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 assembly for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle includes first and second console modules configured for installment in the passenger seating area. Each console module includes a housing having a storage area defined therein, wherein the first and second console modules cooperate with and are positionable relative to each other to provide additional storage in the vehicle. A base disposed adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area of the vehicle is configured to receive the first and second console modules. In one aspect, the first and second console modules may be slidably connected to the base and are independently positionable forward and rearward on the base. In another aspect, the first and second console modules include a first end and opposing second end sized for connection to and repositionable on the base.

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 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 automotive console includes a console body adapted to be installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and includes a storage compartment having an opening for storing one or more items. The console further includes a console lid having a first lid portion pivotally coupled with the console body and movable relative thereto between an open and closed position. The console lid further includes a second lid portion pivotally coupled with the first lid portion and movable relative to the first lid portion between a first position and a second position. The second lid portion includes at least one convenience feature adapted for use by a second row occupant when the first lid portion is in the open position and the second lid portion is in the second position.

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 modular console system for a vehicle includes a common module which defines a module space. The common module can be attached at different points along the length of a base, which is attached to the vehicle floor. The common module is configured to receive an insert module, which has an inner portion that is specifically configured to conform to one or more accessories that can be accessed by the vehicle occupants.

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: An occupant seat of a motor vehicle includes a backrest, and a headrest mounted atop the backrest on a pair of posts. The headrest includes a base portion supported by the posts, and an occupant-engaging contact portion that is supported by the base portion for relative translational movement along a pair of tracks defined on the base portion. In response to a suitable control signal, such as the tensioning of a Bowden cable in response to an applied force, the contact portion moves under the control of an articulated linkage against a return spring bias and away from the base portion. The translational movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion serves to control contact surface inclination throughout the range of movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion.