Adjustable To Size Of Article Patents (Class 224/552)
  • Patent number: 12065104
    Abstract: A gun lock system for securing a firearm to a buckle receiver assembly. The gun lock system comprises the buckle receiver assembly and a buckle tongue assembly. The gun lock system comprises buckle receiver and the buckle tongue assembly comprises a tongue. The tongue and the buckle receiver are configured to selectively connect to one another. The buckle receiver assembly comprises a mounting extension, the buckle receiver, a locking system, and a fastener receiver. A fastener comprises a tamper proof bolt. A swivel mount is mounted directly to a portion of the firearm. A swivel portion of the swivel mount can allow the buckle tongue assembly to rotate and move freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Inventor: Rob Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11772538
    Abstract: An exemplary cup holder assembly includes a frame and a cup support connected to the frame and configured to expand and collapse relative to the frame. The cup support includes a plurality of segments integrally and flexibly connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Daimay North America Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Yintai Jiang, Jianhu Wang
  • Patent number: 9567776
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. A shroud may at least partially enclose a portable electronic device. A dock may releasably engage the shroud such that the shroud and portable electronic device are locked to the dock when engaged with the dock. A key may engage activate a lock mechanism to release the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Moock, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Nicholas M. Sedon, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Patent number: 9022267
    Abstract: A holder apparatus is provided for a portable electronic device, in particular in a motor vehicle. The portable electronic device is designed for bidirectional data transfer with the motor vehicle, wherein the holder apparatus has a base element which can be fixed in the motor vehicle and which has a plurality of holder elements, and at least one wall and/or cover element which is coupled to the holder elements such that it can be reversibly plug-connected. The portable electronic device can be secured in the holder apparatus in an interlocking and/or force-fitting manner by the base element and the at least one wall and/or cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Wisselmann, Michael Bross
  • Patent number: 8807408
    Abstract: A storage area, particularly for vehicles, comprising a frame having opposite legs and a plurality of bars extending from one of the opposite legs of the frame to the other leg. The bars are each implemented as a detented system, so that they can be displaced independently of each other between a starting position and an ending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Raimund Kreis
  • Patent number: 8701954
    Abstract: Helmet mount apparatus provides a secure helmet holder for mounting a fireman helmet in a fire truck or other emergency vehicle. Three brim brackets, one of which is slidable on a base plate against a spring bias force, clamp the brim of the helmet between the brim brackets. The helmet can be mounted by positioning the brim into the slidable brim bracket and sliding the brim bracket far enough to allow inserting the brim also into the other two brim brackets, and then releasing the helmet to allow the spring bias to clamp the helmet onto the mount apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: On Scene Solutions
    Inventor: Ronald L. Weinmeister
  • Patent number: 8668123
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to hold a communication device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like, in a manner that provides for hands-free use of the communication device, particularly while driving, visual proximity so that a display of the communication device is easily observed, and audio proximity so that a speaker and a microphone are easily within hearing and speaking distances. The holding apparatus includes one or more clips with which to clip the device onto a visor. The clips provide a degree of rotation about a pivot pin. The body is configurable such that it can hold devices of varying sizes. The body can extend both vertically and horizontally to accommodate longer and wider devices. In at least one embodiment, the body is sectioned into four quarters that can extend and retract to accommodate many varied sizes of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Julian Richmond
  • Patent number: 8608038
    Abstract: An adjustable accessory for attachment to a mobile device that enhances mobility of an individual and method of assembling same. In one embodiment, the adjustable accessory comprises a frame including a movable platform for adjusting height of a container thereon, such as an oxygen bottle. The adjustable accessory further comprises an adjustable strap connected to the frame and relocatable thereon, which strap at least partially encircles the container for adjustably securing containers of various diameters to the frame. The frame is adapted to be connected to the mobile device, which may be a wheelchair, walker, vehicle seat or other supporting structure. In this manner, an individual requiring a supply of oxygen due to a breathing ailment can suitable use the supply of oxygen while traveling in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Katchen, Theresa Katchen
  • Patent number: 8561863
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems described herein provide for removably attaching an electronic device holder to a set of headrest bars of a seat in a vehicle in a manner which allows the user, while seated in the backseat of the vehicle, to utilize the electronic device without holding the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie LaColla, Shraddha Patel, Mervyn Cheung, Soo Youn Kim
  • Patent number: 8534519
    Abstract: A holding unit for articles to be carried on an all terrain vehicle, or the like, comprising a mounting base adapted to be secured to various surfaces and components of the vehicle and extending downwardly from a support arm adjustably positioned and securely fixed and at least one article holder having stacked cradles to receive articles to be held in a stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hancock, Chris Schenck
  • Patent number: 8496144
    Abstract: A removable holder for a smart phone is provided to support the smart phone in front of a driver on a steering wheel. Close proximity of the smart phone allows easy access and good visibility of its display which helps in using the GPS navigation or other features of a smart phone while the vehicle is in motion. Retention of the smart phone assures its steady position when the steering wheel is turned but at the same time allows for its deflection out of the way in case of an airbag deployment. The attachment element of the holder includes two raised bars and an elastic band to form a 3-point contact area with the steering wheel. The smart phone retainer is length-adjustable to accommodate a variety of smart phones. The holder can be easily mounted and removed from the steering wheel without using hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GO Smart Inc.
