Pivotable Or Rotatable Receiver Patents (Class 224/282)
  • Patent number: 5642843
    Abstract: A pull out and rotatable cup and can holder to receive and restrain a coffee cup and a beverage can at respective first and second openings formed through first and second sides of a round base plate. The round base plate is slidably received in and rotatable relative to a frame that is mounted below a suitable flat surface of a vehicle (e.g. a boat, and the like) that is subjected to turbulence and similar mechanical forces during operation. The round base plate slides partially out of the frame to expose either the first or second openings for receiving and restraining a cup or a can. After the round base plate has been pulled partially out of the frame, it may be simply and easily rotated 180 degrees to correspondingly rotate and reposition the first and second openings formed therethrough. Once the cup or can is removed from the cup and can holder, the round base plate may be conveniently pushed inwardly of the frame so as to be disposed at a completely out of the way location therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Wayne L. Leivan
  • Patent number: 5639116
    Abstract: An opening is defined in an upper portion of a side surface of an instrument panel, such that it is opposed to an air bag module mounted in front of a passenger's seat within the instrument panel. A tray is removably locked in the opening by a locking device. If the tray is removed from the opening, the air bag module is exposed and thus, it is possible for an operator to easily carry out the maintenance operation and the removal of the air bag module in a comfortable position without bending his body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Shimizu, Kazuo Masaki, Toru Kobayashi, Yukio Akimoto
  • Patent number: 5622299
    Abstract: A snowmobile carrying unit fitted to the loadbed of a pickup truck has four plungers held with pins to the downwardly directed four legs of the top portion of a two-piece bedrack which hold the bedrack fast to the sidewalls of the loadbed. An eight wheel dolly rides in channels in the two tracks of the top portion of the bedrack which is held to the bottom portion by pins placed through complementary holes. A circular track atop the dolly receives four wheels on the bottom of a flat rotatable carriage unit with bar on rod locking assembly units received by threaded holes in the floor of the carriage. The leading edge and the trailing edge of the carriage have two slits each amenable to receipt of swivel locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Randy M. Berard
  • Patent number: 5620126
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a frameless L-shaped rack in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the rack by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The rack comprises either a single integral L-shaped support beam, or a compound beam. The compound beam, in turn, comprises a combination of (a) a pivot strut one side of which is attached to the frame of the truck and (b) an integral L-shaped support beam comprising a transverse strut and a longitudinal strut upon which latter strut only, the container is pivotably disposed. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the struts of the L-shaped rack, or supported on pivot pins. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches, it is preferred to use, in addition, an attachment latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Nikolas C. Janek
  • Patent number: 5615814
    Abstract: An equipment carrier assembly for mounting to a snowplow mounting bracket includes at least one and preferably a pair of carrier stands each including a lower platform for supporting equipment thereon and an upright mast mounted to and extending upwardly from the lower platform for attaching equipment thereto, a lower shaft latching mechanism attached on and extending between the lower platforms of the carrier stands for mounting the carrier stand to the snowplow mounting bracket, and upper slide locking mechanisms on the upright masts of the carrier stands for securing the carrier stands to the snowplow mounting bracket. The carrier stands of the assembly may be intercoupled to one another by components attached to and extending respectively between the lower platforms and upper masts of the carrier stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: George A. Dechant
  • Patent number: 5598999
    Abstract: A device for holding two drink containers which can be arranged in the compartment of a central console of a motor vehicle has a holding ring for lateral fixing of the one drink container and a holding frame for the second drink container which are moved out of a position in which they are recessed in the compartment. The folded-together holding ring, together with the holding frame, assume a position projecting from the compartment. From that position, the folded-together holding ring moves into its opened-out holding position beside and above the holding frame. Movement from the recessed position can be effected automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Plocher, Juergen Koerber, Heinz Koukal
  • Patent number: 5586702
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slideably moveable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: William R. Sadler
  • Patent number: 5560525
