Pivotable Or Rotatable Receiver Patents (Class 224/282)
  • Patent number: 8567651
    Abstract: A cargo rack apparatus for removable attachment removably attachment to the vertical supports of a boat tower. The boat tower including at least one port vertical support and at least one starboard vertical support, each vertical support including an upper end and a lower end, the apparatus including a cargo rack member providing storage. The boat tower also including a plurality of connectors releasably suspending cargo rack member within the vertical supports of the boat tower, wherein the cargo rack member is removably and pivotally attached to each port and starboard vertical supports at a location between the upper and lower ends thereof, and wherein the cargo rack member can tilt down within the said vertical supports of the boat tower for access to stored equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond L. Jesewitz
  • Publication number: 20130270313
    Abstract: A roof rack that is configured with hinges and lifting shocks that allows the center basket to be lifted while still attached to the frame. Additionally, the roof rack can be used to mount lighting to the vehicle. Embodiments of the roof rack allow the roof of the vehicle to be accessed without removing the rack from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: David Ekstrom
  • Patent number: 8540127
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument support and storage apparatus for a vehicle driven by a human driver who occupies a driver's seat of the vehicle provides a frame having a plate configured for attachment to a selected vehicle. The frame has a plurality of docking station positions. A rotary bearing is attachable to the vehicle. An instrument support includes a support panel and an arm having an inner and outer end portions, the arm inner end portion being connected to the rotary bearing. The instrument support panel is affixed to the outer end portion of the support arm. An interlock of the instrument support with one docking station places the instrument support panel in front of the driver of the vehicle. An interlock of the instrument support with the other docking station places the instrument support in a position that is spaced away from (laterally, circumferentially and/or radially) first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Collins
  • Patent number: 8534520
    Abstract: A shopping cart tray apparatus includes a plate that has a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A top side of the plate has a depression therein. A coupler is attached to a bottom of the plate. The coupler is configured to frictionally engage the handle of a shopping cart and support the plate on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mario Liparoti
  • Patent number: 8511526
    Abstract: A mounting platform attached to a vehicle through an existing opening. A base portion having a clamp is placed through a brake light assembly opening, after the brake light assembly has been removed, and is securely held to the roof of a vehicle. A platform portion is attached to the base portion. The mounting platform is used to mount accessories such as light bars, emergency lights, antennas, or any other accessory desired to be mounted to the vehicle. The mounting platform may be easily installed and removed from the vehicle without any damage or modification to the vehicle and without drilling any additional holes in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas E. Schellens
  • Patent number: 8496260
    Abstract: A storage apparatus (10) attachable to a wheelchair (44) is pivotable and slidable from a storage position against the back of a wheelchair backrest to an access position adjacent to a wheelchair armrest. Pivoting and sliding is accomplished under power of an operator with the storage apparatus and slide mechanism (11) rotating substantially 90 degrees around vertical pivot member (30) and then sliding on a block member (18). A handle (24) is used to aide with the movement of the storage apparatus and to operate a locking mechanism (28), which secures the storage apparatus in access and storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Leonard Jutkiewicz, Krzysztof Kotapka
  • Patent number: 8469246
    Abstract: A cup holder apparatus for a vehicle may include an accommodating tray provided inside a vehicle compartment and having an accommodation space for accommodating a cup therein, a cup support member rotatably provided around a rotating shaft (Z axis) against the accommodating tray and including a bottom portion for safe-placing the cup in the accommodation space and a support portion formed in a stand from the bottom portion to support an outer periphery of the cup, and a release prevention member prepared separately from the cup support member and connected to the bottom portion of the cup support member, while being rotatably coupled to the accommodating tray, to prevent release of the cup support member from the accommodating tray, wherein the release of the release prevention member from the accommodating tray is hindered by an upper stopper formed on the accommodating tray while the cup support member is rotatably coupled to the upper stopper and is rotated around the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Ecoplastic Corporation
    Inventors: Young Ju Lee, Cheol Soo Choi, Dong-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 8439239
    Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Lee
  • Patent number: 8348110
