Vehicle Supported Patents (Class 108/44)
  • Patent number: 10011292
    Abstract: A storage device for removable attachment to a shopping cart includes a collapsible container having an interior storage space accessible through an upper opening; and an attachment assembly secured to the collapsible container and including at least one attachment for removably securing the collapsible container to the shopping cart. The at least one attachment can be one or more pairs of hooks of different sizes interchangeably and removably attached to the collapsible container. The attachment assembly includes an attachment bracket secured to the collapsible container that forms one or more pairs of spaced-apart predetermined attachment locations for the one or more pairs of hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventors: Rebecca Strawser, Bradley L. Strawser
  • Patent number: 9938012
    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 can be attached to a 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 openings 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. The openings in the support panel may be configured to receive articles of different configurations, and at least the base panel may also include structure that engages a portion of the tray table of an airliner passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Michael C. Kollias
  • Patent number: 9937870
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided incorporating an integrated bike rack. That bike rack includes a support arm, a first sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with a closure sill of the motor vehicle when the bike rack is in a stowed position and a second sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with the closure sill when the bike rack is in a deployed position. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Ferreira Yanez, Jose Alfredo Peregrina Loera, Carlos Alberto Tavera Guerrero, Leonardo Alonso Huitron Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9921460
    Abstract: A storage case includes a storage space accommodating a projector, a cover body configured to open or close an upper opening of the storage space, an elevating mechanism provided in the storage space and configured to move the projector up and down, and an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a projection direction of the projector moved up by the elevating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Takanobu Tanaka, Kunihiko Abe, Yoshishige Tanaka, Seigoh Nishiyama, Yuichi Takamiya
  • Patent number: 9917454
    Abstract: An instrument panel storage system is provided for a motor vehicle. That storage system includes an instrument panel having a storage cavity defining a first docking station and a removable storage bin held in the cavity at the first docking station. Further the storage system includes one or more remote docking stations that allow the removable storage bin to be positioned at different locations within the motor vehicle as desired by the vehicle occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, Scott Holmes Dunham, Elizabeth Cleary Johnston Tengler, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9901218
    Abstract: A beverage station includes a tray having holes for supporting containers of various sizes. The largest holes on the outside of the bar are designed to hold larger bottles of liquor or mixers and other non-alcoholic beverages. Each hole can be adjusted down in size using insert reducers to accommodate smaller bottles so they fit snuggly and don't tip over or spill on a rocking boat. This is accomplished by using the different sized inserts to fit different sized liquor and wine bottles or other non-alcoholic mixers. A cutting board or serving tray can be used to support the beverage station. When the bar is in use it sits atop the serving tray and locks into place with small latches on the right, left and front of the serving tray surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen G. Fill
  • Patent number: 9888780
    Abstract: A holder apparatus includes a platform having a primary aperture sized to supportingly receive a drinking cup partially extending therethrough; a supporting hook having an opening sized and shaped to receive an edge of a fold down tray table therein, the supporting hook which at least in use is physically coupled to the platform to support the platform from the fold down tray table while the fold down tray table is in an upright configuration; a device retention hook sized and shaped to receive an edge of a portable electronic device; and a bias member that physically couples the device retention hook to at least one of the platform or the supporting hook and which biases the device retention hook toward the platform when the portable electronic device is positioned between the device retention hook and at least one of the platform or the supporting hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Craig Rabin
  • Patent number: 9821726
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a panel and a projector assembly. The panel is connected to a steering wheel body and has a first surface disposed opposite a second surface. The projector is connected to the steering wheel body and displays a virtual input device on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, while the steering wheel is in a non-rotational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard P. Nash, Bryan L. Faist
  • Patent number: 9796316
    Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable-height vehicle cup holder assemblies, methods for making and methods for using such assemblies, and motor vehicles with adjustable-height cup holder assemblies. A cup holder assembly is disclosed for receiving and supporting a container, such as a beverage cup or bottle, in a motor vehicle. The cup holder assembly includes a receptacle tray that attaches to the motor vehicle's internal vehicle structure, such as a pivotable armrest. One or more cup receptacles are recessed from the top surface of the receptacle tray. Each cup receptacle nests therein a container. One or more retractable retainer tabs are rotatably coupled to the receptacle tray, adjacent each cup receptacle. Each retainer tab pivots between a retracted position, whereat the retainer tab lays against the receptacle tray's top surface, and an extended position, whereat the retainer tab projects from the top surface such that the retainer tab sits against the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fernando A. Siqueira, Adelchi R. Tiboni
  • Patent number: 9783246
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed attached to a rear of a cab. The cargo bed includes a plurality of walls defining a periphery of the cargo bed. At least one of the plurality of walls includes a storage compartment formed therein. A work surface assembly includes a worktable and a plurality of arms attached to the worktable and pivotally attached to a wall of the storage compartment at a location inside of the storage compartment. The work surface assembly is pivotal between a stowed position in which the work surface assembly is wholly contained within the storage compartment and a deployed position in which the worktable and a portion of each arm extend out of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery E Long, Jereme A Berube, Kyle Neighbors
  • Patent number: 9751630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray table device, in particular a passenger seat tray table device, with at least one table unit, and with at least one cup holder unit which is provided in at least one position of use to at least partly hold at least one drinking vessel. The cup holder unit is movably mounted to the table unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Clinton Melton
  • Patent number: 9731656
    Abstract: My invention is a steering wheel book stand. The purpose of the stand is to provide freedom and comfort to a reader while in their vehicle. The stand includes supports bars and a support plate that are adaptable to fit different size steering wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Lee States
  • Patent number: 9701409
    Abstract: Described herein are integrated keyboard tray assemblies including a tray table comprising a top surface of substantially planar construction and a body, wherein the top surface may be disposed above the body when the tray table is in an open position. The integrated keyboard tray assemblies also including a passenger seat, wherein a rear portion of the passenger seat may share a pivotal connection with at least the body of the food tray, and a sensor adjacent the tray table and configured to detect a user interaction at the top surface of the tray table when the tray table is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Armando Valdes, Raul Reyes, Garrett Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9669960
    Abstract: A foldable basket, attachment mechanism and/or method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander Reznikov
  • Patent number: 9637062
    Abstract: A holder for an electronic device is mounted on a golf cart steering wheel. The holder preferably is rotatable relative to the golf cart steering wheel. The holder may include a weatherproof cover to protect the electronic device from the elements. The holder may also include a lock to releasably secure the electronic device within the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Stephen Tyrer
    Inventor: Stephen Tyrer
  • Patent number: 9452713
    Abstract: A modular mounting system for running board assemblies including at least one universal mounting bar and at least one universal mounting arrangement for connecting to a body panel of a motor vehicle. The universal mounting bar includes at least a first plurality of apertures which correlate to mounting apertures in the vehicle body panel, and a second plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a second discreet vehicle body panel, and a third plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a third discreet vehicle body panel. The universal mounting bar provides a single bar that accommodates various aperture locations for body panels on any number of predetermined vehicles brands/models. Each universal mounting arrangement has at least one fifth plurality of apertures for connecting to each of a fourth plurality of apertures at predetermined locations on the universal mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Stickles
  • Patent number: 9421921
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose secondary truck bed. An inner leaf assembly slides along or within an outer leaf assembly, permitting adjustment of the overall length of the secondary truck bed. The inner leaf and outer leaf assemblies also slide up and down legs, allowing height adjustment for the inner leaf and outer leaf assemblies. Fasteners passed through fastening apertures in lateral edges of the inner leaf and the outer leaf maintain the length. Fasteners passed through fastening apertures in the legs and the inner leaf and outer leaf assemblies maintain the height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Terry Manlick, Rick Manlick
  • Patent number: 9408456
    Abstract: A universal belt clip for mobile devices. The belt clip includes two sets of hooks engaged on a top and a bottom edge of a mobile device. A body of the belt clip is extensible and selectively positionable to provide a tension force between the sets of clips and to retain the belt clip in engagement with the mobile device. The hooks are configured to receive mobile devices and cases thereon in a variety of thicknesses and the extensibility of the body is configured for adaptation to mobile devices of varied lengths. The hooks are pivotably coupled to the body to ease installation on the mobile device and to automatically adapt to a particular mobile device or case configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: John Kenison Hart
