On Or Under Seat Patents (Class 296/37.15)
  • Publication number: 20120049870
    Abstract: A vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface, at least one circuit board proximate the console surface, and an array of proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board. Each of the proximity sensors emit a field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field extending approximately parallel to the console surface is greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Scott Simon, Raymond Anthony Oldani, Jeffrey Singer
  • Publication number: 20120049559
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a lower seat portion with a bin defining a compartment within the lower seat portion for storing an item. A lid is connected to the bin and has a closed position in which the compartment is closed by the lid and an open position in which the compartment is substantially uncovered. The bin and the lid are configured so that the lid slides forward of the lower seat portion to the open position. The lid may slide along an arc defined by slots in the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Whitman
  • Patent number: 8104817
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a storage compartment which contains a housing and a lid which closes the housing. The storage compartment further has a locking mechanism which has a housing-side closing bar and a lid-side bolt which interacts with the latter and which engages behind the closing bar in the locked state and releases from the closing bar through rotation. The storage compartment is arranged essentially vertically between two rear seats of the motor vehicle, wherein the lid can be adjusted between a closed position which abuts against the housing and an open position which is moved forward. An arrestor hook, which is formed as an emergency securing device, is arranged on an inner side of the lid. If force is suddenly applied to the housing in the direction of the lid, in particular in the event of a crash, the arrestor hook engages behind the closing bar and as a result prevents undesired opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Martin Kayser, Jan Kretzschmar
  • Patent number: 8096610
    Abstract: A device for securing a rear seat within a cab of a vehicle, comprising a crossmember configured for attachment to a floor pan of the vehicle, the crossmember cooperating with the floor pan to provide a cavity for storing items within the cab. When the crossmember is attached to the floor pan and the rear seat is attached to the crossmember, the crossmember is contained within the space between the seat and the floor pan without extending into a passenger leg room area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Satish Ganti, Edward Andrew Pleet, Naijiang Xu
  • Publication number: 20110304169
    Abstract: An electrical component housing device is provided with a housing box 21 formed with a maintenance opening 21a, a partition board 24 disposed in the housing box 21 and for separating the inside of the housing box 21, and an electrical component 25 attached to an electrical component attachment surface 24c as one of both surfaces of the partition board 24. The partition board 24 is pivotally supported by the housing box 21 around a pivot shaft 27 between a separation position where the inside of the housing box 21 is separated into an electrical component housing space S3 and a machine tool housing space S4 to face the electrical component attachment surface 24c to the electrical component housing space S3, and a maintenance position to face the electrical component attachment surface 24c to the maintenance opening 21a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takanobu NAKAYOSHI
  • Patent number: 8016338
    Abstract: A seat-form storage apparatus for preventing a passenger from sitting on a portion for storage. A protruding part protruding from a vertical wall part toward a concave storage part is provided. The protruding part prevents sitting on the concave storage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nakamura, Toru Matsui
  • Patent number: 7980628
    Abstract: A folding seat combination is configured for use with and installation on a vehicle such as a golf cart type recreational vehicle. The folding seat combination provides selective positioning of seat, footrest, and backrest components, respectively each between upright and downward positions thereof, to alternately accommodate easy transport of either of additional passengers or materials. With the seat and footrest features in their upright positions and the backrest in its upward position, optional golf bag securing straps may be used to secure golf bags in the cart, as so configured for the transportation of materials rather than passengers in such location. With the footrest in an upright position, relatively loose items stored in an otherwise relatively open storage area of the cart may be contained and prevented from bouncing out during operation the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: JH Global Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Hu, Robert Weist
  • Publication number: 20110148136
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a storage compartment which contains a housing and a lid which closes the housing. The storage compartment further has a locking mechanism which has a housing-side closing bar and a lid-side bolt which interacts with the latter and which engages behind the closing bar in the locked state and releases from the closing bar through rotation. The storage compartment is arranged essentially vertically between two rear seats of the motor vehicle, wherein the lid can be adjusted between a closed position which abuts against the housing and an open position which is moved forward. An arrestor hook, which is formed as an emergency securing device, is arranged on an inner side of the lid. If force is suddenly applied to the housing in the direction of the lid, in particular in the event of a crash, the arrestor hook engages behind the closing bar and as a result prevents undesired opening of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: MARTIN KAYSER, JAN KRETZSCHMAR
