Vehicle Supported Patents (Class 108/44)
  • Publication number: 20020189503
    Abstract: A truck catwalk system for allowing an individual to easily access the interior of a truck box. The inventive device includes a pair of support brackets, at least one pivot bracket, a pair of chains attached to the support brackets, a catch mechanism pivotally attached to one of the support brackets, a platform pivotally attached to the support brackets and catchably engaged by the catch mechanism, a foldable rail structure attached to the platform, a handle attached to the platform, and a ladder attached to the platform and the truck box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6494148
    Abstract: A steering wheel attachable table including a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The tray portion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an upwardly extending peripheral lip. The peripheral lip has a front edge, a back edge, and opposed side edges. The back edge of the peripheral tray has a track extending a length thereof. A pair of support arms extend between the tray portion and a steering wheel. A pair of clamping members are slidably coupled with the track of the tray portion for removably coupling with the steering wheel above the pair of support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Doug Mullaney
  • Publication number: 20020170469
    Abstract: A rear window shelf (10) for motor vehicle integrated with supports for objects with end pins (11) to fit into seats made on the sides of the vehicle to be rotated, the rear window shelf (10) having an upper surface (12) exposed inside the vehicle and a lower surface (13) which becomes an inner upper wall of a boot compartment, in which the lower surface (13) of the rear window shelf (10) is provided with series of supports (17-19; 20-22; 23) which hold the various objects. The supports are elastic elements which can be hooked, nets with elastic perimetric ring or hooks for objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Giuseppe Di Sante, Mario Biggio, Patrizio D'Ambrosio, Giovanni Bessone
  • Patent number: 6470809
    Abstract: An adjustable holding device for on-board computers in motor vehicles, in particular for laptop or notebook computers consists of a support construction (h1) with a table plate (h2) located at its top end for demountably and remountably holding the on-board computer in the interior of the motor vehicle in the desired working position, and a floor-side spreading strut (23) at the lower end of the support construction (h1) for securing the support construction on support surfaces (A1, A2) in or near the floor region of the interior of the motor vehicle. The expanding strut (23) has two spreading levers (24, 25) connected by a lockable and releasable hinged joint (26), whereby the spreading strut (23) can be expanded by depressing the hinged joint and thereby adjusted to the length generating the required force of contact pressure. The stretched position (II) can be arrested by locking the hinged joint (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Karl-Walter Herbert
  • Patent number: 6467417
    Abstract: A foldable table for a vehicle provides a durable work surface suited for construction work and the like. The table includes a planar member, a mounting structure, a bracket and a support member. The mounting structure is provided to vertically position the planar surface at the side of the vehicle. The bracket secures the mounting structure to the side of the vehicle and the support member retains the planar surface. The support member is pivotally attached to the mounting structure whereby the support member and the planar surface may be stowed by pivoting the planar surface and the support member toward the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Guyot, Mark A. Ehrhardt, Daniel Darnell, Scott Froom, Emily Gustavsen, Richard Bohman
  • Patent number: 6457421
    Abstract: A tray adapted for mounting upon a steering wheel has a base panel, a pair of side panels, and a steering wheel attachment panel. A panel tab of each of the pair of side panels is shaped to removably engage one of a pair of side panel receiving slots of the steering wheel attachment panel to lock each of the pair of side panels in an upwardly extending configuration and the steering wheel attachment panel in an angled configuration. A steering wheel attachment tab extends upwardly from the steering wheel attachment panel, the steering wheel attachment tab being adapted to wrap around a top portion of the steering wheel to removably engage a steering wheel attachment slot of the steering wheel attachment panel to lock the steering wheel attachment tab in a locked configuration around the top portion, thereby suspending the tray from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Surasak Apichom
  • Patent number: 6454349
    Abstract: A tray table assembly is provided that includes a tray table and an arm connected to the tray table which extends from the rear portion of a seatback. The tray table is pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback. A seat assembly is also provided that includes a passenger seat having a seatback defining a recess for permitting the tray table assembly to be stowed in the seatback. The seatback recess is shaped and positioned in such a way that a major surface of the tray table can only be positioned outwardly when stowed in the seatback recess, thus preventing the seat from facing the seat in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kazuhide Konya
