Vehicle Roof Or Trunk Lid Associated Carrier Mounted Within Vehicle Compartment Patents (Class 224/311)
  • Patent number: 11685315
    Abstract: A vehicle including a passenger compartment is configured with one or more seats, a storage compartment separated from the passenger compartment by way of at least one wall, a housing extending through the at least one wall, and a drawer slidably positioned within the housing and movable between a first position accessible from within the passenger compartment and a second position accessible from the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Gould, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Katherine Howard-Cone
  • Patent number: 11278016
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly is provided in a cabin of a boat. A rod holder locking member is mounted on a shelf in the cabin and is movable between an outboard position in the cabin and a position in the direction of the interior of the cabin. The locking member includes two plates hinged to each other to open and close, and having at least one cutout to receive and hold a rod handle therein. A rod tip holder is provided spaced from the rod holder locking member to support the tip of a fishing rod held within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: GRADY-WHITE BOATS, INC.
    Inventor: David A Neese
  • Patent number: 11273767
    Abstract: A roof console device for a vehicle is formed by fixing a console housing to a lower face of a front portion of a vehicle roof, inserting from below a roof module into a housing portion formed in the console housing, and joining them by concavo-convex engagement. A backward facing wall face of the roof module and a forward facing wall face of the console housing oppose each other across a gap. A recess portion is formed in one of the backward facing and forward facing wall faces, and a projecting portion is formed on the other. Therefore, even if the concavo-convex engagement is disengaged due to an impact of a secondary collision, the console housing moves and the recess and projecting portions are fitted together to thus allow the roof module to be retained by the console housing, thereby preventing the roof module from falling from the console housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Udo, Yohei Ouchi
  • Patent number: 11110867
    Abstract: A gun rack includes a gun butt support having upstanding sidewalls vertically extending and sized to receive a butt of a gun therebetween. An elongated rod is coupled to the gun butt support and extends vertically therefrom. A barrel support bracket includes a bracket base and extensions horizontally extending from the bracket base forming a U-shaped receptacle sized to receive a barrel of the gun. The barrel support bracket is coupled to a top end of the elongated rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Joanna Claire Franklin
  • Patent number: 10981514
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes an attachment system for securing an item to a surface. The attachment system includes a first mounting component fixed to the surface and a second mounting component fixed to the item and cooperating with the first component to detachably secure the item to the surface. A retention assembly associated with the first and second mounting components prevents accidental separation of the two components. The attachment system may also include a manipulation element coupled to one of the first and second retention elements and configured to facilitate intentional separation of the two mounting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: John E. Mcloughlin, Phung Le
  • Patent number: 10919455
    Abstract: A storage compartment of a vehicle including a passenger compartment and a passenger compartment door controlling access to the passenger compartment. The storage compartment includes a base and a side wall surrounding a storage volume. The storage compartment is located forward of a footwell of the passenger compartment, the storage compartment is further positioned so that an opening to the storage volume is accessible from a lateral side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Karma Automotive LLC
    Inventors: Jacques Flynn, Andre Franco Luis, Andreas Thurner
  • Patent number: 10850674
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes a gear bag having a rigid mounting plate secured to its bottom wall, and a pair mounting rails for receiving the edges of the mounting plate. The mounting rails are designed to be mounted in spaced-apart relationship on a ceiling, wall, or floor of an emergency vehicle, and to receive the edges of the mounting plate. The gear bag defines at least one compartment sized and shaped to contain a personal safety item such as a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: John E. Mcloughlin, Phung Le
  • Patent number: 10800343
    Abstract: Provided is an onboard electronic device mounting structure that prevents rattling of the electronic device, and does not unduly limit the mounting space for other components. The mounting structure (1) secures a camera (2) to a window (W) of a vehicle via a mounting device (3). An engagement portion (14) provided in a front end side of the camera abuts against a base (8) of the mounting device, and a biased portion including a columnar member provided on a lateral side of the camera is supported by the base. A biasing member (18) of the base biases the biased portion against a supporting portion (17) of the base. The supporting portion is provided with two supporting surfaces (17a and 17b) which support the biased portion with two reaction forces each at an angle to the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Keita Kasai, Tadahiro Matori, Hajime Naoi
  • Patent number: 10696242
    Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes pieces held together by a snap joint formed when a protrusion of the outer piece is received by a receptacle of the inner piece. The receptacle is formed by a pair of walls extending from a back side of the inner piece, and the protrusion is received between the pair of walls. Oppositely facing bulges engage with oppositely facing grooves to form the joint. Sidewalls of the bulges also engage with angled sidewalls of the opposite piece to form a robust interlocking joint in which multiple pairs of opposing surfaces are engaged with each other to prevent relative movement of the inner and outer pieces in multiple directions. The features that form the snap joint can be molded as integral parts of the pieces being held together without the need for separate clips or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Carl H. Smith
  • Patent number: 10427620
    Abstract: A support assembly for transporting a stump grinder having a stump grinder wheel includes a base, first and second sidewalls, first and second end-walls, and a channel. The first and second sidewalls are attached to the base and extend perpendicularly upwards from the base. The first and second end-walls are attached to the first and second sidewalls and to the base. The first and second end-walls also extend perpendicularly upwards from the base. The channel is formed between the first and second sidewalls and extends from the first endwall to the second endwall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Travis Winscher
  • Patent number: 10427608
    Abstract: A cargo bed wall that can be disposed at a forward portion of a deck of the cargo bed. In various instances, the wall comprises a back face, a front face, and one or more article stowage structures that is/are structured and operable to receive and retain one or more stowable articles. The article stowage structure(s) can be disposed on the front and/or back face of the wall, and/or, in other instances, the article stowage structure(s) can be disposed within the front and/or back face of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Candice Robertson, Matthew Zaremba, Deidra Glymph, Marissa Swart
  • Patent number: 10351076
    Abstract: A chain retention device includes a track member configured to be mounted on an external surface of a vehicle. The track member includes at least two guide surfaces which extend along the track member and a first set of rollers mounted on the track member between the at least two guide surfaces. The chain retention device also includes an elongated arm including a second set of rollers and one or more chain support surfaces. The elongated arm is positioned between the at least two guide surfaces such that the second set of rollers is in contact with the track member, and the first set of rollers is in contact with the elongated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NERO ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Nero
  • Patent number: 10328834
    Abstract: A vehicle console assembly includes a console and a clip. A wall of the console defines an aperture extending between the front side and the back side of the wall. The clip is installable within the aperture of the console. The console and clip are configured to removably secure a cup holder within the console. The clip includes a head portion and two extensions insertable into the aperture. Each of the two extensions includes a leg extending from the head portion and a locking portion configured to engage with the console. The clip extends from a first end at an end of the head portion to a second end at an end of the extensions. The distance between opposite sides of the clip at the second end of the clip is less than the distance of an opening of the aperture along the front side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Vijeesh Kelat
  • Patent number: 10195998
    Abstract: A compact safe storage compartment for weapons and electronic equipment, also sometime referred to as LOFT, for police sports utility vehicles (SUVs) is provided which is easy to use and access by police and is not readily viewable from outside the SUV by pedestrians, criminals and others. The LOFT can occupy otherwise unused space in the SUV. The LOFT can comprise: a special frame, a unique door for carrying weapons, and/or an optional tray secured to the door for carrying electronic law enforcement equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Lund Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Lundberg, Patrick W. Hill, Paul A. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 10134213
    Abstract: A remote garage door opener module for after-market assembly into a vehicle for transmitting signals to a garage door opener includes a bezel positionable against a headliner of the vehicle along an interior surface thereof in a position over a hole in the headliner. The module further includes a housing enclosing a power source and electronic circuitry for transmitting the signals. The housing extends away from a first side of the bezel and is positionable at least partially through the hole in the headliner. The module further includes a button exposed at a second side of the bezel and coupled to the electronic circuitry and a mounting element selectively engageable with the headliner adjacent the hole and coupled with one of the housing or the bezel for coupling the module with the headliner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10107449
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounted TV frame apparatus is disclosed having a fixed frame, a pivoting frame pivotally coupled to the fixed frame, and one or more linear actuators for actuating the pivoting frame. The pivoting frame nests within the fixed frame and is coupled thereto using a hinged or otherwise pivoting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Hattabaugh
