Abstract: A retractible support-bar assembly for supporting various kinds of objects in a vehicle. A base member has an outwardly facing surface with a generally U-shaped, outwardly opening, recess therein. A generally U-shaped bar having a pair of spaced legs which lie in a common plane with a bight portion of the bar is provided. The U-shaped bar is conformed in size to be received in the U-shaped recess and conformed in thickness so as to provide a surface thereon which is flush with the outwardly facing surface of the base member when the bar is received in the U-shaped recess. A pivot for pivotally securing the bar to the base member is provided so that the bar is movable into and out of the recess. The pivot is provided adjacent the free ends of the legs of said U-shaped bar. The plane of the bar is, when the bar extends out of the recess, inclined to the outwardly facing surface at a defined angle.

Abstract: An overhead console (2) attaches to the interior roof (4) of a motor vehicle and provides various features including a retractable compartment (18) for sunglasses or the like that with a damper mechanism (118) for protecting the sunglasses (61) when the compartment (18) is opened. Another compartment (22) is used to hold a remote control unit (60) for a garage door opener. The control unit compartment (18) permits the remote unit (60) to be used by pressing a pushbutton (24) on the compartment lid (23) which activates a pushbutton (62) on the unit (60). A reading/map lamp assembly (28) is houseable in the console (2) and includes a plastic bellows (30) for retracting and aiming a lamp head (32) over a 360.degree. range. The lamp beam width is optionally controllable by a secondary bellows (74) mounted on the lamp head (38). A dual-sided access compartment permits the vehicle driver or a passenger to gain access to a common compartment.

Abstract: A tool box which is formed partially from the open cargo bed of a pickup truck or the like has drawers mounted on top of the cargo bed walls. The drawers slide from one side of the truck to the other. Because the drawers extend only partially from one side to the other and only partially from the top of the walls to the bottom, the drawers may slide away from one side to allow access to the space below the drawers. The drawers slide in a frame which is removably mounted on the tops of the walls so the cargo space may be easily converted back to an open cargo space. A cover is provided for the tool box which may be opened from either side of the truck. The cover provides protection from the weather and theft. The tool box maximizes the use of the space provided by the cargo compartment to accommodate the modern tradesman.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a storage case for conventional accordion-fold cardboard sunshades is formed as an elongated generally rectangular case. The case is closed on three sides and is open at one end for the reception of the folded cardboard sunshades. The case is formed from two generally rectangular rigid plastic sheets which are joined along two longitudinal sides and on along bottom edges by strips of a flexible plastic sheet material. The case may be compressed to a minimum thickness when the sunshades are removed, but expands to accommodate the sunshades in a protected environment. In a second embodiment, the sunshades case is formed as a generally rectangular receptacle having one open end provided with a hinged support bracket. The receptacle is formed from a tough flexible plastic sheet material and may be printed with a warning sign for use by motorists as a highway distress signal.

Abstract: A portable automobile trunk organizer is provided for storing, organizing and transporting jumper cables, first-aid kit, flares, motor oil, other automotive fluids, flashlight and miscellaneous tools; the trunk organizer includes a top lid which attaches to the underside of the trunk lid, and has mounts for jumper cables, first-aid kit and flares, the top lid having a pair of mating flanges for complementary alignment with the bottom tray when the trunk is closed; and the bottom tray has separate recesses for storage of opened or closed containers of motor oil, brake fluid and sundry tools, while disposed at each corner thereof, four threaded rods are situated to adjust the tray height into abutting cooperation with the top lid.

Abstract: A multipurpose article holding tray is disclosed for use in an automobile body including a container for removable interfitting within a traylike receptacle. The container is divided into compartments for receipt of litter, liquid beverage containers, note paper, and pencils. In the preferred form, the receptacle includes dividers for holding cassette tapes. The receptacle includes a skirt-like marginal rim which defines the recess for removably holding the container and which includes sets of convex lower marginal edges in the end walls and in the side walls for straddling the tunnel hump of an automobile body of various sizes. The receptacle is removably held to the automobile body against displacement by forces caused by movement and/or jarring of the automobile body by studs depending from the bottom wall of the receptacle which are gripped by an element secured to the automobile body such as by adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling console mounting system for equipment in police vehicles. The ceiling console is secured at the front by a forwardly extending tongue wedged between the ceiling and the upholstery molding and at the rear by attachment to the light mount for the ceiling dome light. A plurality of units of police equipment are mounted in the ceiling console. The radio or radio control unit is disposed in the forward portion of the ceiling console with the front panel disposed vertically so as to be readily visible at just above the normal eye level. Other units of electronic equipment are disposed rearward of the radio or radio control unit with front panels disposed to be substantially parallel to the upraised hand. The ceiling console is preferably constructed of an upper spine and a plurality of lower shells whose attachment to the upper spine allows adjustment to the contour of the ceiling of the particular vehicle.