  • Patent number: 9387786
    Abstract: A storage module for use with a vehicle may include a base securable to the vehicle, and a storage tray attachable to the base. The tray includes a raised deck for receiving a food container. In addition, the tray defines an open area under the raised deck for receiving a user's hand when the food container is received on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DOMINO'S IP HOLDER LLC
    Inventors: Russell Weiner, Daniel R. Louiselle, Thomas C. Bochenek
  • Patent number: 9376041
    Abstract: A journaled armrest for a furniture piece includes an arm with, a hollow bearing portion with a rigid inner journal member. The journal member has a torque-bearing end and a connecting end. The connecting end is adapted to be connected to a seatback of a furniture piece. The torque-bearing end has three equally spaced planar surfaces formed in each of first and second annular portions. Each planar surface has an indention formed in it. The armrest is cast by way of injection molding around the journal member so that each of the equally spaced planar surfaces is parallel to an interior wall of the bearing portion. The new armrest is lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme amounts of torque without shearing at the connecting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: D.R.S. Co., LLC
    Inventor: Douglas V. Steury
  • Patent number: 9371039
    Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a storage assembly, which includes a housing, a tray positioned within the housing and including first and second portions opposing each other, and a track unit supported on the housing including first and second segments to respectively support and guide movement of the first and second portions, the first and second segments being positioned relative to each other with a transverse angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Xu
  • Patent number: 9334042
    Abstract: A protection device (20) for protecting a fuselage (2) of a rotorcraft (1) against a pyramid-shaped structure (10) for carrying a load, which pyramid-shape structure has a frame having a quadrilateral shape together with a first pair (13) of two arms (12) and a second pair (15) of two arms (14), each arm extending in elevation from the frame up towards an apex (16). The protection device includes a protective plate (21), a blade (30) secured to the protective plate (21) for exerting a force on the two arms of the first pair, and a chevron (40) provided with two branches connected to the protective plate (21) in order to tend to move the arms of the second pair transversely apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Pierre Prud'Homme-Lacroix
  • Patent number: 9327650
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly and an instrument panel assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The cup holder assembly includes a catch configured to assist with the blind installation of the cup holder assembly into an opening of the instrument panel. The catch is further configured to provide cantilevered support so as to help maintain the cup holder in a fixed relationship when a cup is mounted therein. The catch engages an elongated portion of a reinforcement bracket so as to limit the advancement of the cup holder assembly during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Babian
  • Patent number: 9270021
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to an array of articulable masts for use with an array of directional elements. In a particular embodiment, each of the masts employs: (a) a linked structure with a plurality of pivotally connected links that includes a fixed link which is attached to a base and a free link which is adapted to support a directional antenna and (b) a wire structure that engages the linked structure. The array also includes a rotor structure that engages the corresponding wire structure associated with each of the linked structures. In operation, rotation of the rotor structure causes the free ends of the linked structures to move such that the boresights of any attached directional elements are moved at the substantially the same time and in the same way and so that each boresight is collinear or parallel to a radius of a spherical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: M.M.A. Design, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Jeffrey Harvey, Jeffrey Edwin Oroke, Ryan M. VanHalle
  • Patent number: 9216674
    Abstract: An easy-to-use seat partition unit, a kit for transporting and assembling, and a method for establishing a physical barrier in mass transit vehicles is disclosed. The seat partition unit includes a movable partition panel which is physically connected to a partition base. The movable partition panel extends from an inoperative collapsed first position vertically from the central section of the partition base to an extended second position which is the operative configuration of the seat partition unit and is slid from the central section of the partition base either in a left or right longitudinal direction on upper tracks on the partition base such that the movable panel efficiently provides a barrier between the upper and lower bodies of adjacent passengers. The panel and base are configured and adapted to be placed into and frictionally held between adjacent passenger seats to support the seat partition unit in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Rebecca A. Garib
  • Patent number: 9174561
