At Rear Of Seat Patents (Class 296/37.16)
  • Publication number: 20090167043
    Abstract: A cargo storage and support system and method is provided for use in a vehicle which includes a substantially planar storage body made of a collapsible material and having a first edge and a second edge substantially parallel to the first edge, at least one collapsible storage area formed within the substantially planar storage body and at least one attachment structure formed adjacent the first edge and the second edge of the storage body for attachment to a vehicle body. The storage body is maintained in tension when in use so that it can carry a load. The storage areas are formed within the storage body and can be accessed from a top surface of the storage body and are collapsible. The storage body can also be removed from the vehicle for pre-loading or if it is not being used. Attachment structures formed adjacent the storage body mate with receiving structures formed on a vehicle so that the storage body is maintained in tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Paul T. Aebker
  • Patent number: 7543872
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo slide system comprising a forward cross-member, a side member, and a rearward cross-member is coupled to a cargo bay floor. A platform, having a generally rectilinear configuration, is coupled to the members. The platform slides forward and rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventors: Scott M. Burns, John E. Sciullo
  • Patent number: 7537257
    Abstract: A stowable wall assembly, for providing a cargo pocket in a vehicle having two adjacent seats spaced from each other to define therebetween a space within a passenger compartment, is provided. The wall assembly includes at least two wall members adapted to be stowed in respective storage positions, each of the wall members being configure to have a deployed position extending into the passenger compartment to provide a partition wall for the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Watanabe, Shigeya Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20090115216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a cargo space (12) of a motor vehicle, said cargo space being bordered by an outwardly pivotable vehicle lid (14), in particular a trunk lid, said device comprising an extractable roller blind device (26, 22, 24) which can be driven at least in the retraction direction and which forms a roller blind web (22) which extends over an area in its extracted state between a first end (26) of the roller blind and a second end (24) of the roller blind, and first and second positioning means (32, 34, 31) arranged in the vehicle for positioning the first and/or second ends (26, 24) of the roller blind(s) by means of which the roller blind web (22) can be extracted into a covering position in which the roller blind web (22) extends essentially horizontally over the cargo space (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Ulf Plettrichs, Jurgen Klingenberg, Fritz Wegener, Peter Biecker
  • Publication number: 20090108609
    Abstract: A rear console box in accordance with the present invention is for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, seat rows on the floor, and an aisle between the seat rows. The rear console box is disposed in the aisle. The rear console box includes a console box body, a hinge configured to connect the console box body with respect to the floor and thereby allow the console box body to pivot between a horizontal position and a raised position. The horizontal position is in the aisle and is substantially horizontal relative to the floor. The raised position is outside the aisle and in front of the aisle. The rear console box also includes a support member configured to extend between the console box body and the floor. The support member supports the console box body and thereby holds the raised position of the console box body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji HIRAI, Masashi TSUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090096241
    Abstract: A storage structure for a cover member of a sliding roof type vehicle is equipped with a cover member (20) capable of open and close for covering the opening section formed in the roof of the vehicle, the first rails (13R, 13L) for guiding the opening or closing of the cover member (20) provided along the right and left sides of the opening section, a tray (30) for placing the cover member in folded state installed at the rear of the first rails, a holding means (50) for holding the tray (30) rotatably at a first position A, and a storage means (85) installed at the back of the last row of seat of the vehicle, wherein the storage means (85) is composed of a second rails (40) extending downward from the first position A and a storage box (80) provided on a vehicle deck connected to the second rails (40), and, with the folded cover member (20) placed on the tray (30), the tray (30) is rotated by the holding means (50), thereby the folded cover member (20) is stored by guiding the tray (30) to the second rails (
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: KANTO AUTO WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Junpei MIYAJIMA, Koji YOSHIDA, Tomohide NOBA
  • Patent number: 7509192
    Abstract: In an in-vehicle mount type AV system for implementing proper acoustic effect control, a swing angle of a rear monitor is detected by a right and left angle sensor, and respective acoustic effects of four speakers (for example, the volume levels of reproduced sounds) are adjusted. The angle detected by the right and left angle sensor corresponds to the angle of the display face of the rear monitor, and the correlation between the display face and the head position of an occupant (automobile passenger) can be estimated. That is, the probability that the head portion of the occupant exists in a direction to which the display face of the rear monitor is oriented is high, and thus the acoustic effect is controlled so that proper volume balance is established at the occupant position thus estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Fukuro