  • Patent number: 6439133
    Abstract: A portable table device for providing an easy transportable table for laptop computers. The portable table device includes a tabletop support frame; and also includes a plurality of legs being hingedly attached to the tabletop support frame; and further includes a tabletop assembly being attached to the tabletop support frame; and also includes a beverage holder assembly including a tray being extendably mounted to the tabletop support frame; and further includes an elongate storage container being securely attached to the tabletop support frame; and also includes a fastener assembly for securing the portable table device in folded storable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Henry O. Jaramillo
  • Publication number: 20020109368
    Abstract: An interlocking slidable assembly useful for movable extensible platforms, such as a movable or sliding floor or plate extension used with the rear cargo areas of a motor vehicle such as a pickup truck. This assembly includes a first and second plurality of rotatable members spaced apart along parallel axes that slidably interlock with the guide members of the rail or rails. Each of the rotatable members is rotatable about a substantially vertical rotational axis and slidably engages the respective guide member of the rail or rails. One of the guide members or the rotatable members have a recess in the periphery thereof to slidably receive the other of the guide and rotatable members. Because the rotatable members rotate about vertical axes, there is better and more even distribution of weight on the weight-bearing surfaces that makes it easier for slidable movement and decreases the amount of wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Franklin L. Mink, James C. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6426869
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable work station which is designed to be used in motor vehicles. The work station is a cabinet which is capable of being secured to a passenger seat of the motor vehicle, preferably by an attached securing means. There is provided a computer tray which is adapted to be releasable attachable to the work surface of the work station and capable of being received within the interior of the work station. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a computer tray which is attached to an articulated cantilever system which, when the lid to the main compartment is opened, projects and presents the computer tray and any computer which is secured thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald White
  • Patent number: 6412426
    Abstract: A equipment support assembly for mounting equipment within a vehicle. The equipment support assembly includes an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end. A base plate has top side and bottom side. The base plate has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The bottom side of the base plate is removably securable to a vehicle floor. The bottom end of the elongated member is integrally coupled to the top side of the base plate such that the elongated member is orientated generally vertical when the base plate is secured to the vehicle floor. A first mounting plate is integrally coupled to the top end of the elongated member. The first mounting plate is orientated generally horizontal. The first mounting plate has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. A second mounting plate is integrally coupled to the elongated member. The second mounting plate is positioned generally between the first mounting plate and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Elijah Holloway, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6412425
    Abstract: A foldable table for steering wheel with features and devices that include: a table angle control (9), a springing strip (31), a limit stopper (32) and reinforcing rib (34) on the support (3) to restrict the foldable table not to fall apart in fold-up position for easy carrying and storage; different ways of easily and rigidly mounting the foldable table on a steering wheel which can be removed just as easily as mounting; and a oblong slot on the surface of the foldable table for storage of pens, utensils, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Zhong Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6412424
    Abstract: A combination table and storage cap, preferably having a cap configured in the shape of a tailgate is disclosed. The cap inner surface is adapted to hold picnic, tailgate party, sporting, advertising, promotional, or other goods. The cap outer surface is adapted to display logos, emblems, words, or designs. The cap may, through removal and reattachment, or through a sliding or pivoting motion, move between a cap or horizontal position and a display or vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Dave Dirks
  • Patent number: 6408769
