Vehicle Supported Patents (Class 108/44)
  • Patent number: 5755411
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the operation of a firearm by a person from the interior of a vehicle, the vehicle including a door having and interior and exterior surface and a retractable window therebetween. The apparatus includes in a first embodiment, a shooting platform having of a generally horizontal first support surface, a generally horizontal second support surface located above the first support surface and an inclined support surface therebetween. The shooting platform is supported by a support member extending downwardly from the shooting platform and resting on the exterior surface of the vehicle door. The apparatus is releasably mounted on the retractable window by a pair of opposed walls which engage the retractable window therebetween. The shooting platform is adjusted by a retractable post. The invention further includes another apparatus to aid in shooting a firearm while outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Still Strong Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Strong, III, Joseph Gualtier, John Lee Still, Patricia Anne Fordyce
  • Patent number: 5749305
    Abstract: A tray that may be attached to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. It can serve to hold food and beverage, as a reading and writing desk, to hold a laptop computer, as a promotional item with advertising printed on the tray, etc. The tray has a flat upper surface, a flat lower surface, and an outside edge with rounded corners. There is a circular hole which may be used to hold beverage containers. There is an elongated hole with straight parallel sides and rounded ends, through which the lower part of the steering wheel can fit. An attachment tab retains the tray on the steering wheel. The attachment tab is connected to the tray by a pivot, and can be turned ninety degrees from a first position in which it retains the tray on the steering wheel, to a second position in which it releases the tray from the steering wheel. A depression in the tab's upper surface makes it easier to move the tab with one finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Matthew George Jacovelli
  • Patent number: 5749306
    Abstract: A table assembly for support of a notebook computer or other material and of the type which may be attached to a vehicle's steering wheel during use. A table structure (28) is pivotally attached to a support structure (26) which is secured to the steering wheel. The Table structure may have separately attached slip stops (12) and control channels (14). The support structure may have separately attached support channels (20), support stabilizer (22), and mounting cord (24). The two structures are connected by pivots (16), and are limited rotationally by the geometry of the mechanical union of these parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Erich H. Breuner
  • Patent number: 5730065
    Abstract: A planar writing surface is attached to a vertically arrangable support panel for engagement next to an automobile console. The support panel has a pair of side edges which each have a vertically adjustable support leg thereon. Each support leg may be independently heightwise adjustable to each touch the floor of the auto next to the console, and provide rigidity to the writing surface. The writing surface panel may flip onto the support panel through an arc of 270 degrees, about its common hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: David B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5730066
    Abstract: A table adapted for attachment to an external support, e.g., the trunk latch of a motor vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the table of the present disclosure comprises a portable folding table attachable at one end to the trunk latch of an automobile, minivan or sport utility vehicle and supported at the other end by a pair of foldable, independently telescopically adjustable legs. The tabletop comprises two panels hingedly attached to one another along adjacent transverse edges. A novel adaptor is provided for attaching one of the panels to the locking mechanism of the trunk latch of the vehicle. The portable folding table folds for storage or transportation. The panels are provided with downwardly extending edges which, when the table is folded, form a space into which the adjustable legs may be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Christopher L. Auten, Martin F. Little
  • Patent number: 5722586
    Abstract: A portable desk is disclosed for hanging from the rear portion of a seat back. The desk includes a table board having substantially planer upper and lower surfaces, a top portion and a bottom portion. A pair of mounting brackets are provided with each such bracket having a mounting portion securable to the table board bottom surface and an attachment portion extending beyond the top portion of the table board. The attachment portion includes connection members for releasable attachment to the top of a seat back. Support members extend from the table board bottom surface for bracing the table board against the rear surface of a seat back to define the operational angle of the desk relative to the seat back. Finally, a support ledge is disposed along the upper table board surface at the bottom portion to provide a brace for materials placed on the table board upper surface during the use of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: David Kent Hansen