    Abstract: A load carrier arrangement for mounting a load holder on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof and a rear door and/or a trunk lid. The load carrier includes a rack disposed across the roof of the vehicle and fastened at a rear portion thereof. A carrier device having the load holder for carrying a load behind the vehicle in a load carrying position of the carrier device is also provided. The carrier device is pivotally arranged about a substantially horizontal pivot axis directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier vehicle. The pivot-arrangement connecting the carrier device to the rack allows the carrier device and a load holder to be pivoted upwardly from the load carrying position to an elevated position not interferring with the opening of the rear door and/or the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Hubert Grohmann, Magnus Christiansson
  • Patent number: 5556017
    Abstract: To store a mobile phone in the console bin of a vehicle and easily swing it out and hold it in a working position, a bracket mounted on an inner top wall of the bin has a link hinged at both ends for coupling a main phone support to the mount and a slide on the main support for holding the phone. The hinged link allows the phone to swing in and out of the bin between working and storage positions, and the slide permits the phone to be moved further from the bin to allow the bin cover to close. The phone comprises a cradle attached to the slide and a removable handset which may be left in the cradle for use as held by the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Stanton E. Troy
  • Patent number: 5544799
    Abstract: A swing away cargo carrier assembly for use with a vehicle having a receiver-type hitch includes a main support tube adapted for insertion into the receiver hitch and extending rearwardly therefrom, a main extension arm attached to the main support tube and extending laterally along the rear of the vehicle, a pivot support member attached to and extending rearwardly from the main extension arm, a swing arm attached to the pivot support member and means, such as a frame, attached to the swing arm for supporting a cargo container. A releasable device, such as a stop and lock member, for retaining the swing arm in a retracted position are also included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Ralph L. Didlake
  • Patent number: 5529231
    Abstract: A carrier attached to a vehicle to enable articles such as bicycles to be transported. The carrier comprising an article support member rotatably coupled to a substantially horizontal base member. The base member is designed to be securely inserted within a standard hitch receiver commonly found on many vehicles. The article support member includes a support column oriented in a generally vertical direction and a holding member generally perpendicular to said support column for securing the articles. The carrier further comprises a resistive member coupled to the article support member and the base member to drastically lessens the rotational speed of the article support member during unloading of the article and accessing of a rear hatch door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Red Rock Industries
    Inventor: Ronald J. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5522530
    Abstract: An apparatus for detachably securing a hand truck having a base and a pair of side rails. The apparatus has a frame mounted to the vehicle. The frame has a pair of claws, each claw is pivotably mounted to the frame for rotatable movement between an open released position and a closed retained position. A bar is slideably carried by the frame for movement between a first position and a second position. The bar is slideably connected to the claws so that the claws pivot between the open/released position and the closed/retained position as the bar moves between the first position and the second position. The bar and claws are movable by movement of the hand truck. A latch secures the bar in the second position. A switch remote from the latch operates a release mechanism to release the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Carl A. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 5522638
    Abstract: An overhead console for a motor vehicle including an integral remote control unit storage compartment is provided. The invention allows for the remote control unit to be activated directly by actuating a pivotable door to an open position or indirectly while the remote control unit remains in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte L. Falcoff, James D. Dowd, Jeffrey W. Stahlbaum, Robert D. Muller
  • Patent number: 5518159
    Abstract: An article carrier adapted to be detachably interconnected with a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or trailer. The article carrier includes a connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular member affixed to the vehicle and a carrier assembly carried by the connector member and a fixed arm and a swingable arm to which a generally vertically extending column and one or more outwardly extending article supporting elements is connected. The fixed arm and the swingable arm are disposed in a side-by-side relationship and are uniquely interconnected so that the arc through which the swingable arm can swing is limited. A novel clamping mechanism is provided to securely interconnect the connector members of the device with the tubular hitch in a manner to positively prevent relative vibratory movement between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Orlando DeGuevara