    Abstract: A steering-wheel table has a tabletop (1) with a top seat (3) on a bottom forward portion of the tabletop and two bottom seat members (5) that pivot down from proximate a rearward portion of the tabletop to rest on low portions of a steering wheel (2). For tilt-adjustable steering wheels, the two bottom seats can have fixed distances from the tabletop. For non-tilt steering wheels, the two bottom seats can be at variable distances from the tabletop. The top seat can be a catch bracket in a catch pocket in a bottom of the tabletop and the two bottom seats can be on a support leg (4) that folds into a storage pocket (8) in a bottom of the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jane D. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20020073899
    Abstract: A foldable table for steering wheel with features and devices that include: a table angle control (9), a springing strip (31), a limit stopper (32) and reinforcing rib (34) on the support (3) to restrict the foldable table not to fall apart in fold-up position for easy carrying and storage; different ways of easily and rigidly mounting the foldable table on a steering wheel which can be removed just as easily as mounting; and a oblong slot on the surface of the foldable table for storage of pens, utensils, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Zhong Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6400561
    Abstract: A system for mounting and securing a portable computer to vehicle mounts to the interior of the vehicle. The system protects, secures, and houses the portable computer within a case. A mounting base mounts to the interior of the vehicle. The case includes a base plate, a platform, and a lid. The base plate mounts to the mounting base. A docking station or power supply for a portable computer mounts to the platform. The computer is positioned adjacent to the platform and mounts to the docking station or power supply for a computer mounts to the platform. The mounting base, base plate, case, or combination thereof dampens vibrations from the vehicle to the computer, thus protecting the computer from vibration damage. The lid moves with respect to the case to provide user access to the computer. The lid can further move to cover the computer to secure the computer within the case or to the platform. Internal shelves or trays within the case provide access to and house associated computer peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Horton
  • Patent number: 6394002
    Abstract: A device for holding and articulating a removable rear shelf of a motor vehicle. The device has a support which is secured to the vehicle. The shelf is able to pivot relative to the support about an axis of rotation. The shelf is held relative to the support by a first portion arranged on the support and a second portion arranged on the shelf, which engage one another. The shelf can be detached by resilient deformation of the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Sai Automotive Sommer Industrie
    Inventors: Christophe Blanchard, Cédric Habert
  • Patent number: 6394001
    Abstract: A table apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The table apparatus includes a table structure that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. The table structure is pivotable from a first storage position to a second horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a plurality of panels that are telescopically extendable from one another in a direction away from and substantially perpendicular to the vehicle exterior while the table structure is in the second position. The table structure is pivotable about its upper edge and supported in its second position by a rod that is selectively disposed between the cover and one of said plurality of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer L Giesey, Vernon J Scott, Jr., Jeffrey M Niemi, Lavern D Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6386413
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for mounting a computer system in a vehicle provides for rigid mounting of a computer/display unit in the vehicle so as to reduce or eliminate the adverse effects of vibration caused by operation of the vehicle. The latter advantage is achieved by provision of a gas spring and crank arm arrangement connected to an L-bar, the latter being mounted via its lower, horizontal member to a base plate of the vehicle. The apparatus and method also provide superior flexibility in orientation of the keyboard for use by any occupant of the front of the vehicle. The latter advantage is achieved by mounting the keyboard to the L-bar via a rigid arm having two points of rotation, one point of rotation at its point of connection to the L-bar, and another point of rotation at its point of connection to the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Datalux Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Twyford
  • Patent number: 6375119
    Abstract: A seat for, for example, an aircraft that has an open outer shell which embraces a seat portion, a seat back, a head rest and a foot rest when the seat is in an upright position. Also embraced by the shell are a pair of arm rests. The seat is reclinable into a bed configuration such that the seat portion is moved forwardly out of the open end of the shell. Simultaneously, the arm rests are movable between the raised position and the position substantially flush with the seat portion. In the bed configuration, the removal of the arm rests from the raised position significantly increases the width of the bed, thus enhancing the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Singapore Airlines, Ltd.