  • Patent number: 9879942
    Abstract: A rail lock riser assembly comprising a rail interface having a cutout, top surface with a through-hole, and shoulders; a first collar portion having a top outer tongue and a groove, a bottom outer tongue and a groove, mounting shoulders and a through-hole in the top outer tongue; a second collar having a top inner tongue and a groove, a bottom inner tongue and a groove, mounting shoulders and a through-hole in the top inner tongue; and a locking bolt. The collar portions are joined at the top outer tongue and groove and the bottom outer tongue and groove. The combined tongues of the first and second collar portions is inserted into the cutout of the rail interface and secured by the locking bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Concord Armory LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Concannon, Chris M. Li, Kevin M. Li
  • Patent number: 9773362
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a communication device in communication with a motion sensing mechanism or other utility. The motion sensing mechanism or other utility is adapted to provide data to the communication device. The data is used to selectively allow or restrict the communication device's ability to transmit messages, which may include sensitive data, to a second electronic device. Thus, the motion sensing mechanism or other utility is utilized to limit access to data on the communication device to only instances when the utility provides the communication device with a recognized data input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AB
    Inventors: Masha Leah Davis, Kevin Christopher Kraus, Jason Raymond Williams, Mark Anthony Caterino
  • Patent number: 9713989
    Abstract: An integrated carrier rack and storage system for vehicles is provided. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, installed in a motor vehicle that receives a carrier bar device. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached carrier bar and various attachment units which facilitate in transportation and storage. The integrated carrier rack and storage system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items and store them using the same system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Mark A. Anton
  • Patent number: 9576408
    Abstract: A remote garage door opener module for after-market assembly into a vehicle for transmitting signals to a garage door opener includes a bezel positionable against a headliner of the vehicle along an interior surface thereof in a position over a hole in the headliner. The module further includes a housing enclosing a power source and electronic circuitry for transmitting the signals. The housing extends away from a first side of the bezel and is positionable at least partially through the hole in the headliner. The module further includes a button exposed at a second side of the bezel and coupled to the electronic circuitry and a mounting element selectively engageable with the headliner adjacent the hole and coupled with one of the housing or the bezel for coupling the module with the headliner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 9566912
    Abstract: A vehicle stowage assembly including a storage compartment defining an opening to permit access to the compartment. A door is movably mounted proximate the opening. An actuator is operably connected to the door to move the door from an open position to a closed position. After the door has been opened, the actuator automatically closes the door after a predefined period of time has passed from the time at which the door was opened. The stowage assembly may include a mechanical timer or an electronic controller. The actuator may comprise a spring that biases the door towards the closed position, or the actuator may comprise an electric motor or other powered actuator. The assembly may include a sensor to prevent closure while in use and delay closing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Salman Nazir Shami
  • Patent number: 9539950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fix point strip (20) to provide a provisional fix point position to a grip member (11) of a clamp rack load carrier foot (10), upon attachment to a vehicle (1). The fix point strip (20) comprises an attachment surface (25) for attaching to a surface of said vehicle (1) and a coupling surface (20) for interaction with said grip member (11) of said clamp rack load carrier foot (10). The coupling surface (30) comprises at least one pre determined position for said grip member (11). The present invention provides for a simple and cheap way of introducing a friction enhancing and means for preventing the grip member from being displaced in the event of e.g. a collision with another vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Micael Svensson
  • Patent number: 9446718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure of a motor vehicle, comprising a front roof cross member and an intermediate roof cross member located behind the front cross member, said cross members extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the structure also comprising an equipment support connecting these cross members to one another approximately in the middle thereof, the support has, at a first end, indexing means that penetrate in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle into corresponding orifices provided in one of the cross members, these indexing means carrying out positioning in the transverse and vertical directions, while the first end cooperates in a bearing manner in the longitudinal direction with a vertical flank of said cross member, and the support has, at a second end, clip-fastening structures that carry out pre-retention in the vertical direction with the other cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Gilbert Alberto