    Inventor: Jae S. Son
  • Patent number: 8365969
    Abstract: A mobile carrier includes a generally planar cargo platform. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed side rails, each side rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed side rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each side rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed end rails, each end rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed end rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each end rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes a rod. A receiving structure is configured to maintain the rod at multiple respective positions relative to the receiving structure, the rod and the receiving structure being separable from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Larry A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120267404
    Abstract: A modular vehicular storage system includes a sub-frame coupleable to a vehicle chassis. The sub-frame is selectively configurable between an expanded and retracted position to accommodate a variety of vehicle widths. At least one storage element, such as a storage container, is mountable to the sub-frame for securing a number of items. The storage container may include a base and a cover movably coupled to the base between an open and closed position for selective access to the interior of the storage container. The sub-frame may accommodate any number of alternative storage elements and may be configured to simultaneously support a number of different storage elements at a given time to provide the user with a number of storage options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Rottinghaus, John Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8100307
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Chinn, Earl Choy
  • Patent number: 7770764
    Abstract: An aerodynamic spare tire cover system is provided for use with a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody. The cover system can be used to cover a full sized spare tire or a temporary spare tire, while providing the same aerodynamic qualities. The cover system includes an annular spare tire cover defining a central aperture, a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture, a center spacer supported by the annular spare tire cover that is adjustable between a first position and a second position depending on whether a full sized spare or temporary spare is being covered, and removable spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover. A full sized spare tire and the center spacer in the first position space the spare tire cover the same distance from a position on the vehicle underbody, on the opposite side of the spare tire, as a temporary spare tire, and the center spacer in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaniv Rock, Brian Dressel, Robb Augustine, Matthew Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20090224124
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly is provided, including a bin having at least one vertical wall with a floor extending from one end thereof. A bale having a flat surface opposing a contoured surface is attached to the bin to pivot between a first position, in which the flat surface is parallel to and distal from the bin floor, and a second position, in which the contoured surface is perpendicular to the floor. A cup retention feature is spaced from the bale and attached to the bin to pivot between a use position, for securely retaining a container, and a stowed position, in which the cup retention feature is positioned between the bale and bin wall. A linkage is connected to the bale and cup retention feature to selectively simultaneously move the bale between the first and second positions and the cup retention feature between the use and stowed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard R. Kniazyszcze, Kurt L. Broman, Jim Y. Chyou, Robert A. Zayler
  • Patent number: 7246732
    Abstract: A model display stand system includes a platform portion that is designed to be coupled to the dashboard of the vehicle. The platform portion is designed for receiving the model such that the platform portion is designed for supporting the model above the dashboard of the vehicle. A frame assembly is pivotally coupled to the platform portion. The frame assembly is designed for selectively engaging the rear wheels of the model such that the frame assembly is designed for permitting the model to pivot with respect to the platform portion when the vehicle is turning. A steering assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly. The steering assembly is designed to be coupled to the front wheels of the model. The steering assembly is designed for pivoting the front wheels of the model to correspond to the front wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Ha
  • Patent number: 7051909
    Abstract: A cargo carrier (10) for bicycles (Y1, Y2) is removably installable in the bed (B) of a truck (T) and has a base plate (12) which mounts on top of the truck bed. One side of the base plate bears against one wall (W1) of the truck bed and an adjustable stop (14) is adjustable to bear against the opposite wall (W2) so to allow the carrier to be installed in trucks having different bed widths. Saddles (40) have risers (42) extending vertically upwardly from the base plate. An attachment screw (62) extending between the risers is used for securing bicycles to the carrier. The base plate may include an offset section so two bicycles can be carried in a side-by-side, staggered formation. The saddles are removable and can be replaced with posts or mounts for carrying other items in the bed. The carrier is in kit form for quick assembly, when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Verlin V. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6986446