  • Patent number: 5720522
    Abstract: A portable seat and includes a seat and a single adjustable length leg which can be folded against the seat. The leg, when unfolded, lies at an angle of about 135.degree. with respect to the bottom of the seat. The angle between the leg and the bottom of the seat is selected such that the top of the seat will be horizontal when the bottom of the seat is placed on the top of the bumper of a vehicle. The seat is ideally suited for golfers, hunters and other sportspersons who need to change shoes when leaving and returning to the vehicle. The seat may also be used at "tailgate" parties by persons desiring to sit during the party. When folded, the seat can be conveniently stored in the vehicle's trunk or other storage area. The leg may include a foot rest support for the user's feet to more conveniently change shoes or for comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Habeck
  • Patent number: 5709329
    Abstract: A storage shelf for use in an extended cab type pickup is disclosed. The shelf consists of a folding tray having extendable outer edges for adjustment to fit most models of extended cab pickups. The shelf is laterally secured at either end to the interior molding of the pickup by the use of notches which fit into the contours of the molding. The surface of this shelf is surrounded by rails which extend around the outside of the tray. The effect of this is to provide an easily accessible place to store personal items. In addition, the lateral strength of the present invention is enhanced by the use of hinge braces, a rear side support block which helps support the rear edge of the shelf, and a support leg which extends from the front edge of the shelf to the floor of the pickup. These features allow for the storage of heavy objects on the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Gordon Emery Johnson
  • Patent number: 5706991
    Abstract: A holder for tool transport and method for transporting tools is provided. The holder includes a compartmentalized top section with an optional handle. A securable cover may be included to protect tool during transport. The base of the holder includes both a contiguous edge that provides suitable support during placement on a flat surface and a curved cavity that provides suitable support during placement on a component of mobile machinery to be serviced. The component can be a wheel and the cavity can be configured to allow for placement on substantially all wheel types and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Jay Nagengast
    Inventor: Robert A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5701826
    Abstract: A table for recreational vehicles has an inverted L-shaped support member comprised of a vertical arm and a horizontal arm. The vertical arm has a lower end and the horizontal arm has an outer end. A pivotal support element is mounted on the lower end of the vertical arm to permit the support member to pivot about a vertical axis. A horizontal table top is pivotally secured at its lower center portion about a vertical axis to the outer end of the horizontal arm. The table has a primary central table surface having side edges, and secondary table surfaces hingedly secured to the side edges so that the secondary table surfaces can be moved to an outwardly extended horizontal position during operation, and can be folded on top of the central table surface for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: John N. Dodgen
  • Patent number: 5690036
    Abstract: A table provided with a cup-holding through-hole, which comprises a table plate; a through-hole formed in the table plate; a bag having an open top fixed along the periphery of the through-hole; and a bottom member attached to a bottom of the bag for receiving a cup or the like and adapted to be detachably fitted in the cup-holding through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Eifuku Sangyo Co., LTD
    Inventor: Akira Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5687651
    Abstract: A combination table and storage unit for use in a truck cab having a base, a substantially planar table, a table storage receptacle coupled to the base providing a sleeve for receiving the table, and a table support. The table support is positionable against one side of the table to allow it to be placed conveniently in the sleeve, yet when needed for support is swung to a position at a substantial angle relative to the table. The unit further includes a removable storage unit which may be releasably attached to the base with defined compartments therein for holding materials needed by the truck operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Hurayt, Joachim Paschke
  • Patent number: 5685468
    Abstract: An adjustable, portable tool tray assembly for external mounting on a motor vehicle. The tool tray assembly has an open tray compartment, a means for removable engagement with the motor vehicle which extends from the tray and a slidably adjustable, hinged brace for positioning the tool tray assembly on numerous locations on the motor vehicle. The tray may be composed of two tray components which may be adjusted with respect to each other to vary the size of the open tray compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Juan M. Hernandez, Maria Z. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5678741