  • Patent number: 7503610
    Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: William A. Karagitz, D. Scott Bittinger, Shawn R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090051187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller-blind system especially for the trunk cover of a vehicle. Said roller-blind system comprises a roller-blind material which is wound onto a winding shaft (1) between a covering position and a stowed position. The system is provided with a damping mechanism (2) which retracts the roller-blind material into the stowed position at the end of a winding process in a defined, decelerated manner. The damping mechanism (2) is adapted to reduce the rotational speed of the winding shaft (1) and to bring the rotation of the winding shaft (1) to a standstill within a predetermined rotational angle of the winding shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Biecker
  • Patent number: 7488024
    Abstract: A cargo liner storage assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided and includes a storage bin, a cargo lid assembly, and a cargo net assembly. The cargo lid assembly is rotatably and removably attached to the storage bin and includes multiple hinges and a latching assembly. The cargo net assembly is removably attached to the cargo lid assembly and includes a cargo net and a cargo net mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Troy Medlar
  • Publication number: 20090033120
    Abstract: A parcel shelf structure in a rear area of a vehicle body includes a parcel shelf disposed between first and second rear cross members. The parcel shelf has in the center thereof a speaker installation section comprised of a bottom part that accommodates a step formed in a downwardly concave manner from a surface of a frame unit of the parcel shelf. The speaker installation section is formed by a peripheral wall that slopes downward from the surface of the frame unit toward the center of the speaker installation section, and the surface area of the speaker installation section is small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakai, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7481478
    Abstract: A cargo screen includes a main body, mounted in a luggage compartment of a vehicle, and housing a barrier net and a cover screen. A screen moving device includes guide parts mounted to the sides of the luggage compartment; a fixing rail part attached along a length direction of the guide parts and provided with gear teeth; an operation lever part, movably mounted on the fixing rail part to move in a length direction of the fixing rail part by user manipulation; and a moving rail part, coupled to the operation lever part and housing an end of the main body. The moving rail part is moved along the length direction of the fixing rail part by the operation lever part, and is provided with gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hoo Taek Cho, Dae Ik Jung
  • Patent number: 7481477
    Abstract: A rear package tray for hatch back style vehicles is mounted in a trunk compartment of the vehicle such that the rear package tray can be slid back and forth, and can be assembled and disassembled as occasion demands. The rear package tray includes sliding rails fixed to opposite side panels of a trunk compartment of the vehicle, respectively; package tray panels positioned at the sliding rails at opposite ends thereof, connection members mounted at the front and rear ends of the package tray panels, respectively, and utility bars fixed to opposite side parts of the lower surfaces of the package tray panels at opposite ends thereof, each of the utility bars being formed in the shape of a “U.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Seon Yang
  • Publication number: 20090021038
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle has a decorative member that a user can repeatedly use and that is utilized for a purpose other than design. The decorative member covers a fastening part of an exterior cover of the vehicle and has a lid with a decorated exterior surface. A base is attached to the exterior cover to support the lid. The lid is attached to the exterior cover via the base, and removal of the lid from the exterior cover is restricted by assembly of the base in the exterior cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Gen OHZONO
  • Publication number: 20090015030
    Abstract: A covering is provided for a gap behind at least one rear seatback in a motor vehicle, which gap is provided in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the rear seatback and a luggage compartment covering. The covering has at least one covering flap which is held in position on a housing of the luggage compartment covering, is mounted pivotably about a hinge and, in a use position, bears under prestress against the rear seatback. An integrated receptacle for the hinge of the covering flap is provided on an upper and, as seen in the direction of travel, front region of the housing of the luggage compartment covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080284922
    Abstract: In order to enable mounting of a cabinet 1 having a display unit to a supporting base 9, axial members 121 and 131 in the shape of a regular polygonal prism are disposed in the cabinet 1 and fitting holes 91 and 92 into which the regular polygonal prisms can be fitted, respectively, are disposed in the supporting base 9. By opening and then closing, or opening and then moving the axial members 121 and 131, the user can fit or remove them into or from the fitting holes 91 and 92, respectively, so as to mount or demount the cabinet to or from the supporting base. By tilting the cabinet by an angle when fitting the axial members into the fitting holes, respectively, the user can change the rotational attitude of the cabinet 1 with respect to the supporting base. Thereby, the user can use the display unit at different times and at different positions with simple manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Takashi Isobe, Amane Mitani, Hiroki Akatsuka
  • Publication number: 20080277957
