Carrier Attached To Dashboard Patents (Class 224/483)
  • Patent number: 6702241
    Abstract: The cup holder includes a case and a holder main body. The holder main body includes a bottom wall, a rear opening, a cup mounting member, and a forcing device. The cup mounting member has a rear plate which closes the rear opening in the retracted position, and a mounting plate which closes the bottom opening in the retracted position and aligns vertically with the bottom wall in the forward position. The case has a pressing part which in the stored position presses the cup mounting member toward the forward position in opposition to the force of the forcing device. The holder main body can be stored inside the case without obstruction to a device positioned inside the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akinori Harada
  • Publication number: 20040040994
    Abstract: A hands free article support for supporting various articles in a vehicle and articles supported thereby. Preferably, the article support includes a body having an opening for receiving a predetermined portion of a vent of a vehicle. The body has an upper portion, a lower portion, a rear portion and a front portion. An attachment member extends forwardly from the front portion. The article support preferably includes a release member for permitting the body to be removed from the predetermined portion of the vent of a vehicle. Preferably, the article or articles supported by the hands free article support include a removable portion permitting the article to be readily and easily hung from the hands free article support. The removable portion may but need not include indicia corresponding to a game being played by a fast food provider with its customers. In its most preferred form, the article supported by the hands free article support is a french fry container or package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Justin Troy Parcelles
  • Publication number: 20040016859
    Abstract: A cup holder device includes an attachment base, a holder main member, and a holder arm formed of first to third arms. The first arm has one end part rotatably supported to the holder main member, and the other end part with a first placement portion where the container bottom can be placed. The second arm has one end part rotatably supported to the other end part of the first arm through a first link portion, and a second placement portion at the one end part. In an unfolded state, the second placement portion continues from the first placement portion to support the container bottom. The third arm includes one end part rotatably supported to the other end part of the second arm, and the other end part rotatably supported to the holder main member through a second link portion. Thus, the cup holder device can be made compact and stably hold a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 6682115
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for mounting to a closure for an opening in a vehicle trim panel includes an expandable wall adapted to be mounted on the closure, wherein the expandable wall and the closure define a pocket for containing an object between the expandable wall and the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Patent number: 6648194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (10) for a drinks container, for example a can, a beaker or a cup, which is intended for installation, for example, in a dashboard (12) of a motor vehicle. The invention proposes arranging, for example, a storage compartment (28) in the holder (10), which storage compartment (28) can be extended, for example in the manner of a drawer, when the holder (10) is not being used. The invention has the advantage that the installation space required for the holder (10) is additionally used for accommodating the storage compartment (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Falk Schaal, Wolf-Dieter Benz, Christian Hehr
  • Patent number: 6634532
    Abstract: A foldable map stand apparatus for automotive vehicles is set forth comprising a means for fastening the apparatus onto an automobile interior surface, a pivotally attached telescoping arm for adjusting the angle of display, and a holding means for receiving and displaying a portion of a map. The foldable map stand apparatus can be folded into a more collapsed form so that it may be stored in a more convenient location within the automobile when the map holder is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Martha E. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20030052146
    Abstract: A container for holding hot french fries. The container is provided with support structure to securely support the container from an interior surface of an automobile at a location in easy reach for the driver. As contemplated, the container will be supported from the lowest louvre of the automobile air vent. An elongate strip is adhesively fastened to the rear surface of and extends above the container. The strip is provided with a top portion which can be moved or opened to form a hook for securing the strip (and container) to the louvre. The strip is sized so that the container will be suspended below the air vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Magnuson, Jerome Lueneburg
  • Publication number: 20030052129