    Abstract: A self-rotating cup holder comprising cup-shaped inner and outer bases, a weight disposed in the top edge of the inner base, the inner base can rotate within the outer base; two circular tunnels formed by circular tracks disposed in the top edges of the inner and outer bases; a spring mounting block disposed in each tunnel, springs extend from the mounting blocks through the respective tunnels in opposite directions; a stopper tunnel disposed in each tunnel and positioned opposite the mounting blocks, spring stoppers on the ends of the springs are positioned outside the respective stopper tunnels, wherein when the inner base rotates in a first direction a first spring is stretched in a first direction toward a first spring mounting block, wherein when the inner base rotates in a second direction a second spring is stretched in second direction toward a second spring mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: William O. Whynot, Enno Ferrara
  • Patent number: 8342468
    Abstract: A drink container holding device for permitting articles and a beverage to be stored on a music stand includes a frame. At least one mounting assembly is coupled to the frame. The mounting assembly engages the stand to mount the frame to a stand. A sleeve is coupled to the frame. The sleeve has a beverage aperture extending therein through an upper end of the sleeve. The beverage aperture receives a drink container to allow the sleeve to support the drink container adjacent to the stand when the frame is mounted on the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Mark B. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20120241485
    Abstract: A kit for securing ladders to a vehicle comprising at least two units, each unit comprising a body with a pivotally attached arm unit, wherein each unit is adapted to be secured to a portion of a ladder. Each arm unit comprises an arm body, with a pivot aperture, and two attached arms. The included angle between the two attached arms is 120°. A method for securing ladders to a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing two units, each unit comprising a body with a pivotally attached arm unit; attaching the two units to opposite sides of a ladder; placing the ladder in the bed of a pick-up such that the pivotally attached arm units are in contact with the cab of the pick-up; and securing the ladder to the pick-up to prevent unwanted movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Moore
  • Patent number: 8261954
    Abstract: A mount for motorcycles and other vehicles is provided that resists relative rotational movement at the connection between the mount and the vehicle, and at the connection between the mount and a plate that supports a portable device such as a GPS, toll transponder, radar collector and the like, while permitting disengagement at such connections in response to the application of a force to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: High Gear Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 8245894
    Abstract: A collapsible cup holder is provided. The collapsible cup holder is adapted to be coupled to a shopping cart and is rotatable between a retracted and deployed configuration. The cup holder includes a back with a top portion and a bottom portion. A top ring is rotatably coupled to the top portion and a base is rotatably coupled to the bottom portion. A strut extends between the top ring and the base and is rotatably coupled to both such that rotation of either the top ring or the base causes corresponding rotation of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Alyson M. Buehler
  • Patent number: 8141759
    Abstract: A container assembly for a motor vehicle passenger compartment includes a housing, a door, an arm, a helical spring and a cam. The door is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a first pivot between a closed position wherein the door covers an opening in the housing and an open position wherein the door is pivoted about the first pivot to allow access through the opening to a storage space in the housing. The arm is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a second pivot. The arm has a cam surface. The helical spring continuously biases the arm toward the first pivot. The cam is coupled to the door and movable with the door about the first pivot between the closed position and the open position. The cam has a center portion and a lobe extending outwardly from the center portion. The lobe remains in contact with the cam surface of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Joel T. Runyan
  • Patent number: 8136708
    Abstract: Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Jeff Castro, Eric Roesinger, Kevin Lesley
  • Publication number: 20120055399
    Abstract: A paint cart for transporting at least one component, the paint cart has a frame assembly, and at least one support extending upward from the frame assembly; the support is operable for supporting the component. The paint cart also includes a rotary device mounted to the frame assembly, the rotary device is operable for rotating the support and the component as the paint cart moves along a cart path. The paint cart moves through a paint booth located on the cart path, and there is a paint applicator inside the paint booth used for applying primer or paint to the component mounted to the support. The rotary device rotates the component as the paint cart moves along the cart path through the paint booth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Poehlmann
  • Publication number: 20120048902
