On Or Under Seat Patents (Class 296/37.15)
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Patent number: 7210724Abstract: A raised floor sleeper for an over the road tractor for pulling a trailer. In order to effectively utilize the upper space in a sky-rise sleeper cab, one must first be able to reach it, which is the fundamental reason for the raised floor. Beyond bringing the upper space to the driver, raising the floor offers many other advantages. A combination stool and coffee table provides options that are enabled by the raised floor. The stool offers additional seating for socializing. The stool also functions as a freestanding table leg for the coffee table. The coffee table has a female indent on the bottom that mate with the stool. Two legs fold out supporting the other side of the table.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: William M. Bernstein, Derek Blitz, Andrew Kilb, Megan M. Stanton, David M. Wynne, Deepshikha B. Antes, Edwin K. Chan, Benjamin G. Morris, Scott Raven
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Patent number: 7192073Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle comprises a floor panel (5) which includes a concave portion as a storage space (6), and which partially covers a port (7) of the storage space, a rotatable tray (36) disposed in the storage space (6), and at least one lid (8) for selectively closing the remaining portion of the port (7) of the storage space (6). A passenger seated in one of seats (2, 3) of the vehicle can freely and easily access pieces of luggage stored in the storage space (6) by rotating the rotatable tray (36).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka, Kiyoshi Yajima
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Patent number: 7140658Abstract: 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 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Alexander J Maceri, Scott B Perry, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A Rice
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Patent number: 7121606Abstract: A vehicle storage structure includes a removable storage structure that is secured to a passenger compartment floor of a passenger vehicle. A first compartment lid is movably supported on the storage structure to move between an open position and a closed position. A seat is operably fixed to the passenger compartment floor with at least a first seat portion of the seat being movable between a compartment lid covering position and a compartment lid exposing position. The first compartment lid is movable from the closed position to the open position when the first seat portion is in the compartment lid exposing position.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Moonis F. Khan, Randy Johnson, Sharad Kulkarni
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Patent number: 7066362Abstract: A carrying device most specifically for carrying a pizza box in a level position when placed on a car seat which slopes downwardly from the front edge of the car seat toward the back rest. A pair of side panels extend from a back panel and are joined together at the ends of the side panels opposite from the back panel. End flaps are located on the ends of the side panels opposite form the back panel and are elevated above the side panels. Likewise, the back panel extends above the height of the side panels. The side panels have a bottom edge which moves closer to the top edge as the side panels extend from the back panel to the end flaps. A pizza box fits between the back panel and the end flaps. If the carrying device is to be used with boxes of varying sizes, perforations are located in the top edge of the side panels to permit a variety of portions of the top edges of the side panels to be turned down to hold pizza boxes of varying sizes.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Michael J. Marnell
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Patent number: 7014240Abstract: A housing support structure includes a tool housing for receiving and supporting a U-shaped locking anti-theft tool, in a vehicle having a main frame section and a pair of seat rails. The housing support structure includes a rear cover apparatus having right and left side covers for covering both seat rails from the outside, and a bottom panel section forming the bottom of the housing. The bottom panel section extends between both side covers and is provided for covering both seat rails from the top. The housing is configured to fit on top of the seat rails, with a major part of the seat rails disposed outside of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshihisa Nagashii
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Patent number: 7014241Abstract: Disclosed is a storage box structure for use with a vehicle equipped with first and second seats each of which has a seat cushion and a seatback and which are arranged in the width direction of the vehicle while a given space left therebetween. The storage box structure comprises a storage box provided with a box body with a top opening and formed in a configuration capable of being disposed between the first and second seats in the width direction, and a support mechanism supporting the storage box in such a manner that the storage box can selectively take either one of a use position where the storage box is located between the first and second seats and a retracted position where the storage box is retracted to provide a space between the first and second seats. In a storage box structure allowing a storage box to be disposed between seats, the present invention can assure a walk-through space between the seats as needed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Minoru Toyota, Tatsuya Takahashi
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Patent number: 7014242Abstract: The present invention relates to the car mattress. The car mattress in the present invention has the effects to move and fix freely the drawer unit and footing devised on the upper side of the body and to remove the bad smells in the drawer unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Hyuk Jong Kim
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Patent number: 6981730Abstract: A seat has a seating surface and a bottom to which a sliding panel is mounted. The bottom of the seat includes a storage bin for removably holding items stored therein, which is selectively exposed by the sliding panel when translated from a position aligned with the seat to a position translated outwardly from a vehicle door to expose the storage area in the bottom of the seat. A fold-down table is pivotally mounted to the sliding panel for providing a convenient work surface and for holding items, such as bags and the like, which are easily loaded and unloaded with the sliding panel in the translated position, extending from the side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Seth E. Bixby
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Patent number: 6971697Abstract: The present invention provides a liner-dispensing trash receptacle system for use in combination with a motor vehicle. The liner-dispensing trash receptacle system essentially comprises a trash-receiving container, a liner-dispensing assembly, and a liner roll. The trash-receiving container essentially comprises a container bottom, a container rim, an inner container surface, and an outer container surface. The inner container surface essentially defines a superior matter-receiving volume and the outer container surface is cooperatively associated with a container-engaging surface. The liner-dispensing assembly comprises first and second laterally spaced rod-retaining members, first and second anchor structures, and a liner-retaining rod. The liner roll essentially comprises a continuously-furled liner length and a rod-receiving center. The rod-receiving center receives the liner-retaining rod and the container rim supports a roll beginning end of the first trash-receiving liner.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: Kimberly A. Morales
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Patent number: 6929306Abstract: A rear seat assembly of a passenger cabin of a pick-up truck includes a rear seat cushion and a rear seat back, each rotatable such that a bottom surface of the rotated rear seat back can rest upon a rear end of the rotated seat cushion to provide a storage space beneath the rotated seat back and between the rotated seat cushion and a rear wall of the passenger cabin. The cargo bed of the truck may be extended into the storage space by providing an access door thereto in a front wall of the cargo bed in communication with a corresponding opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Kenneth S Mack, Thomas S Moore, Russell C Fielding
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Patent number: 6899379Abstract: A sleeping compartment (10) for a truck is made up of a plurality of pre-assembled sections or modules including a first type (14, 14?, 14?) having one or more seats and a second type (16, 86, 86? , 86?) having a bed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seat (60) is mounted on a sidewall (22, 22?, 22?) of the first type of module and includes a seat bottom (66) moveable from a substantially vertical stowed position against the side wall and a substantially horizontal deployed position. A seat support (34) mounted on the floor (20) is movable from a stowed position substantially flush with the floor of the first type of module to a deployed position protruding upwardly from the floor to support the seat bottom in the deployed position. The seat support is preferably a door panel covering a storage space (32) beneath the floor which is accessible from outside the sleeping compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.Inventor: Milen Milenovich
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Patent number: 6899365Abstract: 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 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventors: Patrick M. Lavelle, George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 6869121Abstract: A seat structure for a vehicle which includes a pair of side seats disposed at right and left sides of the vehicle; a center seat disposed between the pair of side seats, the center seat including a seat cushion which includes a front divided member and a rear divided member; and a first box container having an open top. The first box container may be formed, when the front divided member is moved in a front direction, by a surface of the front divided member, a front surface of the rear divided member, and a side surface of a seat cushion of each of the pair of side seats facing towards the center seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuya Kayumi, Osamu Shirose, Shinsuke Watanabe, Yoshinori Nakamura, Ohsuke Koike
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Patent number: 6851589Abstract: A carrying device most specifically for carrying a pizza box in a level position when placed on a car seat which slopes downwardly from the front edge of the car seat toward the back rest. A pair of side panels extend from a back panel and are joined together at the ends of the side panels opposite from the back panel. End flaps are located on the ends of the side panels opposite form the back panel and are elevated above the side panels. Likewise, the back panel extends above the height of the side panels. The side panels have a bottom edge which moves closer to the top edge as the side panels extend from the back panel to the end flaps. A pizza box fits between the back panel and the end flaps. If the carrying device is to be used with boxes of varying sizes, perforations are located in the top edge of the side panels to permit a variety of portions of the top edges of the side panels to be turned down to hold pizza boxes of varying sizes.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventor: Michael J. Marnell