    Abstract: A folding appliance that attaches to seat backs in automobiles and other vehicles that includes a tray for holding drink containers, a support rod that mounts to the seat back and a cup support rod that mounts to the bottom of the tray. The tray is latched and secured to the support rod with latches molded into the tray body which secures the tray in the storage/vertical position. The tray is located in the usary/horizontal position by a tray stop that is also molded into the tray body. The cup support rod swings into the cavity of the tray bottom when in the storage position and positions itself under the tray when the tray is in the usary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: August Fredrick Schieber
  • Patent number: 5673628
    Abstract: A table for supporting and securing a portable computer in a vehicle comprises a table top with adjustably positionable clamping members and an articulated arm secured at an upper end to the underside of the table and at a lower end to the interior of the car, typically the floor. The clamping members are slidingly secured along the sides of the table to permit sliding advancement of the clamping members relative to and along the sides to which they are attached. Opposed clamping members are retractable and extendable relative to one another. The table is removably securable to the vehicle and collapsible upon itself to permit it to be positioned out of the way when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Shane M. Boos
  • Patent number: 5667272
    Abstract: A platform assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle including a vehicle seat having a seat bottom, seat back, and a head rest. The platform assembly is supported by the seat to carry articles for ready access by an occupant of the vehicle. The platform assembly includes a platform defining a flat slip-resistant surface area for supporting articles thereon, and for preventing substantial shifting of the articles while the vehicle is in motion. An adjustable attachment strap is secured to a back end of the platform, and extends upwardly from the platform adjacent to the seat back for removable attachment to the headrest. The attachment strap permits leveling adjustment of the platform, and unobstructed access by the vehicle occupant to the articles supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Sutton
  • Patent number: 5662047
    Abstract: A portable fold-up, tray attachable to the steering wheel of a motorized vehicle made up of two rigid, U-shaped frames of different size so that the smaller thereof is nestable within the larger frame corresponding arms of the two frames are pivotally interconnected to afford folding movement of the smaller frame relative to the larger frame. Stops are provided for limiting such folding movement and a pair of rigid links are pivotally joined to the arms of the larger frame to move outwardly therefrom in a direction opposite to the movement of the smaller frame; such links carrying parallel, elongated members for embracing the front and back sides of a peripheral portion of the vehicle steering wheel whereby to removeably support the tray in working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Athena Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek N. G. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 5649734
    Abstract: A fold-up combination tail gate table, sink, and storage box for the rear of a pickup truck containing a box or table made of steel, molded epoxy resin plastic or other suitable material mounted pivotally on an arm that can be attached to and removed from the truck's tail gate. The assembly is pivoted from a folded position on the closed tailgate to an open position from the open tailgate. It remains locked by forces on the swivel arm contacting the table under the box as well as forces between the arm and the tailgate attach. In the unfolded position, the assembly is extremely stable and can support considerable weight. It becomes a table, a storage container, a sink for liquids, and with several optional circular holes, a holder for bottles, drinks or other containers. When the lid is closed, the lid itself becomes available for further use as a table. The assembly can be used for display, food preparation, fish cleaning, tool or food storage, or as a workbench as well as numerous other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Gregory D. Speis
  • Patent number: 5647652
    Abstract: A dual-hinged center console that has a longitudinally extending cam rod retention cavity is disposed within each side wall of the center console adjacent to a lid, the cam rod retention cavity is also in axial alignment with the retention member in each side wall. Further, a cam rod is rotatably mounted in each side of the lid. Each cam rod is disposed in a corresponding cam rod retention cavity at the corresponding side wall when the lid is in a closed position. When the lid is in a open position, only one cam rod is disposed in one cam rod retention cavity of the corresponding side wall. Each cam rod has a latch handle that is attached at one end of the cam rod. Upwardly rotating the attached latch handle of one of the cam rods retracts that cam rod from the retention member of the corresponding side wall. This allows the lid to be rotated about the other cam rod to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Zalewski, Gary D. Guichard
  • Patent number: 5634408
