Vehicle Supported Patents (Class 108/44)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6109188
    Abstract: A vehicular desk structure for providing a stable flat surface for resting objects thereon in a vehicle. The vehicular desk structure includes a tray with an elongate rod coupled to a bottom face of the tray. The upper ends of a pair of legs each have a tubular sleeve pivotally coupled thereto which are disposed around the rod to permit sliding of the upper ends of the legs along the rod and pivoting of the legs about the rod. The legs are pivotally coupled to one another at a pivot point between upper and lower ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Lester Russell
  • Patent number: 6105510
    Abstract: A folding table for the interior furnishing of a vehicle comprises a tabletop and two pairs of legs. In order to provide a folding table which does not restrict the leg room and can immediately be folded up, provision is made whereina) a tabletop is divided in a longitudinal direction to form two halves, the two halves being connected to each other in a foldable manner by a hinge having a hinge pin which is situated below the plane of the tabletop,b) the legs are adapted to be coupled pivotably at one end to the ceiling of the vehicle and at the other end to a point of the tabletop which is remote from the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Skoff, Anton Strassgurtl, Werner Bogner
  • Patent number: 6095060
    Abstract: A tray apparatus securable to the windshield via suction cups or the like, and for providing a second pair of suction cups which are adjustable in height to be attachable onto the dash board. There is further provided a framework which allows the tray to slide from the frame and rotate to a position below the dashboard at the level of the lap of a driver of a car. When not in use, the tray is returnable to the tray framework so that it may be stored atop the dashboard for further use. There are further included cup holders foldable out from the tray surface for supporting cups therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Ma
  • Patent number: 6095059
    Abstract: A portable seat assembly for removable attachment to a trunk latch of a vehicle, having a bumper comprising in combination a seat portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a support connected to the seat portion allowing the seat portion to rest on the bumper of the vehicle in a horizontal orientation, and a hook for connecting the seat portion to the trunk latch of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: William F. Riley
  • Patent number: 6092708
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vehicle storage support device for easy installation into and removal from a vehicle's rear storage compartment. The device has a generally horizontally extending top platform that has ends that are rotatably connected to vertical support panels. The top platform has a length adjustment means and the vertical support panels have a height adjustment means that allows the device to be adjusted to snugly fit the interior of the rear storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: James M. Rand
  • Patent number: 6092776
    Abstract: A multi purpose holder includes a holder frame and at least one clamping unit. The clamping unit is provided at a rear end of the holder frame and adapted to secure the holder frame on an object. The holder frame is provided with at least one recess that has a circular upper end adapted to receive an object like a cup, a middle portion configured to be a rectangular portion adapted to insertably receive an object like a cellular phone, and a lower end configured to be a substantially funnel-shaped cavity adapted to insertably receive an umbrella and collect raindrops dripped from the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Bae-Jou You
  • Patent number: 6085666
    Abstract: A tray assembly for a vehicle, having an anchor member, a tray member, a first link pivotally mounted to the anchor member and pivotally secured to the tray member, and a second link pivotally mounted to the anchor member and pivotally secured to the tray member. The first and second links cooperate to guide the tray member during a deployment of the tray member from a stored position to a use position. The tray assembly also includes a stop member having a pin coupled with the tray member and a cam with a notch coupled to one of the first and second links. The two portions of the stop member engage each other and retain the tray member in a use position after the deployment of the tray member.In one embodiment of the invention, the location of the pin of the stop member is selectively adjustable thereby allowing adjustment of the angle of the tray member relative to the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Anderson, Leif A. Norland
  • Patent number: 6082269
    Abstract: A hitch-mountable table and umbrella assembly for support on a vehicle-mounted hitch. The assembly includes a base member with a horizontal component for releasable engagement with the hitch receiver tube of the hitch, and an upwardly extending vertical component. A first table and/or umbrella may be supported directly on the vertical component, and a second table may be rotatably mounted in vertically spaced relation above the first table when an adapter is used, with or without an umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick H. Padberg