Abstract: An invalid car lift is presented which comprises a bar which is mounted on the inside of a car with the help of a strap. A winch device is mounted in bearing relationship on the bar so that the winch may be moved laterally along the bar. The winch may be of the well known type which includes a handle attached to suitable rope or metal line and includes a hook. The hook is engaged to a basket. Thus, when a person in a wheelchair is brought up to the car and positioned under the winch, the person may be lifted off the wheelchair by the winch/basket. Thereafter the winch is rolled along the bar and into the car. Next, the winch is lowered and the person is disconnected therefrom. The bar preferably is hinged so that it may be easily folded and stored in the trunk during transportation.

Abstract: A universal mounting bracket for mounting vehicle accessories to a vehicle includes a U-shaped body having a downwardly extending tang projecting centrally from the base. The sides of the body include lateral, outwardly projecting flanges which extend in a longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle when installed. A console is mounted to a vehicle using a pair of such universal mounting brackets. The console includes an upwardly extending first lip which rests upon the tang of one of a pair of spaced mounting brackets. A pair of inwardly projecting lips, spaced from the first lip, snap-fit over the lateral flanges which are sufficiently resilient to accommodate the snap-fitting of the console thereover.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a spare tire in the trunk of a vehicle fully inflated. A conventional spare tire has a metal wheel with a rubber inflatable tire attached thereto and a valve stem extending out of the bottom on one side thereof. An extension tube sealingly attached at one end thereof to one end of the valve stem on one side of the wheel extends to the other side of the wheel through a rubber washer disposed in one of the lug holes. A one-way valve stem is disposed in the other end of the extension tube for permitting inflation of the tire through the extension tube. A pressure gauge is connected to the extension tube adjacent to the one-way valve for constantly showing the air pressure inside of the tire.

Abstract: An accessory for use in hatchback automobiles and station wagons is dimensioned to fit within the rear interior area of the automobile, and is intended to restrict movement of small articles during transportation. The accessory comprises a base, back flap swingably attached to the base, and at least two side flaps swingably attached to the back flap. When the back flap is positioned in an upright position, and the side flap extended outwardly from the back flap, there is formed open-topped enclosures for retaining the small articles in restricted positions during movement of the automobile.

Abstract: A removable gun rack particularly suitable for placement on roll-bars of flexible type top vehicles, the rack including first and second vertical frame portions disposed in parallel relationship, said vertical frame portions held in parallel relationships via a horizontally disposed frame portion intersecting said vertical frame portions, and providing the principal frame work for the rack itself. Each vertical frame portion on its upper end loops rearwardly to provide a means for securing onto the tranverse portion of a roll-bar, and said horizontal frame portion in that area extending beyond the vertical frame portions loops rearwardly to provide a second means for securing around each vertically disposed portion of the roll-bar, so that the loops secured onto the lateral roll-bar and loops secured onto both vertically disposed roll-bars serve to secure the rack onto the roll-bar itself.

Abstract: A golf cart top roof for stowing golf clubs and other golf accessories is disclosed. The roof structure includes four walls forming a compartment therebetween that houses two sets of tubular members. Each set is adapted to receive a set of golf clubs and other accessories needed by a golf player.

Abstract: A garment carrier for use in an automobile or similar vehicle having a first or closed position wherein the garment carrier is concealed by the interior molding of the vehicle and a second or open position wherein the garment carrier can support a garment thereon. The garment carrier has two elongated members each having adjacent end portions and recessed regions. The adjacent end of one elongated member is receivable by the recessed member on the other elongated member with both the adjacent ends and the recessed regions being uniquely constructed to retain the elongated member in the open position.

Abstract: A generally rectangular-shaped container which can be removably mounted on a vehicle dashboard is disclosed that has upper and lower lids. The lower lid fits onto the container and is preferably cemented to the container. The upper lid has tabular extensions at one of its ends which removably engage apertures in the container. The other end of the upper lid is held in place by an elongated angled extension attached to the lower lid. Quick attach-detach surfaces or magnetic surfaces may be used to hold the lids together if desired. The container has a plurality of compartments and drawers for holding objects. Adjustable support arms and a hinged member are used in conjunction with quick attach-detach surfaces in order to mount the container to the vehicle dashboard. After the container is removed from the dashboard, it can be mounted on any substantially flat surface using T-shaped members which are part of the support arms. The container can be used with a hinged upper lid if desired.