    Abstract: An article storage device, which is installed in a vehicle, includes a storage section for storing an article and a shutter as a cover for opening and closing an opening of the storage section. The storage section is formed of side surfaces, a back surface and an inner bottom surface to define an inside thereof, and includes guide grooves formed along both protruded rim portions at both sides of the storage section. A shutter is bendable in a sliding direction and attached to the guide grooves. The shutter is formed of a main body bendable at a plurality of thin walled portions, and a plurality of projections provided at both sides of the main body to be fitted in the guide grooves. Each projection is disposed lower than the main body to have a step therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Michihiro Fukuo
  • Publication number: 20030047577
    Abstract: A general purpose bag to be used in a motor vehicle. The bag serves for receiving small objects, especially small waste, in motor vehicles. The bag includes at least one fixing element that is connected to a gear shift lever, a window crank or a holding projection that can be used to affix the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Christian Seifert
  • Publication number: 20030034368
    Abstract: An automatic toll detector case, formed of flexible material, has sidewalls, front and rear walls, a bottom wall, and a folding cover. The cover folds so that an extended portion of the rear wall folds over the open top of the case to enclose the toll detector. The cover is fastened to the case by a hook and eye fastener. The case is mounted to the interior of the vehicle's windshield by suction cups attached to the flexible material of the case with an E clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Walter Brzyski
  • Patent number: 6510973
    Abstract: A coin case for an automobile includes: a casing to be attached to a vehicle end, the casing being formed with a plurality of independent cylindrical chambers to be sortingly loaded with a plural kind of coins; and a coin tray connected to a side end portion of the casing, the coin tray including a bottom wall having a curved surface in a direction toward the plurality of independent cylindrical chambers from a place where is far from the coin case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ichioka
  • Publication number: 20030010799
    Abstract: An electronic device attachment mechanism including a first attachment adapted for securement to a piece of furniture or a car dashboard. A second attachment is adapted for securement to an electronic device. The second attachment is adapted for removable coupling with the first attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Rene Ashing, James Smith
  • Patent number: 6491194
    Abstract: A cell phone holder for motor vehicles provides for placement of a cellular phone at any convenient location desired in a motor vehicle or other area as desired. The present cell phone holder essentially comprises a relatively narrow back or spine portion with opposed upper and lower lateral arms extending therefrom. The arms are open between their facing forward ends, to allow complete access to the cellular phone contained within the holder. The back of the holder includes one portion of hook and loop fabric material thereon, which removably attaches to another portion of mating material which is secured to another surface (automobile dash, etc.) A person wishing to use the phone may easily grasp the phone and withdraw it from the open holder for use as desired. One or more spacers may be provided to adjust for different sizes of phones, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Marvin
  • Publication number: 20020121533
    Abstract: An interior fitting device is provided for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having several adjacent interior fitting devices and having a receiving space with a feeding opening for at least one card-type and/or strip-type flat object. In order to be able to better utilize the available installation space at the interior fitting of the vehicle, it is provided that the receiving space is arranged in a gap which is situated between the interior fitting parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Horst Plate
  • Patent number: 6441872
    Abstract: A vehicle reversal monitoring device mounting fixture that provides for the installation of a vehicle reversal monitoring device (used for observing images to the rear while a vehicle is driven backwards) against the air conditioning output vent fins at the driver's seat in a simple and convenient installation procedure and, furthermore, the mounting fixture offers increased safety during vehicle reversal and greater practicality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Photic Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Ting Ho
  • Patent number: 6428072
    Abstract: An equipment console for use in a vehicle having a driver compartment including a dashboard, floor and driver seat. The equipment console has a console body for supporting equipment in a location accessible to a person seated in the driver seat. The front of the console body includes a front portion configured to receive and support the equipment. The console body also has a back generally opposite the front of the console body. The back of the console body may be integrated with the dashboard by providing the back with a profile that conforms at least partially to a contour of the dashboard. In addition, the console body may be adapted to cover an area of the dashboard in which climate controls were originally installed, with an upper portion of the console body being adapted to receive and secure the climate controls in a relocated position so that they may be operated from the front of the console body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Auto Additions, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020100782