  • Patent number: 9290132
    Abstract: An integrated carrier rack and storage system for vehicles is provided. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, installed in a motor vehicle that receives a carrier bar device. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached carrier bar and various attachment units which facilitate in transportation and storage. The integrated carrier rack and storage system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items and store them using the same system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Mark A. Anton
  • Patent number: 9156528
    Abstract: A height adjustable cargo rack apparatus and tower and for wakeboard boats and the like, the apparatus including: a tower base rigidly attached to a boat gunwale, vertical supports extending from the tower base and pivotally operable; a pivotally adjustable cargo rack apparatus supported by the vertical supports; and, a height adjustable upper tower section which is pivotally supported by the vertical supports and which adjustably supports the cargo rack apparatus. The multiplicity of adjustable and pivotal features work in conjunction with each other to maximize the unique functionality of the instant apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond L. Jesewitz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8915411
    Abstract: Utility rack attachments for rack systems used with automobiles, trailers, or stationary objects are used to conveniently transport or store the same. The invented rack system is basically comprised of an easily mountable and slidable assembly unit designed for quick locking to a rail mounted to a vehicle or trailer that is in tow by a vehicle. In a typical setup a quick locking and unlocking assembly unit is mounted to each of two rails that are separated by a distance that is spanned by the load it is carrying or by a platform which carries the load. The slidable and fixable nature of a complete assembly enables a person to quickly mount and dismount it to a rail and position and reposition a load at any location along the rail thus making it very versatile to accommodate a range of objects to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Steckel
  • Patent number: 8915410
    Abstract: A rotary support apparatus is provided that includes a rotation mechanism, a support mechanism, an object detector and a controller. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotatably support a supported body between a first position and a second position. The support mechanism is configured to support the supported body with at least a two stage support force at the first position. The object detector is configured to detect a person or an object. The controller is configured to control the support mechanism so as to switch the support force based on the results detected by the object detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Maeda, Tomotaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8827969
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8820597
    Abstract: A garment hook assembly for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a cover slidingly coupled to the housing and having an aperture therethrough, and a garment hook pivotally mounted to the housing. The housing is mounted to a trim component having a complementary aperture therethrough such that pivoting the garment hook away from the housing exposes a passageway through the cover and trim component apertures for access to an underlying vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Huelke, Guillermo Alanis, Jeff Todd Baxter
  • Patent number: 8770644
    Abstract: A vehicle having a roof lining which is bounded at the front by a front windscreen and has an overhead console which is extended toward the front by a front windscreen unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the covering element of the windscreen unit being attached to a front windscreen-end support at at least a first attachment point and to the overhead console at at least a second attachment point. The covering element being mounted so as to float with play in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or in the lateral direction of the vehicle at the first attachment point, and is mounted without play at the second attachment point for accurate alignment with the overhead console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Richard Harders, Horst-Reiner Karg
  • Patent number: 8602477
    Abstract: A display unit attaching structure includes: a plurality of first rhombic clips 7 for engaging with engaging holes 51 of a vehicle roof sheet metal 5; a base sheet metal 2 on one side of which an engaging section 22 is formed, and on the other side of which a supporting section 24 with an engaging hole 23 is formed; and a display main body 3 in which the display is pivotally supported openably and closably in a housing section of a display 4, on one side of which an engaging section 34 for engaging with the engaging section 22 of the base sheet metal 2 is provided, and on the other side of which a second rhombic clip 9 for engaging with the engaging hole 23 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Abe, Takahiro Ikunami
  • Publication number: 20130240583
    Abstract: A set of containers comprising containers made of materials able to transfer collision forces, when the car body is hit, where the containers are shaped in relation to each other and in relation to the surfaces limiting the car boot space in such a way that they fill this space completely. The invention refers also to the method of car body reinforcement by filling the car boot with the containers shaped in relation to each other and in relation to the surfaces limiting the car boot space in such a way that they fill this space completely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ALICJA LANGSTEINER