    Abstract: A cargo tray in combination with a vehicle having cargo space. The cargo tray has rollers on the bottom of the body portion and is slidably disposed in the vehicle independent of the vehicle. The cargo tray is partially removable from the vehicle and is supported by a first pair of legs. The cargo tray is further completely removable from the vehicle and is self supporting on the first pair of legs and a second pair of legs. Ribs are formed on the body of the cargo tray. Wells of differing sizes are formed in the body of the cargo tray to retain cargo in the form of buckets. Notches are formed in the walls of the cargo tray to receive beams which are used to segment the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Stuart J. Jarkowski
  • Patent number: 5634681
    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: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Mark S. Gionta
  • Patent number: 5628439
    Abstract: A portable desk and cooperative file folder holder for use in a vehicle seat or house chair. When used in a vehicle, the desk and file holder are placed in the passenger seat next to the driver. The desk includes a horizontally disposed rectangular base member which rests on the seat when in use, and a back member pivotally attached to the base member and which rests vertically disposed adjacent the back rest of the seat when in use. The back member is lockable into the vertical position. The base member serves as a work surface for papers or a note book computer and the like, and to support the back member. The back member serves to removably support and stabilize a file holder. The file holder is structured and positioned to orient held files so that the file identification tabs commonly at the top of each file are facing the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy P. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 5628438
    Abstract: A portable storage unit for a vehicle seat includes a generally rectilinear housing having a plurality of pull-out drawers and a fixed shelf with an overlying cover serving as a writing surface. The drawers and shelf may be compartmentalized to provide storage compartments for various articles such as pens, pencils, paper, and food articles, such as packets of condiments. The storage unit may have a beanbag-type flexible container secured along its bottom surface enabling the flexible container to conform to the contours of the vehicle seat such that the flexible container maintains the overlying housing in a stable, upright position on the seat. Personal safety and security features may include a telephone handset and cord carried by the housing whereby use of a telephone may be simulated by the driver, as well as a mannequin which can be extended from the housing to simulate the appearance from outside the vehicle of another individual with the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Mary K. Legrow
  • Patent number: 5611287
    Abstract: A levelling device formed from a single sheet of foldable material which is used to convert an automobile seat into a flat, horizontal surface. More particularly, the levelling device comprises front and rear straight edges, two side edges each configured in the form of stretched "Z" and at least one scored line parallel to the rear straight edge such that the scored line can be folded downward to form a support leg. In a preferred embodiment, the levelling device further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a secondary scored line, two die cuts which intersect the said primary scored line and a third die cut which is parallel to said secondary scored line, said locking mechanism being pressed downward to form a die cut finger, wherein said finger is used to keep said support leg in a secure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Steven M. Begley
  • Patent number: 5588663
    Abstract: The instant invention is a multi-purpose wheelchair accessory that is secured to a side surface of a conventional wheelchair. The accessory includes a provision for holding personal items in a concealed compartment beneath an extension of an armrest. In addition, a cane is positioned along one end of the accessory allowing the wheelchair operator additional support if needed upon leaving the confines of the wheelchair. A tray table is stored along one side surface of the accessory and includes a hinge allowing the table to be rotated from a storage position into a horizontal plane directly in front of the armrest allowing the person a platform for working and eating. The accessory further extends outward wherein the cane operates as a leg providing an extended handrail in front of the wheelchair allowing the person who leaves the wheelchair a range of support that is not possible from the conventional armrest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: Christopher Rundle, Michael Borell
  • Patent number: 5584253
    Abstract: A shelf for supporting objects relative to a television. The device includes a shelf panel positionable upon a front portion top surface of a television so as to project rearwardly therefrom. A support assembly depends from the shelf panel to engage a rear portion top surface of the television to maintain the shelf panel in a horizontal orientation for the supporting of objects thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Stranford
  • Patent number: 5577818