    Abstract: A cell phone holder for motor vehicles provides for placement of a cellular phone at any convenient location desired in a motor vehicle or other area as desired. The present cell phone holder essentially comprises a relatively narrow back or spine portion with opposed upper and lower lateral arms extending therefrom. The arms are open between their facing forward ends, to allow complete access to the cellular phone contained within the holder. The back of the holder includes one portion of hook and loop fabric material thereon, which removably attaches to another portion of mating material which is secured to another surface (automobile dash, etc.) A person wishing to use the phone may easily grasp the phone and withdraw it from the open holder for use as desired. One or more spacers may be provided to adjust for different sizes of phones, as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Marvin
  • Patent number: 6379178
    Abstract: An adjustable power point for use in a vehicle, movable from at least one home position to other locations in the vehicle that are suited for connecting various electrical devices. In one form, the power point is connected to a retractable power cord, and is normally retained in a home socket, for example in the dashboard near the driver console. In another form, the power point is slide-mounted in a track structure formed in a portion of the vehicle, for example the instrument panel, capable of being longitudinally adjusted between various home positions along the length of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: EWD, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James L. Jones, III, Chidambarakrishnan L. Rajesh, Michael M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6364112
    Abstract: The invention is a condiment container that attaches to other objects. In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment container is a portable and disposable container that adhesively attaches to the interior of a vehicle. This embodiment facilitates the eating of food and snacks while driving. This embodiment includes a container body that holds the condiment. The container body can have any shape (e.g., it can be in a shape of a packet or a bucket). This container includes an attaching arm that rotatably couples to the container body, and has an adhesive material on one of its sides. A consumer can attach the container to a surface in the vehicle by rotating the arm away from the container body and abutting the adhesive side of the arm to the vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Dashboard Packaging Joint Venture
    Inventor: Alex Pitschka
  • Patent number: 6321960
    Abstract: A dashboard attachment system for a specialty vehicle is described. A rail having first and second ribs located on front and rear edges thereof that are separated by a center portion of reduced thickness. A C-shaped mounting clip forms part of an accessory such as a bag hook, mirror, or cup holder that are secured by the C-shaped mounting clip to one of the ribs. A steering column support bracket including a C-shaped clip and a tubular receptacle for a steering column is provided. The rail is supported by rail supports that are anchored to the dashboard. The rail is finished by right and left end caps that have U-shaped rib interconnecting the first and second ribs on opposite lateral ends of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gousotti Ellis, Thomas Scott
  • Publication number: 20010019072
    Abstract: A sheet material dispenser box holder, such as a cosmetic tissue box holder, is made of elastic cord or strap material in a woven fish-net pattern forming a bag shaped container closed at the top except for an access opening for easy placement of a tissue box inside the box holder. Attachment means are fastened to the box holder for securing the box holder in a desired position on a support surface whereby it will remain reliably in any attitude of a vehicle or other surface to which it is mounted and readily allowing removal of individual tissue sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Wu
  • Patent number: 6216930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (10) for storing a pair of spectacles (54) which can be inserted into the space between a spectacle holder (56) and a pivotable housing lid (20). When the housing lid (20) is closed, two rubber bands (28), which are held under tension in a housing (12) of the container (10) beneath the housing lid (20), press the spectacles (54) against an inner side of the housing lid (20) so that the spectacles (54) are held securely in the housing lid (20) so as not to rattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Arthur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Plocher, Friedrich Karrer, Walter Funk, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6138969