  • Patent number: 6082270
    Abstract: A tire mounted work tray for providing convenient and easy access to tools while working on vehicles includes an elongated support base with a track formed therein, a tool tray secured to an upper surface of the support base, and an adjustable clamping mechanism secured to the support base for clamping the device to a vehicle tire or other convenient support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Zerger
  • Patent number: 6062145
    Abstract: A new and improved portable computing work platform for a vehicle comprises a planar desk surface having a support ledge to support a laptop computer and a wrist rest at its lower end, and a header piece at its upper end configured to secure to a sector of a steering wheel. The platform has variable tilt control means on its underside comprising a bar that frictionally engages in between uniformly spaced and horizontally aligned ribs extending from bilateral side flanges and connected to the under side of the desk surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Edward D. Lin
  • Patent number: 6062146
    Abstract: A storage support assembly, which provides a luggage rack for a rear portion of a vehicle, has an adjustable frame support capable of receiving a panel on a top portion thereof in order to provide accessibility and compartments for storage of luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Jerry P. Conners, Virginia S. Conners
  • Patent number: 6055911
    Abstract: A portable adjustable work table for selective attachment to the floor of a motor vehicle includes mounting plates positionable over structure normally employed to hold a vehicle seat in position. The work table includes a frame which is adjustable relative to the floor and a table top movably connected to the support frame to change the location and orientation of the work table relative to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Donald L. Krenzer
  • Patent number: 6050627
    Abstract: A bed extender for extending the usable bed length of a vehicle. The extender includes hitch connecting apparatus, supporting apparatus, and positioning apparatus. The hitch connecting apparatus removably connects the bed extender with the orifice of a receiver hitch so as to allow the bed extender to be completely removed from the vehicle when the bed extender is not in use. The supporting apparatus supports a load when the load is substantially beyond the length of the bed of the vehicle so as to allow the weight of that portion of the load beyond the vehicle bed to be translated to the receiver hitch via the supporting apparatus and the hitch connecting apparatus. The positioning apparatus attaches the hitch connecting apparatus to the supporting apparatus and is substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: William R. Lee
  • Patent number: 6050202
    Abstract: A storage divider includes a first frame which has one edge pivotally mounted to the floor of the vehicle and a second frame pivotally mounted to the first frame member remote from its connection to the vehicle floor. Together the frames move from a co-planar collapsed stored position to a raised position elevating a storage platform positioned on the second frame above the floor area of the vehicle while leaving the floor area of the vehicle open for additional storage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second frame includes one edge with extensions which hook into sockets mounted to the sidewalls of the vehicle for holding the storage divider in an extended use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6045172
    Abstract: A new pick-up truck bed extending device for enabling extended loads to be safely and securely hauled. The inventive device includes a cover member secured to a tailgate of a pick-up truck. An extension panel is slidably received within the open outer end of the cover member. A first pair of elongated braces are pivotally coupled with the extension panel. Free ends of the braces have an aperture therethrough. A second pair of elongated braces are pivotally coupled with opposing interior walls of the pick-up inwardly of the tailgate. Free ends of the braces have an aperture therethrough for aligning with the apertures of the first pair of elongated braces for receiving fasteners when the extension panel is in a fully extended orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: John Joseph Thomas, Patsy Oliveto
  • Patent number: 6041716
    Abstract: A table has a base, a tire table leg as a vertical support, and a surface top. The tire table leg is vertically disposed with the tire leg's side walls as the vertical lateral sides. The tire table leg has an upper portion and a lower portion. A base bracket fastens to the lower portion, which in turn can be fastened to a base. The base bracket has fastener surfaces for fastening to the tire's lower portion. A surface top bracket fastens to the tire's upper portion, which in turn can be fastened to a surface top. The surface top bracket has opposite fasteners that are spaced and angled to fit against the road contact surface area of the tire table leg. Also, a tire brace matching the internal curvature of the tire leg's inner periphery area may be fit there against to provide vertical strength to the tire table leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy Alibozek