    Abstract: A tonneau cover device comprises a front tonneau cover that is comprised of boards and provided on a front side of a vehicle body, a rear tonneau cover that is comprised of a rollable type of member and provided on a rear side of the vehicle body, and a slide mechanism that moves a rear end of the front tonneau cover and a front end of the rear tonneau cover substantially vertically. Accordingly, there can be provided the tonneau cover device of a vehicle, which is provided so as to extend substantially horizontally above the baggage compartment at the vehicle-body rear portion, which can pull the tonneau cover upward according to the opening-closing movement of the back door, facilitate loading of baggage when the back door is opened, and improve appearances of the back door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isao HIRAYAMA, Noriaki HABA
  • Patent number: 7445262
    Abstract: A functional unit for a vehicle interior has a dimensionally stable functional profile including two mutually opposite end regions which are arranged in a longitudinally movable manner along profiled guide structures arranged in the vehicle interior. Provision is made for each end region to be provided with at least one rolling element, which is mounted on the end region in a manner such that it can rotate about at least one axis of rotation such that, during a longitudinal movement of the end region, the rolling element rolls along at least one surface region of the associated profiled guide structure. The functional unit is used for loading-space coverings in passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Zaiser, Peter Seidl, Thomas Seeg
  • Patent number: 7438338
    Abstract: A multi-positionable storage arrangement with removable front and top panels that can be configured in a number of ways between two side panels to form a variety of both secured and open storage spaces. In the preferred configurations, the front, top, and side panels of the arrangement combine with the rear deck and tailgate of the vehicle to enclose a securable storage space. In use, the front panel can be slid substantially vertically into one of three sets of grooves in the side panels. One or more of the top panels can thereafter be slid horizontally in grooves in the side panels until the forward most top panel abuts and overlaps the front panel. The closed tailgate then abuts the rearward most top panel securing the top and front panels in place. Additional grooves are provided in the side panels immediately adjacent the front panel and when not in use, the three top panels can be conveniently and compactly stored immediately adjacent the front panel and each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Schumacher, Richard C. Essig, Ronald S. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7431367
    Abstract: A view blocking element for a vehicle luggage compartment for a vehicle luggage compartment has a carrier and a flexible flat structure held thereon in a mounted condition. The view blocking element is constructed such that the carrier has a base from which, at least by way of a first end, a spring arm of a tensioning device for the flat structure starts out. The spring arm is connected with the flat structure at a distance from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Paul-Dieter Fengel, Roland Buehner
  • Patent number: 7392834
    Abstract: 1. Protection device with replaceable adaptor parts. 2.1. The invention relates to a protection device for a motor vehicle with a blind or screen functional unit comprising a flexible fabric which can be wound up and down with respect to a blind or screen shaft and which is terminally provided with adaptor parts replaceably fittable to end caps of the screen functional unit for a vehicle-individual, positive and/or non-positive fitting within a vehicle interior. 2.2. Use for a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Davenport, Mike Uhazie, Carsten Meyer, Herbert Walter
  • Publication number: 20080150310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one a tray-shaped container (2) and a hat rack (3), wherein said hat rack (3) is shaped in such a way that it covers the tray-shaped container (2), the inventive receiving device (1) can be placed between the loading space (4) and the passenger compartment (5) of the motor vehicle and the hat rack (3) is at least partly made of a flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Alain Leroy, Heinz Pschorn, Robert Braun, Dirk Legler, Michael Koelbl, Oliver Vogt, Thomas Rudolph, Thomas Jakimenczuk
  • Publication number: 20080100082
    Abstract: A floor panel for a vehicle having a reinforcing structure includes: a luggage room which is formed at the rear of a passenger space and holds at least one piece of luggage; a floor box which is formed at a floor of the luggage room and receives at least one small piece of luggage; a main panel which is made of poly-propylene material; sub panels which are respectively coupled to an upper surface and a lower surface of the main panel and are made of glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) material; and panel protectors which are respectively coupled to outer surfaces of the sub panels and are made of nonwoven fabric. The floor panel is flat, plate shaped and opens and closes the floor box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Gyeong Hoon Heo
  • Patent number: 7360818
    Abstract: A structure of an auxiliary tail gate, to open and close a main cargo area when it is impossible to provide enough space to move a main tail gate because another vehicle or obstacle is parked or placed near, and to store small cargo separately from the main cargo area. The auxiliary tail gate is rotatably disposed to the main tail gate by a hinge so as to open and close the main cargo area, an upper trim and a lower trim are attached to an inner panel of the main tail gate, and a trim door, disposed between the upper trim and the lower trim, defines an auxiliary cargo area between the trim door and an inner panel of the auxiliary tail gate, the trim door being detachably engaged with the upper trim and the lower trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dong-Min Jeon
