Complementary To Vehicle Patents (Class 224/539)
  • Patent number: 11858465
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a compartment side wall. The compartment side wall extends from a compartment floor to an upper rim of the compartment side wall. The console assembly includes a receptacle side wall that extends upward from a receptacle floor of the console assembly to define a receptacle. The console assembly further includes a panel that has opposite first and second sides. The panel is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the panel, the panel, the compartment side wall, and the compartment floor define a compartment of the console assembly, and the first side of the panel faces the compartment. In the second position, the panel covers the receptacle of the console assembly and a surface of the first side of the panel is substantially planar with a surface of the compartment floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Thomas, Stephen Neal Jacobsen, Michele Marie Mathews
  • Patent number: 11827135
    Abstract: A system for transporting food within a vehicle comprises providing a recessed cavity within the floor of the vehicle and placing a food container within the recessed cavity. In certain embodiments, the recessed cavity may be provided within the trunk or flatbed of the vehicle and may include a heat-resistant and/or non-slip lining. In some further embodiments, the recess may include a cover having a top surface matching that of the vehicle floor, that may situate within the recessed cavity when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Elvin Crow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11772448
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a temperature of a compartment of a vehicle are provided. The vehicle system includes a compartment, one or more processors, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive information about an item; determine whether the item needs to be temperature controlled based on the information; and instruct a temperature control system to adjust a temperature of the compartment of the vehicle in response to determining the item needs to be temperature controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Armin Lange
  • Patent number: 11724634
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a substrate that defines a channel that has a bottom, a retention feature that is coupled to the substrate and that extends into the channel, and a panel that is operably coupled to the retention feature. The panel is movable between a locked position, wherein the panel is maintained in an upright position by the retention feature, and an unlocked position, wherein the panel is operable to pivot relative to the retention feature between the upright position and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fabio Andres Bernal Zuñiga, Mario Rosas Chávez, Carlos José Rodrigo Valero Reyes
  • Patent number: 11654810
    Abstract: A console assembly includes a body that has a front portion and a rear portion. The body defines a support extension extending from a rear portion. The support extension includes a guide and a resilient member that defines a channel. A lid is operably coupled to the body. A connector outwardly extends from the lid and is coupled to the support extension. An engagement member is positioned within the channel and is coupled to the connector and mutually engageable with the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shiran Chen
  • Patent number: 11643024
    Abstract: A tool tray securely and removably positioned on the hood of a vehicle with an expandable mounting bar and hooks is disclosed. The tool tray could assist the technician by bringing and holding tools and lights to the workplace area. The tool tray comprises a box for holding tools and parts when the technician is servicing engine parts. The box is provided with ridges, pockets, and recesses, which are molded into the bottom portion. The box further comprises multiple slots, configured to receive customizable partition panels. One or more magnetic strips are securely positioned at the front portion and within the interior surface of the box, configured to retainably hold the ferrous objects such as the tools and fasteners. The tool tray further comprises light fixtures, gooseneck lights, and a power source, positioned at the bottom portion of the tool tray, configured to provide light or illuminate the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventors: Roy Wells, Joachim Schaab
  • Patent number: 11608003
    Abstract: A vehicular storage arrangement includes a storage compartment, a resiliently normally bendable divider for dividing the storage compartment, and a mount for the divider in the storage compartment. The mount is configured to make slidable peripheral engagement with the divider, under which the mount is configured to support the divider in a mounted position, and urge the divider to normally bend in the mounted position, thereby tightening the slidable peripheral engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sathya Shankar Kuttumukkula Chandrasekaran, Robert J. Hazlewood, Vikas Bhatia, Patrick J. Edgar
  • Patent number: 11524734
    Abstract: A personal modular trunk and a modular trunk system employing the personal modular trunk for reducing privacy issues and inconveniences that may arise when a vehicle is shared. The personal modular trunk includes: a trunk body; a first communication unit installed in the trunk body and configured to communicate with a vehicle; a first driving unit installed in the trunk body and configured to transport the trunk body; a first engagement unit installed in the trunk body and configured to engage or disengage with a loading space of the vehicle; and a first control unit configured to control the first communication unit to communicate with the vehicle, control the first driving unit to transport the trunk body toward the vehicle, and control the first engagement unit to engage or disengage with the loading space of the vehicle so that the trunk body is coupled to or separated from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chansoo Kim, Haneol Cho, Kyung O Baek
