Patent Abstract:
A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion, a base and a tab. The base supports the cushion and defines a chamber having an opening. The chamber is configured to provide a storage location for a manual and the opening is configured to accommodate passage of a manual to and from the chamber. The tab is provided adjacent to the opening and is moveable between a first position in which the tab blocks a manual from passing through the opening, and a second position in which the tab allows a manual to pass through the opening. A receptacle facilitates storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a seat, a chamber and a tab.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to an arrangement for providing a storage location for a manual upon a vehicle. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   An owner&#39;s manual for a vehicle can include important information relating to the operation, maintenance, and safety of the vehicle. Vehicles are often equipped with a specific storage location for an owner&#39;s manual. By providing or designating a specific storage location for an owner&#39;s manual, it is likely that the owner&#39;s manual will not be misplaced by an operator. As such, the owner&#39;s manual will be available to all operator of the vehicle at a time of need. For example, a glove compartment has conventionally served this purpose for storage of an automobile&#39;s owner&#39;s manual. 
   However, storage of an owner&#39;s manual on other vehicles, such as motorcycles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs), has proven to be challenging. For example, in one conventional configuration, a rubber band is used to secure an owner&#39;s manual beneath the seat of a vehicle (e.g., an ATV). However, the rubber band may not be sufficiently durable to withstand prolonged use, and/or may not provide a sufficiently strong or reliable securement for the owner&#39;s manual. In another conventional configuration, a seat of a vehicle (e.g., an ATV) can include fixed ribs or tabs for retaining an owner&#39;s manual. However, in either of these conventional configurations, movement of the owner&#39;s manual into and out from the storage location can be difficult and can result in damage (e.g., excessive bending or wear) to an owner&#39;s manual over time. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a seat for a vehicle comprises 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. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a receptacle is configured to facilitate storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. The receptacle comprises a frame and a tab. The frame is attached to a vehicle and at least partially 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. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a seat, a chamber and a tab. The seat comprises a base and a cushion attached to the base. The seat is configured to support at least one of an operator and a passenger of the vehicle in use of the vehicle. The chamber is associated with the seat and is configured to provide a storage location for a manual. The chamber has an opening 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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view depicting an all terrain vehicle (ATV) having a seat in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view depicting the ATV of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view depicting the seat having been removed from the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged bottom plan view depicting a portion of the seat of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view depicting a portion of the seat depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view depicting the portion of the seat depicted in  FIG. 5  in association with a spiral bound owner&#39;s manual; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view depicting the portion of the seat depicted in  FIG. 5  in association with a hardcover owner&#39;s manual; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view depicting a frame and a tab in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention: 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view depicting the frame and tab of  FIG. 8  being attached beneath the seat of a vehicle; and 
       FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view depicting a seat in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention and its operation is hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views of  FIGS. 1-10 , wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views.  FIGS. 1-2  depict an ATV  20  having a seat  22  for supporting an operator of the ATV  20 . The seat  22  is shown to have a cushion  24  which extends from a front end  26  of the seat  22  to a rear end  28  of the seat  22 . A cargo rack  30  is shown to be disposed near the rear end  28  of the seat  22 . 
   A bottom plan view of the seat  22  is depicted in  FIGS. 3-5  wherein the seat  22  has been removed from the ATV  20  for clarity. The seat  22  is shown to have a base  32  which supports the cushion  24 . The base  32  can be formed from any of a variety of suitable materials. However, in one particular embodiment, the base  32  can be injection molded from plastic. As shown in  FIG. 5  (where a portion of the seat&#39;s cover  70  has been removed for clarity), the base  32  comprises a top side  72  and an underside  74 , and the cushion  24  is shown to be disposed adjacent to the top side  72  and a chamber  34  (discussed below) can be at least partially defined by the underside  74  and/or provided adjacent to the underside  74 . The materials forming the cushion  24  can be selected to provide comfort to an operator sitting upon the seat  22 , but can also be durable and weather-resistant. The cushion  24  can include a foam portion (e.g.,  76 ) which is held against the base  32  by wrapping a vinyl, leather, or fabric cover (e.g.,  70 ) over the foam portion and around at least part of the base  32 . However, the cushion  24  can alternatively be formed from any variety of alternate materials, and can be associated with the base  32  in any of a variety of specific manners. 