  • Patent number: 6041717
    Abstract: A mechanic's tray assembly for holding tools and small parts, and removably adherable to both horizontal and non-horizontal surfaces. The tray assembly includes a shallow-walled tray and a pair of C-shaped support tracks fixedly secured to the tray. A pair of removably-adhering assemblies, independent of each other and preferably having magnets, are slidably and pivotally held on the C-shaped support tracks by support arms. The support arms have cylindrically-shaped holes through which the C-shaped support tracks extend. The cylindrically-shaped holes engage and grip the support tracks by means of a cantilever moment produced at the tube-shaped holes, thereby enabling the tray to be held at a desired tray angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Dan Z. Kubat
  • Patent number: 6038984
    Abstract: A tool tray for detachably mounting to the top of a vehicle tire having a rectangular bottom panel with opposing lateral sides and opposing front and rear sides extending upward from the bottom panel. A pair of resilient straps are mounted to the tray and extend downward from the lateral opposing sides of the bottom panel and bowing outward for detachably engaging the lateral outward bowed sides of the tire tray in complementary relation. A pair of adjustable plates are mounted to the front and rear of the tray and are adjustable downward below the bottom panel for engagement with the longitudinal circumference tread of the tire to accommodate the longitudinal curvature of the tire to prevent the tray from tilting to the front or to the rear on the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Rodney T. Freitag
  • Patent number: 6038983
    Abstract: A table arrangement for mounting on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle having a table top and a container-shaped bottom part, as well as an adjusting device for determining the angular position of the table top in relation to the bottom part. The table arrangement may be hooked on the steering wheel by an anchoring device that allows the table to slide towards the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Wilhelm Lendl
  • Patent number: 6036158
    Abstract: A portable, rigid tray that may be attached to a steering wheel of a motor vehicle for use as a surface for writing, drawing, using laptop computers and the like. The tray has a generally flat upper surface and a lower surface bound by a distal end, proximal end and opposing side ends. An elongated opening located near the distal end is sized and configured to slide over the top of the typical steering wheel to support the tray at the opposing curved side edges, distal side edge and proximal side edge. An angular member attached to or integral with the lower surface at the proximal side edge causes the tray to extend outwardly and downwardly from the plane of the steering wheel to provide a comfortable, convenient and easy to access work surface for the user sitting in front of the vehicle steering wheel. Other than a spring loaded clip which can be added to the upper surface of the tray, the tray does not utilize any moving parts, allowing it to be molded from a single piece of plastic or other material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Matthew E. Raasch
  • Patent number: 6032587
    Abstract: A table that can be pulled out is located on the underside of a pivotable armrest on a center console of a motor vehicle. The table consists of a base panel as well as a pivot panel. The pivot panel can be pivoted by a bearing mechanism which can be raised either toward the driver side (arrow 17) or toward the passenger side (arrow 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Juergen Salenbauch, Alexander Klatt, Robert Stancel, Grace Tseng
  • Patent number: 6021720
    Abstract: A stand for supporting and securing an item such as a portable computer comprises a hinged leaf assembly with adjustably positionable clamping members. The clamping members are slidingly secured along outer edges of hingedly connected leaves of the leaf assembly to permit sliding advancement of the clamping members relative to and along the edges of the leaves to which they are attached. An articulated arm is secured at an upper end to the underside of the leaf assembly and at a lower end to the surface relative to which the item is to be supported such as the floor of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Shane M. Boos, Eric H. Tse
  • Patent number: 6015198
    Abstract: An in-car work station adapted to be supported on an front passenger seat and provide easy access from the driver seat. The work station has an immovable top surface located adjacent to the front of the work station which can be used as a support surface for articles being used by the occupant of vehicle. A drawer is provided in the work station and is laterally extendable from its stored position to a use position where the drawer extends in the inboard direction toward the driver seat thereby increasing access by the driver. The drawer includes a receptacle cavity having a support tray for receiving a note pad thereon and readily permitting access from the driver seat to the note pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Gary A. Stair