    Inventors: James William Park, Philip Haith
  • Patent number: 6347590
    Abstract: A tray table for a vehicle that is extensible from and may be stored in a center console. The center console has longitudinally shiftable lateral side walls that define a pocket for storing the tray table. The lateral walls of the center console are moveable along a track to permit fore and aft adjustment of the location of the table relative to a seat in the vehicle. A push button is provided on a pivot locking mechanism to lock and unlock a tray support arm. A cup holder may be provided on the tray support arm that is moveable between a storage position in which it is parallel to the tray support arm and a use position in which it is perpendicular to the tray support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D'Annunzio, Todd A. Mysliwiec, Patrick M. Murray, Jason P. Baldas, Jeff A. Kempf, Frank Olson
  • Patent number: 6336413
    Abstract: A tailgate table having a first arm, a second arm, and a table member is disclosed herein. The first arm is configured for easy attachment to the existing trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. The table member attaches to the second arm, which attaches to the first arm. The table member is configured with sidewalls and a bottom forming an interior. The interior may be compartmentalized. A top is hingedly attached to the table member to provide a substantially planar upper working surface when the top covers the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Trailgate Corporation
    Inventor: William C. Ball
  • Publication number: 20010039903
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a work surface in an automobile. A first portion including a rigid member is hingedly coupled to a tray portion including a rigid member. Straps or other attachment mechanism is coupled to the first portion to allow the apparatus to be attached to an automobile seat back. The first portion is attached in a position adjacent to the seat back, and the tray portion is rotated downward in an arc to a desired orientation, most commonly substantially parallel to the ground. A retainer retains the tray portion in the desired orientation relative to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: KIMBERLY A.. PATTERSON
  • Patent number: 6314891
    Abstract: A portable picnic table for tailgate parties is disclosed that attaches to a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. The table includes a frame having a transverse main beam, vertical supports extending upwardly from the main beam, and a mounting member extending forwardly from the main beam. The mounting member has a forward end adapted to be received in a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. First and second seats are attached by pivot connections to the respective ends of the main beam, and a table top is attached by pivot connections to the upper ends of the vertical supports. The seats and table top are each movable between a horizontal use position and a vertical transport position. The pivot connections are constructed such that the seats and table top must be lifted vertically from their vertical transport positions before they can be pivoted to their horizontal use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Larson
  • Patent number: 6315252
    Abstract: A computer stand for holding a notebook-type computer at a convenient height for use in a motor vehicle. The stand, which is free-standing, holds the computer in sight and reach of the driver and is particularly useful for reading location maps. It also facilitates the use of the computer in modem/facsimile operations while a commuter is in transit. The computer stand comprises a weighted base, a flexible column and a platform for detachably mounting a laptop computer. Weights in the base provide ballast for the computer stand. The column has both a telescopic section and a flexible segment so that the position of the platform can be easily adjusted, bringing any computer mounted thereon in reach and sight of the user without interfering with the seating or control of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jefrey S. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6305300
    Abstract: An adjustable table system comprising first and second offset members, an attachment system, a support assembly, and a work surface assembly. The offset members each comprise offset edges defining a offset planes, engaging surfaces defining reference planes, and spacing walls extending between the offset edges and the engaging surfaces. The spacing walls are sized and dimensioned to create offset angles between the offset planes. The attachment system attaches the offset members together such that the offset members are rotatable relative to each other about an offset axis. The support assembly engages one of the offset members to support the offset member at a desired location. The work surface assembly engages the other offset edge to form a work surface at the desired location. Rotation of the offset members relative to each other about the offset axis alters an angle between the offset planes and thus an angle of the work surface with respect to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Richard P. Honea
  • Patent number: 6305299
    Abstract: A vehicular child seat tray system is provided including a base with at least one slot formed therein for receiving a restraining strap therein. Also included is a tray removably coupled to the base. Various other items may be attached to the base for facilitating feeding and entertaining a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Jacie Laverne Ragland
  • Patent number: 6279992