    Abstract: Assembly including a vehicle equipment designed to detachably hold an electrically powered electronic appliance (3) provided with a display screen (5) and manually activatable function keys (7), is characterized in that the equipment has a cavity (11) in which the appliance (3) is held and which for that purpose is open at the front where the cavity (11) is bordered by a part (13a) made of soft material connected to a plate (15) mounted so that it can rotate about an axis (15a) that is transverse to the back of the cavity (11), the appliance (3) being pressed up behind and/or against this part made of soft material (13a) under the effect of first and second thrusting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventor: Pascal Clochard
  • Publication number: 20120018473
    Abstract: A trim element is provided. The trim element includes an upper surface extending between a front edge and a rear edge, a holder is arranged on the upper surface and a flap. The flap is rotatably movable around an axis (A) of rotation between a retracted position, in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the upper surface, and an upright position, in which the flap forms a non-zero angle with the upper surface. The flap includes a front edge and a rear edge. The axis of rotation (A) of the flap extends near the rear edge of the flap. The flap pivots towards the rear edge of the upper surface between its retracted position and its upright position. A motor vehicle dashboard is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Sergio Da Costa Pito, Christian Brancheriau, Christophe Brunard, Didier Ponthieu, Clement Pinson
  • Patent number: 8100306
    Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) includes an elongate load carrying member (13) selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (20). A crossbar portion (15) of the elongate load carrying member (13) is wider than it is thick and is orientated such that the width of the crossbar portion (15) is vertically arranged when the roof bar (10) is in the deployed position so as to increase the resistance to vertical bending of the crossbar portion (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming, Danny Edward Stanesby, Alicia Agius, Will Farrelly, Ian Sutherland Wright
  • Patent number: 8065996
    Abstract: A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Neuvelt
  • Patent number: 8052190
    Abstract: A vehicle console having a cargo holder that can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cargo holder is mounted to a top of the vehicle console and includes a rigid frame and a pliable web spanning at least a portion of the frame. In its deployed position, the cargo holder extends forward of the top of the console and can be used as a flexible tray. In its stowed position, the cargo holder can rest upon the top of the console and be used as a map pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Anthony D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 8025194
    Abstract: A cargo rack apparatus for removable attachment to a boat, such as to the vertical supports of a wakeboard boat tower. One embodiment includes one or more peripheral rails defining front, back, and side walls, and an interior volume, and one or more crossmembers between walls to provide a support surface for stored items. The apparatus can be attached to the vertical supports of the boat tower by releasable connectors or mounts at a plurality of points, and can subsequently be easily and completely removed from the tower. Upon release of only some of the connectors, the rack pivots relative to the tower to enable the storage area of the rack to be brought closer to the user, making it easier to load and unload cargo. The entire rack can also pivot and fold down with the boat tower for storage, towing, and areas of limited clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond L. Jesewitz
  • Patent number: 7896206
    Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Myron, Elizabeth Myron
  • Patent number: 7870984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding objects, preferably a telephone, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle, with a frame or receptacle and a reversibly closable lid which is mounted so that it may be swiveled in each case about one of the rotary axes arranged in the region of the upper closing edges of the side walls of the frame or container and lying essentially parallel to the closing edges. The lid has an opening and closing mechanism which is arranged in a function carrier frame that may be connected to the lid. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the production of a device for holding objects, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Perl, Georg Sigl
  • Publication number: 20110006091
    Abstract: An adaptable platform for a vehicle is provided having a main body, at least one support arm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The at least one support arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface arm are adjustably coupled to the main body. The main body, the at least one support arm, and the panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure the adaptable platform to the vehicle. The adaptable platform couples to the vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Alan Lee Schafer
  • Patent number: 7866620
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Patent number: 7857176
    Abstract: A video system includes a display, and a media source operatively coupled to the display, wherein the display and the media source are mounted to a vehicle seat, and at least the display is capable of being fixed to different positions using a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may include at least one of a bracket, a post and a wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7845667