   The base  32  can include multiple mounting structures (e.g.,  40 ) which are configured to facilitate attachment of the seat  22  to the ATV  20 . In one embodiment, the seat  22  can be fixedly and immovably mounted to the ATV  20 . In such an embodiment, the mounting structures (e.g.,  40 ) can comprise bolts, hooks, and/or other fasteners which can interface corresponding portions on the ATV  20 . In another embodiment, however, the seat  22  can be hingedly connected to the ATV  20  so that it may be pivoted upwardly to reveal an underlying storage location where the ATV&#39;s battery and/or other items are stored. In this circumstance, at least some of the mounting structures (e.g.,  40 ) can be configured to interface a hinge, whereby the hinge can interface the ATV  20 , while other mounting structures (e.g.,  40 ) can be configured to provide or interface a latch for selectively securing the seat  22  in at least one of an opened position and a closed position. In still other embodiments, the seat might be alternatively moveable through longitudinal sliding or otherwise. 
   The base  32  is shown to include a number of vertical and horizontal ribs which can provide structural rigidity to the seat  22 . As better shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , these ribs can include a first vertical rib  43 , a second vertical rib  45 , a third vertical rib  47 , first horizontal ribs  49 , and second horizontal ribs  51 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-5 , at least a portion of the first vertical rib  43  forms a first side wall  42 , at least a portion of the second vertical rib  45  forms a second side wall  44 , and at least a portion of the third vertical rib forms a third side wall  46 . Additionally, at least portions of the first horizontal ribs  49  form top walls  48 , and at least portions of the second horizontal ribs  51  form bottom walls  50 . Together, the first side wall  42 , the second side wall  44 , the third side wall  46 , the top walls  48 , and the bottom walls  50  cooperate to define a receptacle having a chamber  34  with an opening  36 . A tab  38  can be provided adjacent to the opening  36  and can be moveable between a first position and a second position. 
   In this specific configuration, the second side wall  44  can be generally parallel with and spaced from the first side wall  42 . The third side wall  46  can be generally perpendicular to the first sidewall  42  and the second side wall  44  and can extend at least partially from the first side wall  42  to the second side wall  44 . The bottom walls  50  and the top walls  48  can be spaced from each other in a generally parallel arrangement and can extend at least partially from the first side wall  42  to the second side wall  44 . For example, the bottom walls  50  provided by the second horizontal ribs  51  are shown in  FIG. 5  to extend only partially from each of the first and second side walls  42 ,  44  toward the other of the first and second side walls  42 ,  44 . In this configuration, as the bottom walls  50  do not extend entirely between the first and second side walls  42 ,  44 , the bottom of the chamber  34  has an open nature whereby a manual within the chamber  34  can be visible (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 ) or potentially contacted by an operator from below the chamber  34 . In alternative embodiments, one or more of the bottom walls may extend entirely between the first and second side walls  42 ,  44  which, depending upon the precise configuration of the bottom walls, may or may not facilitate an operator&#39;s viewing and/or contacting of a manual within the chamber from below the chamber. In an alternative configuration, one or more bottom walls might extend at least partially from the first side wall  42  to the second side wall  44  without contacting and/or becoming adjacent to either the first or second side walls  42 ,  44 . 
   The bottom walls  50  and the top walls  48  can also extend at least partially from the third side wall  46  to the tab  38 . For example, the bottom walls  50  are shown in FIG.  5  to extend only partially from the third side wall  46  to the tab  38 . In this configuration, as the bottom walls  50  do not extend entirely between the third side wall  46  and the tab  38 , the bottom of the chamber  34  has an open nature whereby a manual within the chamber  34  can be visible (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 ) or potentially contacted by an operator from below the chamber  34 . In alternative embodiments, one or more of the bottom walls may extend entirely between the third side wall  46  and the tab  38 . It will be appreciated that one or more of the bottom walls might alternatively extend at least partially from the third side wall  46  to the tab  38  without contacting or becoming adjacent to either the third side wall  46  and/or the tab  38 . It will also be appreciated that the top walls  48  and the third side wall  46  can similarly be provided to extend in any of a variety of specific configurations. By providing the first side wall  42 , the second side wall  44 , the third side wall  46 , the top walls  48 , the bottom walls  50 , and the tab  38 , the base  32  functions to at least substantially define the chamber  34 . It will be appreciated that a base in accordance with the present invention can provide ribs or other structures for supporting an owner&#39;s manual in any of a variety of alternative configurations. 