    Abstract: A folding table for fitting to a rear side of a back of a seat in a motor-coach or an aircraft has a folding table element, pivotal articulation means formed so that the folding table element is pivotable back and forth between an out-of-use position in which the folding table element lyes substantially flat against a rear side of a back of a seat and an in-use position in which the folding table element projects approximately horizontally from the rear side of the back of the seat, a holder provided for holding a drink container and movably connected to the holding table element, a guide connecting the holder with the holding table element so that the holder, when the folding table element is in the in-use position is movable back and forth between an out-of-use position in which the holder is stowed in the holding table element, and an in-use position in which a drink container can be placed into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignees: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Evobus GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Plocher, Stefan Kuehn, Andre Hein, Michael Keller, Soeren Groth, Monika Jessberger, Franz Kriegelsteiner
  • Patent number: 6279800
    Abstract: A multifunctional tray for motor vehicles including a main bracket, a hook, a movable anchor bushing, a tray and a supporting member. The supporting member is extendable. The tray may be hung on the steering wheel or the backrest of a front seat and may be adjusted to different height and angle desired through adjusting the anchor bushing and the supporting member. Users may use the tray for meal, writing or doing other work desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Lee
  • Patent number: 6273310
    Abstract: A laptop computer workstation accessory for an automobile includes a portable case adapted to be transported manually by the driver and placed in an automobile intermediate the driver seat and the passenger seat. The case includes a lower portion with a pivotal laptop computer support structure on which to mount a laptop computer with hook-and-loop fabric fastener, and a lockable upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion for movement between a closed position in which the upper portion covers the laptop computer support structure and an open position in which it exposes the laptop computer support structure to the driver. The upper portion is adapted to hold a pad of writing paper and the lower portion includes a moveable printer support structure behind a moveable side panel on the passenger side. One embodiment includes a carrier harness with a shoulder strap arrangement for use in manually transporting the accessory to and from the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick C. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6270138
    Abstract: A removable shelving component for vehicles uses permanently mounted vehicle internal side wall frames to removably attach shelving components with pin-into-hole and tongue-into-groove connection. Modularized, the shelving is customizable to suit any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ready Metal Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Leonard Laskowski, Paul Bostjancic
  • Patent number: 6267338
    Abstract: A support rail assembly for positioning work-related accessories adjacent a worksurface such as a table. The rail assembly includes a horizontally elongated rail supported in upwardly spaced relationship from the worksurface by a support arm or stanchion. The rail defines therein an elongate slot which permits the mounting of accessories in various positions on the rail which are convenient to the user. The rail is supportable from either the rear edge of a worksurface or may be cantilevered forwardly from a wall adjacent the worksurface or from a wall panel to which the worksurface is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Saylor, Robert Wayner, David Byrne, Kevin L. Brinks, Ricky D. Roels, Cheryl C. Compton, Sheldon Phillips, Edward Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6250702
    Abstract: A vehicle having a table board is provided. The table board is moveable between an out-of-use position, in which the table board is accommodated in the vehicle, and a position of use, in which the table board projects longitudinally from the vehicle. At least one seat is mounted in such a way on the table board, through a folding linkage, such that in the position of use of the table board, the seat can be pivoted between a space-saving out-of-use position and a position of use suitable for sitting at the table board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Konrad Eipper
  • Publication number: 20010003962
    Abstract: A seat for, for example, an aircraft that has an open outer shell which embraces a seat portion, a seat back, a head rest and a foot rest when the seat is in an upright position. Also embraced by the shell are a pair of arm rests. The seat is reclinable into a bed configuration such that the seat portion is moved forwardly out of the open end of the shell. Simultaneously, the arm rests are movable between the raised position and the position substantially flush with the seat portion. In the bed configuration, the removal of the arm rests from the raised position significantly increases the width of the bed, thus enhancing the comfort of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: Singapore Airlines Ltd.
    Inventors: James William Park, Philip Haith
  • Patent number: 6237267
    Abstract: A display and method for holding printed material, such as advertising, are described for hanging on the back of a vehicle seat with its contents easily visible and accessible to a passenger. A transparent backboard having rear and front surfaces define transparent pockets for holding the advertising. A pair of hook and loop straps and pads secure the display to the back of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Media Services International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven S. Lackomar
  • Patent number: 6224128
    Abstract: A slidable and adjustable shelf assembly adapted to be fitted to the rear of a pickup truck, more precisely the side walls. While overriding such side walls, the shelf assembly is in rolling contact with a rigid canopy or camper shell fixed to the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of U-shaped members which telescopically engage a pair of intermediate joining members to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit the truck side walls, and to receive a pair of overlapping planar panel members. The respective U-shaped members are each provided with at least a pair of spring biased, roller members that include complementary roller wheels maintained in rolling contact with the side walls and rigid canopy during sliding movement of the shelf assembly, even where the canopy walls are in a nonparallel relationship. Further, a clamping device is provided to prevent premature movement of the shelf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Mains