  • Patent number: 7933121
    Abstract: A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7914074
    Abstract: A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a support frame having a pair of spaced frame rails extending along the length of the vehicle and a body mounted on the support frame. The rear seat assembly comprises a rear seat including a rear seat cushion. The rear seat defines a left seat sections a center seat section and a right seat section. The rear seat has a first end section supported on one of the frame rails and a second end section supported on the other frame rail. A frame member is mounted to the body. The frame member is positioned generally beneath the center seat section of the rear seat. The frame member is configured to provide additional support to the center seat section. The frame member at least partially displaces the rear seat cushion to raise an occupant of the center seat section and balances a thickness of the rear seat cushion under an occupant of one of the left and right seat sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Derek Shane Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7866620
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Patent number: 7862097
    Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J Maceri, Scott B Perry, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A Rice
  • Publication number: 20100320794
    Abstract: A modular vehicle floor system is provided that has a floor pan with integrated storage compartments. A floor is defined by a deck and compartment lids that overlie the floor pan and can provide a waterproof seal for the storage compartments. The deck and compartment lids together define a substantially flat surface that is covered by a vehicle carpet. The deck can include basket-like liners extending downwardly therefrom that nest within the storage compartments and define the inner surface(s) of usable spaces within the storage compartments. The deck includes a raceway system with one or more troughs or ports that house lengths of vehicle wiring, under the deck surface. The deck can further include flanges and/or tabs for serving as mounting substrates, against which sills and other hard trim components are mounted, allowing trim components to be mounted to the deck and not mounted directly to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander J. Maceri, Eberhard Krueger, JR., Mark A. Rice, Christina H. Van Agen
  • Patent number: 7832794
    Abstract: A vehicle may have a load floor with a load receiving surface that is supported to the frame and a panel having first and second sides, the second side having a storage cavity. The panel may be adjustable between: (1) a first position where the first side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines no portion of the load receiving surface; and, (2) a second position where the first side defines no portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface. When the panel is in the first position, a pillow may be at least partially received within the storage cavity and it may be hidden. When the panel is in the second position, the pillow may not be hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Travis Reel
  • Patent number: 7828102
    Abstract: A motorcycle with a rear spoiler and a storage box. A rear spoiler is provided with a through hole adapted to directly apply the load of a rear seat to the rear seat support portion. A portion of the storage box is allowed to face the through-hole, forming the rear seat support portion. The bottom plate of the rear seat is abutted against the rear seat support portion to support the load of the rear seat. A labyrinth structure seals between the storage box and the rear spoiler. The first seal member attached to the rear seat seals between the rear spoiler and the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Yano, Mamoru Ito, Sadamichi Enjo, Fujio Nakamura, Naoki Okada
  • Publication number: 20100244506
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an amenity pocket comprising a rigid structure, a vehicle surface, and a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism provides a non-zero deployment angle of the rigid structure relative to the vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the amenity pocket is coupled to a passenger seat back. In other embodiments, a mounting structure comprising a base may be pivotally coupled to the base of the rigid structure and coupled to the vehicle surface. An interior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a filler. In some embodiments, the filler may be coupled to a protective surface. In other embodiments, an exterior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: TIMOTHY W. TERLESKI, Staci Ault Mininger, Rik Westerink
  • Patent number: 7798548
    Abstract: A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Embach, Wade W. Bryant, Simon Cox, Benjamin Walsh, Pierre R. Webster, Therese A. Tant
  • Publication number: 20100231011