  • Patent number: 5516016
    Abstract: A container holder assembly includes a base defining a recess, a container holder adapted to mateably cover the recess, and a hinge mechanism mounting the container holder to the base for movement between a storage position, a use position and a collapsed position. The hinge is configured to position the container holder against the base to cover the recess when in the storage position, and is further configured to lift and extend the container holder as the container holder is moved to the use position. In the use position, the container holder is extended away from the base and supported in a raised position with respect to the bottom of the recess with a container holding aperture forming portion of the container holder facing generally upwardly for use. An over-pressure release on the hinge prevents damage to the container holder by allowing the container holder to collapse from the use position upon application of an excessive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Anderson, Patrick W. Messock
  • Patent number: 5501383
    Abstract: A store coupon organizing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus has a coupon holder disposed in an elongated frame with a lower notch adapted to engage a handle of a shopping cart. The lower notch is adapted also to serve as a carrying handle. The coupon holder has a rotary mechanism which includes a drum with rods disposed on it. The rods are adapted to hold the coupon file cards, such that when the drum is rotated the coupons are serially revealed for selection by a user. Alternatively, the coupon file cards may be pivoted about an arcuate hub which is housed in a similar elongated frame. A calculator is preferably mounted on an external top face of the frame to allow a user to tally and compare prices of items. An internal enclosed storage cavity is included in the frame for storing coupons selected for use by the shopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Paul A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5489112
    Abstract: A support mounting unit is provided for mounting a transportable cart or like apparatus to a vehicle so as to provide an easy method of transport for an apparatus. The mounting unit includes a mounting means for securing the invention to the rear bumper of a vehicle, a top and bottom clamping jaw for securing the cart to the mounting unit, and an automatic locking mechanism. The top jaw of the invention is attached to a main body portion by means of hinges on each side of the body portion. The top jaw can then be moved from a nominally horizontal closed position to an angled upwardly open position. Thus, once a lower attachment bar secured to the transportable apparatus has been placed in the lower U-shaped bracket, the apparatus is rotated and the upper attachment bar pushes the top jaw into the open position. The attachment bar can now be secured in the U-shaped bracket embedded in top jaw, and the top jaw can return to a closed position where the locking bolt automatically secures it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce Warrington, Tom Dula
  • Patent number: 5484092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a truck storage box comprising a rectangular box arranged for mounting in a standard pickup truck bed to extend thereacross and includes an two independent storage compartments, a first larger storage compartment and a second smaller storage compartment which is locked within the interior of the first storage compartment. The structures are preferably formed of steel, or like materials. The second storage compartment is particularly adapted for holding elongated, flat articles such as tools, guns, fishing rods or other appropriate items. In some instances, the second storage compartment is hinged to the interior of the lid of the larger storage compartment and the second storage compartment can be accessed only when the first storage compartment is opened and when the second storage compartment is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 5480058
    Abstract: A new and improved multi-purpose fold-down utility tray comprised of an upper panel having a hook and loop type fastener patch secured thereon. A plurality of adhesive strips are secured to the upper panel. The adhesive strips serve to secure the upper panel to a wall or flat surface. A lower panel is hingedly secured to the upper panel. The lower panel has a plurality of recessed compartments formed therein. The lower panel has a hook and loop type fastener secured thereon. The hook and loop type fastener cooperates with the hook and loop type fastener of the upper panel in a closed configuration. Contained in the device are two cords. Each of the two cords is secured to the upper panel and secured to the lower panel. The two cords serve to support the lower panel in a position perpendicular to the upper panel in an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Robert D. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 5470002
    Abstract: A self-leveling food container device is provided which consists of a food carrying case sized to accommodate food therein. An integral mechanism is provided with the carrying case for automatic leveling when placed on a motor vehicle seat, so as to prevent the food within the carrying case from sliding and spilling while being transported. Insulated walls are provided to maintain food temperatures. Heating coils within the insulated walls allow warming of food during transport. An inflatable air bladder provides both the leveling mechanism and a vibration isolation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventors: Richard DiStefano, Alfred DiStefano
