On Or Under Seat Patents (Class 296/37.15)
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Publication number: 20120049870Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Scott Simon, Raymond Anthony Oldani, Jeffrey Singer
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Publication number: 20120049559Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Daniel W. Whitman
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Patent number: 8104817Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Martin Kayser, Jan Kretzschmar
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Patent number: 8096610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Satish Ganti, Edward Andrew Pleet, Naijiang Xu
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Publication number: 20110304169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventor: Takanobu NAKAYOSHI
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Patent number: 8016338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nakamura, Toru Matsui
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Patent number: 7980628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: JH Global Services, Inc.Inventors: Jun Hu, Robert Weist
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Publication number: 20110148136Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: MARTIN KAYSER, JAN KRETZSCHMAR
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Patent number: 7933121Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventor: George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 7914074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Derek Shane Lindsay
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Patent number: 7866620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
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Patent number: 7862097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Alexander J Maceri, Scott B Perry, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A Rice
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Publication number: 20100320794Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Alexander J. Maceri, Eberhard Krueger, JR., Mark A. Rice, Christina H. Van Agen
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Patent number: 7832794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Travis Reel
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Patent number: 7828102Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kengo Yano, Mamoru Ito, Sadamichi Enjo, Fujio Nakamura, Naoki Okada
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Publication number: 20100244506Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: TIMOTHY W. TERLESKI, Staci Ault Mininger, Rik Westerink
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Patent number: 7798548Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: James T. Embach, Wade W. Bryant, Simon Cox, Benjamin Walsh, Pierre R. Webster, Therese A. Tant
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Publication number: 20100231011Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Derek Shane Lindsay
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Patent number: 7794002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kengo Yano, Atsushi Hatayama, Michio Atsuchi, Kazuhiko Mori, Naoki Okada, Junichi Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20100207427Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Travis Reel
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Patent number: 7735896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Kubota
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Patent number: 7735892Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Sakamoto, Sadamichi Enjo, Hideo Fujiwara
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Patent number: 7679578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventor: George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 7677343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7673920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Norimi Nakamura, Koji Nada, Shoichiro Kawamura, Masaki Hayashi, Masaru Nakaji, Shinichiro Saji, Takeshi Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 7665789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Company, LtdInventor: Michael Peterson
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Patent number: 7611183Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: William Burkey, Caroline M. Conley, Alyssa Haney, Monica R. Mehaffey
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Patent number: 7611184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark Anthony Bisson, Corey James Kracht
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Patent number: 7600811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Daewon San Up Co., Ltd.Inventors: Woo Chul Park, Tae Soo Kim
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Patent number: 7597372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka
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Publication number: 20090115229Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Thomas Wayne Messner, April Lee Lampkowski
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Patent number: 7520552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Hajime Mochizuki, Kenichi Kamio
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Patent number: 7509192Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hideki Fukuro
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Patent number: 7490693Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Hiromitsu Shiina
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Publication number: 20090001749Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Steven M. Johnson, Shawn R. Williams, D. Scott Bittinger
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Patent number: 7455204Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Mobile Office, Inc.Inventors: Charles E Lippert, Owen A Slater, Kevin G Short, Peter J Zerillo, Michael J Joss
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Publication number: 20080252091Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gary R. Edwards, Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Kurt A. Galazka
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Patent number: 7427093Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ko Watanabe, Shuji Nagase, Keiji Shukuya
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Patent number: 7413154Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Harshman, Ted Rickabus, Gerald Bekes, Ralph Provitz, Stewart MacDonald
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Publication number: 20080093874Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Tom Partch
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Publication number: 20080084082Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: Kubota CorporationInventors: Norimi Nakamura, Koji Nada, Shoichiro Kawamura, Masaki Hayashi, Masaru Nakaji, Shinichiro Saji, Takeshi Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 7354091Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventors: Patrick M. Lavelle, James R. Tranchina, George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 7341301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: John E. Schambre, Thomas Drobot, Nicol M. Albanese
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Patent number: 7318616Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventor: Owen Bradley
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Publication number: 20070296236Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: BOS GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Wolfgang Sitzler, Hartmut Bohlke
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Patent number: 7303226Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: William M. Bernstein, Catherine Sun, Zachary Beard, Rebecca Nathenson, Rachel Lin
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Patent number: 7300088Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Paolo L. Catenacci, Ghassan M. Dirani
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Publication number: 20070222248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Ray Hough Maulden, Martin Ian Dickinson
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Patent number: 7243969Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventors: F. Todd Miller, Laurie A. Miller
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Patent number: 7240943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: John Williamson, Sreekanth Chintapudi