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Patent number: 6837531Abstract: A rear seat assembly of a passenger cabin of a pick-up truck includes a rear seat cushion and a rear seat back, each rotatable such that a bottom surface of the rotated rear seat back can rest upon a rear end of the rotated seat cushion to provide a storage space beneath the rotated seat back and between the rotated seat cushion and a rear wall of the passenger cabin. The cargo bed of the truck may be extended into the storage space by providing an access door thereto in a front wall of the cargo bed in communication with a corresponding opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Kenneth S Mack, Thomas S Moore, Russell C Fielding
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Publication number: 20040245797Abstract: A seat has a seating surface and a bottom to which a sliding panel is mounted. The bottom of the seat includes a storage bin for removably holding items stored therein, which is selectively exposed by the sliding panel when translated from a position aligned with the seat to a position translated outwardly from a vehicle door to expose the storage area in the bottom of the seat. A fold-down table is pivotally mounted to the sliding panel for providing a convenient work surface and for holding items, such as bags and the like, which are easily loaded and unloaded with the sliding panel in the translated position, extending from the side of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Seth E. Bixby
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Patent number: 6824029Abstract: A storage bin for use in extended cab pickup trucks having a rear seating area. The storage bin is an opened topped rectangular box, with a removable divider that is specifically designed to fit in the space beneath the rear seat the extended cab pickup truck. The use of the storage bin allows the owner of the extended cab pickup truck to store valuable items, such as electronics gear or guns in a secure manner that is out of sight from individuals on the outside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventors: Dennis Tuel, Jr., Danny Lee Ouren
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Publication number: 20040227372Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Patrick M. Lavelle, George C. Schedivy
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Patent number: 6814398Abstract: A partition structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The partition structure is mainly composed of a partition panel provided between a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment, hinge mechanisms provided for connecting lower corners of the partition panel with a floor of the passenger and cargo compartments, a lock mechanism for supporting the partition panel in a closed state. The partition panel has a low rigidity energy absorption part provided at a lower center part. By this configuration, the partition panel is prevented from deforming even by the application of load thereto without increasing weight or manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 6811200Abstract: A seat cushion comprises a cushion body portion including a storage recess and a cushion bottom portion covering the storage recess so as to selectively open or close it. A supplementary seat comprises a supplementary seat back which is pivotally supported so as to rotate in the longitudinal direction and a supplementary seat cushion formed separately from the supplementary seat back. The supplementary seat cushion is configured so as to selectively take a sitting position, where it is located at the side of the seat cushion, and a stored position, where it is stored in the storage recess. Accordingly, since only the supplementary seat cushion is stored in the storage recess, the deterioration of comfortable ride caused by the high-sitting point can be suppressed. Also, the supplementary seat back can be used as a armrest or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Keeichirou Shibata, Kouji Nakao, Kenji Satani, Masahiko Hondou
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Patent number: 6796469Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier device for the simple and secure transportation of objects, in particular flower containers, in a vehicle. As disclosed, the carrier device comprises a plurality of panels which when folded in a specific manner, form a device for securing an object. In addition, the device comprises notches for securing itself using a conventional seatbelt of a vehicle. Consequently, the device prevents the object from moving by holding the top of the object and surrounding the sides of the object. The device itself is then held stationary by placing a conventional seatbelt around the device, positioning the seatbelt in notches located in pre-determined location on the device. The design of the carrier device allows for the object to be some distance from the back of the seat and, as a result, prevent damage to the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventor: Lisa Lofaro
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Patent number: 6752443Abstract: A load floor system (10) for a vehicle with a seat assembly, a structural member under the seat assembly, and a floor space adjacent the seat assembly. The load floor system (10) includes a retractable panel coupled to the structural member, a first link coupled to the retractable panel, and a second link coupled to the retractable panel (14). The retractable panel (14), the first link, and the second link cooperate as a portion of a four-bar mechanism to translate the retractable panel from a retracted position under the seat assembly to an extended position over the floor space thereby forming a load floor (38).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Joseph M. Thompson, Rick A. Anderson
