This provides a common foot or leg area between the seats that face each other. The vehicle includes a body that has a pair of opposing B-pillars. A support beam extends through the common leg area, between the front and rear seats, and mounts to the B-pillars. The support beam provides direct structural support to the B-pillars. A luggage compartment is coupled to the support beam and extends between the B-pillars. The luggage compartment has access openings that face forward and rearward, allowing the forward and rearward passengers to store luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Patent number: 10067533
    Abstract: A docking station is provided for a portable electronic device having a keyboard portion and a display portion that is removably coupled to the keyboard portion. The docking station includes a base for supporting the keyboard portion, and a display support coupled to the base and configured to support the display portion when the display portion is coupled to the keyboard portion. The display support includes a lock configured to selectively engage the display portion of the portable electronic device and prevent removal of the display portion from the keyboard portion when the lock is in a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Mounting Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Reuben C. G. Powell, Jozef P. Holewski
  • Patent number: 10035472
    Abstract: A convertible system adapting a trailer hitch for use as a combination bicycle rack and hammock stand or picnic table stand includes a bicycle carrier rack designed for attachment to a standard vehicle. The bicycle carrier rack can be expanded into an outwardly extended configuration to form a platform stand for receiving a platform, such as a hammock or a picnic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Turner
  • Patent number: 10023214
    Abstract: A device for moving a load is provided. The device includes a platform defining a surface and an edge extending downward therefrom. The device further includes two pairs of opposing legs each defining a top portion pivotally engaged with the platform interior of the edge, wherein each pair of legs has an extended position where each leg extends away from the edge. Each pair of legs further includes a collapsed position where the top portion of each leg extends substantially parallel and interior to the edge, a middle portion of each leg extends through a corresponding slot defined by the edge, and a bottom portion of each leg extends substantially parallel and exterior to the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: 2S Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: George Stewart, Ty Hagler
  • Patent number: 10023124
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat mount, and a luggage compartment. The instrument panel has a steering-wheel opening. The luggage compartment is attachable to the seat mount and covers the steering-wheel opening when attached to the seat mount. The luggage compartment may be used when the vehicle is fully autonomous and/or may equip the vehicle that may have originally been built for nonautonomous or semiautonomous operation into a fully autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Schmidt, Uday Kiran Patil