  • Publication number: 20080088147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a luggage floor box. A luggage floor box of a vehicle including: a receiving part which is formed by being downwardly indented at a rear side of a floor panel so as to provide a receiving space; and at least one partition disposed within the receiving part in a lengthwise direction thereof so as to divide the receiving space into a plurality of receiving spaces. The receiving part is configured to house a center seat of the last row which is mounted on the floor panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Won Jae Choi
  • Patent number: 7354087
    Abstract: A loading-space protection device includes a holding unit, in which at least one winding shaft for winding up or unwinding a flexible sheet-like structure is mounted, and fastening means for securing the holding unit in a functional position, fixed on the vehicle, in mounts on the vehicle. At least one fastening means is assigned at least one securing means which is mounted moveably in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a blocking position, which blocks the fastening means in its fastening position within the mount on the vehicle in an interlocking manner, and a rest position, which is disengaged from the fastening means, in such a manner that severe longitudinal accelerations of the vehicle, in particular positive or negative accelerations in the form of a front or rear impact, lead to the securing means being displaced into the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marina Ehrenberger, Herbert Walter
  • Patent number: 7350681
    Abstract: A cargo organizer system for a bench seat of a vehicle that includes mounting straps, an adjustable tube frame, and a collapsible shelf assembly. The shelf assembly is configurable in a vertical stored position and a horizontal use position. Dividers are positionable by the user to divide the shelf into user sized compartments. Netting can be provided for securing items in the compartments during sudden stops. Alternatively, the shelf assembly can be made from a cloth interior forming a pouch within a tubular support periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jay-Ray Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin K. Polburn, Rachel L. Polburn
  • Patent number: 7347475
    Abstract: An automobile rear body structure capable of allowing a space created between a rear bumper reinforcing member and a line connecting respective rear ends of a pair of rear side frames to be effectively utilized. In this automobile rear body structure, a rear end cross member (30) has an expanded portion (31a) formed to expand rearward relative to respective rear ends (10a) of a pairs of rear side frames (10), and a rear floor pan (20) has a rear edge including a protruded portion (21). The protruded portion (21) is formed to protrude relative to the rear ends (10a) of the pairs of rear side frames (10) toward the expanded portion of the rear end cross member (30) and connected to the rear end cross member (30), so as to allow a luggage compartment space to be enlarged rearward relative to the rear ends (10a) of the pairs of rear side frames (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Ikemoto, Yasuhiro Kohara, Shirou Nakatani, Kazue Sumida, Takao Maruko
  • Patent number: 7343956
    Abstract: A protection device for a vehicle interior has a flexible sheet-like structure which is arranged movably between a compactly put-away rest position and an extended functional position and which is connected on the end side transversely to the direction of extension over its width to a dimensionally stable profiled part. The sheet-like structure has a sheet-like section which is extended over its width and is connected extensively and cohesively to a sheet-like section of an outer casing of the profiled part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Schleef, Gunter Haebe, Juergen Wurster
  • Patent number: 7337823
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle security shade having one or more axially biased end caps and at least one end cap extension slidingly disposed upon an end cap to adjust the length of the security cover assembly. The end cap has a resilient latch which engages mating recesses in the extension to fix the length of the shade as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wieczorek, Bryan Busha
  • Patent number: 7318617
    Abstract: A portable cargo container and cover system includes a container portion for stowing cargo in a vehicle cargo area, a cover portion for concealing cargo from view in the cargo area, and an attachment means for removably attaching the system to the cargo area. When the system is removed from the vehicle cargo area, cargo stowed in the container portion can be manually transported in the container portion outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: McMurray Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Curtis Scotton
  • Patent number: 7316440
    Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle luggage area has a flexible flat article, which is movably mounted between a compact, deposited protection position and at least one extracted protection position. There are at least two parallel, spaced functional shafts to which the flat article is connected. The position of the flat article is detected and a controller, as a function of the detected position, controls the functional shafts in such a way that the flat article in a first, roughly horizontally extracted protection position has a first, light-proof surface structural portion and in a second, vertically extracted protection position a second, light-transmitting surface structural portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Herbert Walter, Werner P. Schlecht, Henning Sparrer, Marina Ehrenberger, Thomas Seeg
  • Publication number: 20070296236
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a module box that is securable against theft. For this purpose, a manually actuatable lock is provided. The lock can be contained either in the module box or in the motor vehicle. Elements in the module box or the mounting arrangement that ensure that the opening mechanism of the module box and also the box's removal from the mounting arrangement are blocked are moved with the aid of a cylinder core of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: BOS GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Sitzler, Hartmut Bohlke