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for supporting an article, such as a weapon within a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-gard Products, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt R. Murray, Jeffrey T. Bounds
  • Patent number: 6843397
    Abstract: In order to be able to initiate in a simple way the power adjustment of retaining arms of a device for holding containers, it is proposed to trigger control of an actuating drive initially by displacement of at least a bottom part of the holder, and subsequently by rotation of a container inside the holder. This permits unambiguous and intentional switch-on of the actuating drive inside the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gebhard Then, Thilo Schultheis
  • Publication number: 20040251288
    Abstract: A long gun carrying system for all terrain vehicles that incorporates a support structure that will mount on a rear deck or rack on an ATV and that will support a channel member to receive a soft gun case. The soft gun case is attached to the channel member and the soft gun case may be removed with a gun inside, from the channel member. Alternatively, the long gun is easily removed from the soft gun case, while leaving the gun case in position on the ATV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6783039
    Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Robert G. Zum Mallen, Derik Thomas Voigt, Kerry Stephen McClure
  • Publication number: 20040112930
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly for a vehicle includes a cup holder having longitudinal ends. The cup holder assembly also includes a plurality of trammels operatively supported by interior structure of the vehicle and spaced longitudinally from each other for cooperating with the longitudinal ends. Each of the trammels has a bearing track to allow each of the longitudinal ends to be adjusted longitudinally to adjust a size of an opening formed between the cup holder and the interior structure to hold a container therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Michael R. Beglau
  • Publication number: 20040108349
    Abstract: A snowboard rack for snowmobiles to aid snowmobile operators in safely carrying and transporting snowboards, as attached to a snowmobile machine for recreation or other purposes. A frame attachment member is secured to an underside, typically the belly pan, of a front portion of a snowmobile, upon which a rack frame is removably attached. The rack frame includes at least two uprights, with a cradle formed into an upper portion of each upright, for secure placement of a snowboard. The snowboard is secured to the rack frame with a tie-down strap at each cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Blake Child
  • Publication number: 20040069826
    Abstract: The present invention includes a device that positions and holds a cycle or cycle-like vehicle or potentially a gas cylinder or aircraft gear or any cylindrical or semi-cylindrical device in a desirable position with a means for additionally securing the positioning and holding arrangement by use of a lock or locking mechanism. The positioning and holding device can retain the vehicle for an indefinite period of time and provides for a safe, quick, and efficient means for holding a tube or tube-like fork suspension and steering portion of the vehicle. Specially designed center and rear cushions complete with an actuator and connecting means allows for precision alignment during the positioning and subsequent holding action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Scott J. Neil
  • Patent number: 6695183
    Abstract: An article holder particularly for use with all-terrain vehicles and comprising bifurcated arms, with or without fins or other holding structures extending between the arms and a cushioning web between the arms at the junction of the arms to provide a cushion for an article to be held between the arms and to close the arms against an inserted article when the cushioning means is depressed and including a mounting base projecting from the junction of the arms and hooks on the outer sides of the arms to accommodate a resilient strap to be hooked over an inserted article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffery D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20040031832
    Abstract: A rack that expeditiously and conveniently slidably engages and mounts the tailgate of a vehicle, or similarly suitable structure, for the simplified loading, support and securing of an article thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory Crook
  • Patent number: 6641014
    Abstract: A cantilevered member mounted at a first end to the base and extending cantilevered from the base to an opposite second end, opposite to the first end, and a cross-member mounted to the second end of the cantilevered member, the cross-member having opposite first and second ends. The cantilevered member may be releasably pivotally mounted to the base so as to be selectively angularly positionable relative to the base. A rigid first arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the first end of the cross member. A rigid second arm is pivotally and slidably mounted to the second end of the cross-member. The first and second arms are parallel to the cross-member and mounted for sliding and pivoting in a plane parallel to a plane containing the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Arliss McNalley