    Abstract: A pull-up table device with a generally C-shaped configuration. The base has a cut out recess for receiving and surrounding a sofa leg so that the assembly can be pulled up and the desk surface positioned over the sofa without the base impinging upon a sofa leg. The upright member may include, but is not required to include, a drawer or shelving assembly which allows for storage of items. Similarly, the upper desk surface may include, but is not required to include, a hinged top which may open to access a recess therein, or may include a sliding drawer housed between an upper and lower surface of a box-like member forming the upper portion of the pull-up table device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Elmer Sayre
  • Patent number: 5575521
    Abstract: A fold-up combination tail gate table, sink, and storage box for the rear of a pickup truck containing a box or table made of steel, molded epoxy resin plastic or other suitable material mounted pivotally on an arm that can be attached to and removed from the truck's tail gate. The assembly is pivoted from a folded position on the closed tailgate to an open position from the open tailgate. It remains locked by forces on the leg(s) and the swivel arm contacting the table under the box as well as forces between the arm and the tailgate attach. In the unfolded position, the assembly is extremely stable and can support considerable weight. It becomes a table, a storage container, a sink for liquids, and with several optional circular holes, a holder for bottles, drinks or other containers. When the lid is closed, the lid itself becomes available for further use as a table. The assembly can be used for display, food preparation, fish cleaning, tool or food storage, or as a workbench as well as numerous other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory D. Speis
  • Patent number: 5560676
    Abstract: A desk for use in a vehicle has a top that defines receptacles therein for holding office supplies and equipment. The desk is mounted in the passenger seat and held by the normal lap belt of the vehicle supports are adjustable to allow the height of the top of the desk to be varied, and to allow leveling of the desk. A slide is movable from the top so the slide can extend towards the driver's seat, and the slide is adapted to receive a portable computer. One corner of the desk mounts a cup holder to be adjacent to the driver, and a holder for eyeglasses is adjacent to the cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Stephen T. Griffith, Wayne Roberts
  • Patent number: 5558026
    Abstract: A motor vehicle tray adapted for mounting on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle includes a support panel for supporting an article thereon and a main body panel connected to the support panel for suspending the support panel outwardly from the steering wheel at an angle relative thereto. Side panels, which extend outwardly from the main body panel, are releasably attached to the support panel in such a manner as to permit the angle between the support panel and the steering wheel to be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: David S. Seibert
  • Patent number: 5542360
    Abstract: A pilot's flight desk for use in aircraft as disclosed. The flight desk provides a planar desk surface supported above the aircraft floor by an upright support attached leg to a base plate which is clamped to the aircraft seat rails. The desk surface swivels and pivots with respect to the upright support and the upright support is pivotally attached to the base plate, thereby allowing for the compact folding of the pilot flight desk. A cup holder and swivel mounted pen light attached to the desk surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: James Fleming
  • Patent number: 5540158
    Abstract: A sectional folding table has a first-tabletop frame (3) with an outside periphery into which a second-tabletop frame (4) and foldable legs (16, 18) of the second-tabletop frame are pivotally foldable. An attachment side (20) of the first-tabletop frame is attachable to a separate structure such as a vehicle compartment (15), to another table or to other desired objects of a desired height as an option to primary legs (26, 27). Legs of both tabletop frames are attached pivotally to a joint side (10) and positioned in juxtaposed relationship for side-by-side pivotal folding. Several embodiments are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Henry E. Ford
  • Patent number: 5533771
    Abstract: A multiple purpose truck tailgate apparatus for a pickup truck of the type having a bed and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the bed. The apparatus comprises a first panel member. A structure for mounting the first panel member in a sliding manner to the bed of the truck. When the tailgate is opened, the first panel member can be extended therefrom. A second panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the second panel member against a free end of the first panel member. A third panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the third panel member against a free end of the second panel member. An assembly is for pivoting the first panel member on the sliding mounting structure. The first panel member with the second panel member and the third panel member can be positioned at various angles at the opened tailgate, to be used for different tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventors: Shepard Taylor, Seabrook Taylor
  • Patent number: 5511493