  • Patent number: 5467910
    Abstract: A load carrying platform for vehicles having a front or rear mounted plow frame including, a rectangular metal frame with connecting ears that mate with the connecting ears of the plow frame in a hinged relation and elevate the frame to approximately bumper level and a pair of chains that attach to the outer edge of the fame and connect to the top of the plow frame for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventors: Donald H. Ritter, Daniel S. Ritter
  • Patent number: 5443189
    Abstract: An improved article mounting assembly for a vehicle mounted carrier is described. This particular style of vehicle mounted carrier has an upright primary support member with a bottom end adapted for attachment to a square tube trailer hitch on a vehicle and a top end having means to secure articles to the primary support member. The improvement includes a tubular primary upright support member having a top end, a bottom end and an interior bore. A lower mounting member is provided having a first portion and a tubular second portion. The first portion has article receiving depressions. The second portion has having an interior bore that telescopically receives the top end of the primary support member. A stop is provided to limit the relative telescopic movement of the tubular second portion of the lower mounting member and the primary support member. An upper mounting member is provided having a first portion and a second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Ernest Hirschfeld
  • Patent number: 5443285
    Abstract: A vehicle exhibits a dashboard having a glove compartment, the receiving space of which can be covered by a cover which is movably secured on the dashboard and which, for opening the glove compartment, is disposed so as to be movable approximately in the vertical direction within the vehicle. At least the folded airbag casing of a passenger airbag is here accommodated and fastened in a cavity of the cover, a cap covering the cavity of the cover being able to be opened as the airbag casing unfolds in the direction of the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Wolf Boll
  • Patent number: 5439151
    Abstract: A cargo carrier for a vehicle includes a frame having an elongated front jaw, a U-shaped rear jaw having a first end pivotally attached to one end of the front jaw along a vertical pivot axis. The second end of the rear jaw is releasably secured to the other end of the front jaw so as to enclose a space between the closed jaws. The carrier further includes a hitch tongue for releasably cantilevering the frame to the vehicle. A container for cargo is releasably secured to at least one of the frame jaws and has a base portion which extends into the space between the jaws and an upper portion which protrudes from the jaws in the closed position. The container has at least one catch/holddown mechanism disposed below an outwardly protruding ledge on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5439150
    Abstract: A pick up truck storage box having a center compartment accessible through the rear window of an associated pickup truck. The storage box is provided with a main body positionable within the truck bed behind the rear window to rest upon the upper surfaces of the truck bed. The center compartment is pivotally mounted to the main body and may be opened to facilitate access into the main body by a person within the truck through the rear window. In addition, the center compartment houses a briefcase which may be accessed through a separate lid. The briefcase is slidably disposed within the center compartment and may be extended into the truck through the rear window to allow access to articles within the briefcase or, alternatively, the briefcase may be completely removed from the upper compartment. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a sliding door assembly operable to enclose a volume of space between the main body of the box and the truck bed to provide additional storage capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Kurt R. Trahms
  • Patent number: 5431442
    Abstract: A passenger restraint structure for an automotive vehicle has a glove box which has at least one face that is able to be opened to a passenger compartment and is attached to an instrument panel so as to be opposed to the knees of a passenger. The glove box has an intermediate wall connecting a front wall and a rear wall of the glove box. A stiffener member is located between the glove box and a part of a vehicle body and is stiffer than the glove box for crash energy generated between the passenger and the vehicle body in the running direction of the vehicle. Upon impact, the weaker intermediate wall of the glove box is compressed, deformed and broken, thereby absorbing the crash energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Tomita, Toshiteru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5427289
    Abstract: A carrier particularly adapted for use with an automotive vehicle having limited cargo or carrying space which may be readily removably mounted upon the trailer hitch of such a vehicle having a width corresponding to that of the vehicle and being adapted to comprise a hinged tray or shelf which may be lowered to support and carry a load and the carrier may be put into a collapsed position by pivoting said shelf to be in a vertical out of the way position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Pierre A. Ostor