  • Patent number: 11525241
    Abstract: In a hydraulic shovel including a crawler-type lower traveling body and a storage box provided at the front side of the right side of an upper rotating body, the upper face of the crawler has a stable space that can be used as a scaffold for a worker or as a temporary storage space such as a supply tank. The storage box has, at the front side of the right side, a notch that is obliquely cut from the upper side of the inner end in the left-and-right direction of the crawler to the rear side of the left and right outer sides. The notch has, at the lower side thereof, the upper face of the crawler that provides a space S usable as a scaffold for a worker or as a temporary storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Niladri Manna, Shigeo Kajita, Kazushige Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11458903
    Abstract: A storage assembly for a vehicle includes retention features that are operable between a first position and a second position. A receiving portion defines a first opening and a second opening. A support body is coupled to the receiving portion via at least one coupling member, and a retention member is operably coupled to the support body and is selectively coupled to the retention features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Oscar Anaya
  • Patent number: 11148600
    Abstract: A storage device for vehicle includes one member which can house an article on an inside; and another member attached to an outside of the one member in a state wherein at least one portion is superimposed. An essential portion includes a buffer material disposed inside the one member and can abut against the article to be housed therein, and the buffer material includes a portion sandwiched between the one member and the another member, and formed to extend from the buffer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Norihide Tachibana
  • Patent number: 11097671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a center console (1) for a vehicle comprising a console body (3) and an upper part (11) provided on the console body (3) on which functional elements and at least one trim element (2) are mounted. According to the invention, the at least one trim element (2) is made of glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Claire Mattelet, Pierre Humblet
  • Patent number: 11040664
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle includes a bin having a sidewall that defines an inner cavity. The sidewall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. A lid is rotatably coupled to the bin. The lid is operable between a lowered position enclosing the inner cavity and a raised position. The lid includes a body having a bottom surface. A support member is disposed on the bottom surface of the body. The support member includes a protrusion and a bumper. The protrusion and the bumper are coupled together via a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derren Woods, Scott Holmes Dunham
  • Patent number: 10232796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting device (101, 201) for a tablet computer (105). The device (101, 201) includes a barrel (107) having an opening (111) for receiving an edge of the tablet computer (105). The device (101, 201) has a housing (106) and means (109) for rotatably mounting the barrel (107). The barrel (107) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (X) between a first position in which the opening (111) is at least partially covered by the housing and at least a second position in which the opening (111) is exposed to receive the tablet computer (105). The housing (106) can, for example, take the form of a table. The supporting device (101, 201) can be provided in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Ian Barnes
  • Patent number: 10040400
    Abstract: The present invention is a retaining device, wherein a pedestal part is attached to a vehicle. The retaining part has a turning shaft part and a loading part. A main body turnably supports the turning shaft part. An outward-jutting part is provided on the main body and is designed to be secured to the bottom part of the pedestal part. A locking part is provided on the main body. A part to be locked is locked to the locking part. The locking part and the outward-jutting part are provided so as to sandwich the turning shaft part, and receive the load applied to the loading part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventors: Jung Hyung Cho, Bong Won Jung
  • Patent number: 9963084
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis, a cab attached to the chassis, a seat positioned in the cab, a console associated with the seat and a track system coupled to the console. The track system includes a track and a display device. The track is connected to the console, and the track has first and second features. The display device is movingly coupled to the first feature and to the second feature. The display device is configured to be pushed along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Jacobsthal, David G. Lutz, Aaron R. Richard, David C. Sachtleben, Carl J. Hagele, William K. Dooley, Peter J. Zerillo, Steve S. Savov
  • Patent number: 9725043