    Abstract: A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a support frame having a pair of spaced frame rails extending along the length of the vehicle and a body mounted on the support frame. The rear seat assembly comprises a rear seat including a rear seat cushion. The rear seat defines a left seat sections a center seat section and a right seat section. The rear seat has a first end section supported on one of the frame rails and a second end section supported on the other frame rail. A frame member is mounted to the body. The frame member is positioned generally beneath the center seat section of the rear seat. The frame member is configured to provide additional support to the center seat section. The frame member at least partially displaces the rear seat cushion to raise an occupant of the center seat section and balances a thickness of the rear seat cushion under an occupant of one of the left and right seat sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Shane Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7794002
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a body frame having at least a pair of right and left or front and rear frame members with a storage box that is open upward between the pairing frame members. A riding seat covers the opening end of the storage box from above. The storage box includes a box main body arranged between the pair of frame members with a box constituent member that is detachably mounted below the box main body so as to form an electronic component storage chamber in cooperation with the box main body that composes a part of the wall portion of the storage box. The box constituent member is overlapped with at least a part of the frame members of a pair of frame members viewed in a plane with the box constituent member mounted to the box main body. The box constituent member bulges from the box main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Yano, Atsushi Hatayama, Michio Atsuchi, Kazuhiko Mori, Naoki Okada, Junichi Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20100207427
    Abstract: A vehicle may have a load floor with a load receiving surface that is supported to the frame and a panel having first and second sides, the second side having a storage cavity. The panel may be adjustable between: (1) a first position where the first side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines no portion of the load receiving surface; and, (2) a second position where the first side defines no portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface. When the panel is in the first position, a pillow may be at least partially received within the storage cavity and it may be hidden. When the panel is in the second position, the pillow may not be hidden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Travis Reel
  • Patent number: 7735896
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a cargo deck provided above rear wheels and a folding rear seat disposed on a front portion of the cargo deck. A seating surface covers an opening portion of an article storage area when the seating surface is set to allow an occupant to be seated on the seating surface. A backrest is rotated forward about rear rotation axes to cover the opening portion when the seating surface is rotated forward about the front rotation axes, thereby covering the opening portion of the article storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Kubota
  • Patent number: 7735892
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure having a storage portion for facilitating maintenance for a vehicle front portion includes a first storage portion that includes a bottom portion extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, left and right walls extending upwardly from the bottom portion, a ceiling portion connecting the left and right walls and a back wall closing the respective backs of the bottom portion, left and right walls and ceiling portion. The first storage portion is provided with a maintenance opening formed to be spanned among the back wall, a left wall continuous with the back wall and the bottom portion continuous with the back wall, and with the lid body which covers the maintenance opening in an attachable and detachable manner. A key cylinder arrangement structure for a vehicle is provided that can significantly enhance operability of a key cylinder while preventing tampering or theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Sakamoto, Sadamichi Enjo, Hideo Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7679578
    Abstract: A video system comprises a base portion mounted in a vehicle seat headrest, and a door pivotally attached to the base portion, wherein the door includes a display and a media player mounted to the door. The media player may be one of a slot-type device and a clamshell-type device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7677343
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7673920
    Abstract: An operator's station structure for a work vehicle having a motor section, comprising: a seat that is disposed on the operator's station for a work vehicle and has a moveable seat part; and a removable storage box that is disposed below the seat, that has an upwardly opening shape, and that has an interior accessible by moving the seat part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Norimi Nakamura, Koji Nada, Shoichiro Kawamura, Masaki Hayashi, Masaru Nakaji, Shinichiro Saji, Takeshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7665789
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion, a base and a tab. The base supports the cushion and defines a chamber having an opening. The chamber is configured to provide a storage location for a manual and the opening is configured to accommodate passage of a manual to and from the chamber. The tab is provided adjacent to the opening and is moveable between a first position in which the tab blocks a manual from passing through the opening, and a second position in which the tab allows a manual to pass through the opening. A receptacle facilitates storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a seat, a chamber and a tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Peterson