    Abstract: An article reception device for vehicles with an article reception portion for being interposed in the gap between the vehicle seat and the central console and an article return container with an open inner volume contiguous with an open inner volume of the article reception portion. Articles dropped into the gap can be received by open inner volume of the article reception portion, and articles received by the article reception portion can be passed into the open inner volume of the article return container for retrieval. A seatbelt can pass through an aperture in the article reception portion. The article return container can project beyond the article reception portion longitudinally and laterally. The article return container can be selectively retained relative to either the first end or the second end of the article reception portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Ferlisi Wilson
  • Patent number: 9146584
    Abstract: The electronic tablet mounting apparatus described herein comprises a frame with a plurality of clamps and support elements in the back panel of the frame. The frame is preferably substantially rectangular to conform to the footprint of the tablet computer. The clamps and support elements are configured to removably engage a backside of a tablet computer and to securely hold the tablet computer in place on the back panel without obscuring functional elements on the backside of the tablet computer. The apparatus further comprises a mounting bracket configured as an L-shaped flange. The mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to the bottom-side of the frame. The bracket is further configured to removably couple to a tripod head or any portable stand suitable for stabilizing a tablet or similar device for a particular task, e.g. photography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Lowell Bowles
  • Patent number: 9133982
    Abstract: The articulated arm assembly for movably mounting an object to a support surface includes a hinge that may be coupled to the support surface. A cylindrical arm is operationally coupled to the hinge. The cylindrical arm is positionable at a selected position with respect to the hinge. A mounting arm is operationally coupled to the cylindrical arm. The mounting arm may support the object. The object is positionable at a selected position with respect to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Erika Valdez
  • Patent number: 9084491
    Abstract: A portable tray table (10) includes a base (12) having a support base (14) that carries raised ends (15) and a plurality of tabletop supports (16). The tray (10) further includes a cup holder protrusion (20) including a sidewall (22) and an optional sleeve (24). A tabletop (32) is positioned in a tabletop opening (18) and is secured to the base (12) by locking push-in fasteners (44, 44?) and securing protrusions (42). The tabletop (32) can move from a down position to an upward position to an opposite down position, and vice versa. The cup holder protrusion (20) is capable of fitting into an existing cup holder, particularly a cup holder on a seat back, in order to secure the portable tray (10) in a position for use as a tray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Lindsay Kattan
  • Patent number: 9036334
    Abstract: An operating unit (1) for installation in an aircraft cabin comprises an operating unit front side (10) and an operating unit rear side (20), at least one operating element (12, 14) attached in the region of the operating unit front side (10) and accessible to a user, and a holding device (40) for attaching the operating unit (1) to a monument (30) accommodating the operating unit (1) in its state mounted in the aircraft cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Hartwig Jaeger
  • Patent number: 9021963
    Abstract: A portable document transport and desk device includes a first generally rectangular member having a second generally rectangular member pivotally secured along a bottom end, and an extension member that is pivotally connected along a top end. A pocket is located along the inside facing surface of the first member, and a clip is located along an outside facing surface of the second member. The device transitioning between a briefcase when the first and second members are in the closed position, and a portable desk which can be hung from a steering wheel when the device is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20150114270
    Abstract: A table for a vehicle includes a table main body, and an extending and retracting mechanism which connects the table main body to a base so as to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The mechanism includes link mechanism units which extend and retract the table main body relative to the base by a link movement, an operation part which is connected to the link mechanism units and operates the link mechanism units, and a cancel mechanism unit which prevents the link mechanism units from being operated without through an operation of the operation part. The cancel mechanism unit is configured such that when one of the link mechanism units is operated in a direction without through the operation of the operation part, an operating force is not transmitted to the operation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi TSUCHIDA
  • Patent number: 9010714
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electronic device includes a primary support member. Secondary support components at each end of the primary support member may rest upon spaced apart parallel upper surfaces of a device such as a bath tub. An assembly for receiving an electronic device is mounted on the primary support member. An electronic device such as an e-reader or a tablet computer is supported and protected by the apparatus. A transparent front panel extends upwardly in front of the electronic device but does not cover the entire touch screen of the electronic device to allow access to a top portion of the touch screen to turn pages of a displayed file. The transparent front panel may be hinged to pivot to a horizontal orientation to support a keyboard and allow access to the entire screen of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Marvin Weldon