    Inventors: Alicia Langsteiner, Gerhard Michael Mikolaiczik, Albert Stanislaw Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 8444198
    Abstract: A storage bin attached to the upper wall of a vehicle trunk. The storage bin is movable between a stowed position in which the bin is moved upward and is locked against the upper wall of the trunk and a deployed position in which the bin is moved downward and is open for storage of one or more items. When moving between a stowed position and a deployed position, the bin might pivot or sides of the bin might collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Junko Pauken
  • Patent number: 8346478
    Abstract: A system and method for populating a map database for a vehicle navigation system with the location and type of wireless access points that can be used to update or service wireless systems on the vehicle. The map database can be initially populated with the known wireless access points at the time of manufacture of the vehicle, and then the vehicle communications system can detect new wireless access points as the vehicle travels, which can be stored on the map database. By storing the location and type of the access points in the map database, the vehicle will know the direction of the access point relative to the vehicle, and can compensate for the Doppler shift as a result of the relative movement of the vehicle to the access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert P. Roesser
  • Publication number: 20120318836
    Abstract: A rotary support apparatus is provided that includes a rotation mechanism, a support mechanism, an object detector and a controller. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotatably support a supported body between a first position and a second position. The support mechanism is configured to support the supported body with at least a two stage support force at the first position. The object detector is configured to detect a person or an object. The controller is configured to control the support mechanism so as to switch the support force based on the results detected by the object detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji MAEDA, Tomotaka TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8302997
    Abstract: A system for integrating and embedding a fuel storage tank in the roof of an automotive vehicle is provided. The automotive vehicle may include a roof assembly having inner roof panels and outer roof panels. The roof panels may define a cavity that protrudes into the passenger compartment below the roof line of the automotive vehicle. A pressurized fuel tank may be disposed within the cavity of the roof assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jon Veenstra
  • Patent number: 8272548
    Abstract: A device to support a headset along a wall of a vehicle, that includes a hook that has a base to receive a headband of the headset, with this base being intended to be fastened transversally to the wall by its back and being integral at the opposite front with an external element for holding the headband on the base. The hook has on opening between the back and the external element with a width I at least equal to the width of the headband, permitting the passage of the headband toward the base or during removal from the base. The aforementioned device has an anti-release element blocking the opening over a width at least large enough to prevent the passage of the headband through the opening. This anti-release element can be displaced by manual action directly on the anti-release element or through the headset into a release position to allow the passage of the headband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations
    Inventors: Maxime Le Texier, Laurent Saint-Marc, Raphael Renier
  • Publication number: 20110240695
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body surface of a vehicle, where the system may make use of a light emitting diode (LED) and a pair of support rails assemblies secured parallel to one another along a major longitudinal axis of the vehicle. At least one of the support rail assemblies may have a light pipe in optical communication with the LED. The light pipe may operate to radiate light generated by the LED outwardly from the support rail assembly along the length of the light pipe to thus illuminate a portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: JAC PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 7896206
    Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Myron, Elizabeth Myron
  • Patent number: 7604274
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. Electronic connections for coupling the video system with the cradle are provided in the base of the video system. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism including a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7566084
    Abstract: A lid opening-closing mechanism of a container device for a vehicle, including: a container device body provided in a vehicle interior of a vehicle; a lid attached freely openable and closable to the container device body; an elastic member interposed and provided between the container device body and the lid configured to bias the lid in an opening direction and a closing direction of the lid with biasing force; and a bidirectional damper attached to the container device body configured to attenuate the biasing force of the elastic member with attenuating force, wherein the elastic member includes a reversal spring in which biasing directions of the biasing force are reversible based on a reversal point in which one of the biasing directions is in the closing direction of the lid in a closed side of the lid of the reversal point and in which the other of the biasing directions is in the opening direction of the lid in an open side of the lid of the reversal point, and wherein the bidirectional damper include