    Abstract: A cargo cover assembly is provided. That cargo cover assembly includes a cargo area cover and a flipper panel. The flipper panel has a proximal end pivotally connected to the cargo area cover and a distal end carrying a roller for engaging a back of the seat that is located vehicle forward of the cargo area cover. The cargo area cover includes a housing, a cover-retracting mechanism held in the housing and a flexible cover displaceable between extended and retracted positions. One or more storage compartments may be provided in the flipper panel and storage hooks may be adjustably mounted to the housing of the cargo area cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Leonard Gus Prezecki, II
  • Patent number: 9561753
    Abstract: A console bin assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That console bin assembly includes a housing defining a storage compartment. Opposed channels are carried on the housing. Each of the opposed channels has an open end. In addition, the console bin assembly includes a tray including opposed projections that are received in the opposed channels. As a consequence, the tray may be stably secured in a storage position, flipped to increase access to the lower region of the storage compartment or fully removed from the storage compartment and console bin assembly if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Mendoza Vera, Maria Fernanda Medina Luna
  • Patent number: 9321384
    Abstract: A cup holder comprises a lid body in which an upper lid and a lower lid are connected by an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism includes: a claw part that protrudes from the upper lid; an arch part that protrudes from the lower lid and engages with the claw part; and a protrusion wall that is provided contiguously to the upper lid or the lower lid and restricts the arch part from collapsing in a state where the claw part and the arch part are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kawashima, Takeshi Sato, Hideki Usami, Hiroshi Izawa
  • Publication number: 20150144671
    Abstract: A barrier apparatus (“car cache' for purses” or “handbag hammock”) has a substrate sized to approximately traverse a space between a pair of front seats and slightly behind a front center console of a motor vehicle. Straps attached to corners of the barrier apparatus are attachable respectively to an upper portion of each front seat and to the console, holding the barrier in place to receive a purse/handbag or similar small article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Sterling Capital Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine L. Seifert
  • Patent number: 9010832
    Abstract: A multi-piece tank enclosure comprises a horizontal cover and a vertical panel removably connected to each other and to the vehicle body such that they form a space for enclosing a tank that is mounted on the vehicle body. The horizontal cover can comprise an assembly formed by a lid and a toolbox bin, and the vertical panel can be provided with an opening for accessing the tank fittings. The multi-piece tank enclosure can be installed on a vehicle by removably attaching the horizontal cover and the vertical panel to the vehicle body. The multi-piece tank enclosure can accommodate toolbox bins of different sizes, each matched to a different sized tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Howell, Paul G. Guaresimo, William G. Szuch
  • Publication number: 20150097012
    Abstract: The “Tire Table” is a foldable, durable and compactable table with a foldable swing arm that attaches to a vehicle tire for it's main support. This foldable swing arm allows the table to be cantilevered, needing no legs, tools or special attachments for installation and use. It is one piece and can be easily removed, folded and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Ward Haskell Graham
  • Publication number: 20150048643
    Abstract: One disclosed aspect of the embodiments is an apparatus to hold a mobile device in a vehicle. A sleeve is stretchable to fit longitudinally along a sun visor of a vehicle and having front and back surfaces. The front surface has a vent structure. A first strap is transversely attached on the front surface at a first side of the vent structure to hold a first end of a first device. A second strap is transversely attached on the front surface at a second side of the vent structure to adjustably hold a second end of the first device. The second side is opposite to the first side across the vent structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GOUGAH PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Son Nam Doan, Nick Ngoc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8939335
    Abstract: A firearm mount for a trunk or cargo space of a vehicle comprises a firearm mount and a support member. The firearm mount is shaped to receive and lockably secure a firearm. The firearm mount is connectable to the support member, and the support member is positionable within the trunk or cargo space to slidably retract inwardly to a storage position and to slidably extend outwardly to an access position. When installed, the firearm mount and the support member are positioned to suspend the firearm within the trunk or cargo for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Publication number: 20140374453
    Abstract: A waterproof container is provided for collecting, securely enclosing, transporting and storing pocket contents, personal possessions, weapons, contraband, evidence and other paraphernalia collected from a person of interest who has been stopped or is being detained, frisked, questioned or arrested. A base structure underlies and supports the container. A snap-together connection releasably attaches the container to the base structure. Magnetic material and a hook formation preferably are provided to hold the base structure in place on the exterior of a lockable closure of a police vehicle, typically on a trunk lid of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Eric C. Parks