  • Patent number: 6220660
    Abstract: An activity center for a motor vehicle in which a platform is provided in the vehicle interior, preferably mounted to a seat back. The platform is movable from a stowed position to a horizontal use position overlying a seat cushion and seat back at a seating position for use as a work surface or a play surface. In addition, the activity center includes a storage compartment for toys and other items and may include cup holders, pencil holders, etc. Furthermore, toys such as a stud panel for use with building blocks and drawing toys, such as Etch-a-Sketch®, can be integrated into the activity center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ronald Bedro, Jeffrey Arnoldy, David Ekern, John James Flannery, Vernon A. Stubbe, Mark Caye, Mark Symonik
  • Patent number: 6192806
    Abstract: A foldable and surface angle adjustable table device mountable upon a steering wheel, the device including an arch shape support (3) with clamp(s) on it, and a flat table surface (1) pivotally connected to each other. A pair of table angle controls (9) is at the bottom of the table at each side. At each side of the support, there is a corresponding angle-adjusting wheel (11) with a flange plate (12) to change the angle of the table angle control, which in turn changes the angle of the table surface. This device can be easily mounted on and removed from a steering wheel by clamp, and can be folded into a compact unit for carrying or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Zhong Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6193294
    Abstract: A device for enlarging a cargo area, having sides, of a truck having a tailgate. The device being adapted for mounting on the tailgate of the cargo area, and including a central panel with side edges and ends, one of the side edges being attachable to the tailgate. Attached to the central panel is a pair of end panels that can attach to the central panel and to the sides of the cargo area, so that the cargo area may be enlarged by positioning the tailgate in a substantially horizontal position, positioning the central panel in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the tailgate while the end panels attach to the sides of the cargo area and extend from the sides of the cargo area to the central panel. The structure also allows the end panels to fold under the central panel and between the central panel and the tailgate when not in use. Additionally, the structure allows the central panel to further unfold from the tailgate to form a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick Disner, Henry Disner
  • Patent number: 6189458
    Abstract: A collapsible holder having a first end to be detachably connected to a conventional trailer hitch at the rear of a motor vehicle and a second end to be detachably coupled to a folding table. The collapsible holder has a pair of outer arms that are pivotally connected to opposite ends of a middle arm. When the collapsible holder is detached from the trailer hitch and uncoupled from the folding table, the outer and middle arms are adapted to be rotated into face to face alignment, with one arm located above the other, to form a compact package that is suitable for transport and storage between uses. In order to support an outdoor grille from the collapsible holder, an inner coupling post that is affixed to the grille is slidably received within and engaged by an outer coupling post that is affixed to the holder. In the alternative, the outdoor grille is coupled to the collapsible holder by a removable coupling attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: George Rivera
  • Patent number: 6182931
    Abstract: A child object support system for use within a vehicle to support a child's toys, bottles and other items within the child's reach during travel thereby reducing the chance of the child losing an item during travel. The inventive device includes a support member of a flexible material, a cup holder within the support member, a plurality of loops attached to the support member, a pocket attached to the support member, a front strap having a buckle attached to a front end of the support member, and a first rear strap, a second rear strap and a third rear strap having a pair of buckles attached to a rear end of the support member. The front strap is removable attachable about a head rest or a front seat of the vehicle. The first rear strap and the third rear strap are removable attachable to a car seat or a rear seat of the vehicle by the second rear strap. The support member is preferably angled downwardly toward the child within the car seat so as to retain the child's items within reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Lorraine Richard
  • Patent number: 6164213
    Abstract: A work station and storage assembly for supporting a laptop computer above a work surface is provided. The work station and storage assembly comprises a platform having a computer supporting surface with the computer supporting surface being angled relative to the work surface. At least one storage cavity is formed in the platform between the computer supporting surface and the work surface. A mechanism releasably secures the laptop computer to the computer supporting surface of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Chris Topps, Vance Topps
  • Patent number: 6155469
    Abstract: A notepad and writing instrument holder, particularly adapted for mounting on a surface within the interior of an automobile, for example, includes one piece construction comprising a molded plastic structure with first and second members which are hinged together along a living hinge portion. One of the members nests within the other such that opposed side panels of each member cooperate to retain the two members in a fixed position relative to each other to provide a writing surface for a notepad which is adjustable to suit the writer's needs and position relative to the notepad holder. Ratchet teeth formed on one member cooperate with detent members formed on the other member. The notepad holder may be injection molded in a generally flat planar configuration and the two members are formed by folding circular sector shaped side panels of each member with respect to center panels of each member into their working positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Jason G. Johnson