   The tab  38  is shown to include a finger portion  54  which is configured to receive contact from an operator&#39;s finger to facilitate hinged movement of the tab  38  between the first position and the second position. As most clearly depicted in  FIG. 5 , the tab  38  can be integral with the base  32 , and a narrowed portion  52  can be provided along the tab  38  to serve as a living hinge. In other embodiments, the tab can be provided separately from the base but can be attached to the seat, such as to the base. The tab  38  can provide a fourth side wall  58  to further define the chamber  34  when the tab  38  is in the first position and to retain or block an owner&#39;s manual within the chamber  34 . The tab  38  is shown in the first position in  FIGS. 5-6  for example, while the tab  38  is shown in the second position in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , for example, the tab  38  can move between the first and second positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the seat  22 . However, it will be appreciated that a tab in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can alternatively be configured to move or swing in any of a variety of alternative directions when moving between the first and second positions, provided that the tab at least partially blocks the opening to the chamber when in one position, but does not substantially block the opening to the chamber when in the other position. 
   The chamber  34  can be configured to provide a storage location for an owner&#39;s manual for the vehicle. For example,  FIG. 6  depicts a spiral bound owner&#39;s manual  56  being retained within the chamber  34 , while  FIG. 7  depicts a hardcover owner&#39;s manual being partially retained within the chamber  34 . In both instances, the owner&#39;s manual is maintained securely within the chamber so long as the tab remains in the first position. However, when an operator wishes to remove the owner&#39;s manual from the chamber, the operator need only depress the tab into the second position and then manually pull or withdraw the owner&#39;s manual from the chamber and through the opening. It will be appreciated that by mere displacement of the tab  38  into the second position, complete access is provided to the contents of the chamber  34 . To reinsert the owners manual into the chamber for storage therein, an operator can depress the tab and can then insert the owner&#39;s manual through the opening and into the chamber. After the owner&#39;s manual has been fully inserted into the chamber, the tab can be released by an operator, and the tab (e.g., its fourth side wall) can serve to prevent the owner&#39;s manual from escaping from the chamber through the opening. 
   In one embodiment, the seat  22  can be configured such that the opening  36  to the chamber  34  is accessible to an operator without movement of the seat  22  in order that the owner&#39;s manual can be removed from the chamber  34  by an operator without movement of the seat  22 . This configuration can be particularly beneficial for use with seats which are fixed in place (e.g., not hinged or longitudinally slideable). However, in vehicles having a hinged seat, it will be appreciated that it may be necessary to move or rotate the seat upwardly before removing an owner&#39;s manual through the opening of a chamber. 
   The chamber  38  as depicted and described with respect to  FIGS. 3-7  is shown to be entirely defined by ribs provided by the base  32  of the seat  22 . It will be appreciated that this configuration can, in some circumstances, be cost effective and simple to implement, as it can be achieved through a mere alteration of the molding equipment and manufacturing process for the base  32  of the seat  22 . It should also be appreciated that the specific combination of ribs depicted and described with respect to  FIGS. 3-7  is merely illustrative and that any number of alternate rib arrangements can be provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
   While a receptacle can be formed integrally with the base of a seat as described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-7 , a receptacle might alternatively be at least partially provided by one or more components which are separate from a seat but are configured for attachment to the seat and/or another part of a vehicle. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a frame  125  can be formed from steel, plastic, or some other material to include a first side member  143 , a second side member  145 , a third side member  147 , and one or more horizontal members  151 . At least a portion of the first side member  143  is shown to provide a first side wall  142 , at least a portion of the second side wall  145  is shown to provide a second side wall  144 , and at least a portion of the third side member  147  is shown to provide a third side wall  146 . Portions of the horizontal members  151  can provide bottom walls  150 . The first side wall  142 , the second side wall  144 , the third side wall  146 , and the bottom walls  150  can together at least partially define a chamber  134 , wherein an opening  136  is provided to the chamber  134 . In some embodiments, these components of the frame can at least substantially define the chamber. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the first side wall  143 , the second side wall  145 , the third side wall  146 , and the bottom walls  150  of the frame  125  cooperate with an underside of the seat  122  (e.g., the base  132 ) to define the chamber  134 . 