  • Patent number: 7611183
    Abstract: A passenger's seat (20) has a seat cushion (28) and a seat back (30) that can fold down onto the seat cushion. A storage module (34) is recessed into the rear of the seat back and can be conveniently accessed by a driver in a driver's seat (22) along side the passenger' seat when the passenger's seat's seat back is folded onto its seat cushion. The driver can also pull a storage bin (32) out from underneath the passenger's seat to access the interior of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William Burkey, Caroline M. Conley, Alyssa Haney, Monica R. Mehaffey
  • Patent number: 7611184
    Abstract: A vehicular trunk-through openable and closable device (5) whose unlocked condition can be more easily checked than has conventionally been done. When releasing a locked condition of an opening and closing unit (11) using an unlocking unit (12), the unit (11) is rotated in a forward-folding direction by an elastic force caused by an elastic member (30). A gap is formed between the unit (11) and a trunk-through section (3) without bringing the unit (11) into a fully open condition. Hence, it can be visually checked whether the gap has been formed between the unit (11) and the trunk-through section (3) or not, thus enabling a user to instantly determine whether the locked condition has been released by the unlocking unit (12). Thus, an unlocked condition of the vehicular trunk-through openable and closable device (5) can be much more easily checked than has been conventionally done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Bisson, Corey James Kracht
  • Patent number: 7600811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cushion table structure of a passenger seat for a vehicle, which includes a seat back and a seat cushion, the structure comprising: (a) a division rotating part which is a divided portion of the seat cushion and has a rotatable structure; (b) a fixed type table and a sliding type table which are coupled to a bottom surface of the division rotating part; and (c) a tray which is disposed in an empty space which is generated when the division rotating part rotates in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Daewon San Up Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Chul Park, Tae Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7597372
    Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle (1) includes a floor panel (P) having a plane portion and a concave portion (11), a floor lid (28) for selectively closing and opening the concave portion (11), a floor bucket (14) provided in the concave portion (11) in a detachable manner; and a tray (15) disposed in the floor bucket (14), which is rotatable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane portion of the floor panel (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20090115229
    Abstract: A seat apparatus comprises a seat member with a seat bottom, a front leg, a rear leg, a seat back attached to the seat member, a seat cushion movably attached to the seat bottom, and a storage container positioned underneath the seat cushion and attached to the seat member. The seat cushion is pivotably attached to the seat bottom and configured to rotate upward to allow an occupant to access the container. The storage container may include a door to permit access to the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Wayne Messner, April Lee Lampkowski
  • Patent number: 7520552
    Abstract: A console box has a table of a vehicle and disposed between a pair of seats for a passenger. The console box, includes: a box body having a receptor space; a lid configured to cover the receptor space of the box body, and a table configured to move between the followings: a) a first position where the box body is overlapped with the lid, and b) a second position disposed frontward relative to the first position with respect to the seats. The table includes: a) a shaft configured to support a plate face of the table such that the plate face is rotatable substantially horizontally, and b) a guide configured to move the table frontward through between the pair of the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Hajime Mochizuki, Kenichi Kamio
  • Patent number: 7509192
    Abstract: In an in-vehicle mount type AV system for implementing proper acoustic effect control, a swing angle of a rear monitor is detected by a right and left angle sensor, and respective acoustic effects of four speakers (for example, the volume levels of reproduced sounds) are adjusted. The angle detected by the right and left angle sensor corresponds to the angle of the display face of the rear monitor, and the correlation between the display face and the head position of an occupant (automobile passenger) can be estimated. That is, the probability that the head portion of the occupant exists in a direction to which the display face of the rear monitor is oriented is high, and thus the acoustic effect is controlled so that proper volume balance is established at the occupant position thus estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Fukuro
  • Patent number: 7490693
