Removable interior storage container for motor vehicle

• US 5,855,310 A
• Filed: 02/18/1997
• Issued: 01/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Van Ert, Jack Michael, Malski, Dan Bernard
• Primary Examiner(s): Sholl, Linda J.
• Application Number:
  US08/801,432
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 224/543, 224/547, 224/404, 224/275, 224/539, 296/37.15, 296/37.13, 296/37.8, 296/37.16, 220/480, 220/481, 220/484, 220/509, 220/343, 206/511, 206/508, 206/509
• US Class Current: 224/543
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/06 for tools or spare parts for vehicle roof parts B60J7/20; for spare wheels B62D
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/00 Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps for radio sets, television sets, telephones or the like, mounting of cameras operative during drive, tools, or spare parts B60R11/00; for receptacles for refuse, food, beverages, cigarettes B60N

Abstract

A removable storate container for a motor vehicle interior is disclosed. The storage container comprises first and second container halves and a hinge. The first container half has an indentation adapted to engage a projection on a floor of the vehicle. The second container half is disposed adjacent a side wall of the vehicle, and includes at least one hole adapted to removably engage a corresponding projection extending from a side wall of the vehicle. The hinge pivotably connects the first container half and the second container half. Optional features include foam padding disposed between the first container half and the second container half, and a handle connected to the storage container for carrying the storage container when the storage container is removed from the vehicle.

Claims

1. A storage container for a motor vehicle, the storage container comprising:

a first container half;

a second container half disposed adjacent a side wall of the vehicle;

a hinge pivotably connecting the first container half and the second container half;

means for removably mounting the second container half to the vehicle;

a handle connected to the storage container for carrying the storage container when the storage container is removed from the vehicle; and

the first container half including an intermediate portion connecting a thick portion to a thin portion of the first container half for engaging a seat belt to retain the storage container adjacent the side wall of the vehicle.

2. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first container half has an indentation adapted to engage a projection on a floor of the vehicle.

3. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising padding disposed between the first container half and the second container half.

4. The storage container of claim 3 wherein the padding comprises foam.

5. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the means for removably mounting the second container half to the vehicle comprises at least one hole in the second container half.

6. The storage container of claim 5 wherein the at least one hole includes a generally circular portion and a slot portion.

7. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the means for removably mounting the second container half to the vehicle comprises means for removably mounting the second container half to a side wall of the vehicle.

8. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first and second container halves comprise polyethylene.

9. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the handle is formed as part of the storage container.

10. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the thick portion defines a first plane and the thin portion defines a second plane.

11. The storage container of claim 10 wherein the first plane and the second plane are not coplanar.

12. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first and second container halves comprise plastic.

13. The storage container of claim 12 wherein the first and second container halves are injection molded.

14. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first and second container halves are blow molded.

15. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first and second container halves comprise polypropylene.