  • Publication number: 20140374454
    Abstract: A safety vest unit is disclosed having at least one compactly packed safety vest and also having a packaging of a thin flexible fabric that encompasses the at least one safety vest. In accordance with the invention, the packaging that encompasses the safety vest is embodied as vacuum packaging. Installation in the case of a passenger car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Markus HINTENNACH
  • Publication number: 20140312087
    Abstract: A long gun rack for holding long guns on the inside of a vehicle door. The rack contains four essential pieces, one which rests on the vehicle door handle, a second which rests on the vehicle door cubby slot, third and on the opposite side is a rest for the butt of the gun and fourth another rest for the arm of the gun. All pieces are rotatable and moveable to allow for adaptation to many vehicles and guns. The holder rests on the door in such a way as to require no hard fastening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Malingen, Jay Christenson
  • Publication number: 20140305980
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory retaining system including a lug extending upwardly from a floor mat positioned on a floor of a vehicle, the lug being integral with the floor mat and having an opening. The vehicle accessory retaining system may further include a post extending from an accessory and adapted to be received in the opening of the lug to releasably secure the accessory. A socket may define a channel in a sidewall of the accessory for receipt of the lug, the post extending into the channel to engage the lug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Every, Michael Conrad, Richard Gerberding, Gregory Parsons, Jared Woodruff, Mark Ortscheid, William C. Trimborn, IV
  • Publication number: 20140299643
    Abstract: A trunk storage device is provided. The trunk storage device may have a base constructed to be substantially planar, a storage unit attached to an edge of the base, and a connection portion connecting the storage unit to the base. The connection portion may provide a spacing between the base and the storage unit to allow passage of a mat positioned at a bottom of a vehicle trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Forgione
  • Publication number: 20140291372
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly can cover a vehicle storage area such as an interior console or a cargo box. The storage assembly can include a base and a lid. The lid can be opened from two sides to allow easy access for a driver and passengers to an interior storage compartment. The base includes at least two rods, which can act as axles for the lid to pivot about. The lid includes at least one rotation member or guide which can be released from the rod only when the lid is in a desired position, for example, a closed position. The lid can include a latch for each rod. The lid can have a lock to secure one or both of the latches with the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8807408
    Abstract: A storage area, particularly for vehicles, comprising a frame having opposite legs and a plurality of bars extending from one of the opposite legs of the frame to the other leg. The bars are each implemented as a detented system, so that they can be displaced independently of each other between a starting position and an ending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Raimund Kreis
  • Patent number: 8794492
    Abstract: An article-storage unit is configured to store various articles in several compartments. The article-storage unit is compactable to assume a smaller size when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Cosco Management
    Inventors: Daniel Ballou, Ryan Redenbaugh
  • Patent number: 8794494
    Abstract: A trunk storage device is provided. The trunk storage device may have a base constructed to be substantially planar, a storage unit attached to an edge of the base, and a connection portion connecting the storage unit to the base. The connection portion may provide a spacing between the base and the storage unit to allow passage of a mat positioned at a bottom of a vehicle trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Forgione
  • Publication number: 20140158730
    Abstract: A firearm holster for storing a firearm within a vehicle such that the firearm is secure and easily accessible. The holster includes a backing panel and a firearm housing connected to the backing panel and structured and operable to provide a firearm receptacle to removably retain a firearm. The holster additionally includes a support panel connectable to the backing panel. The support panel structured and operable to be positioned and secured, along with the backing panel and firearm receptacle, between two closely adjacent structures of the vehicle and to contact a floor of the vehicle along a bottom edge such that the firearm receptacle is positionable at a desired height above the floor between the closely adjacent structures. The holster further includes a cinching strap connected to the backing panel. The cinching strap structured and operable to secure the holster to an anchor point within the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: James McDonnell
  • Publication number: 20140124554