  • Patent number: 6588637
    Abstract: A utility holding device configured to be attached to a utility structure and to carry elongated objects includes a support base, a mounting stem supported by the support base, and a generally U-shaped holding member supported by the mounting stem. The U-shaped member has two upright arms which are open at the top so as to define a containment area configured to receive an elongate object. The U-shaped member further includes a plurality of alternating length gripping fins extending from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area to help hold items securely therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: All Rite Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Gates, Travis D. Gates
  • Publication number: 20020153399
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly comprising a vehicle component including a cup holder opening therein and an aperture formed adjacent the cup holder opening. A base injection molded from a first material and including an attachment feature which extends into the aperture and is selectively movable between extended and collapsed positions with respect to the aperture. An arm cup injection molded from a second material at least partially around the base and including an arm, wherein the second material is overmolded onto the base but not chemically bonded to the first material so that the arm cup and arm are rotatable with respect to the base for adjustably securing a cup in the cup holder opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy R. Hubbert, Joseph J. Davis, Michael J. Hier, Jack S. Palazzolo, Dean Corrion
  • Patent number: 6460743
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting a bicycle in a substantially upright orientation. The method includes positioning a bicycle in a carrier so that a wheel of the bicycle is located in a trap space of the carrier. The trap space is configured to maintain the bicycle in a substantially upright orientation when the wheel is located therein and the carrier is in a released configuration. This permits the operator to use both hands to secure the bicycle in the carrier. The wheel of the bicycle, and typically the front wheel, is fixed in the carrier by applying a squeeze force upon the wheel and thereby establishing a securing configuration of the carrier. Preferably, the squeeze force is imposed across a perimeter of the wheel and the actuators for imposing the squeeze force are positioned low enough to be within the typical user's reach, also referred to as the reach zone, when the carrier is mounted on the roof-top of a carrying vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Edgerly, William Fortune
  • Patent number: 6457618
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) mounting bracket assembly that is adapted to mount to the rear deck of an ATV and to hold a scabbard or gun case outwardly of either side or the rear of the vehicle and in position to allow a tong gun to be easily inserted into or withdrawn from such scabbard or gun case includes a universal mounting plate to be secured to an ATV deck, a support plate extending upwardly from the universal mounting plate and outwardly from the vehicle and a holding plate carried by the support plate and capable of being tipped to insure proper angular mounting of a scabbard or gun case fixed to the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20020008127
    Abstract: A container holder for receiving and securing a container is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the container holder comprises a base surface, at least one moldline structure unit, and a sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the container in the holder and induces deformation in the moldline structure unit such that the container is secured in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Robert Edward Belke, Jay DeAvis Baker, Joseph Mario Giachino, Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Myron Lemecha
  • Patent number: 6230948
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder has a housing forming an upwardly open cup-shaped seat centered on an upright seat axis and having a side wall and a floor and a plurality of gripping arms spaced around the seat on the side wall and pivotal about respective upright axes between radially inner positions projecting into the seat and radially outer positions generally disengaged from the seat. A drive under the floor is connected to the arms for displacing them synchronously between the inner and outer positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Sarnatech Paulmann & Crone GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Steiger, Traci Angela Neist, John Raff, Martin Christ
  • Patent number: 6227427
    Abstract: The golf bag holder of the present invention includes a vertically adjustable clamp which is mounted to a horizontal support member. The clamp is provided with a vertical slot for insertion of a bolt. The bolt is inserted through the slot in the clamp, through a bore in the horizontal support member, and then is threadedly engaged with a nut. When a golf bag is placed adjacent to the horizontal support member, the clamp is lowered onto the lip of the golf bag. Once properly positioned, the clamp is fixed in place by tightening the nut on the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: John H. Kunz