    Abstract: A bracket for installation of equipment on the dashboard of a vehicle includes at least one attachment member, a flat part for holding the equipment and a support member. The attachment member is located at one end of the bracket and the support member is located at another end of the bracket at a distance spaced from the attachment member. In its installed position, the support member rests against the dashboard with a certain preload. The attachment member includes a U-shaped clamp which is designed to be installed into an unoccupied switch socket in the dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Jan-Olof Olausson
  • Patent number: 6135408
    Abstract: In a holder for an object, such as a mobile telephone, comprising a housing having a front part with a front wall and a rear part with a rear wall and a permanent magnet disposed in the housing adjacent the front wall thereof, the front wall has a recess formed therein and an iron plate having a shape so as to be fittingly received in the recess and having adhesive means at one side thereof is provided for attachment of the plate to an object to permit placing of the object on the holder with the iron plate mounted thereon and received in the recess for locating and holding the object on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6109493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inside trim for a vehicle, such as, for example, a motor vehicle.According to the invention, the inside trim is formed by at least a case (1) for stowing articles and by a housing (2) provided in the interior of the vehicle, the case (1) being designed to be removable, fully or in part, in relation to the housing (2), and the trim being provided with means for displacing and/or deploying the storage space defined by the case (1) outside the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Auto Interierur
    Inventor: Frederic Bieri
  • Patent number: 6098860
    Abstract: A cup holding device includes a main beverage container holding member, conformed to hold large heavy drinking cups, two support straps are connected to one side of the main cup holding member, one strap is connected at the top of the main cup holding member and the other strap is connected at the bottom of the main cup holding member, directly below the first strap. A hook member attached to the free end of each strap hold the main cup holding member in an upright position against a motor vehicles dash. These support straps are adjustable in length to allow for the several different makes and models of motor vehicles on the road today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: David X-ace Phillips
  • Patent number: 6085953
    Abstract: A container holder for automotive use includes a mounting member wall having a recessed portion with an outwardly extending shelf. An outer member is pivotally mounted to the mounting member for pivotal movement between closed and open positions. The outer member carries container support means stored adjacent the recessed portion in the closed position and lying generally horizontal to support a container in the open position. The outer member includes a first pair of arcuate guide arms projecting from an upper portion of the outer member through laterally spaced slots formed in the wall adjacent laterally opposite sides of the recessed portion. An inner member includes a transverse guide portion connected at opposite lateral ends with a second pair of arcuate guide arms, extending through the slots and mounted for limited arcuate sliding motion of the inner member relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Brian Bober, Glenn M. Henige, Joseph Ferraiuolo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6056175
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an installation device for a vehicle is disclosed which in particular is for the releasable mounting of a handheld mobile phone. The installation device is designed with a housing (2) which is opened toward the front and is to be arranged on a receiving shaft of a vehicle part (1), such as an instrument panel, console, or the like, with a carrying part (16) which can be pivoted into, and out of, the housing (2) via a substantially vertically aligned axis of rotation (5), with a bearing plate (7) which is arranged on the carrying part (16) and is intended for the mobile phone (12) when the carrying part (16) has been pivoted out of the housing (2), and with a substantially horizontally aligned pivot axis (11) between the carrying part (16) and a bearing plate (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Becker Group Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Alexander Schidan, Charles Roughton
  • Patent number: 6042168
    Abstract: Storage device for the interior passenger compartment of a vehicle, particularly of an automobile, including a container (1) which acts together with a seating area (2) provided in a component (3) of the casing and/or of the interior equipment of the vehicle. The aforementioned seating area (2) has a given orientation (7).The aforementioned container (1) and the aforementioned seating area (2) have, at the level of their lateral sides (4, 5), supplemental guide mechanisms (6) which make possible the movement of the container (1) into the seating area (2) according to the orientation (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Auto Interierur
    Inventor: Frederic Bieri
  • Patent number: 6036071
    Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching a vehicle accessory to a vehicle structure including a first bracket member, a second bracket member and an interfacing member for interfacing the first bracket with the second bracket. The first bracket member includes a base member having an opening extending therethrough, and a member for attachment to a vehicle structure. The second bracket includes a carriage member having at least one post member extending outwardly therefrom, and a member for attachment to a vehicle accessory. The interfacing member interfaces the post member with the opening of the first bracket, to, in turn, maintain at least a portion of the first bracket and at least a portion of the second bracket member in overlying abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Cobbs Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerome Hartmann, Thomas R. Steinhagen
  • Patent number: 6026646
    Abstract: A thermal storage system providing a receptacle in a motor vehicle which can be used to keep refrigerated items cool or heated items hot during transportation of those items. The receptacle is removably mounted from the vehicle to facilitate carrying of the items to and from the vehicle. Additionally, the receptacle can be folded to reduce its size for storage within a cavity in the motor vehicle after passing the receptacle through an opening in a vehicle interior component. The receptacle has insulated walls which operate to keep the stored items either heated or cooled in passive operation. Active heating or cooling can be provided with a thermoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Allen Hansen, Nels R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6010047
    Abstract: A container holder for vehicles includes a foldable assembly slidably received in a housing defined trough including a bottom and side members with an optional top wall. The assembly is stored in a folded position and is slidable out through a front end of the housing to an unfolded operative position ready to receive a container. The assembly includes a support member with a base and a pair of side walls pivotally mounted on the support member. Dual guide arms are pivotably mounted along upper edges of the side walls and are pivoted downward between the side walls in the stored position of the assembly. The arms have inner ends linked for simultaneous movement with the side walls. A resilient element, such as a spring, urges the side walls in an outwardly pivoting direction. Upon sliding of the base outward from the stored position to the operative position, the side walls are pivoted to angle outward and the guide arms are pivoted upward toward horizontal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Ralph Osborn
  • Patent number: 6000743
    Abstract: A molded dash cover which is a plastic molded form that fits across the top of an existing dashboard of the cab of a tractor trailer vehicle functions to aid an existing defroster vent system by directing the hot airflow more evenly and directly onto the windshield, thereby causing the windshield to defrost faster, and keep the wipers and windshield free of ice and snow build up, causing better visibility. By directing the hot airflow more directly onto the windshield and not into the cab of the truck, it stops the hot air from blowing into the drivers face. The device also serves as a shelf on the dashboard, enabling the driver to place small items therein without interfering with the defroster airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Francis R. Hart
  • Patent number: 5984156
    Abstract: A low profile beverage container holder having a base support for supporting the beverage container and a wall which extends around the base and thereby defines a cavity for receiving the beverage container. The holder is also provided with a wedging structure. In the preferred embodiment, the wedging structure comprises an annular rib disposed in the cavity and projecting upwards from the base support. Thus, when the beverage container is tipped, the annular rib contacts the concavity on the bottom surface of the beverage container and the container is thereby wedged between the annular rib and the low sidewall. A plurality of beverage containers which are adapted to be received within the beverage container holder are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Aladdin Industries, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Bridges
  • Patent number: 5979724
    Abstract: A universal mounting apparatus to hold personal devices such as cellular telephones, walkie talkies, etc., by attaching onto a vehicle grill vent in the vehicle dashboard. This apparatus is not configured to any particular year or model of automobile or other vehicle, but is adaptable in several different ways so as to provide different attachment configurations. It is attachable without tools to most automobiles by use of two cable tie-like straps. One end of each strap hooks around a rib in the vent grill and the other end extends through a member which is held against a bracket, the feet of which bear against the dashboard immediately surrounding the vent grill. This allows the apparatus to conform to different sizes and shapes of vent grills while maintaining a firm connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Command Audio Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Loewenthal, Jr., Robert B. Brownell, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5897041