    Abstract: A grab rail and a muffler support structure has a reduced number of components and a simplified structure. Therefore, the cost is reduced. A grab rail is attached to the rear portion of seat rails supporting a seat. The grab rail is provided with left mount holes and right mount holes serving as a mount portion used to attach the grab rail to the seat rails. A muffler support for supporting the muffler of an exhaust system is also provided. The grab rail also serves as the muffler support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Hiromitsu Shiina
  • Publication number: 20090001749
    Abstract: An umbrella retaining device may be incorporated into or integrally attached to a vehicle seat from the vehicle factory and may employ a compartment or holder that defines a ventilation and drain hole to drain water from a wet umbrella. An umbrella compartment may further comprise a flap pivoting along a bottom edge of the compartment, a gusset on each side of the flap, and a snap or magnetic closure device proximate to the flap's upper edge. Alternatively, an umbrella retaining compartment may angularly lie within a bottom portion of the seat or seat supporting portion, such as a front seat side shield. The compartment may have a cover, such as a pivoting cover. Alternatively, the umbrella retaining member may be a vertical tubular restraining member with a top, angled opening and a bottom opening. A support loop may lie below the tubular member to provide vertical support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Steven M. Johnson, Shawn R. Williams, D. Scott Bittinger
  • Patent number: 7455204
    Abstract: A portable office device is adapted for use with a seat in a vehicle to form a desk and preferably has a main body with a plurality of storage compartments, an angled bottom, and a two-piece, hinged work surface member affixed to the main body that is selectively positionable between an open and closed position. When open the work surface member includes an expanded, co-planar work surface suitable for writing or a laptop computer. The portable office device also includes a receptacle adapted to removably receive either a spacer or a filler member/plug, where the spacer and plug enable the portable office device to be selectively positioned within the vehicle providing a greater range of convenient and comfortable use for users of the device. The ability to selectively position the office device in the vehicle passenger compartment, along with a two piece work surface member and an angled bottom, creates a convenient apparatus for both working on and storing work related items in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mobile Office, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E Lippert, Owen A Slater, Kevin G Short, Peter J Zerillo, Michael J Joss
  • Publication number: 20080252091
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for retaining cargo within a vehicle passenger compartment including a retaining portion and a vehicle seat having a lower seat portion, an upper back portion, and a frame. The retaining portion comprises a strap or mat which is operatively attached at one end to a front portion of the vehicle seat, while the other end is accessible within a bite line formed between the mating seat and back portions. The retaining portion is connectable to a front portion of the vehicle seat by means of either an open-ended hook or a snap-hook and an anchor, or by a snap fastener, the retaining portion being configured to secure cargo with respect to one of the seat portions. The device also includes a retractor mechanism such as a spring and spool operable to retract the retaining portion into the bite line for stowage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary R. Edwards, Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Kurt A. Galazka
  • Patent number: 7427093
    Abstract: To provide a mounting structure for a vehicle battery pack which prevents damage to the vehicle battery pack and has improved safety, a mounting structure for a vehicle battery pack has a body with a floor panel, a front seat provided on the floor panel, a vehicle battery pack provided under the front seat, and a protection member provided on a vehicle rear side relative to the vehicle battery pack and protecting the vehicle battery pack. The protection member can be fastened to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ko Watanabe, Shuji Nagase, Keiji Shukuya
  • Patent number: 7413154
    Abstract: A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Harshman, Ted Rickabus, Gerald Bekes, Ralph Provitz, Stewart MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20080093874
    Abstract: A storage area defined by a folded-forward rear seat cushion, an upright rear seatback, the floor tunnel, and an article retaining flap which is stowed when not in use. The storage flap may be folded away for storage under the rear seat cushion when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Partch
  • Publication number: 20080084082
    Abstract: An operator's station structure for a work vehicle having a motor section, comprising: a seat that is disposed on the operator's station for a work vehicle and has a moveable seat part; and a removable storage box that is disposed below the seat, that has an upwardly opening shape, and that has an interior accessible by moving the seat part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Norimi Nakamura, Koji Nada, Shoichiro Kawamura, Masaki Hayashi, Masaru Nakaji, Shinichiro Saji, Takeshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7354091
    Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a media source, and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to an inner portion of a seat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Lavelle, James R. Tranchina, George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7341301