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Patent number: 6746065Abstract: A video display screen is mounted in a recess or cut-out of an armrest within a vehicle. The armrest pivots up and locks in an upright position so that the display screen can be viewed by rear seat passengers, and pivots down so that the display screen can be viewed by the driver or the front seat passenger. The armrest includes a telescoping section so that the display screen can be raised or lowered as desired by the rear seat passengers. The video screen can be switched between being operatively connected to either an entertainment device such as a VCR or DVD player, or to a navigational device The display is pivotally mounted within the armrest both so that it can be tilted for optimal viewing, and so that it can be rotated 180 degrees into a screen-down position when the screen is not being used, the backside of the screen visually blending with the rest of the armrest so that the screen is protected against both theft and incidental damage when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: VIS Racing Sports, Inc.Inventor: Tak Chan
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Patent number: 6722540Abstract: A console with adjustable pivoting arms. The preferred embodiment has a pair of drink holders each having an adjustable arm that pivots to vary the size of drink holder. The arms can preferably be locked into position. A ledge is positioned below the pivoting arms to support drinks held therein. The body of the console preferably contains several storage sub-compartments, which may be configured to retain specific items such as CD's, cassettes, sun glasses, telephones, flashlights, change, and etc. The console is also preferably provided with several electrical sockets, a power cord configured to plug into a power source such as the 12 volt DC cigarette lighter socket present in most automobiles, and a circuit to operatively connect the console sockets to the power source. The circuit may be provided with a power inverter so that at least one of the sockets can provide alternating current.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Tse Sau Ling
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Publication number: 20040056500Abstract: A seat structure for a vehicle which includes a pair of side seats disposed at right and left sides of the vehicle; a center seat disposed between the pair of side seats, the center seat including a seat cushion which includes a front divided member and a rear divided member; and a first box container having an open top. The first box container may be formed, when the front divided member is moved in a front direction, by a surface of the front divided member, a front surface of the rear divided member, and a side surface of a seat cushion of each of the pair of side seats facing towards the center seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuya Kayumi, Osamu Shirose, Shinsuke Watanabe, Yoshinori Nakamura, Ohsuke Koike
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Patent number: 6644705Abstract: An interior system for a motor vehicle comprises two front seats and a rear seat disposed rearwardly of the front seats and adjustable through a range of positions including a forwardmost and a rearwardmost position. The system also includes a first console disposed between the two front seats, the first console having a substantially flat portion located lower than the rear seat and in general lateral alignment with the rear seat, the flat portion further located proximate the rear seat when the rear seat is in its forwardmost position. The first console further comprises attachment provisions for attaching a second console to the first console at least in part upon the substantially flat portion. In another aspect, an interior system for a motor vehicle comprises two front seats, a first console disposed between the two front seats and a second console removably attached to the first console.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hans Wikman, Leo Kullman, Lennart Liedberg, Tord Forsgren
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Patent number: 6644523Abstract: A storage device for positioning below a rear seat in a pick-up truck. The storage device includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A pair of intermediate walls extend from the back wall to the front wall and are spaced from each other such that the housing is divided into a first compartment, a second compartment and a third compartment wherein the second compartment is positioned between the first and third compartments. A cover is pivotally coupled to an upper edge of the back wall. The cover is positionable over the housing. The housing may be positioned below a rear seat in a pick-up truck.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: James R. Salas
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Patent number: 6626338Abstract: Disclosed is a container for an entertainment system where the right and left panels each have a cutout which aligns with a channel on a bottom panel. The combination of the cutouts and channel are adapted to receive a seatbelt. Also disclosed is an entertainment system which includes a container with a combination of cutouts and a channel which are adapted to receive a seatbelt. Lastly, a method securing a container to a vehicle seat is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert T. Rhodes, Jr.
