Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a console housing defining a storage compartment. The console housing also defines an indented area in an outer surface thereof. A bin is sized to fit within the indented area such that an entire internal surface area of the bin is contiguous with the indented area when the bin is closed.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a console housing defining a storage compartment. The console housing also defines an indented area in an outer surface thereof. A bin is sized to fit within the indented area such that an entire internal surface area of the bin is contiguous with the indented area when the bin is closed.

Abstract: A modular floor storage system that may be easily and quickly mounted, dismounted, and locked into position without the need for elaborate mounting track systems. Further the modular floor storage system may be configured in many ways by the user and located in several locations within the vehicle. Electrical connection may also be provided allowing power to be supplied for purposes such as battery-charging, lighting and the incorporation of cooling or heating capacity to the storage system.

Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, a frame that is slidably received by the rail members of the slide mechanism, a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the frame; and a hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat assembly with a lower sitting surface and a seatback with a seatback sitting surface. At least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback is adapted for movement. The seat assembly also includes at least one bolster adapted for movement to thereby change curvature of at least one of the lower sitting surface and the seatback sitting surface. The bolster automatically moves due to movement of at least one of the lower seat assembly and the seatback.

Abstract: A spare tire container is provided that includes first and second housing portions hingedly connected to one another and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to one of the housing portions. Each housing portion includes a tire-receiving cavity formed therein. The first and second housing portions may be connected with a living hinge and integrally formed with the living hinge as a unitary construction using a blow molding process.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a modular vehicle interior component system which comprises a base having a channel defined at least in part by a latching lip, a vehicle interior component, and a release latch mechanism for slidably and releasably securing the component to the base.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment/cupholder assembly having a molded base into which is mounted a pair of flexible invertible dividers that allow for the secure retention of various sized beverage containers. The flexible invertible dividers may be mounted and tensioned by an internal or external flexible divider spring. The molded base may have a liner mounted therein which may be a liquid barrier, a tensioning device in place of a traditional spring, or both.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment system for a central console includes a lid and at least one hinge mechanism rotatable coupled to the lid and moveably coupled to the storage compartment. Each of the set of hinge blades define limit stop openings and receive limit stoppers therethrough, thereby limiting vertical movement of the set of hinge blades. The system also includes a set of tracks, and each of the tracks receives one of the set of hinge blades, such that the set of hinge blades move upwardly and downwardly as a function of opening and closing the lid. This movement allows the lid to flip open 180° and lie flushly against an adjacent object.

Abstract: An integrated storage system for vehicles includes an expandable container secured to and extendable from a vertical panel of the vehicle to at least one predetermined position to accommodate cargo. The container is collapsible so that it is substantially flush with the vertical panel when not in use and may be made of fabric or netting, for example. A semi-rigid end panel with a handle may be secured to the container to facilitate deploying and stowing the container. Depending on the application, the container may be removable from the vehicle to transport cargo. The storage system may be integrated into various locations including a cargo area, behind a seat or seats, in a truck bed, or in the trunk of a vehicle, for example.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a motor vehicle with at least one seat well comprising a divider capable of fitting into the seat well and having two positions, stowed or deployed. This divider provides a lightweight, easy to use, unique storage management system for seat wells, a part of the vehicle which normally would not be an ideal storage area.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a storage panel and a flange portion extending outwardly from an end of the storage panel. The flange portion is adapted to be mounted to an interior component of a vehicle such that the storage panel is positionable to a stowed position, and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the storage panel divides at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a motor vehicle with at least one seat well comprising a pouch of being deployed in said seat well. This pouch provides a lightweight, easy to use, unique storage management system for seat wells, a part of the vehicle which normally would not be an ideal storage area.

Abstract: A trunk space storage system for motor vehicles comprising a hinge, a frame, and a storage pouch. This trunk space storage system 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 have access of the objects placed into the trunk without having them roll back into the deep trunk space. This invention also provides for easy deployment and stowing with little strain on the body for those users who may suffer from physical limitations.

Abstract: A trunk space storage system for motor vehicles comprising a movable wall. This movable wall is located on the floor of the trunk space and acts as a new back wall of the trunk space. This movable wall slides along tracks on the floor of the trunk space to a position the user desires. The movable wall further comprises a wall extension to increase the wall height. This invention allows users to utilize as much of the trunk space as necessary without having the problem of having objects roll into the deep trunk space which can be difficult for many people to access.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a proximity sensing unit for controlling an accessory device of a vehicle. A plurality of proximity sensors is disposed in a sequential pattern within a sensing unit whereby the proximity sensors are responsive to a manual activation. At least two activation signals are received from at least two proximity sensors in response to the manual activation. An activation sequence of at least two activation signals is determined. One of a plurality of control actions associated with the activation sequence is selected. A control action is initiated for controlling an operation of the accessory device.

Abstract: A universal, in-vehicle attachment system comprising open slots whereby a similarly shaped storage unit with complimentary prongs is inserted, providing a secure and easy fastening attachment device designed to secure devices and items in place within the vehicle such as, for example, cellular phones, CDs or DVDs, bottles, mugs, cups, coolers, bike racks, and PDAs. This in-vehicle storage or securing attachment system can be molded to conform directly to the size and shape of the particular object or, alternatively, a more generic type receptacle can be used to secure such items. Further, the in-vehicle attachment system is incorporated into the vehicle, with multiple locations, including the seat back panel, instrument panel, door panel, quarter panel, floor panel, or other interior surfaces.

Abstract: An interface comprises an interior trim component having a touch pad and a target area associated with the touch pad. A non-movable switch is located behind the target area. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. The target area is associated with a sensitive operating portion or region of the switch.