    Abstract: The Little Green Hen® Emergency Medical Alert Seat Belt Wrap is a fitted fabric rectangle with a front facing pocket that wraps around the shoulder section of Type 2 integral lap/shoulder safety belts in motor vehicles and is secured with hook and loop closure. The pocket has a white rectangular patch with rounded corners bordered in red surrounding the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency) in red letters. ICE has been used since 2005 as a method of programming emergency contacts into cell phones. The pocket holds a plastic sleeve containing Medical and ICE Emergency Contact information that Emergency Responders can quickly access. Additionally, the pocket has a length of reflective fabric tape in the shape of a triangle stitched immediately above the ICE patch. In low light conditions, flashlights will reflect from the triangle and serve as an additional alert to responders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Carolyn Rae Van Kort
  • Patent number: 8701951
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a high voltage traction battery, a front door trim including a removable trim panel, a removable/portable bag integral to the removable trim panel for storing inside the front door trim when the removable trim panel is attached to the front door trim. A charge cord kit is contained in the removable/portable bag, and includes a charge cord for connecting to an electrical power supply to charge the high voltage traction battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, Kathleen Pecoraro
  • Publication number: 20140079250
    Abstract: An information device for a moving object includes a display panel that is openable and closable via a rotating shaft of hinges, storing holes passing through the display panel, and a holding mechanism provided in the storing holes and holding stored devices fitted and stored in the storing holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Hirota
  • Publication number: 20140049101
    Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: CHRIS R. SNIDER, VINEET GUPTA, JOSEPH K. HUNTZINGER, MICHAEL G. COADY, CURTIS ALLEN STAPERT, KEVIN EARL MEYER, TIMOTHY D. GARNER, JEFFREY T. BELL, ROBERT L. VADAS, DONALD G. MOESCHBERGER, ALLEN E. OBERLIN, PAUL C. BURTON, DAN D. CARMAN, GARY L. STAHL, JOHN MICHAEL MATLY, RICK L. HATCHER, EDGAR GLENN HASSLER, QUAN N. NGUYEN, WILLIAM R. REED, KIP R. PIEL, JERRY J. WENDLING, TIM A. KENWORTHY, PAUL A. UGLUM, MICHAEL E. FYE, PHILIP M. SCOTT
  • Patent number: 8651351
    Abstract: A cargo management assembly for a vehicle having a support structure having a utility wall and side supports. A cabinet assembly is operably connected with the support structure. A barrier partition is disposed above the utility wall. A floor member is disposed below the cabinet assembly and the barrier partition. The floor member includes a spare tire access panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Hugh Fowler, Gary R Fulkerson, Randy Michael Freiburger
  • Patent number: 8646668
    Abstract: A storage container for a vehicle is provided and includes a bottom wall and an outer wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the outer wall together define a storage compartment. The storage container is configured to be removably secured to a rack of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip A. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20140021232
    Abstract: A cargo management system can include a receptacle and a removable storage device. The receptacle can be formed relative to an exterior panel of the vehicle and can have a rear wall spaced apart from an outer surface of the exterior panel. The outer surface can have a first contour. The removable storage device can be removably received in the receptacle and selectively secured to the vehicle. The storage device can include an upper portion, a lower portion and a latch mechanism. The upper portion can be pivotable relative to the lower portion to provide access to an interior of the storage device. The latch mechanism can selectively secure the storage device to the vehicle when in a stored position in the receptacle. An outer surface of the upper portion and the lower portion can include a second contour, where the second contour can substantially match the first contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Lazarevich, David B. Reed, Peter W. Mattes, Gary D. Lock
  • Publication number: 20140008406
    Abstract: A vehicle trim panel assembly is provided having a beverage retainer formed in a storage compartment on the door of an automotive vehicle. The trim panel assembly includes a storage receptacle and a trim panel arranged to define at least a portion of the storage receptacle. The trim panel includes a base portion connected to a beverage retainer portion via a living hinge. The beverage retainer portion is pivoted about the living hinge into position within the storage receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kim Langenbacher, Steve Dreher, Scott H. Dunham, Ammad Bhatti
  • Patent number: 8616425
    Abstract: A trim panel for an interior upper surface of a roof of a vehicle includes a plurality of hanging features disposed thereon. Each of the hanging features includes a slot defined by the trim panel, and a hanging portion extending across the slot. The hanging portion is configured to support a clothes hanger thereon. The trim panel may extend laterally across a width of the vehicle, transverse to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and may be disposed adjacent a rear closure assembly, such as a hatchback of an SUV or other similar vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James G. Gobart, Albert H. Butlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8611098