  • Patent number: 6206260
    Abstract: A console device for vehicles which includes a multiple use storage area having a bottom wall and an upwardly extending peripheral wall with an upwardly extending peripheral wall about at least a portion of that bottom wall defining a receiving recess with front and rear surfaces. A divider member extends upwardly from the bottom wall within the recess and between the front and rear surfaces, and features an arcuate cross-sectional conformation. A space is provided on the bottom wall between the divider member and at least one of the front and rear surfaces. At least one opening is also provided for receiving the lower portions of a cup or similar drinking vessel, with that opening including a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and at least one sidewall member generally defining a cup receiving area. An adjustable cupholder arm extends between the front and rear walls and includes an inner edge for defining an adjustable portion of the cup receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lancaster Colony Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Covell, Jeffrey T. DeBord, Gregory R. Drobeck, Sean D. Montag, Peter A. Koloski
  • Patent number: 6050468
    Abstract: A unitarily constructed apparatus for adjustably supporting a beverage container within a motor vehicle includes an upper flange, a lower base, and an outer wall interconnecting the upper flange and the lower base. The outer wall defines at least one recess for receiving a beverage container. Each recess has a maximum diameter. The outer wall is formed to include at least one resiliently deflectable portion associated with each recess. The resiliently deflectable portion extends inwardly from the maximum diameter. The apparatus is preferably unitarily constructed from a flexible material and removably insertable into an opening of a console of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6003926
    Abstract: A stowing aid for the interior of motor vehicles. The stowing aid includes a retaining plate which is connected with elastic elements, usually in the form of cables, near the periphery of the retaining plate. The elastic elements are also connected to a fastening element attachable in the interior of the motor vehicle so that the elastic elements pull the retaining plate toward the fastening element. The fastening element is provided with a recess for receiving the retaining plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KG
    Inventor: Lucas Labeur
  • Patent number: 5961016
    Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a vehicle surface for gripping an article including a base member, side panels, at least one finger member, an adjustment member, and an attachment member. The base member includes a top surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. The side panels extend upwardly from each of the first and second side edges. The at least one finger member is slidably attached to at least one of the side panels. The finger member includes an extension region extending at least partially toward the opposing side panel so that the extension region together with the base member and the side panels define an inner region that facilitates retention of an article therein. The adjustment member adjusts the distance between the extension region of the finger member and the top surface base member, to in turn, accommodate articles of varying thicknesses. The attachment means facilitates attachment of the apparatus to a vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Jerome Hartmann, Thomas R. Steinhagen
  • Patent number: 5947359
    Abstract: A device for holding a portable telephone including a body element suitable for being attached to a desired position in a vehicle compartment, a holder element pivotally hinged to an end of the body element and having a longitudinal telephone holding surface on which a portable telephone is placed, a pair of holding elements attached to the holder element and urged to mutually spaced positions by a first spring exhibiting a first resilient force, so as to be moved toward a position pinching the portable telephone, and a pair of slidable members attached to the body element and urged toward a mutually approached position by a second spring exhibiting a second resilient force stronger than the first resilient force of the first spring, the pair of holding elements and the pair of slidable elements being engaged by engaging projections formed in the holding elements and having inclined side faces acting as an actuator to actuate either the movement of only the holding elements or both of the holding and slidable
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Yoshie
  • Patent number: 5944240
    Abstract: A cup holder of the invention includes a slider slidably situated in a housing, an arm pivotally attached to a lower side of the slider so that when the slider is pulled from the housing into a using position, a front portion of the arm descends, a supporting member pivotally attached to the front portion of the arm, at least one holding arm rotatably attached to the slider, and a link mechanism. The holding arm has a holding portion laterally rotated to form an inserting portion between the holding portion and the slider when the slider is moved to the using position, and a first pressing portion for rotating the holding portion in a direction away from the slider when the first pressing portion is pressed. The link mechanism is rotatably attached to the arm and has a second pressing portion in a rear portion. The second pressing portion moves forward along a movement of the slider to press the first pressing portion to force the holding portion to rotate in the direction away from the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Honma