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a beverage container within an existing generally cylindrical recess in a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical sidewall having an upper and lower portion. Each portion defines a cylindrical recess for receiving varying sizes of beverage containers. A radial flange interconnects the upper and lower portions, and further provides a surface upon which to support a beverage container. Retaining devices extend from the radial flange and secure the apparatus in the existing recess in the motor vehicle. The apparatus further includes a slot to allow a mug handle to extend therethrough and a pressure relief aperture in its base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde W. Ney, James L. Hackstedde, Stephen W. Singer
  • Patent number: 5890756
    Abstract: A trash container apparatus is provided integral with a truck cab console. A pivotable trash door is positioned on the cab console to allow access to the inside of the trash container for disposing trash therein. The inner sides of the trash container have protrusions to retain the top edge of a trash bag so that the bag lines the container and is capable of receiving trash. The trash container is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, the container is positioned in the area substantially in front of the passenger seat to allow access to the inside of the container for removing any accumulated trash. Slide rails attached to the container are capable of sliding along guide tracks attached to the cab console for moving the container from a closed to an open position, or vice versa. The trash container has a handle for grasping when being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: o Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Pranger, Mark S. Hurayt
  • Patent number: 5868448
    Abstract: A glove box structure uses clip members fixed to a glove box slidably engaging arms that extend inwardly from a lid. Resilient cam surfaces in the clip members support beads on the arms for maintaining the lid in an open position. Resilient cam surfaces flex outward to allow slidable passage of the arms and the beads when the lid is moved between the open position and a closed position. The resilient cam surfaces return inward below the beads to support the lid in its open position until additional manual force is applied to close the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Norifumi Izumo
  • Patent number: 5860573
    Abstract: A support system including one or more resilient cradles which mount to the dashboard of a vehicle to support sundry paraphernalia, e.g. guns, fishing rods, sunglasses, coffee cups. A preferred foam cradle includes surfaces shaped to fit a vehicle profile defined between the dashboard and window. Projections and reliefs mate with complementary structure at the vehicle. The cradles can include notches, holes, flanges, hooks, and straps to facilitate item support and storage. A composite cradle constructed of a plastic core and foam covers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Lance Hossack, Leland Thill
  • Patent number: 5813583
    Abstract: A new portable CD holder for holding a portable compact disc player for use in a motor vehicle. The inventive device includes a bracket arrangement adapted for securement to an underside of a dashboard of a vehicle below a radio thereof. A pair of circular hook and loop patches are provided. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to the bracket arrangement. One of the hook and loop patches is secured to an underside of a portable CD player. The pair of hook and loop patches secure the portable CD player to the bracket arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Paulo Benedeti
  • Patent number: 5806447
    Abstract: A portable sewing machine for use in a motor vehicle including a sewing machine that has an electrical coupler for engaging a cigarette lighter of a vehicle. A table is provided and has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The bottom side has a pair of legs mounted thereto. The table has a machine support for coupling the sewing machine thereto. Also, a mounting bracket has a generally rectangular backing attached. The mounting bracket is coupled to one side of the peripheral edge of the table. Lastly, a pair of dash straps are provided. Each strap is coupled to the mounting bracket. The pair of dash straps extend vertically from a dashboard for suspending the mounting bracket with the table from the dashboard of a vehicle. The mounting bracket, with the table coupled thereto, is suspended from the dash board for allowing the table to stand on the pair of legs in an upright orientation and support the sewing machine in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Carol Sue Cox
  • Patent number: 5765736
    Abstract: Pull-out sliding unit for installation in a motor vehicle has a sliding unit that can be pulled out like a drawer, which may, for example, be constructed as a drinks holder or as a tray surface, provided for installation in a fascia of a motor vehicle. In order to be able to remove the sliding unit easily from the device and exchange it, a sliding block engages the sliding unit and disengages by two wedges onto which the sliding block slides when the sliding unit, after being unlocked, is pulled out of the device beyond its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Fischer, Ulrich Nienhaus, Bernd Schenk
  • Patent number: 5692658