    Abstract: A releasing apparatus for a subscriber identity module (SIM) card includes a bracket, a rack received in the bracket for manipulating the SIM card, a pivot pole pivotably received in the bracket, and a movable member pivotably attached to the bracket. The movable member includes a biasing portion and an engaging portion formed from opposite ends of the movable member. A tab and a biasing protrusion are formed from opposite ends of the pivoting member. The engaging portion is operated to rotate the movable member. The biasing portion presses the tab of the pivot pole to rotate the pivot pole. The biasing protrusion biases the rack and SIM card away from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xin Yang
  • Publication number: 20130248572
    Abstract: A center console box is dimensioned for receipt between laterally spaced seats in an automotive vehicle. Sidewalls and end walls cooperate with a bottom wall having a stepped configuration to accommodate a HVAC duct passing beneath the raised bottom wall portion of the console box. A slidable wall portion is laterally movable between a first, storage position where it resides beneath the first bottom wall portion, and a second, operative position disposed in generally side-by-side relation with the first bottom wall portion. This forms a hidden compartment in the extended depth portion of the cavity overlying the second bottom wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald W. Myers
  • Publication number: 20130126570
    Abstract: A tray system has a trunnion carriage mounted to a recess in a housing. A trunnion body is rotatably mounted to the carriage. A push member is slidable within the carriage. Moving the push member from a first end of travel to a second end of travel transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to a deployed position. When the push member is at the second end then it locks the trunnion body against movement out from the deployed position. Moving the push member back to the first end transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to the retracted position. A tray coupled to and movable with the trunnion body retracts vertically in the recess when the trunnion body is in the retracted position and deploys horizontally outward from the recess when the trunnion body is in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Miklas
  • Patent number: 8444008
    Abstract: A tissue holder and dispenser includes a cuboid shaped housing having a front panel, two planer side panels and a planer rear panel as well as a planer bottom panel and an open top. The front planer panel includes a horizontal slot through which individual tissues are dispensed while one side wall includes a rectangular opening through which an empty tissue box can be ejected by pushing it out of the housing with a finger inserted through a circular opening on the opposite side wall that is aligned with the rectangular opening in the first side wall. The housing is constructed and dimensioned to hold from one to four tissue boxes with the top of each box facing a front surface of the rectangular front planer panel so that a slit in the top of the tissue box on the bottom of the housing will come into register with a slot in the lower portion of the rectangular front planer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Khaled Abdullah M. Al-Mahnna
  • Publication number: 20130112725
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vehicle-mounted library workstation, comprising a shell, on which a books and disks identifying module and a reader card identifying module are arranged; wherein the books and disks identifying module comprises a book reading antenna and a book reader for driving the book reading antenna, decoding and transferring data scanned by the book reading antenna; the book reader and reader card reading device are RFID tags readers; the vehicle-mounted library workstation being connected to a computer while working, wherein the computer controls the reader card identifying module to collect information of the reader card, controls the books and disks identifying module to collect information of the books and disks, and processes the information of the reader card and information of the books or disks to finish operations of borrowing and returning books.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Tao Luo, Jinghong Yang, Yongdong Wang, Cuihong Wu, Zhenxiong Huang, Qingqiang Lu, Ying Chen, Xiaohong Luo, Guoxun Chen, Yun Luo, Furong Bai, Songlin Wang, Yanhong Wang, Xiaojin Peng
  • Publication number: 20130001267
    Abstract: A vehicle rack, such as for a recreational utility vehicle, comprises two or more supports which support a raised storage area. The raised storage area comprises at least one decked portion for supporting cargo, such as above a cab of the vehicle. A lower area is defined below the raised storage area and within the supports. The lower area may be generally enclosed by rear and/or side panels. The rear and/or side panels may be moved between closed and open positions. The rear and/or side panels may also be moved to a seating or shelf position. The rack may be mounted to a tilting bed of a vehicle so as to move with the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Infantino
  • Publication number: 20120280014
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for positioning portable telephones on sun visors in vehicles. The holder may be in the general form of a rectangular box structure with a back side wall with a hanger attached, a right and a left side wall attached to the back side wall, a front side wall attached to the two side walls, and a bottom wall to form an open top interior chamber. The front side wall may have at least one opening therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Ruben Lopez-Apodaca