  • Patent number: 5421495
    Abstract: A roof rack for use with vehicles. The roof rack includes a frame attachable to the roof of a car and an arm movable relative to the frame between a first position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned below the roof along the side of the car and a second position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned above the roof of the car. The device also comprises a lock for locking the arm in its second position. The roof rack includes a stop mechanism for stopping the movement of the arm at its first position and selecting the first position such that the arm, or the object mounted thereto, does not touch the side of the car. The device is well suited to mounting bicycles onto the roofs of cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Inovative Bycicle Design Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Bubik, Leslie Bubik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5407114
    Abstract: A container for sound carriers, such as compact cassettes, compact discs, and the like, which has a mounting base mountable in a motor vehicle; a container housing releasibly connected with the mounting base. The mounting base has two side faces provided with retaining rails. The container housing has guides in which the retaining rails of the mounting base engage. The mounting base has further guide surfaces. One of the guiding surfaces is formed as a bridge-like web provided with teeth, and resting against a rack of the container housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Nehl, Dietmar Renner, Jurgen Skott
  • Patent number: 5405234
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be secured to an emergency vehicle such as a fire truck which is adapted to store a collapsible water storage tank and to be moved upwardly to the stored position with the stored tank in the inverted position to facilitate drainage therefrom. The apparatus includes a main bracket secured to the vehicle with a back arm pivotally secured to the main bracket and extending upwardly therefrom and a lower arm pivotally secured to the main bracket and extending outwardly therefrom. A shelf arm is pivotally secured to the distal ends of the lower arm and the back arm to facilitate control and movement thereof. Pivotal connection between the back arm and the shelf arm is made through an actuator drive pin. The actuator drive pin is also pivotally secured with respect to an axially extensible actuator such as an electrically powered piston adapted to facilitate movement of the article retaining apparatus between the stored and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventors: Theodore Ziaylek, Jr., Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 5360259
    Abstract: Containing and dumping apparatus for releasable connection to a motorized utility vehicle having forward and rearward ends and a rack secured generally at one of the ends. The rack has a generally horizontal rail extending transversely relative to the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a bin and a connector for releasably and pivotably connecting the bin to the rack for movement of the bin about a generally horizontal axis between a cargo holding position in which the top of the bin faces generally upward for receiving a load of cargo and holding the load as it is transported by the vehicle, and a dumping position in which the top of the bin faces generally rearwardly relative to the vehicle for dumping the load from the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Donald A. Lemberger
  • Patent number: 5356061
    Abstract: An article arranging frame includes a rectangular main frame with a number of bars extending parallel with the side edges thereof and interconnected with each other. A pair of hook-like hangers mount the main frame to a vehicle seat back to allow flexible strips which are releasably attached to the main frame to hold articles on the main frame. Bags with opening are also provided on the main frame to receive and hold therein articles which may not be suitable for being secured by the flexible strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Yung-Nan Yu
  • Patent number: 5338146
    Abstract: A dolly carrier for carrying a dolly has a support arm slidably coupled to a guide member. The support arm has a dolly support surface configured to engage the dolly. The dolly support surface is movable between a storage position and a removal position. The removal position is at least closer to a wrecker bed side then the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Gary L. Hindt
  • Patent number: 5320263
    Abstract: A support tube is arranged for securement about a golf cart handle, with the support tube arranged for pivotally mounting a support flange structure that is arranged to include a floor and surrounding band member to receive and position a beverage container therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Richard L. Kobylack
  • Patent number: 5316190