    Abstract: A holder for drink containers in a motor vehicle has a slider member that can be pulled out and on which are mounted pivot arms which, when pulled out, pivot laterally outward, and which, with cut-away portions in the slider member, form insertion openings for drink containers, and has supports which pivot downwards when the slider member is pulled out. In order to support securely drink containers of different sizes which are inserted, the supports are pivoted outward, forcibly controlled, by the pivot arms through half the pivot angle of the pivot arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignees: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Mercedes Benz AG
    Inventors: Heinz Fischer, Ulrich Nienhaus, Bernd Schenk
  • Patent number: 5678875
    Abstract: A receiving arrangement for equipment and/or objects in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, has a shaft with inserts arranged therein above one another, such as a tray, a cassette box, an ashtray and the like. For a reliable holding of the inserts in the shaft, also in the case of a rear impact and while maintaining a simple mounting and demounting of the inserts, longitudinal guides are provided between each insert and the lateral shaft walls, for the drawer-type sliding-in and sliding-out of the inserts from the direction of the passenger compartment. A locking mechanism, which can be released only manually, is provided between each insert and the shaft and which engages automatically when the insert is slid in. The locking mechanisms are arranged in the shaft so that they are accessible for manual operation only after the removal of the insert disposed above from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ralf Zipperle, Jurgen Korber
  • Patent number: 5671877
    Abstract: A container holder device including a case which is installed in a body of a vehicle, the case having a pair of generally vertical side walls defining a part of a storage chamber. A base is pivotally supported by the case so as to be movable between a stored position and a use position. At least one movable arm has one end supported by the base so as to be movable with respect to the base to contact a periphery of a container when the base and the at least one arm are in the use position. The at least one arm is guided to move from an outside to an inside of at least one of the side walls upon movement of the base from the use position to the stored position so that the at least one arm contacts the at least one wall in the storage position. Urging structure is provided for urging the at least one arm toward the outside of the at least one side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yabuya
  • Patent number: 5660311
    Abstract: A novel dashboard organizer (10) for mounting on the dashboard of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat or airplane provides security and ready access for various items such as pens, pencils, calculators, rulers, letter openers, maps, notes, or turnpike tickets. The organizer has a base (20) that attaches to the upper surface of the vehicle dashboard, and approximately conforms to the general shape of the dashboard. The body (30) of the organizer is attached to the base such that the body is held in a substantially vertical position. The forward-most portion (32) of the body is arranged so that it comes in contact with the vehicle's windshield, and the remainder (34) of the body is arranged to provide storage (42, 44, 46, 48) for one or more of the above mentioned objects. When mounted in proper position on the vehicle dashboard, the organizer lies generally perpendicular to the long axis of the dashboard, thus dividing the dashboard into two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: William V. Soltau
  • 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: 5628441
    Abstract: A container is provided for a support having an upper that is generally flat, such as in a van console or an armrest. The container holder includes a pair of offset overlapping recesses which have different diameters and depths, such that one of the recesses is adapted to receive a coffee mug having a handle with the handle extending into the second recess, and the second recess is configured to support a smaller diameter soda can or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald A. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 5622296
    Abstract: A swivel holder is disclosed herein having a base member detachably carried from a belt, auto dash-board, wall surface or the like for releasably supporting an item or article of personal use. The article is provided with a stud and the base member includes guide rails defining a receptacle for insertably receiving the stud and for holding the stud in rotatable or swivelling relationship. A resilient catch member retains the stud in swivelling position on the base member and a finger latch mechanism controls the catch member for retention or release of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Ilkka Pirhonen, Taisto Korjansalo
  • Patent number: 5618018
    Abstract: A container holding assembly (10, 10') for a vehicle includes a housing (12, 12') having an elongated vertical opening (14, 14') therein. A support member (16, 16') is movable into and out of the opening (14, 14'). The support frame (16, 16') includes a U-shaped frame (18, 18') supporting a rotatable container holder (22, 22'). The container holder (22, 22') pivots between a retracted position within the housing (12, 12') with the container holder (22, 22') planar with the U-shaped frame (18, 18' ) and an extend position with the container holder (22 22') transverse to the frame (18, 18').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Manchester Plastics
    Inventor: Grzegorz H. Baniak