    Abstract: A table for supporting objects within a vehicle. The inventive device includes a pair of mounting brackets securable to a door or seat of the associated vehicle. A table member is coupled to the mounting brackets by an adjustment assembly which permits vertical movement of the tray relative to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Donald A. Kanehl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5505139
    Abstract: A portable desk is provided for use in a vehicle which is easily removable and conveniently positioned for use by the operator of the vehicle. The desk has compartments for storage of items and papers and support structures for securing the desk to a seat and for supporting the desk on a seat of the vehicle and on the floor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Donald S. Storholm, Sharon M. Storholm
  • Patent number: 5501500
    Abstract: An elongated plate, shaped to fit within a pick up truck bed, extends past the end of a opened tailgate on the truck. The plate serves to extend the usable length of the truck bed. The plate is supported at a front end by two stabilizer bars, telescoping adjustable tubular supports, which extend from the forward sides of the plate up to the inner lip of the truck bed. The rear of the plate is supported by an undercarriage which is attached to the bumper by a speed connection, which locks the undercarriage to the truck bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Paul W. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5492068
    Abstract: A desk system for use in a van type vehicle includes a pedestal having a floor engaging base and an upper mounting surface for releasably retaining a portable desk structure. The pedestal has a pair of fingers for contacting a front corner of each of a pair of spaced apart seat risers, a pair of adjusting screws for contacting sides of each of the seat risers and a pair of clamps for contacting a rear corner of each of the seat risers. An upwardly extending wall formed about a periphery of the upper mounting surface, a pair of depressions are formed in a lower surface of the portable desk structure and a pair of posts are formed in the upper mounting surface to retain the portable desk structure on the pedestal. The pedestal can have storage compartments formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Carl B. McKee
  • Patent number: 5489121
    Abstract: A device for mounting to the steering column of a golf cart for supporting and displaying looseleaf pages, in particular for displaying golf course information. The device includes a base for supporting pages generally perpendicular to the cart's steering column. A binder is secured to the base for holding the looseleaf pages and an attachment element is provided for mounting the device to the steering column of the golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Christopher G. Mohr
  • Patent number: 5487521
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for ergonomically supporting a small portable computer, expanded computer keyboard, printed matter, food and/or beverage. The assembly is comprised of two pieces: an upper clipboard (CB) (10) which releasably attaches to a steering wheel (22) and which is also attached to an angularly adjustable tray (20). Both the CB (10) and the tray (20) have ledges on their respective lower extremities for holding large freestanding printed matter. The CB (10) has a clip (16) on its uppermost surface for holding small printed books. The tray (20) holds food and/or beverage when in a horizontal position as well as serving as a small desk for writing in longhand. The assembly nests flat for storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Jack D. Callahan
  • Patent number: 5485944
    Abstract: A note pad holder to be used in motor vehicles. The note pad having a base, a spring clamp for securing a note pad and a clip for holding a writing utensil. The base is removable secured to a vehicle dashboard such that pressure on the writing surface of the base will cause the base to pivot from a first position substantially parallel to the dashboard to a second position wedged between the dashboard and the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Robert C. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5485793
    Abstract: Vehicle desks (20, 220) are disclosed which are spaced from a front vehicle seat (32) to present the work surface (24) of a rotatable shelf (52) to the driver or the front seat passenger. A rotatable arm (58) facilitates placement of the shelf in a convenient position. When not needed, the major portion of the desk is easily removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony D. Crowell
  • Patent number: 5479866
    Abstract: An improved portable table apparatus is presented which may alternatively be used with a motor vehicle. The portable table apparatus includes a tray member, a planar cover member which is slidably engaged over the tray member, and two adjustable leg members located on opposite ends of the tray member. In an alternative embodiment, one leg member of the portable table is replaced with means for attaching that end of the portable table to the trunk rim or trunk area of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Steven P. Rae
  • Patent number: 5443019