  • Publication number: 20070284902
    Abstract: A pocketed panel assembly for a vehicle door is disclosed herein. The pocketed panel assembly includes a trim panel, a partial pocket structure, and a living hinge. The trim panel has a pivotal edge, and the partial pocket structure also has a pivotal edge. The living hinge integrally joins the pivotal edge of the trim panel to the pivotal edge of the partial pocket structure. In such a configuration, the partial pocket structure can be rotated about the living hinge and substantially abutted against the trim panel so as to form an open pocket on the trim panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randy Reed, David James Dooley, Richard David George, Todd Leland DePue, Mark J. Heinze
  • Patent number: 7281742
    Abstract: A vehicle compartment structure includes a vehicle storage compartment defining a storage area with a floor. A rigid compartment divider is pivotally coupled to the floor of the storage compartment between a first substantially horizontal storage position and a second substantially vertical dividing position. In the horizontal storage position, the storage area is substantially unobstructed by the rigid compartment divider. In the second substantially vertical dividing position, the compartment divider divides the storage compartment into two separate spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Porter, II, Koshorkumar M. Kale, Ryan Rumberger
  • Patent number: 7255382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety net device with a housing, in which a winding shaft is rotationally mounted. The winding shaft is pretensioned by a spring motor in the direction of winding of a safety net which is fixed to the winding shaft. The other edge of the safety net which is fixed to the winding shaft. The other edge of the safety net is connected to a pull bar which is suspended in the recesses in the car body. In order to minimize the effort required by the user to suspend said device, a holding device absorbs at least part of the pull-back force when the safety net is wound back into the housing immediately after the safety net has been pulled out of the housing to enable the pull bar to be suspended in the recesses. The holding device can be released at will in order to roll up the safety net back into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Baumeister + Ostler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Eduard Ament, Holger Seel, Herbert Walter
  • Patent number: 7249795
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compartment conveniently situated in the rear compartment of a hearse for storing the flags that are frequently magnetically attached to the roofs of vehicles in a funeral procession. Vehicles displaying these flags are typically accorded certain traffic privileges, and occasionally, bystander respect, as the procession wends its way from the funeral service to the gravesite. The disclosed compartment necessarily has a door compatible and continuous with the paneling of the rear transport area, a pivoting tray pivotally attached to the floor of the compartment and a magnetized transport tray sized to fit on the pivoting tray and easily removed to facilitate the distribution of the magnetized flags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eagle Specialty Vehicles, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Kellerman
  • Publication number: 20070164581
    Abstract: 1. Protection device for a motor vehicle. 2.1. A protection device for a motor vehicle with a flexible sheetlike structure which is arranged on a winding shaft in a manner such that it can be wound up and unwound between an inoperative position and a protection position, the winding shaft being acted upon by torque in the winding-up direction by means of a winding spring arrangement, the winding-up force of which can be reduced by means of a control mechanism, the control mechanism comprising a spiral counting means and a control finger which is guided in the spiral counting means, is known. 2.2. According to the invention, the control finger is assigned securing means which hold the control finger back in an inner position in the winding-up direction of the sheetlike structure. 2.3. Use for restraint devices in a vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Marina Ehrenberger
  • Patent number: 7243969
    Abstract: A modular storage apparatus having a base member comprised of an outer shell and an interior support frame. The outer shell has a bottom surface configured to attach to the tie down bolts of a rear seating support of a typical Sports Utility Vehicle. A top surface may be reversibly inset within lateral support walls to serve as a base for cargo contained in various attachments. One or more compartments contained within the outer shell may be actuated between an open and closed position by sliding each compartment along an opposing pair of interior support frame members. The outer shell, in combination with moveable magnets and threaded engagement means, provides support for various cargo containing attachment members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: F. Todd Miller, Laurie A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7240944
    Abstract: A cargo space cover (26) for the cargo space (18) of a motor vehicle (10), which space can be closed using a rear hatch or tailgate (12). The cargo space cover (12) has a blind-like covering element (28) which can be rolled up at least partially onto a take-up shaft (32). In order to improve the accessibility of the cargo space, the covering element (28), in the operating position, is linked at its front end to a vehicle mount and at its back end to the rear hatch (12) so that the covering element (28) is swung and unrolled from the take-up shaft (32) when the rear hatch (12) is being opened. In a preferred form, the take-up shaft is incorporated into the rear hatch or tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: HS Genion GmbH