Abstract: A spectacle holder for use in conjunction with a rear view mirror of an automotive or other vehicle includes, a receptacle having a substantially flat support base for supporting a pair of spectacles, and at least one peripheral wall; a restraining hook secured to the peripheral wall at the front end of the receptacle; an elastic strap secured to the peripheral wall at the opposite side of the receptacle and adapted to be stretched around the restraining hook so as to releasably engage the pair of spectacles to retain the latter in the receptacle; and a mounting arrangement for mounting the receptacle adjacent the top or upper edge of the rear view mirror so that the support base will be positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, the mounting arrangement in a first embodiment including two suction cups which adhere to the front windshield of the vehicle and which are slidably connected in the widthwise direction of the receptacle at opposite sides thereof by stems, and in a second embodiment, hook member

Abstract: In a device for cutting through automobile belts with a knife, a holder (5) is provided at the lower rim of the window opening of the automobile door and the knife (12) is slidably fitted and held in said holder to extend above the inner upper edge of the lower rim of the window opening. The knife (12) consists of a handle plate (20) and a blade (21), which is protected from being touched in that it is accommodated in a slot (18) extending from the edge of the handle plate (20).

Abstract: A motor vehicle cargo loading floor has a plurality of parallel slats extending longitudinally from a rear access opening. The slats, which normally serve as cargo skids, have their aft ends hinged to the floor about a common transverse axis adjacent the access opening. The forward ends of the slats are secured by a transverse cross-rail with support means adjacent each end of the rail. The hinged slats and cross-rail define a rack which may be pivoted upwardly and secured in a canted position by the support means free ends being secured to either side of the access opening. The canted rack defines a plurality of cargo receiving spaces which, upon the access door being closed, maintains cargo placed in the rack spaces in an upright manner during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An elongated generally horizontal support member is provided and a pair of oppositely downwardly and outwardly inclined horizontally spaced apart legs are supported from the opposite ends of the support member with the legs disposed in an upstanding plane containing the support member. The upper ends of the legs and the opposite end portions of the support member include coacting structure mounting the upper ends of the legs from the opposite end portions of the support member for adjustable shifting along the latter while maintaining a predetermined angular relationship between the support member and each of the legs. The coacting structure is also operative to releasably anchor each of the legs in adjusted shifted position relative to the corresponding support member end portion.

Abstract: A portable electrically heated warming container arrangement for transporting infusions or the like in rescue vehicles includes a thermally insulated case having a flat bottom and an electric heater for heating a plurality of infusion containers carried in the case. A electrical connector plug for detachably connecting the electric heater to the rescue vehicle power supply is provided in the flat bottom of the case and is recessed so as to the flush with the flat bottom. During transport, the case is positioned within a transport casing secured to a wall of the rescue vehicle. The casing has a flat bottom and low side walls defining an upwardly open receiving space snugly surrounding the lower portion of the case for securing the case against sliding and tipping.

Abstract: This plywood safety bar device serves to confine and hold plywood sheets during the loading and unloading of a semi-trailer, or other vehicle. Primarily, it consists of a mounting plate, having a sleeve secured to it. It further includes a retaining bar, which is telescopingly received within the sleeve, and is adjustably locked in place to hold the sheets against movement, also during the motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage system includes a housing secured to the ceiling of an automobile behind the windshield and has one or more recesses having hinged covers defining one or more storage receptacles for receiving and storing sunglasses or other small personal items. The housing can be conveniently aligned to extend between the vehicle operator and passenger seats such that the storage compartments are readily accessible. In one embodiment, hinge means coupling the cover and housing are curvilinear to permit the cover to swing downwardly in an arcuate path of approximately 100 degrees to facilitate the insertion and removal of items from a receptacle formed in the cover.

Abstract: A ski rack for pickup trucks characterized by a separated pair of ski carrier assemblies each including an elongated support post, a base assembly for attaching a lower end of the support post to the bed of the pickup truck, and a ski attachment assembly attached to an upper end of the support post. The support posts are preferably angled towards each other over the wheel well hump and are angled towards the center of the bed so that the ski attachment assemblies clear the upper edge of the pickup truck's sidewall. A number of locking mechanisms are provided to lock the base assembly to the bed and ski equipment to the ski attachment assembly.