    Abstract: A mechanic's work tray for supporting a plurality of items to be used by the mechanic in and around an engine compartment. The work tray has an upper tray section with a pair of L-shaped legs adjustably mounted thereto for quick and easy insertion of and supporting of the tray over substantially any size engine compartment. The adjustable legs enable a single person to align and support the work tray over the air cleaner of an engine in substantially any vehicle, to allow quick and easy storage and use of tools and parts on the tray when working in the engine compartment. The work tray is assembled from a minimum of parts so as to include a pair of carrying handles integrally formed with the upper tray section and adjustable leg means secured to guiding and holding elements held between the upper tray section and the L-shaped legs, to allow for easy adjustability of the leg means and use of the work tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Garry R. Sheldrick
  • Patent number: 5443018
    Abstract: A first box and a second box are connected to a base member. The base member may be attached to the back of a vehicle seat with a mounting harness. The second box and the first box can be moved to an open position, away from the seat back. The tops of the boxes can then be opened, or folded up to form an easel for holding a book. A handle is provided for using the invention apart from a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Carl E. Cromwell
  • Patent number: 5441324
    Abstract: Improvements for increasing the cargo-carrying capacity of a van of a type having a body with right and left pivotally hinged doors comprising a door-bracing panel for supporting additional cargo operatively disposed to hold open the right and left doors in spaced apart relation extending rearwardly of the body and an additional tail light on a cooperating edge of each of the doors in facing relation to an oncoming motorist to permit safe operation of the van while allowing the transport of additional cargo on the platform between the open doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5441229
    Abstract: For an assemblage of plural flight charts of which a selected flight chart is typically of interest to a pilot as, for example, in executing a landing at an airport of which the layout thereof is displayed on the selected flight chart, a holder for supporting the assemblage from beneath having, in a preferred embodiment, a spring clip at an upper end releasing the assemblage otherwise engaged by the spring clip for page-turning but under the control of ring binder means interconnecting the bottom edge of the assemblage pages to a cooperating bottom end of the support, such that the page-turning is unimpeded while the pages thereof always remain attached to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Remo Spagnoli
  • Patent number: 5438936
    Abstract: A clamping table includes two symmetrical clamping plates retained between a top shell and a bottom shell and having a respective rack, a transmission gear meshed between the racks, a racket mounted on the gear shaft of the transmission gear, a stop bar and a brake bar controlled to release the ratchet, and compression springs stopped against one clamping plate, wherein the clamping plates are moved apart by the compression springs when the brake bar is pressed to release a pawl thereof from the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Chin-Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 5427033
    Abstract: A folding table which may be stored in the trunk of a vehicle. The folding table includes main and auxiliary table sections pivotally mounted to each other along first edges thereof. A first brace is mounted to the underside of the main table section proximate the first edge thereof. A second brace is pivotally mounted to the table proximate a second, opposed edge thereof, and also pivotally mounted to the floor of the trunk of the automobile. The folding table moves from a first, storage position, wherein the components lie substantially flat on the floor of the trunk, to an extended position wherein the main table section is supported by the first brace over the rear bumper of the vehicle, the auxiliary and main table sections unfolding to form an extended table surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney A. Bly
  • Patent number: 5425546
    Abstract: The invention comprises a disposable handle cover and entertainment center which may be detachably secured to a shopping cart handle. The invention provides the child with a more sanitary environment and also amuses and arouses the attention of the child carried in the shopping cart. The handle cover and entertainment center is of a rigid material e.g., cardboard or the like, and is therefore relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, the handle cover and entertainment center provides at least one amusement item and is also equipped with a drawing surface where the child can either draw or color with a drawing instrument included with the handle cover and entertainment center. The entertainment center can also contain advertisements or other commercial messages, or it can be in the form of a bingo card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventors: Mary A. Gerber, Mary C. Harris
  • Patent number: 5413035
    Abstract: A tray supported on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is provided and consists of a back panel, with a base panel secured along one inner edge to a lower edge of the back panel. A structure is for attaching in a removable manner, the back panel to the steering wheel. The base panel will generally extend horizontally and outwardly therefrom, to allow a person sitting on a seat in the motor vehicle to eat off of and work upon the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Eugene Fernandez