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7393046
    Abstract: A removable storage module assembly configured for securement to the headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The headliner includes a storage module receiving area formed therein having a securement portion disposed proximate the receiving area. A storage module having a housing, a fastener associated with the housing configured to engage the securement portion and a storage area defined in the housing is removably positioned in the storage module receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7293816
    Abstract: A structural rail system 10 for supporting an overhead console 12 in relation to a roof bow 13 within a vehicle. A pair of rail members 14, 16 are spaced apart and extend longitudinally. One or more brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 are oriented laterally in relation to the pair of rail members 14, 16. Accessories 26 are attached to the brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 and are housed within the console 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stone, Mark Niedzwiecki, John M. Tiesler, Matthew J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7270370
    Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to a passenger compartment side portion of a vehicle roof. The storage compartment additionally includes a portable member that has at least one pocket. The portable member is configured to be releasably engaged with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Rumberger, James Lawrence Zucal, Marty Petersen
  • Patent number: 7267396
    Abstract: A removable storage module assembly configured for securement to the headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The headliner includes a storage module receiving area formed therein having a securement portion disposed proximate the receiving area. A storage module having a housing, a fastener associated with the housing configured to engage the securement portion and a storage area defined in the housing is removably positioned in the storage module receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil A. Schultz, Roy C. Thorsell
  • Patent number: 7243825
    Abstract: A bag holder for use in a vehicle trunk comprising a trunk lid having trunk hinges which attach the trunk lid to the vehicle. The bag holder device comprises a band portion having two ends, the band portion being at least partially elastically stretchable and of sufficient length when the partially elastically stretchable portion is partially stretched so as to be held in tension when the ends are connected to respective trunk hinges. The ends of the band portion are connected by connection means to slideable hinge rings, each of the slideable hinge rings having a sufficient circumference so as to permit encircling of the trunk hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Neil Lawrence Weisenfeld
  • Patent number: 7182383
    Abstract: An overhead rail system for a vehicle interior includes an elongated rail configured to extend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicle interior. A longitudinal opening extends at least partially along a length of the rail. An article has a housing and a movable panel. The movable panel is configured to provide access to an object. A holder is coupled to the article and has a catch configured to coact with the opening in the rail, so that the article is mountable to the rail proximate the headliner panel for use by occupants within the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kermit M. Anderson, Mark P. Kadzban, Matthew A. Kalis, Scott T. Williams, Alan G. Greene, Leif Norland
  • Patent number: 7159920
    Abstract: An overhead console assembly mounted to a headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The overhead console assembly includes an overhead console housing configured for attachment adjacent to a lower surface of the headliner or frame of the vehicle roof. The console housing includes a lower surface, at least one channel in the lower surface and opposing pivotally mounted first and second doors at least partially covering the lower surface. At least one storage module is releasably securable and adjustably positionable within the channel in the overhead console housing. The at least one storage module includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall extending therebetween defining a receiving area therebetween accessible through an opening in the sidewall. An accessory module removably mountable within the receiving area of the storage module housing receives and stores items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: George B. Byma, Grant Colyn, Yu-Jin J Song, Te Phan
  • Patent number: RE40617
    Abstract: An overhead console assembly for a vehicle includes accessory module compartments selectively positioned and removably secured to the overhead console for storing materials within the compartments. The overhead console includes a first console housing disposed to an miner surface of a structural member of a headliner assembly on a roofline of a vehicle, a second console housing disposed on the structural member of the headliner spaced apart from the first console housing and a center console housing disposed between the first and second console housings. At least one accessory module is removably secured to the center console housing. The at least one accessory module includes a housing, a storage area defined within the housing to retain materials stored within, and at least one securing member coupling the at least one module to a securement surface provided on the center console housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Canni, Scott Shields, Clifford Krapfl