  • Patent number: 6006462
    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 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Media Services International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven S. Lackomar
  • Patent number: 5992331
    Abstract: A table for use in a motor vehicle having a cargo room includes a top plate for use as a lid for the cargo room and legs pivotally mounted on the reverse side of the top plate. When the table is removed from the cargo room and the legs are projected from the top plate, the table is used as a table per se. The top plate can be closed with respect to the cargo room by a lock. A flexible tubular member is mounted on the reverse side of the top plate and extends away from the lock along the top plate. A string extends through the flexible tubular member and out of an opposite end thereof, and has an intermediate portion engaged by a holder on the reverse side of the top plate. The string has a distal end connected to a hook which is normally inserted and stored between the flexible tubular member and the top plate. The string is also stored on the reverse side of the top plate without being entangled by the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Inoue, Hidetsugu Okazaki, Masami Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 5971487
    Abstract: A substantially rectangular, vertically-extending divider made of soft compressible material and having a height approximately equal to the height of the rear backrest of a motor vehicle attaches to the rear seat by employing the rear seat center seat belt. A slot at the back of the seat divider receives the center seat belt such that when secured by the seat belt, the soft material of the divider is compressed against the rear seat providing secure retention. The dimension of the seat divider extends forwardly through the interior cabin space between the backrests of individual front seats of the vehicle, and the width of the divider is substantially equal to the space between the front seat backrests. The divider includes a notch at the front bottom corner which receives and rests upon a center console of the vehicle. An internal rigid planar foam core, which extends substantially across the entire side profile of the divider, provides structural integrity to the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Robert P. Passehl
    Inventor: Robert P. Passehl
  • Patent number: 5970884
    Abstract: A removable rear shelf for a motor vehicle and lateral supports therefor. The shelf includes a pair of front corners and an abutment surface adjacent the front corners on the bottom surface of the shelf. Each of the lateral supports includes a surface on which the bottom surface of the shelf rests when installed in the motor vehicle, a coupling element which receives a front corner of the shelf and permits rotation of the shelf relative to the supports for installation and removal, and an abutment surface which is complementary with the abutment surface on the shelf to prevent rearward movement of the shelf when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Establissements Treves
    Inventors: Olivier De La Taille, Vincent Du Penhoat
  • Patent number: 5967054
    Abstract: A removable cargo shelf assembly for a vehicle includes a platform assembly, a removable frame assembly and an elongated member. The platform assembly includes at least one panel. The removable frame assembly includes support means for maintaining that at least one panel in a first substantially horizontal position at a desired elevation relative to the floor of the vehicle. The elongated member is operably engageable with the panel for maintaining the panel in a second stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: R & G Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy D. Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 5966285
    Abstract: A mobile portable computer docking/office station is adapted for use in an automotive vehicle or a hotel room and includes a portable housing which may be rested on a car or truck seat. The housing is shaped to resemble a child's car seat, and has exterior side surface indentations which receive portions of the vehicle's passenger side seat belt structure to hold the housing in place on the vehicle seat. A docking area is formed in the housing and is provided with an electrical connector that mates with a corresponding connector on a portable computer when the computer is operatively inserted into the docking area. A printer/scanner unit, a cellular modem, a pair of speakers, and a computer battery charger are carried by the housing and are operatively coupled to the docking area connector. DC electrical power may be transmitted to these components by a self-retracting power cord carried by the housing and having an outer end member that may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Sellers
  • Patent number: 5953999
    Abstract: A removable tray assembly for a vehicle includes a tray, and a mounting assembly having a mounting bracket which is removably supportable on a vehicle and a single-slide releasable locking mechanism which slideably supports and releasably locks the tray on the mounting bracket. The single-slide mechanism of the tray assembly also includes a moveable resilient tongue-like pawl which operates to releasably lock the tray at a desired vertical position relative to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Donald Kanehl