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Patent number: 6550849Abstract: A vehicle arrangement (7) is provided having a front mounted engine (20) enclosed by an engine compartment (18). A passenger compartment (26) is provided which is separated from a cargo bed (44) by a door (54). The door (54) has a lower horizontally hinged panel (108). The panel (108) allows for access of a forward cargo space (114) that is positioned underneath a rear row (42) of passenger seating. The forward cargo space (114) in conjunction with the cargo bed (44) allows transport and storage of large construction materials without an overall lengthening of the vehicle body (16).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James Michael Dosdall
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Patent number: 6547300Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle having a floor panel, a pocket provided on the floor panel for accommodating a spare tire assembly therein and a seat disposed above the pocket includes a reinforcement member hingedly connected with the floor panel and covering at least a part of the opening of the pocket for preventing the spare tire assembly from moving, a seat fixing section provided on the reinforcement member for detachably fixing the seat, and a seat belt anchoring section provided on the reinforcement member for anchoring an end portion of a seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jun Watanabe, Jun Chida
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Patent number: 6540279Abstract: The present invention provides a storage enclosure for a motor vehicle within the interior of the motor vehicle. The invention also provides a work station that defines the top portion of the enclosed storage area. This top work surface is pivotally attached to the upper area of the storage enclosure and provides access to the enclosed interior volume of the area. The work surface area is preferably a trifurcated work station. The work surface area that provides a top to the interior storage unit may be fully unfolded to provide an extended work surface area by a user. When the storage area is covered, the closure may form a supportive platform for use as a work station. This work station provides a flat surface area and includes a holding compartment that nests within the flat surface area. The support platform may by pivoted to allow access to the storage enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: David A Bargiel
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Patent number: 6488327Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle includes a seat portion with a front edge and a rear edge, and a back portion with an upper edge and a lower edge, where the rear edge of the seat portion is connected to the lower edge of the back portion. The system includes a platform portion of the vehicle configured to support an underside of the seat portion when the seat assembly is in a seating position. A pivot connection couples the platform to the seat portion to selectively move the seat assembly from the seating position to a cargo storage position. A cargo storage surface is provided on the underside of the seat assembly that is supported above a floor portion of the vehicle by the back portion of the seat assembly when the seat assembly is in the cargo storage position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Pearse, Kenneth S. Karpczuk, William J. Hentges
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Publication number: 20020175531Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Kenneth A. Gassman, Joshua A. Williams
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Patent number: 6481773Abstract: A removable storage unit for a motor vehicle including a first portion having an open side and defining a storage area, and a second portion having an open side and defining a second storage area. The first and second portions are rotateably coupled together to allow the storage areas to be adjacently located. The removable storage unit preferably has two modes. In the first mode, the storage unit is removed from the motor vehicle, and the open sides of the first and second portions are positioned adjacent one another, which allows for easy transportation of the unit. In the second mode, the storage unit is positioned within the motor vehicle so that the open sides of the first and second portions are oriented substantially coplanar.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Joseph L Salani, Theodore R Hamilton, Louis A Rhodes, Glenn W Abbott
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Patent number: 6435585Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with an article storage device which is disposed below a rider's seat, and the storage device includes an article accommodation box having an article entrance port formed to be opened upward in a standing state of a motorcycle and a cover member provided for a bottom portion of the seat. The article entrance port has a lateral width larger than a lateral width of an outer peripheral edge of the seat, and the cover member covers the article entrance port formed to the article accommodation box.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eizo Aoki
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Patent number: 6422440Abstract: A food holding and serving device for holding food and other articles within a vehicle for use by a child. The food holding and serving device includes a housing having a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall. The top wall has a pair of openings therein positioned generally adjacent to the back wall. Each of the openings in the top wall is positioned generally adjacent to one of the first and second side walls. A top peripheral lip is attached to and extending upwardly from the top wall. A bottom peripheral lip is coupled to and extends downward from the bottom wall. The bottom peripheral lip has a pair of apertures therein. Each of the apertures is positioned generally adjacent to one of the first and second side walls. A seat belt may be extended through the apertures in the bottom peripheral lip to secure the device to a seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Brian K. Stone