    Inventors: Jason G. Johnson, John W. Goodin
  • Patent number: 6155525
    Abstract: An adjustable telescopic support having an elongated base member and an elongated mounting member. Cooperating guide means on the base and mounting members slidably mount the mounting member on the base member for longitudinal movement relative to the base member. Mounting means are provided on the front of the mounting member for use in mounting a manually operated unit on the support. Cooperating locking means on the base and mounting members selectively lock the mounting member to the base member in one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart locking positions so as to be able to position the manually operated unit on the support in a desired working position. The locking means on the mounting member includes an operating handle at the front of the mounting member. The support can be mounted on a support post if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Denis Joanisse, Fausto Rossetto, Paul Rossetto
  • Patent number: 6148738
    Abstract: In a laptop table adapted to be mounted on a steering wheel, a basic body has at one end spaced hooks forming a support structure for supporting the base body on the steering wheel and a table is mounted on the base body so as to be height adjustable and pivot structure are provided for pivotally supporting the table on the base body and locking it in a particular angular pivot position with respect to the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6145447
    Abstract: A foldable table comprises a flat table top supported upon a collapsible frame which is removably fitted within the trunk of an automobile or similar space in an automotive vehicle. The frame includes lower frame members which are rested upon the floor of the vehicle and upper frame members which support the table top. The upper and lower frame members are connected together by pivotal table leg members which enable the upper frame members, with the supported table top, to be raised or lowered relative to the lower frame members. The table top is slidably connected to the upper frame members for sliding part-way out of the vehicle. The table top, which normally is in a horizontal, lower, storage position within the vehicle can be manually raised while still horizontal and then slid part-way out of the vehicle for table use. Thus, articles may be supported upon the table in both its raised table use position and in its lowered storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Henderson
  • Patent number: 6135546
    Abstract: A table device (3) for the passenger seat (2) of a motor vehicle has a belt as a fastening device, which is to be placed around the backrest. In addition, a receiving means is provided for a segment of the three-point belt. In terms of the travel direction of the vehicle, the receiving means is disposed behind the center of gravity of the table device, which effectively prevents a tilting of the table device around a lateral axis during intense braking maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Peter Rainer Noller
    Inventor: Maria Demtchouk
  • Patent number: 6135549
    Abstract: A table is contained within the seat bottom of the vehicle seat assembly which includes storage for a portable personal computer on a movable platform. The platform is movable from a stowed position within the horizontal seat bottom to a raised generally horizontal use position for use of the personal computer by an occupant of an adjacent seat assembly within the motor vehicle. When the computer is not in use, the top surface of the computer can be used as a writing surface or alternatively, the platform carrying the personal computer can have a movable lid which can be used as a writing surface. In addition to storing the computer, the seat assembly has spaced shelves for storage of files and other papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Demick, Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6125772
    Abstract: A new platform apparatus for installation in the rear compartment of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a platform member. An outer periphery of the platform member defines a border extending therearound. The border defines an inner area and an outer area. The inner area is inside the border while the outer area is outside the border. A pair of first support legs are pivotally coupled to the lower surface of the platform member. A pair of second support legs are pivotally and slidably coupled to the lower surface of the platform member. Each of the second support legs is pivotally positionable along an arc extending around a second corner formed by a side and the rear of the platform member. Each of the second support legs is slidably positionable between a retracted position and an extended position, such that the second support legs are located in the inner area when in the retracted position and are located in the outer area when in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Neil P. Clements
  • Patent number: 6109492
    Abstract: A tray assembly for supporting a bundle of keys dangling from a vehicle ignition switch includes a substantially planar tray member having a pair of side walls vertically extending from its upper surface. The top edge of each side wall includes an arcuate indention configured to interengage a lower portion of the vehicle steering column. A separable strap is mounted to each side wall immediately beneath the indention for securing the tray member to the steering column. When mounted, a portion of the tray member is immediately beneath the ignition switch allowing the keys to rest thereon to minimize damage to the ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Karen M. Eastwood