  • Patent number: 5931431
    Abstract: A drink container-holding device including a support, an adjustable drink-holder assembly and an adjuster assembly. The support having a cup opening provided through a top wall thereof for receiving a cup and an adjuster opening provided through a first side wall thereof for receiving the adjuster assembly. The adjustable drink-holder assembly depending from a lower surface of the top wall near the cup opening. The adjuster assembly attaching to an exterior surface of the first side wall near the adjuster opening, extending through the adjuster opening and retaining the drink-holder assembly by means of an adjuster band. The drink-holder assembly including an adjustable diameter sleeve portion having a diameter adjustable by constriction and dilation of the adjuster band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stinnett
  • Patent number: 5887775
    Abstract: An electronically operated cup holder includes a cup propping plate and at least one movable cup supporter mounted over the cup propping plate opposite a corresponding cup supporting face. The weight of a cup placed on the cup propping plate activates a motor which drives the at least one movable cup supporter toward a circumferential surface of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Han Wan Sik
  • Patent number: 5816462
    Abstract: An adjustable cargo carrier consisting of a plurality of devices which attach to manufacturer-installed frame racks of all-terrain vehicles. Constructed of tubular metal, the cargo carrier has a main tube body which attaches to the all-terrain vehicle by bolting a flat metal adapter plate to a mounting plate which is welded to the main tube body. An upper holding arm, which slides into the upper end of the main tube body, pivots laterally and can extend vertically. The main tube body inserts into a lower arm mount tube which is welded to the lower holding arm. The lower holding arm pivots laterally. The upper holding arm and lower holding arm, which are tightened through the use of locking knob bolts, are both encased in padded protective sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas Wayne Brantley
  • Patent number: 5662254
    Abstract: A vehicle rack for ladders or other elongated cargo includes a carrying surface and a structure which permits the carrying surface to be adjusted between two fixed positions, both of which can be used for transporting ladders or other elongated cargo. The rack consists of a pair of frames, and each frame includes assemblies generally formed from elongated members. The frame's post assembly has a foot portion which can be releasably secured to the vehicle and an upper portion to which an arm assembly is rotatably connected at one of the arm assembly ends, thereby forming an inverted L-shape. A brace has one end connected to a mid-point of the post assembly and another end connected to a mid-point in the arm assembly. The brace can be attached to one or the other of two attachment areas to position the arm assembly in either of the two fixed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Kar-Rite International
    Inventors: Scott W. Lemajeur, Don Kuball
  • Patent number: 5651484
    Abstract: A ladder support accessory is disclosed for pivotally supporting a ladder on a truck rack. The ladder support accessory includes, in one embodiment, a pair of joints mounted to a side rail of the truck rack and a pair of ladder support members pivotably connected to the joints. The ladder support members extend inboard of and substantially transverse to the side rail and are pivotable in a substantially vertical plane between substantially horizontal and vertical positions. A ladder is secured to the ladder support members and is at least partially supported by front and rear rails of the truck rack when the ladder support members are in the horizontal position. The ladder is supported solely by the ladder support members when the ladder support members are pivoted to the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Lowell S. Fugman
  • Patent number: 5445350
    Abstract: An adjustable container holder of the present invention comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the jaws having mutually opposed arcuate surfaces that define an adjustable aperture. An adjusting knob can move the movable jaw toward and apart from the fixed jaw, so that the adjustable aperture defined by the arcuate jaw surfaces can be adjusted to grasp containers having differing sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Rigsby
  • Patent number: 5435475
    Abstract: A ride-ready bike carrier system has a support arm and handle assembly attached to a rear wheel holder via an extension arm, such that the handle assembly can engage a bike frame and wheel axle combination to further secure and stabilize a bike upon the system. The support arm and handle assembly, as well as the rear wheel holder, can be positioned such that the system can secure and stabilize bikes having wheels of differing size. Furthermore, since the handle assembly engages a portion of the bicycle which, for the most part, is consistent in size and design from one manufacturer to another, design incompatibilities are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Hudson, Ron Holder, Julie L. Gengler