  • Patent number: 5950617
    Abstract: An accessory support system attachable to the exterior of a motor vehicle supports recreational accessories such as grills, table tops and umbrellas for use out of doors. The system comprises a lateral support assembly adapted to connect to the trailer hitch of a motor vehicle, and one or more vertical support means adapted to engage one or more recreational accessories such that the accessories are supported in a position suitable for use. The lateral support assembly may include a first lateral support rod adapted at one end to removably engage a vehicle trailer hitch and adapted at the other end to rotatably couple to a second lateral support rod via a vertical coupling means. The second lateral support rod can include a distal end portion adapted to engage a vertical support rod which supports grill means. The grill means may be positioned within about a 270.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: William D Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5951128
    Abstract: For a vehicle front bench seating arrangement in which an arm rest is pivotal between a horizontal in-use position and a vertical non-use position at a location between the driver's and the passenger's seats, and a lap-top computer in a housing is positioned in facing relation to the driver supported upon the in-use armrest position, and the lap-top computer housing has a vertical degree of adjusting movement to account for the different heights of armrests, so that the keyboard of the lap-top computer is horizontally oriented to facilitate the use of the push buttons on the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Sal Aidone, Steve Fyne
  • Patent number: 5947033
    Abstract: A tray for accommodating eating, reading, and writing activities for a passenger seated in a transport vehicle, and a seat cover supporting the tray on a seat back of a seat of the transport vehicle. The seat cover has a plurality of connectors enabling the tray to be manually connected to the seat cover and thereby supported. The tray has a flat floor, a peripheral wall, and two receptacles for supporting cups or bowls. Two hooks project forwardly from the tray, for engaging two of the connectors. Two support struts are pivotally journalled respectively to right and left sides of the tray. The free ends of the two struts are received in two of four connectors of the seat cover. Each of these four connectors has a socket for receiving a strut. Four different ways of connecting the tray to the seat cover are thus provided, each one way resulting in inclination of the tray relative to the seat cover which differs from the other possible inclinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Jeff B. Lombardo
  • Patent number: 5937766
    Abstract: A tool holder includes three degrees of adjustment to fit over the engine compartment of most any vehicle. The tool holder includes a tray rotatably attached to a telescoping arm which in turn is supported by two rotatable leg supports. The assembly is adapted to rest upon a vehicle's front fenders and straddle the engine compartment. In one embodiment of the invention, a tool holding magnet is used instead of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Donald I. Denny
  • Patent number: 5921614
    Abstract: A van-tent camping system, designed to enlarge sleeping and storage arrangements, is adapted for use with and to provide a tent-like covered extension to the rear of van-type vehicles and sport utility vehicles with upward opening rear doors. When the present invention is combined with a vehicle, it forms a single dwelling structure that provides capabilities for camping, storage, picnics and other recreational activities. The invention includes a sectional platform with a retractable and extendable frame and a tent-like cover that attaches around the extended frame. The tent-like cover is held up by the vehicle and the upward opening rear door of the vehicle. The tent-like structure uses no stakes or poles. A sectional platform is provided inside the vehicle and is a base for a bed. Underneath the platform is provided storage space. The rear most section of the platform is designed to stay in the vehicle to be used for storage shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Keith Biedermann, Thuy Biedermann
  • Patent number: 5899518
    Abstract: Decking systems for recreational vehicles are disclosed as well as methods of assembling the decking systems. One of the disclosed system provides a rectangular deck which contains a plurality of elongated side-by-side disposed boards. The deck has an inner edge for attachment to the exterior of a recreational vehicle. The inner edge is formed by a plurality of the ends of the plurality of side-by-side disposed boards. The system also includes an inner edge support for attachment to the exterior of the motor vehicle which receives the plurality of the board ends to support the deck's inner edge. In addition, the system has a frame for maintaining the plurality of boards in side-by-side disposition, and for cooperating with the inner edge support to secure the deck defined by the boards to the recreational vehicle. The deck is also provided with support legs for supporting the deck so that it is generally level, and at an elevated position relative to the surface supporting the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignees: Harry L. Schreiner, Janice Coen