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing folding utility rack suitable for carrying elongated or oversized objects in the extended position comprises a horizontal rail or plate, a forward transverse rack member fixed to the horizontal rail, a moveable rear transverse rack member and a pivotal connection means which connects the rear transverse rack member to the horizontal rail and allows the rear transverse rack member to be moved quickly and easily from an open extended position to a closed position. In the closed position the rack has the general appearance of a roll bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Roddy M. Bullock
  • Patent number: 5314103
    Abstract: A concealable tissue box holder for use in a car is pivotally mounted on a recess formed on the partition plate between the rear seat and the rear windshield of the car to receive and hold therein a tissue box so that when the tissue paper is not in use, the holder, together with the tissue box, is rotated into the recess to be disposed in a concealed position under the partition plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Kwan-Tao Li
  • Patent number: 5305936
    Abstract: A combination bicycle/ski carrier has a carrier frame attachable to an automobile, supports for one or more cycles, and ski carriers which are retractable when not in use to avoid damage to cycles on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Neil Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 5303858
    Abstract: A mounting rack for pickup trucks that have a cargo bed with upstanding lateral side walls where the rack includes a pair of base forming rails adapted to be surmounted on the top fenders of the truck cargo bed, a pair of rigid frames attached centrally to the respective rails in a position upstanding from the side walls or top fenders of the truck cargo bed and at least one cross beam interconnecting the uppermost portions of the said rigid frames. The rack further includes cargo support cradles shaped like "U" shaped bail members carried by each of the rails and projecting laterally from the cargo bed of the truck to support bikes or other additional cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Brent A. Price
  • Patent number: 5303795
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a pair of hinged storage compartments with a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a floor are pivotally attached to the motorcycle fairing generally midway between the front and rear wheels, forward of the seat, rearward of the steering column and substantially adjacent and on opposite sides of the engine in order to promote a stabilizing influence and maintain aerodynamic balance for the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Buell Motor Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Buell
  • Patent number: 5303857
    Abstract: Existing bicycle carriers block access to the rear door or hatchback of a vehicle when attached to the rear bumper. The present invention provides a bicycle carrier attachable to a vehicle's rear trailer hitch which is pivotable to swing down from a vertical position to a lowered position to permit access to the rear door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Erling Peter Justesen
    Inventor: Bruce C. Hewson
  • Patent number: 5299722
    Abstract: A double lid truck storage box that includes a rectangular box arranged for mounting in a standard pickup truck bed to extend thereacross and includes a double lid for closing thereover. The rectangular box and double lid are preferably formed of steel, or like material, and include a top lid that is hinge connected along a rear wall lower edge to a lower lid rear wall upper edge, and which lower lid rear wall lower edge, is hinge connected to an upper edge of the rectangular box rear wall, such that the respective hinges are aligned vertically with one another to allow for individual opening of the top lid off of the lower lid and the lower lid off of the rectangular box. The double lid provides, from the rectangular box rear wall, for clearance as from a pickup truck cab and bed forward wall as the double lid is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Patent number: 5297709
    Abstract: A container holder is operably mounted to the front of an instrument panel for minimal intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The container holder includes a housing having a slot therein with an elongate width, and a drawer operably mounted in the slot and sequentially movable between a retracted position for storage adjacent the instrument panel, an extended position aligned with the slot, and a lowered use position extending outwardly into the vehicle passenger compartment. The housing includes a notch adapted to engage a mating lip on the instrument panel for positioning and supporting the container holder thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Dykstra, Michael M. Warsaw
  • Patent number: 5289957
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a container fixing support and particularly to a deliberately designed container fixing support which is specially applied to be quickly and conveniently installed between the two front seats of a car (such as sedan and station wagon) or in a suitable position in the car, essentially comprising two holders, two inner fixing supports, two outer fixing supports, two connecting bases, two fixing plates, a connecting rod and a connecting container; when assembly, the two inner fixing supports are installed at the two ends of connecting rod, and when to install the container together, firstly to dispose the connecting rod between the two fixing supports (plates) on the rear side of the container and then to lock the two inner fixing supports onto the two ends of connecting rod, and then to lock the container in a position nearby the lower side between the two inner fixing supports; secondly to engage the upper and lower ends of each fixing support with a holder and a connecting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Tsu-ping Huang