  • Patent number: 9004312
    Abstract: A roller shutter type storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening of the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed in the widthwise direction at two ends of the slat in a bendable manner. As the two shafts slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position and a close position. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kodama, Masataka Inoue
  • Patent number: 8997660
    Abstract: A table assembly is provided. The table assembly includes a lower table portion, and an upper table portion operationally engaging the lower table portion. The upper and lower table portions are slidably movable relative to each other between a generally parallel configuration wherein the lower and upper table portions are vertically stacked and a generally co-planar configuration wherein the lower and upper table portions are generally horizontally aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Johnny A. Satterfield
  • Patent number: 8991319
    Abstract: A portable workstation includes a top panel having a distal edge and a lower surface. Also included are a bottom panel having a proximal edge and an upper surface, and a middle panel connected by a hinge to the distal edge and to the proximal edge. The middle panel and the bottom panel are spanned by a first folding support. The middle panel and the top panel are spanned by a second folding support, so that the first folding support and the second folding support hold the top panel, the bottom panel, and the middle panel in a predetermined, expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Norman Korpi
  • Publication number: 20150047536
    Abstract: A portable work surface for use with a vehicle having an extendable rear gate, wherein the rear gate includes first and second latches for securing the rear gate to the body of the vehicle when in a closed position, and wherein the portable work surface includes an elongated platform; a first mounting apparatus attached to one end of the elongated platform, wherein the first mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly; a second mounting apparatus attached to the opposite end of the elongated platform, wherein the second mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly; and wherein each pin is adapted to cooperate with one of the latches on the rear gate for securely attaching the work surface to the gate when the gate is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Greg Parks, John Farrell, Doug Strait, Michael Farrell
  • Publication number: 20150013572
    Abstract: The sliding table system, apparatus and methods relate to a sliding table assembly for a recreational vehicle. In certain implementations, the table assembly has a supporting cabinet and a table frame which is capable of horizontally sliding relative to the cabinet by way of one or more slots. In certain implementations, the table assembly is equipped with a lock mechanism such that when the lock mechanism is engaged the table is fixed in place, and when the lock mechanism is released, the table can be moved in a direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hillman, Steven Jergenson
  • Patent number: 8919262
    Abstract: The embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a workstation for attachment to a trolling motor. The workstation comprises a cowl for covering the head of a trolling motor and a shaft collar for operable attachment of the cowl to a trolling motor shaft. The workstation can remain in place on a trolling motor even when stored on the deck of a boat. Various accessories can also be attached to the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Charles D. Daniel, IV
  • Publication number: 20140373759
    Abstract: A folding table system includes a table and a removable extension, together with a rigidification element slidably mounted within a cavity made in the table such that a portion of the rigidification element can be inserted in a housing made in the removable extension so as to rigidify the assembly formed by the table and the removable extension. The removable character of the removable extension in particular allows the system to be deployed by passing around possible obstacles by means of an appropriate conformation of at least one edge of the abovementioned assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard Rumeau
  • Patent number: 8894121
    Abstract: A table having a vertical support structure and a tabletop that is rotatable relative to the vertical support structure. The rotatable tabletop is configured to lock and unlock at a variety of positions relative to the vertical support structure via a latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Eilers, Benjamin T. Grover, Jonathan Duncan, Wallace A. Peltola
  • Patent number: 8881659
    Abstract: A folding table for attachment to the rear side of a vehicle seat part has a fastening device (2a, 2c) for fastening the folding table to the vehicle seat (1a, 1b, 1c), a carrier element (4) which is connected to the fastening device (2a, 2c) and extends downward from the fastening device (2a, 2c) and a tabletop (6) rotatably connected to the carrier element (4). Supporting elements (7e) are arranged on the tabletop (6) which, when the tabletop (6) is in the working position, can be moved in the direction toward the vehicle seat part (1a, 1b, 1c) by a common actuating member (7a, 7d, 7b?, 7b?) and can be fixed in different positions by a manually releasable latching device (6h, 7b, 7c), so that the tabletop (6) can be aligned in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kinetix AG
    Inventors: Peter Ackeret, Michael Andreas Keller
  • Publication number: 20140318422