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Patent number: 6419313Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a floor includes a seat frame secured to the floor of the automotive vehicle. A tray structure is secured to the seat frame. The tray structure includes a bin designed to have items stored therein. A seat cushion is divided into a number of cushion members wherein a portion of the cushion members are immovable with respect to the tray structure and a portion of the cushion members are movable with respect to the tray structure. The movable cushion members provide access to the bin in the tray structure. The movable cushion members pivot about a hinge with respect to the immovable cushion members. By maintaining the immovable cushion members in place, an occupant can still sit on the immovable cushion members while accessing the bin by pivoting the movable cushion members.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.Inventor: Paul E. Newman
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Patent number: 6398284Abstract: A transport container for a motor vehicle having a partition between two compartments has a generally rectangular vehicle frame set in the partition and a generally rectangular device frame fittable in the opening of the vehicle frame. Respective pivot formations on the vehicle frame define a pivot axis parallel to and between vehicle-frame upper and lower members. Respective pivot formations on the device frame between and parallel to device-frame upper and lower members and fittable to the respective vehicle-frame pivot formations allow pivoting of the device frame into a mounted position set in the vehicle frame with the members of the device frame closely juxtaposed with the respective members of the vehicle frame and the frames in direct contact with each other at abutment locations offset from the axis. A latch offset from the axis releasably secures the device frame in the mounted position in the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co., Verwal/tungs-KGInventors: Peter Butz, Wolfgang Sitzler
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Patent number: 6390547Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle having a seat cushion being connected to the vehicle for pivotal movement about a first axis and a seat back being connected to the seat cushion for rotational movement about a second axis. When the seat cushion is pivoted about the first axis from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position, the seat cushion is displaced in a rearward and upward direction and the seat back is displaced in a rearward and downward direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: David J. Spykerman
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Patent number: 6386612Abstract: An assembly for providing additional storage in a vehicle includes a drawer housing located beneath a rear seat of a vehicle. The housing may serve as a coupling location for the seat cushion and includes front and back walls and cross beams which define side openings on either side of the vehicle. A drawer fits within the housing and may be opened from either side. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly also includes a load floor coupled to the drawer housing and movable between a generally vertical position in which access to the drawer is facilitated and a lowered position where it supports the cushion of the seat or, if desired, the seat back in a folded position. The drawer may slide across the floor of the vehicle or, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, include rails which cooperate with grooves on the front and back walls of the drawer housing to facilitate easy sliding of the drawer.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Karen M. Hofmann, Michael E. Wiedeman
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Publication number: 20020030376Abstract: A transport container for a motor vehicle having a partition between two compartments has a generally rectangular vehicle frame set in the partition and a generally rectangular device frame fittable in the opening of the vehicle frame. Respective pivot formations on the vehicle frame define a pivot axis parallel to and between vehicle-frame upper and lower members. Respective pivot formations on the device frame between and parallel to device-frame upper and lower members and fittable to the respective vehicle-frame pivot formations allow pivoting of the device frame into a mounted position set in the vehicle frame with the members of the device frame closely juxtaposed with the respective members of the vehicle frame and the frames in direct contact with each other at abutment locations offset from the axis. A latch offset from the axis releasably secures the device frame in the mounted position in the vehicle frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KGInventors: Peter Butz, Wolfgang Sitzler
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Publication number: 20020021015Abstract: A storage compartment mounted to the floor of a motor vehicle under a seat. The compartment is for storing vehicle components such as car batteries. The compartment includes an opening secured by a strap and the strap is held in place by a removable fastener. The strap being formed of a deformable material that may stretch over a range of lengths and yet still maintain a consistent restraining force on a component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Walter J. Kronner, Ernst Von Schlager, Jeffry J. Chisholm, Kevin E. Keas, James E. Van Hout