  • Patent number: 5289962
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a platform adapted to radially pivot outward from an inclined vehicle structure such that the platform when fully extended in the outward position is substantially horizontal. The platform includes a front wall portion and rear wall portion, and a retaining member connected between the front and rear wall portions forms an upper horizontal surface. A pair of side walls pivotally connected to the platform cooperate with the retaining member and platform to form a cavity for holding a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas P. Tull, John Vitkay, Michael F. Wallis, Stephen E. Muzzell
  • Patent number: 5285941
    Abstract: A car storage system is disclosed which mounts to the ceiling of an automobile to provide storage for small items carried by a vehicle operator such as cassette tapes, compact discs, gloves, sunglasses, nasal tissue, and/or maps. The car storage system is adjustably mountable to the ceiling of an automobile such that any of the above items are easily within reach of a vehicle operator. The car storage system comprises a support member which is adjustable to any ceiling width and is mounted using pivotable flanges secured behind the trim molding normally placed about a vehicle's ceiling. A storage member which comprises a plurality of individual storage compartments is removably connected to the support member in order to provide the storage area for any of the above items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Paul L. Herrera
  • Patent number: 5280870
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container including a vertical back plate having arms for engaging the side wall of a beverage container, a base member including a flat plate and first and second sidewalls attached to the base plate, and a collapsible bracket which can be engaged with the base member in an upright position, or stored within the holder when in its collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: International Ventures, Ltd.
    Inventors: Allen L. Chick, Michael E. Thalhofer, Brian Atterton, Veloy Twitchell
  • Patent number: 5280848
    Abstract: A fitting comprising a compartment in a vehicle center console. A lid has one (normally upper) surface and another (normally lower) surface which is configured as a cup holder. The lid is pivoted mid-way between its ends on a U-shaped member having arms which can support the lid in a raised position. Spring struts keep the lid in the raised position and, by virtue of a pivot pin offset from the lid pivot pin, provide an overcenter action when the lid is rotated through approximately 180 degrees, to bring the other surface uppermost. In a first modification the pivots of the U-shaped member and the struts are arranged to bias the lid in the downward direction when it is lowered with its one (normally upper) surface uppermost. In a second modification the spring struts pivot about the same pivot axis as the lid and there is no overcenter action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventor: Colin E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5228611
    Abstract: A rack is provided within an outer case. A pinion to be in mesh with the rack is provided on an inner case. A torsion coiled spring for providing the energizing force to put the inner case out of the outer case is provided between the pinion and the inner case. The energizing force of the torsion coiled spring firmly holds the inner and outer cases horizontally and vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yabuya
  • Patent number: 5209628
    Abstract: An apparatus for stowing and extending for removal a towing dolly used for towing automotive vehicles. The apparatus is formed from a generally vertical support stand which is secured to the bed of a towing vehicle. Pivotally connected to the support stand is a first arm having a range of motion extending from a near vertical storage position to a near horizontal load/unload position. Pivotally attached to the first arm is a second arm which is in a near vertical position during loading and remains in a near vertical position as the first arm is pivoted into the storage position, such that the two arms are now nearly parallel. This relationship is maintained by a gas spring pivotally connected to the support stand and the second arm such that the gas spring maintains a generally parallel configuration with the first arm. A dolly mount is attached to the end of the second arm for releasably securing a towing dolly to the vertical arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Patent number: 5205447
    Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the protection and concealment of a vehicular telephone is arranged for mounting to cover the telephone and receive the same therewithin and securement of the associated container upon a console or alternatively, provision is made for the mounting of the container from a telescoping mount selectively securable relative to a roof portion of an associated vehicle to utilize available space within a passenger compartment of an associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Kathleen D. Hambrick