    Abstract: A linear guide (1) having at least two rail elements (2, 2?) which are movable counter to each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein each rail element (2, 2?) has running surfaces (3, 3?) which, together with running surfaces (3, 3?) of a rail element (2, 2?) moveable counter thereto, form tracks (4) for receiving rolling bodies (10) and sliding bodies (11) between the two rail elements which are moveable counter to each other, characterized in that at least one sliding body (11) and at least two rolling bodies (10) are provided in each track (4) between two rail elements (2, 2?), wherein at least one rolling body (10) is arranged in each case on both sides of a sliding body (11) in the longitudinal direction of the track (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ACCURIDE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Neuhaus, Thomas Quirein
  • Publication number: 20140305349
    Abstract: A work surface assembly adapted for mounting within a vehicle includes a support assembly affixed to a telescoping arm assembly, with the telescoping arm assembly including an upper arm configured for telescopic movement relative to a lower arm whereby the support assembly may be raised and lowered. The support assembly includes a first support member that is horizontally oriented and slidingly mounted to the telescoping arm assembly whereby the first support member may be radially extended and retracted relative to the telescoping arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: David T. Lippert, Charles E. Lippert, Bradley S. Abel
  • Publication number: 20140261097
    Abstract: A table having a vertical support structure and a tabletop that is rotatable relative to the vertical support structure. The rotatable tabletop is configured to lock and unlock at a variety of positions relative to the vertical support structure via a latch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Paccar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Eilers, Benjamin T. Grover, Jonathan Duncan, Wallace A. Peltola
  • Publication number: 20140261098
    Abstract: System and method of operating can include, or be used in conjunction with, a vehicle's storage compartment with a floor and a door for access to the storage compartment. The apparatus can include a mounting frame. Other components of the apparatus can include a pair of sliding rails and a lift assembly capable of moving between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position the top surface of the work surface is at approximately the same level as the floor of the storage compartment, and in the lowered position the top surface of the work surface is capable of sliding under the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Adam Giemza, Fred Jevaney, Eric Colborn, Thomas Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8826830
    Abstract: A tray table that provides in-flight entertainment in various forms of media as well as interactivity while being lightweight is disclosed herein. The tray table may provide a removable battery to power an electronic device. This eliminates the need for costly and heavy wiring. The tray table may provide an inner tray that allows the electronic device to be removed for handheld operation. An alert system may be used to prevent theft or unauthorized used by detecting when the electronic device is outside or disconnected from the inner tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Patent number: 8813657
    Abstract: A table can be folded in the interior of a motor vehicle and comprises a table top arranged on a vehicle-mounted support so that the table top can be moved from a resting position, in which the table plane is oriented substantially vertically, into a usage position oriented substantially horizontally. The support extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the table top is fastened to the support so the table top can be pivoted by a table top retainer from the vertical resting position into a horizontal position about a pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The table top and/or the table top retainer can be locked in the usage position by a locking device when the table top is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joachim Winter, Harald Klein, Frank Wenz
  • Patent number: 8757068
    Abstract: A device connects a table for groups of seats arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel to the side wall of a vehicle with an upright supporting structure disposed below the table top in the vicinity of the side wall and the lower end is fastened to the side wall and the upper end is fastened to the table top. The supporting structure for the table top is stable and reduces the risk of injury to passengers during collisions without any loss in comfort. The supporting structure has two flexurally rigid posts arranged upright at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction and have buckling points spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the posts and have defined buckling axes which, when a force acting on the table is exceeded, permit an elastic yielding of the table in the direction of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140083335
    Abstract: The invention features a collapsible, portable and elevated camp bed that attaches to any 4-wheel vehicle that has a cargo rack, like an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or attaches to the tailgate of a Utility Vehicle (UTV) for use in camping or hunting expeditions. As an accessory, the invention can be used as a bed capable of supporting a person. Height adjustable legs will level the surface for sleeping or use as a camping workbench or food prep table. U-shaped arches inserted in each of the four corners will allow a canopy to be added that will provide an enclosed sleeping area or as a place to store camping gear out of the weather. In a collapsed transportation mode, the invention actually expands the loading space of the cargo rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis R. Mayhood