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Publication number: 20020005649Abstract: An assembly for providing additional storage in a vehicle includes a drawer housing located beneath a rear seat of a vehicle. The housing may serve as a coupling location for the seat cushion and includes front and back walls and cross beams which define side openings on either side of the vehicle. A drawer fits within the housing and may be opened from either side. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly also includes a load floor coupled to the drawer housing and movable between a generally vertical position in which access to the drawer is facilitated and a lowered position where it supports the cushion of the seat or, if desired, the seat back in a folded position. The drawer may slide across the floor of the vehicle or, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, include rails which cooperate with grooves on the front and back walls of the drawer housing to facilitate easy sliding of the drawer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Karen M. Hofmann, Michael E. Wiedeman
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Patent number: 6328365Abstract: An integrated bed drawer assembly is provided for a vehicle having a bed with a floor and sides extending upwardly and along the sides. The integrated bed drawer assembly includes a plurality of rails adapted to be spaced longitudinally and extend laterally between the sides above the floor of the bed. The integrated bed drawer assembly also includes a drawer operatively cooperating with the rails for sliding movement therealong.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Mark Adsit
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Patent number: 6318611Abstract: A car seat netting system has a pair of front posts each having a lower tube with an upper tube adjustably positioned about the lower tube. The tubes are positionable adjacent the front left corner and front right corner of the front right passenger seat of a vehicle. The left side edge of a front screen is secured to the upper left tube and the right edge is secured to the upper right tube. The front edge of a right screen is permanently secured to the upper right tube. The upper, front and rear edges of a left screen have an aligned row of snaps. A supplemental border in an inverted U-shaped configuration has a front edge permanently secured to the front left tube and a free top edge and rear edge with a plurality of aligned spaced snaps adapted to removably couple with the snaps of the left screen and a supplemental row of aligned snaps along the rear edge of the supplemental border. A plurality of straps have right ends permanently secured to the rear edge of the right screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: David P. Alexander
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Publication number: 20010038220Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a rear seat having a recess formed at a forward side thereof and a tray housing positioned in the recess. A foldable tray is positioned in the housing and movable between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position for use. The tray and tray housing are configured such that in the stowed position the tray and housing are disposed within the seat recess below the knees of a passenger seated thereon such that it does not interfere with passenger knee space.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Andrew J. Massara, Douglas Jablonski, Mark A. Folkert, Donald A. Lux
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Patent number: 6264260Abstract: A storage compartment mounted to the floor of a motor vehicle under a seat. The compartment is for storing vehicle components such as car batteries. The compartment includes an opening secured by a strap and the strap is held in place by a removable fastener and a passive restraint. The passive restraint is meant to secure the strap when the removable fastener is not in place so that the contents of the compartment may not exit the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Walter J Kronner, James E Van Hout
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Mounting system for releasably and securely mounting an entertainment accessory within an automobile
Patent number: 6216927Abstract: A mounting device for releasably and securely mounting an entertainment accessory within an automobile having a headrest extending from a seat. The mounting device includes an entertainment accessory and a case that can be releasably attached to the headrest. The entertainment accessory is positioned within the case and the case has a front side, a rear side, and a bottom side. A quick connect device is attached to the case for releasably engaging the headrest. A cover has one edge attached to the case. The cover is movable between a first position and second position. The cover overlaps the bottom side and the front side of the case while in the first position, and the cover serves as a spacer between the seat and the rear side of the case, while in the second position, to orient the case in a generally vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Ronald Meritt -
Patent number: 6203088Abstract: A sliding console system for a motor vehicle in which one or more console bodies are provided with a track for movement of the console body longitudinally within the motor vehicle. Multiple console bodies can be provided and each adjusted in position in the vehicle independent of one another. An elongated electrical cable or sliding contacts in the track can be utilized to provide electrical power to one or more electrical devices contained in the console bodies.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company'Inventors: Carlos C. Fernandez, Daniel J. Koester