Abstract: A rack for automobile T top inserts provides a cavity within which a pair of inserts are received and clamped, and the rack is anchored to a floor portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier, e.g., a bicycle carrier, for use with vehicles is described. The carrier, in its bicycle-supporting position, comprises an upright, bicycle-supporting frame which is connected at its lower end to a rearward end of a base frame. The latter extends horizontally across, and is supported on, a rear edge of a trunk and is connected at its forward end to anchoring posts which, in turn, are connected to an inner surface of the trunk (including the trunk lid). Preferably, the referenced carrier components are pivotally connected to each other so that the carrier can be retracted into the trunk either into a folded position or extended along the undersurface of the trunk lid. A modified lock system is provided to normally lock the trunk lid when the carrier is stored within the trunk and to lock the lid against the base frame when the carrier is in its bicycle-supporting position.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a tape cartridge holder in the concavity of the inside roof of a vehicle having a windshield rim and an overhead light fixture, includes a bracket having two resiliently flexible elongated members connected at one end portion of each to dispose the two members colinearly and for adjusting of the overall length of the colinear members. One member has a first blade disposed at one end for sliding between an automobile inside roof and its windshield rim and the other member as a second blade disposed at one end for sliding between an automobile inside roof and overhead light fixture attached thereto. The bracket remains in place without permanently damaging or otherwise altering the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fold-down storage rack for permitting the storage of fishing rods across a ceiling includes first and second rack supports, and a pair of parallel rods pivoted to one rack support and including a ridging end member between the rods. The second rack support is parallel to the first rack support and includes a holding bracket coupled thereto and movably engageable with the end member for holding the rack in a storage position substantially parallel with the ceiling, and disengageable to permit the storage rack to be pivoted away from the ceiling.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing objects in a trunk of a power vehicle has a wall element arranged at an inner surface of a trunk cover and movable relative to the latter between a closed position in which it forms a closed compartment and an open position in which the compartment is opened, and mounting elements for movably mounting the wall element at one side of the inner surface of the trunk cover so that the wall element pivots between the closed and open positions. The arrangement may have a cover for the compartment formed by the trunk cover or a separate element mounted thereon.

Abstract: A retractable load carrier for the cantilever support of loads from the rear of a vehicle, consisting of a pair of spaced-apart, elongated channel supports, disposed from the rear of the vehicle in the direction of travel. Each support consists of a plurality of elongated, hollow, rigid channels which nest one within the other, and are supported on a pair of brackets which are mounted within the rear of the vehicle. The brackets are detachably secured to flanges, which are bolted to the frame of the car. The individual channels can be telescoped outwardly, so that when fully extended, either shear pins or snaps will prevent adjacent channels from becoming disengaged. Lamps can be disposed either on the channels or the channels can be provided inside the vehicle behind each of the taillights, so that the taillights can be pulled out, thereby pulling out the channels.

Abstract: A cover apparatus for the cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck (11), travel trailer and the like, comprising a top (13) and a mechanism (15) for raising and lowering the top is disclosed. The top may comprise a structurally stiff planar sheet suitable for supporting a relatively large storage container (121) affixed to the lower surface thereof; or, a relatively lightweight, low silhouette camper top (17) of the type commonly mounted on the side walls surrounding the bed of a pickup truck. The raising and lowering mechanism (15) comprises telescoping columns (31)--one located in each of the four corners of the cargo bed. Horizontal frame members (41, 43, 45) support the telescoping columns (31) in a vertical position. A driven shaft (69) extends between one pair of columns and is chain coupled to a parallel shaft (81) that extends between the other pair of columns.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is carried on the underside of a trunk lid in a manner such that it does not interfere with the closing of the lid, but when the lid is rotated into its open position, the bicycle carrier can be extended beyond the periphery of the lid to provide support for bicycles carried transversely thereof in a generally vertical position to the rear of the lid. With the supported bicycles removed from the carrier, it can be retracted into its concealed resting position on the underside of the lid so that the latter can be freely closed. The retractable carrier can be used in conjunction with both forwardly and rearwardly opening trunk lids.In brief, the bicycle carrier comprises a pair of assemblies affixed to the underside of a trunk lid adjacent to one edge thereof remote from its hinge axis.

Abstract: An accessory for trucks, such as pickup trucks, for the storage of miscellaneous items, rifles or shotguns comprising a flexible panel supported upon the vehicle only at its upper edge including a plurality of upper vertically oriented pockets and a horizontally disposed elongated long gun receiving pocket adjacent the panel lower edge. The mounting of the panel at only the upper edge permits the lower portion to be flexed and positioned as desired to provide access to the gun storage pocket, and a closure within the firearm storage pocket access opening seals the opening to comply with the firearm transport regulations.

Abstract: A carrier is provided for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The carrier in one embodiment is adapted to carry tape cassettes and/or tape cartridges and comprises a housing open at its top and having a plurality of partitions laterally disposed across the housing and defining a plurality of slots or pockets wherein each slot is adapted to receive up to two tape cassettes or cartridges. The housing is detachably mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle so that it can be removed when the vehicle is unattended. The housing, when mounted, is pivotal between a first position in which the top of the housing is openly accessible from the interior of the passenger compartment and a second position in which the top of the housing is closed and is inaccessible to the interior of the passenger compartment. In another embodiment, the carrier is adapted to mount a Citizens band radio in a portion of the carrier.