    Inventor: Harry L. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5886840
    Abstract: An evaluation tool for viewing local and remote irregularities in a turf surface. The tool includes a body structure having first and second turf engaging surfaces for supporting the body structure upon the turf surface in first and second inspection orientations. The tool further includes a reflector element to provide a view of a local turf segment to a user viewing from above when the body is in the first inspection orientation and a view of a remote turf segment when in the second inspection orientation. Indicia may be provided upon the tool for indicating vertical distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dale A. Atkinson, Daniel E. Peterson, John F. Klos
  • Patent number: 5878672
    Abstract: A portable organizer desk 10 comprising a sheet 12 of a substantially planar flexible material, a pair of elongate handle straps 34, 35 attached to the sheet on a first fold line 36 defining a first panel 72 and a second panel 97 in the sheet, a pair of loops 104, 105 attached to the sheet along a second fold line 39 defining a third panel 103, a pair of connecting straps 50, 51 attached to the sheet in the second panel, a plurality of pockets 56, 57, and 106 detachably connected to the sheet in the third panel, and a lapboard 52 detachably connected to the connecting straps, the lapboard having an activity surface 53 and an opposing padded surface 54, the pair of connecting straps permitting the lapboard to be selectively moved between a first position against the second panel of the sheet and a second position extending outwardly therefrom, and the lapboard detachably securing in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Heather M. Ostermann, Melanie M. Macintyre
  • Patent number: 5873311
    Abstract: A parts tray for use in the area of an opened engine compartment of a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, for holding working materials, especially for inspection, maintenance and repair work. When in use the support frame of the parts tray is positioned on the opened engine compartment such that at least one transverse bar extends with its longitudinal extension transversely or perpendicularly to the vehicle axis above the opened engine compartment. On the transverse bar there is at least one receiver or tray. Tools, measuring instruments, printed instructions, drawings, spare parts, etc. can be held by the tray. Several trays may be provided. The support frame has a transverse bar or crosspiece which has a bead-like depression on its periphery in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Alice Schlattl
  • Patent number: 5871207
    Abstract: A damper device for attachment to a shock-affected component, including a pair of elastic members for absorbing shock which may be applied to the shock-affected component, each of the elastic members taking the form of a block and having first and second sides which are opposite to each other, and a slit formed in the first side and extending into the interior of the elastic member, a support member for supporting the elastic members, the support member having a pair of spaced apart projecting pieces and an intermediate section interconnecting the spaced apart projecting pieces, each of the projecting pieces being formed to have a substantially inverted L-shape in cross-section, the intermediate section being adapted to be mounted on the shock-affected component, the elastic members being adapted to be supported to the support member by causing the elastic members to be fitted on tips of the projecting pieces through slits in the elastic members, and a pair of receiving plates adapted to be mounted on the sho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignees: Tokyo Seat Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5860664
    Abstract: A novel apparatus which promotes 24-hour independence of a patient is claimed. The apparatus is a combination of wheelchair and sleeper that easily converts from a wheelchair configuration into a bed or other horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Rosalie Smith
  • Patent number: 5857741
    Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch mounted table and chairs which can be used for tailgate parties. The seats on the chairs swivel, and the table includes a dismountable umbrella. The table, chairs and umbrella can be dismounted from the vehicle, or can be changed to a traveling position in which the umbrella and table top are removed, and the seats are attached to the frame of the device, which is still mounted to the trailer hitch of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5845585
    Abstract: The device with supporting tray adapted for mounting on the steering wheel of a vehicle comprises:(a) a rigid panel with two parallel folding lines so as to divide the panel in three parts, namely a first central part, a second part with an opening and a third part, the opening being adapted for being moved downwards so that the wheel partly passes through the opening and so that edges of the opening are supported by the wheel, and(b) a link for linking the third part and the first part together so as to maintain the third part substantially horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Emmanuel Meeus, Gontran Stiernon