    Abstract: A device to help an individual with a disability carry his or her bag or storage unit on their wheelchair or other mobility device, without requiring a large space to deploy the storage and retrieval product. The invention consists of a set of arms, connected to a sliding mechanism along a track. When the user wishes to access his or her belongings, the bag slides from a storage position behind the wheelchair to a retrieval position perpendicular to the wheelchair's armrest. The deployment process is accomplished without rotating the entire mechanism around a central axis. Thus, the invention keeps the storage unit close to the wheelchair and therefore takes up less space during retrieval and increases stability during deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Sebastian Mahler, Alec E. Beasley, Ramy Wassef, Vanja Kravarusic, Shawn Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20100272300
    Abstract: A device for holding vehicle sensors in a vehicle, wherein the device includes a housing, at least one holder for mobile terminals, wherein the first holder for mobile terminals is designed such that the mobile terminals are affixed to the housing via the holder by a releasable connection, and the holder, which includes a ball, is connected to the housing by a ball socket. An inside mirror of the vehicle is affixed to a holder arm which is rotatably connected to the housing, and the housing has an installation space for holding sensors, provisions for communication, provisions for position determination, and actuation provisions for making calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Patrick Schlitt, Wilhelm Beer
  • Patent number: 7806307
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes a holding column and a support device. The holding column is movable between a horizontal position and an upright position. The holding column is operable for receiving a crank arm of a pedal of a bicycle when the holding column is in the upright position. The support device fixes the holding column in the upright position when the holding column is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bergerhoff, Michael Waller, Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 7770767
    Abstract: A convertible gun carrier is to be mounted on a front of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) which quickly transitions from a horizontal gun rack position to a vertical gun rest position. This gun carrier holds a gun or rifle securely during ATV travel and also doubles as a shooting rest when the ATV is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Richard Bartholdy
  • Publication number: 20100155441
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with at least one holding device, a holding device with at least one band unit and a band unit for a holding device used to clamp objects in place, which includes, but is not limited to an oblong band element with two band ends. The band element at least partially encompasses a flexible band material and the hinged units are secured to the band ends in order to realize an arrangement in which the band unit is hinged to the holding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Klaus Kuhlmann, Werner Berhard
  • Publication number: 20100157431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device, particularly for an automotive vehicle, that comprises an unfolding member (1), the display device including a mounting member (10) for attaching the unfolding member in at least a first inactive position and in at least a second unfolded position, the display device being adapted so that the unfolding member follows an unfolding movement between the first and second positions thereof, the movement of the unfolding member including at least partially a translation portion and a rotation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Laurent Montarou, Olivier Luneau, Robert Arnould
  • Patent number: 7723935
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overhead stowage bin compartment in a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft. A motor is operatively coupled to the compartment for moving the compartment between open and closed positions. A remotely located control system is in communication with the motor and supplies a current signal to the motor to drive the motor. The control system monitors operation of the motor and senses when the compartment is obstructed by sensing the current being supplied to the motor. The control system also senses a position of the compartment and, along with the computed required current, uses this information to determine if the weight of the compartment exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Heidi J. Kneller, Dennis C. Lin, Bret L. Lamoree, James L. Tylee
  • Patent number: 7703623
    Abstract: A lid device driving an opening operation of a lid body by an urging member such as a coil spring and capable of opening the lid body securely. Of a guide portion for guiding an engaging end of the urging member of the lid device, a first guide portion for guiding the engaging end in moving the lid body from a closed position to an open position is provided with an initial guide portion and a later guide portion so that the urging member releases a large urging force when the engaging end is guided by the initial guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Katagiri, Masaki Ohmiya
  • Publication number: 20090302628