   With regard to the specific frame  125  depicted in  FIGS. 8-9 , the second side wall  144  is generally parallel with and spaced from the first side wall  142 . The third side wall  146  is generally perpendicular to the first side wall  142  and the second side wall  144  and extends at least partially from the first side wall  142  to the second side wall  144 . The bottom walls  150  are generally parallel with and spaced from an underside of the seat  122  (e.g., the base  132 ) and extend at least partially from the first side wall  142  to the second side wall  144  as well as at least partially from the third side wall  146  to the tab  138 . However, it will be appreciated that a frame in accordance with the present invention can be constructed in any of a variety of alternative configurations. 
   The frame  125  can also include one or more mounting members  160  which can be used to facilitate attachment of the frame  125  to a seat or another portion of a vehicle. In particular, the mounting members  160  can include at least one aperture  162  through which bolts (e.g.,  164 ) can be received. For example as shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame  125  can be attached to an underside of a base  132  of a seat  122  through use of bolts (e.g.,  164 ) and/or adhesives. In the example depicted in  FIG. 9 , the base  132  provides a top wall and the frame  125  works in conjunction with the base  132  to define the chamber  134  for storage of an owner&#39;s manual. In other embodiments, however, a frame may include sufficient walls to completely define a chamber (e.g., without need for any contribution from a vehicular component such as the base of a seat). It will be furthermore appreciated that a frame in accordance with the teachings of the present invention might not be attached to the seat of a vehicle, but might rather be attached to another part of the vehicle disposed below a vehicle&#39;s seat. 
   A moveable tab can be connected to a frame in any of a variety of alternative configurations. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , a tab  138  can be moveably attached to the first side member  143  of the frame  125  through use of a hinge  152 . However, the tab  138  might be alternatively attached to another portion of the frame  125 , such as to the second side member  145  and/or a horizontal member  151 . The tab  138  is shown to include a finger portion  154  which can receive contact from an operator in moving the tab  138  between a first position and a second position. The tab  138  can also include a fourth side wall  158  which can be configured to further define the chamber  134  when the tab  138  is in its first position. Upon displacement of the tab  138  from the first position to the second position, an owner&#39;s manual can be inserted into the chamber  134  through the opening  136 . When the tab  138  is returned to its first position, the owner&#39;s manual can remain secured within chamber  134  until such time as the tab  138  is again moved to its second position by an operator and the manual is removed from the chamber  134  through the opening  136 . 
   A tab in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can be biased toward its first position so that when the tab is in its second position, and if an operator removes his or her finger from the tab, the tab will return to its first position. In one example, with reference to the tab  38  depicted in  FIG. 5 , the biasing can be provided by the narrowed portion  52 , whereby the tab  38  returns to its first position after being bent to its second position by an operator. In another example, with reference to the tab  138  depicted in  FIG. 8 , the hinge  152  can include a spring and/or one or more external springs can be provided to bias the tab  138  in its first position. It will be appreciated that a tab in accordance with the present invention can be biased in any of a variety of alternative suitable manners. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , a seat  222  is depicted in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The seat  222  extends from a front end  226  to a rear end  228  and includes an opening  236  in the rear end  228  for providing access to a chamber  234 . A tab  238  can be attached to the seat  222  adjacent to the opening  236  and can be moveable between a first position (shown in  FIG. 10 ) and a second position. When in the first position, the tab  238  can serve to retain a manual  256  within the chamber  234 . However, when moved to the second position by an operator, the manual  256  can be easily removed from the chamber  234 . 
   Spiral bound and hardcover owner&#39;s manuals can provide advantages in durability as compared to other types of owner&#39;s manuals (e.g., having a soft cover). However, spiral bound and hardcover owners manuals which are not intended to be bent can accordingly be prone to damage if secured through conventional arrangements involving a rubber band and/or only fixed ribs. Accordingly, a receptacle and/or seat in accordance with the present invention can provide advantages when used with a spiral bound owner&#39;s manual and a hardcover owner&#39;s manual. For example, such a manual need not be bent for insertion into the receptacle or for removal from the receptacle, and when stored within the receptacle, the manual is not being constantly held under force of a rubber band. However, it will also be appreciated that a receptacle and/or seat in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can accommodate manuals other than owner&#39;s manuals such as, for example, soft-cover booklets, pamphlets, maps, documents, folded literature, and stapled literature. In addition, although certain of the foregoing examples indicate storage of an owner&#39;s manual upon an ATV, it will be appreciated that a receptacle and/or seat in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can be provided upon any of a variety of alternative vehicles such as, for example, motorcycles, personal watercrafts, scooters, bicycles, and other saddle-type vehicles. 
   The foregoing description of embodiments and examples of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1