  • Patent number: 5829812
    Abstract: A truck-mounted work station includes a frame forming an open rack for tools and supplies, and pivot arms extending from the frame to support a work table or the like. The work table is movable with the pivot arms between an elevated storage position within the width limit of the truck, and a lowered working position outside and alongside the truck. A torsion spring facilitates raising and lowering the work table. Spring torsion is adjustable to suit its load. Up and down travel of the pivot arms is limited by stops. The work table is secured in its elevated position for safe travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Mark S. Gionta
  • Patent number: 5813354
    Abstract: A vehicle seatback tray assembly that includes a main tray assembly; a two-sided, two-way pivoting mirror assembly; two user formable, upper attachment hooks; and two adjustable length lower securing strap assemblies. The main tray assembly includes a main housing, a pivoting tray member and a tray member angular adjustment mechanism. The main housing includes a forward storage tray, a main housing compartment, a light compartment for housing a light bulb socket, and a light bulb socket controlling on/off switch. The pivoting tray member is pivotally connected to the main housing and includes a light opening that pivots over the light compartment of the main housing when the pivoting tray member is pivoted into a closed position blocking. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a curved locking bar and a locking pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Richard H. Scott
  • Patent number: 5803326
    Abstract: A tour guide cabinet for a coach comprises a cabinet body having a rear portion resting upon a seat frame of the coach and a front portion having a bottom surface resting upon the floor of the coach forwardly of the seat. The front and rear portions each defining an upper surface spaced upwardly of the seat and arranged to define at least one storage compartment therein for receiving tour guide materials. The cabinet body has a width so as to overlie only one half of a double seat leaving the other part for the tour guide. A shelf extends from the cabinet body outwardly to one side. The front portion includes a storage cabinet with a drawer underneath the bottom surface of the rear portion and forwardly of the seat. The bottom surface of the rear portion includes a clamp to engage onto the seat frame with the cushion removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Motor Coach Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: John W. Krieger, Sandy S. Friesen
  • Patent number: 5799962
    Abstract: A vehicle attachment including an elongated platform pivotally attached along one side of a vehicle for movement between a vertical carrying position adjacent the side of the vehicle and a second horizontal position to enable a user to walk along the side at the rear of the vehicle when launching a boat into a body of water or during recovery of the boat without requiring the user to get into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Robert D. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 5771815
    Abstract: A collapsible table for use on motor vehicles such as conversion vans, motorhomes and other recreational vehicles. The collapsible table of the present invention is mounted to the floor of the vehicle and includes a lower frame, an intermediate frame pivotally attached to the lower frame, and an upper frame pivotally attached to the intermediate frame. Both the intermediate frame and the upper frame pivot between a folded position in which the frame is next to its adjacent frame and an extended position in which each frame is spaced from its adjacent frame. The collapsible table includes a latch mechanism for latching the frames in their folded or extended positions. Accordingly, a table surface attached to the upper frame can be placed in a lower position adjacent the floor, an intermediate positions, and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Glaval Corporation
    Inventor: William B. Leftwich
  • Patent number: 5762245
    Abstract: An automobile accessory to be attached to the inside of the trunk lid. When the trunk lid is open, it provides a horizontal shelf in its operative position. The horizontal shelf provides space and support for various items, such as food and beverages. The device has two planar elements hingedly attached to each other along one edge, respectively. The two opposite edges of the planar elements are attached to each other by flexible adjustable straps. One planar element is fabricated with a uniform pattern of aperatures to cooperate with the trunk lid structure and provide different attachment points necessary for different automobiles. Fasteners, extending through the selected aperatures, are attached to the appropriate points on the inside of the trunk lid by bracket, magnet or otherwise adhered thereto, affixing the planar element to the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew Hurst