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle convenience unit having a cupholder and storage container that facilitates a lid to one of engage and disengage the storage container when the convenience unit is pivoted, militating against container spillage, by the use of a damping link arm. The assembly comprises a housing, a hinged convenience unit, a storage container lid, and a link arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Omar Cinco
  • Publication number: 20090295183
    Abstract: A storage system and a method for controlling the deployment of the storage system, wherein the storage system provides additional storage space without the need for a second glove box door and latch. The storage system includes a first storage compartment defining a first storage cavity, a second storage compartment defining a second storage cavity, and an articulating armatures coupled to the second storage compartment, wherein the armature links the second storage compartment to a portion of the support structure for controlling the motion of the second storage compartment relative to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Mark G. Piekny, Jeffrey Alan Binns, Tanya Sepell
  • Patent number: 7621575
    Abstract: A funeral urn transport device for storing and facilitating the transport of a funeral urn in a vehicle, typically, a hearse. The transport device includes a compartment that pivots within an opening in the floor of the rear compartment of the hearse for storage below the floor of the hearse when not in use and pivots to rise above the floor of the hearse to securely contain, hold and display a funeral urn, in an dignified manner, for transport to a service or repose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eagle Specialty Vehicles, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Kellerman
  • Patent number: 7621431
    Abstract: A folding stroller tray that finds particular use with folding strollers commonly used with small children. The present invention provides a folding stroller tray with a plurality of members which have complementary nested portions that are connected by fasteners that pass the nesting portions to define axis about which the members rotate and join the members to define a desired plane of contact among the assembled members. The present invention includes a method for providing a folding stroller tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Chicco USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Williams
  • Patent number: 7588026
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for a securing device for securing a fuel tank to an outdoor gas grill. The invention helps ensure that the securing device will be used to secure the fuel tank in position within the grill to prevent unnecessary shifting or movement of the fuel tank. The securing device can include an extension arm adapted for being carried by the grill, at least one retaining member that defines a collar area for receiving the collar of a grill and a regulator receiving arm carried by the retaining members that defines a regulator area for allowing the device to place the fuel tank in a secured position without being hindered by the fuel line, collar, or regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Grill Company, LLC
    Inventor: John Ducate, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7578406
    Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a guide, and an urging member. The cover body opens and closes an opening, formed in an accommodation housing. The guide is disposed in the accommodation housing, and extends in a direction crossing a direction, in which the cover body opens and closes the opening, partially at least. The urging member has a fastened end, fastened to the cover body, and an engagement end, engaged with the guide, and is expandable and contractable for accumulating an urging force as the cover body opens and closes the opening. The urging force urges the cover body in at least one of occasions, when the cover body opens the opening and when the cover body closes the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7565990
    Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted combination bike rack and workout station is provided. The device can be used to store and carry up to three bicycles, and can also be used as a workout station for pull ups, dips, sit ups and other exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick E. Bryan, IV
  • Patent number: 7566084
    Abstract: A lid opening-closing mechanism of a container device for a vehicle, including: a container device body provided in a vehicle interior of a vehicle; a lid attached freely openable and closable to the container device body; an elastic member interposed and provided between the container device body and the lid configured to bias the lid in an opening direction and a closing direction of the lid with biasing force; and a bidirectional damper attached to the container device body configured to attenuate the biasing force of the elastic member with attenuating force, wherein the elastic member includes a reversal spring in which biasing directions of the biasing force are reversible based on a reversal point in which one of the biasing directions is in the closing direction of the lid in a closed side of the lid of the reversal point and in which the other of the biasing directions is in the opening direction of the lid in an open side of the lid of the reversal point, and wherein the bidirectional damper include
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20090159623