    Inventors: Ulf Plettrichs, Juergen Klingenberg, Fritz Wegener, Peter Biecker
  • Patent number: 7229114
    Abstract: A stowage device for a luggage space of a motor vehicle having a container which is mounted such that it is moveable by guide means between a rest position and a stowage position is known. According to the invention, the guide means and the container are arranged on a frame module which can be detachably mounted on a wall section of the luggage space by fastening means which can be operated without tools. Use for passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Haspel
  • Patent number: 7207613
    Abstract: A luggage area protection device includes a flexible flat article movably arranged between a compactly deposited rest position and an extracted functioning position. At the front end in the extraction direction, a dimensionally stable extraction part, extending transversely to the flat article extraction position, is provided. Guides are associated with the extraction part and move the latter between the extracted functioning position and the flat article rest position. The extraction part is lockable in the extracted flat article functioning position. The locking mechanisms, considered in the flat article extraction direction, are positioned approximately at the same height or behind an area portion defining the rest position of the extraction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Walter, Werner P. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 7201421
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a base defining a floor of the storage assembly and a storage panel attached to said base. At least a portion of the storage panel is movable relative to the base by a living hinge. The storage panel is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for dividing at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Reynolds, Bruce Higgins, Stephen Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7201417
    Abstract: A covering mechanism for covering a portion of a vehicle. The covering mechanism includes a cassette, at least one inner end cap disposed at an end of the cassette, and at least one outer end cap disposed over the inner end cap. The outer end cap is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Owain Teo
  • Patent number: 7192073
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka, Kiyoshi Yajima
  • Patent number: 7175224
    Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a cart canopy housing having a canopy storage portion, a roof engaging portion and a side panel portion extending from the roof engaging portion and from the canopy storage portion so as to enable partial concealment of a roof support when the housing is installed on a cart. The invention may also be embodied as a cart roof having a cover portion, a canopy storage portion, and a side panel portion extending from the cover portion and the canopy storage portion so as to enable partial concealment of a roof support when the cover portion is installed on a cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: William T. Held
  • Patent number: 7152899
    Abstract: An apparatus provides a pass-through between the passenger compartment and the cargo space of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a front portion, the front portion surrounding a front opening of a central aperture, and a flange extending rearward of the front portion, the flange surrounding the central aperture and defining a rear opening of the central aperture. A portion of the flange protrudes into the cargo space. The apparatus is mechanically associated with the seat so that, as the seat reclines, the apparatus moves in relation to the body of the vehicle, and the flange protrudes further into the cargo space as the seat is reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Kentaro Morishita
  • Patent number: 7147262
    Abstract: A trunk hood designed to be automatically closed in controlled manner and to cover the trunk in closed position, comprises an inner surface. The hood comprises an inner mat integral with the inner surface, at least one deformable linking means for linking the inner mat to the inner surface mobile between a spaced apart position and a close-up position, and at least one contact switch designed to detect a close-up position of the inner mat relative to the inner surface and to interrupt the movement closing the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne des Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gererd Queveau
  • Patent number: 7140659
    Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle luggage area has a flexible flat article, which is movably mounted between a compact, deposited protection position and at least one extracted protection position. There are at least two parallel, spaced functional shafts to which the flat article is connected. The position of the flat article is detected and a controller, as a function of the detected position, controls the functional shafts in such a way that the flat article in a first, roughly horizontally extracted protection position has a first, light-proof surface structural portion and in a second, vertically extracted protection position a second, light-transmitting surface structural portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Bos GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Walter, Werner P. Schlecht, Henning Sparrer, Marina Ehrenberger, Thomas Seeg
  • Patent number: 7131681
    Abstract: A trunk space storage platform for motor vehicles comprises and right support with at least one slot, a left support with at least on slot, a base, and at least one support stud. This trunk space storage platform allows users who cannot easily bend over to pick up or place objects into deep trunk spaces, such as the elderly or those with physical impairments, to raise or lower the base to a level more easily accessible for them depending on the articles stored in the trunk space of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Won-Tai Kim