    Abstract: A storage system is provided for a motor vehicle seat having a seat bottom, the storage system having a pivot rod assembly pivotally attached to the floor of the vehicle at a lower pivot axis by a floor mounting assembly, a storage bin assembly removably secured to a front edge of the seat bottom and pivotally attached to the pivot rod assembly at an upper pivot axis. When a torque load force is placed on the pivot rod assembly about the upper and lower pivot axes the storage bin assembly is biased against the front edge of the seat bottom in a normal closed position. When the torque load force on the pivot rod assembly is overcome, the storage bin assembly moves into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: John E. Schambre, Thomas Drobot, Nicol M. Albanese
  • Patent number: 7318616
    Abstract: A vehicle filing cabinet disposed between the floor of a vehicle's cab and seat for supporting the seat and for the secured storage and easy retrieval of files, other paperwork, objects and utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Owen Bradley
  • Publication number: 20070296236
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a module box that is securable against theft. For this purpose, a manually actuatable lock is provided. The lock can be contained either in the module box or in the motor vehicle. Elements in the module box or the mounting arrangement that ensure that the opening mechanism of the module box and also the box's removal from the mounting arrangement are blocked are moved with the aid of a cylinder core of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: BOS GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Sitzler, Hartmut Bohlke
  • Patent number: 7303226
    Abstract: A truck work office solution for a mobile vehicle. The work-station will take advantage of existing adjustability features on the passenger seat so that the height of the work-surface can be customized for each driver, and swivel to point toward the rear of the cab as well. The passenger seat itself converts into a work station. The driver seat may be swiveled to face the passenger seat that converts into an office area. The passenger's seat is normally a static element present in all cabs, and certainly in the case of single drivers it remains unused for its intended purpose. Because drivers are bound to the driver's seat, they use the close proximity of the passenger's seat to make peripheral tasks and items more convenient. The conversion provides a sliding work surface, storage, as well as power outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Bernstein, Catherine Sun, Zachary Beard, Rebecca Nathenson, Rachel Lin
  • Patent number: 7300088
    Abstract: A collapsible storage container is provided for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a floor and a seat assembly having a seat back frame pivotally coupled to a seat bottom frame. The seat assembly is capable of being pivoted between a deployed position where the seat bottom frame is substantially perpendicular to the seat back frame and a stowed position wherein the seat bottom frame is substantially parallel to the seat back frame. A collapsible storage container having an attachment mechanism is provided which is capable of being moved from a collapsed position to an operative position. The floor includes a receiving mechanism located beneath the seat bottom frame in its deployed position arranged to removably secure the container to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Paolo L. Catenacci, Ghassan M. Dirani
  • Publication number: 20070222248
    Abstract: A holster for a passenger seat has a rear face and a peripheral wall which defines a pocket for receiving an IFE device. The holster is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. In the deployed position, an IFE device may be positioned in the pocket for convenient viewing. The tilt angle of the holster may also be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hough Maulden, Martin Ian Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7243969
    Abstract: A modular storage apparatus having a base member comprised of an outer shell and an interior support frame. The outer shell has a bottom surface configured to attach to the tie down bolts of a rear seating support of a typical Sports Utility Vehicle. A top surface may be reversibly inset within lateral support walls to serve as a base for cargo contained in various attachments. One or more compartments contained within the outer shell may be actuated between an open and closed position by sliding each compartment along an opposing pair of interior support frame members. The outer shell, in combination with moveable magnets and threaded engagement means, provides support for various cargo containing attachment members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: F. Todd Miller, Laurie A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7240943
    Abstract: An improved door and drawer assembly for use with a seat on a passenger vehicle. The door and drawer assembly are installed in the passenger vehicle independent of the seat and thus not physically connected to the seat frame. Any load that is applied to the seat frame during movement of the vehicle or caused by passenger movement or support is not imposed on the door and drawer assembly. Accordingly, the operation of the door and drawer assembly is not adversely affected by the loads imposed on the seat frame. Alternatively, the drawer assembly can be excluded so that the door assembly can provide access to an area under the seat in which emergency equipment, such as a life raft bag assembly and life vests, can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John Williamson, Sreekanth Chintapudi