    Abstract: A storage compartment, especially to a holder for holding a drinks container, such as, for example, a beverage can, so that it does not tip over, in a motor vehicle, for matching to different drinks container diameters, has a compartment divider which can be pivoted inwards and, on the outside of the compartment divider, a support which has a parallel offset pivot axis and a return blocker which supports the compartment divider against pivoting out from the container receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Kreutmayr
  • Patent number: 7533789
    Abstract: A spare tire mounting apparatus includes a mounting including a male hitch coupler and a female hitch coupler that are attached together. The male hitch coupler may be extended into and secured to the receiver hitch. A pole is attached to and extends upwardly from the mounting. The pole has a front side and a back side. The pole has a break therein such that a first portion and a second portion are defined. The first portion abuts the mounting and is hingedly coupled to the second portion. The hinge is positioned on the front side of the pole. A rod for removably receiving a tire is attached to the pole and extends outwardly away from the front side of the pole. The rod is positioned on the second portion of the pole. The rod is threaded and a threaded locking member is selectively positionable on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen J. Seely, Sally J. Seely
  • Publication number: 20090050659
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a breakaway tray assembly for supporting items, the tray assembly having a first tray that is movably attached to a support structure and a second tray that is pivotally attached to and extends from the first tray. The first tray has a generally flat top surface, the top surface being operable to support an item when the first tray is in an extended generally horizontal position. The support structure has a bracket that supports the first tray in the extended generally horizontal position and can assist in holding the first tray in a generally vertical position when said first tray is placed in a stored-away position. The second tray has an upright position wherein it is generally coplanar with and semi-rigidly extends from the first tray. The second tray also has a breakaway position where it is not generally coplanar with the first tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren J. Chou, Lauren M. Marzolf
  • Patent number: 7481343
    Abstract: A vehicular container holding structure includes a body with an opening at its top for holding containers, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. To hold containers of various sizes, the body has a partition member having a second bottom positioned upwardly of a first bottom defining a deepest bottom of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Misumi
  • Publication number: 20090008420
    Abstract: A container such as a case or box is provided with at least one fitting that has an adjustable arm provided with a connecting opening for receiving a connecting part of a motor vehicle. An insertion opening that is size-adjustable opens into the connecting opening. The connecting opening is defined by a hook of the adjustable arm and by a counter member that is adjustable relative to the hook. The hook is provided at the free end of a rod of the adjustable arm and the counter member is provided on a free end of a sleeve of the adjustable arm movable on the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicants: ZAT AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH, SCALA DESIGN TECHNISCHE PRODUKTENTWICKLUNG GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Zimmermann, Renate Zimmermann, Gerald Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20090001112
    Abstract: A storage bin assembly is for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a storage bin and a housing. The storage bin has a storage space extending between spaced apart sides, a guide pin extending outwardly from at least one of the sides of the storage bin, and a pair of retainer clips disposed on opposite sides of the storage bin. The housing has spaced apart side walls for receiving the storage bin therebetween, a pair of bosses each extending through one of the pair of retainer clips for pivotally interconnecting the bin to the housing for movement between open and closed positions relative to tile housing, and a track disposed on at least one of the side walls and in which the guide pin slides during the movement of the storage bin between the open and closed positions. Each of the retainer clips and the track has an open end facilitating removal of the storage bin from the housing and reinstallation of the bin to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren J. Chou
  • Publication number: 20080290681
    Abstract: An in-vehicle storage unit includes a base member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body and having an opening portion, a case which is openable and closable with respect to the opening portion, a pivot via which the case is rotatably supported by the base member, a gear disposed on a side wall of the case, the gear being an arc-shape having a center at the pivot, and a damper disposed on the base member. The damper is engaged with the gear to provide a damping force to the case when the case rotates from a closed position, at which the case is closed with respect to the opening portion, to an open position, at which the case is opened with respect to the opening portion. When the case is at the open position, the gear is disposed within an inner space of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shirena Takai