Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Patent number: 8905168
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a driver seat; a passenger seat positioned such that the passenger seat and the driver seat are arranged side by side in a rightward and leftward direction; a console box provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat; a shift lever operated by a driver to perform a shifting operation; and a grab member provided in the vicinity of the passenger seat and secured to the vehicle body frame; wherein the shift lever is provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat and is positioned closer to the driver seat than a center of the console box in the rightward and leftward direction; and the grab member is provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat and is positioned closer to the passenger seat than the center of the console box in the rightward and leftward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaku, Chad Enger, Brian Butler, Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Jun Takagi
  • Patent number: 8899651
    Abstract: An arm rest arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The arm rest arrangement includes an arm rest. The arm rest has a receptacle device displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position in a displacing direction. An arm rest carrier is arranged upon the arm rest. The arm rest is displaceable relative to the arm rest carrier between an initial position and a final position in an adjusting direction that is equidirectional to the displacing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Harald Schulz, Marcus Schoppe, Andreas Wille
  • Patent number: 8894120
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Lechkun, Richard Joseph Wells
  • Patent number: 8894121
    Abstract: A table having a vertical support structure and a tabletop that is rotatable relative to the vertical support structure. The rotatable tabletop is configured to lock and unlock at a variety of positions relative to the vertical support structure via a latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Eilers, Benjamin T. Grover, Jonathan Duncan, Wallace A. Peltola
  • Patent number: 8888147
    Abstract: A mounting of a container in a rail pair is provided, which is disposed in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and the rails of the rail pair have substantially horizontally extending guide grooves on the mutually facing sides and a projection is mounted in the container on its side facing the respective rail, and the respective guide groove has a cross section which expands from the groove base and the respective projection has a corresponding cross section which is expanded toward the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Blanck, Michael Graf, Andreas Dörhöfer
  • Patent number: 8888159
    Abstract: A console assembly having a visual guide that affords for an individual to visually, and with an unobstructed line-of-sight, attach a back console body to a front console body is provided. The console assembly can include a front console body and a back console body, the two console bodies having a slot and hook combination that provides for a visible guide to an individual that is putting together or assembling the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyoda Gosei North America Corporation
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Hisamitsu Tatsunami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Publication number: 20140319868
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a center arm rest for use in a vehicle having a console part which can be attached to the vehicle body, and having an arm rest which is mounted at the console part so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis between a lower use position and an upper rest position, and having an actuating element which is arranged at the arm rest for swiveling the arm rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard von Rothkirch und Panthen, Thomas Hessdorfer, Manfred Dehn
  • Publication number: 20140319867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a center arm rest (01) for use in a vehicle with a console part (03), which can be directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body, and with an arm rest (05), which is mounted on the console part so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis between a lower use position and an upper rest position, the arm rest (05) having a top side (07) for resting an arm thereon, which is padded at least in sections, and a bottom side (08) on the opposite side, which is padded at least in sections and forms part of a back rest, comprising a tray device (11), which is swivelably mounted in the center arm rest (01) and which is in an upper non-use position behind the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the rest position, and which is swivelable about a hinge axis (12) between the non-use position and a lower use position having the tray device (11) resting on the top side of the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard von Rothkirch und Panthen, Thomas Hessdorfer, Manfred Dehn
  • Patent number: 8870255
    Abstract: A support for a functional element in the form of a container, an armrest or the like in a pair of rails within a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is provided. In the case of this support, the two rails encompass guide grooves and axially displaceable, bolt-like guide elements are supported in a housing of the functional element, on the side thereof, which faces the respective rail, and includes projections, which face these rails. A spring acts on the guide element and pretensions the projection thereof against the guide groove. The guide element can be moved by means of an actuator supported in the housing opposite to the force of the spring from the contact position in the guide groove, wherein a lower arm of the guide groove, is arranged horizontally and the displacement axis of the guide element for this guide groove is arranged diagonally to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Lothar Teske
  • Patent number: 8870144
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pablo D. Zavattieri, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Alan L. Browne, James Y. Khoury, Nancy L. Johnson, Chandra S. Namuduri, Senthil N. Karuppaswamy, Nilesh D. Mankame, Rainer A. Glaser, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8863887
    Abstract: A utility vehicle which can shorten the entire length of an air intake duct includes a belt-type continuously variable transmission that converts and transmits a driving force from an engine, a transmission case that accommodates the continuously variable transmission, an air intake duct that introduces outside air into the transmission case, and an exhaust duct that discharges air in the transmission case, wherein the transmission case is provided in a console box, and an air intake port of the air intake duct is arranged in the console box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kii
  • Publication number: 20140306477
    Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle is disclosed in which the center console includes a front portion and a rear storage box portion defined by a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a floor, an armrest and a front wall. The front wall of the storage box is moveable between substantially upright and substantially horizontal positions so as to define two distinct storage configurations. When the front wall is in the upright position a single large closed storage box is defined by the pair of side walls, the rear wall, the floor, the armrest and the front wall. When the front wall is in the horizontal position a first large open storage area is defined by the pair of side walls, the rear wall, the armrest and the front wall. A reconfigurable storage facility is thereby provided in a cost effective and simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Neugebauer, Andrew John Murray, Ed Stubbs, Torsten Gerhardt, Will Farrelly
  • Patent number: 8857878
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle console trim component. The trim component can include an articulated door with a plurality of slats, a substrate, and a flexible layer including a pattern for decoration disposed on and supported by the substrate. The flexible layer will maintain the pattern for decoration as the articulated door is cycled. The pattern for the vehicle trim component may be a photographic image. An overcoat also can be disposed on the flexible layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Kristan Marie Pierce
  • Publication number: 20140300124
    Abstract: An adaptable bin includes a bin floor, at least two bin side walls, and one or more bin end walls. The bin floor, bin side walls, and bin end wall define a primary storage volume and define a bin opening allowing access to the primary storage volume. The adaptable bin also includes a secondary shelf moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The secondary shelf defines a secondary storage volume in the expanded position. The secondary shelf includes a first shelf segment and a first hinge, which rotatably connects the first shelf segment to the bin end wall, and a second shelf segment and a second hinge, which rotatably connects the first and second shelf segments. The first and second shelf segments are substantially parallel to the bin end wall in the collapsed position and are substantially perpendicular to the bin end wall in the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20140300125
    Abstract: A trim assembly, such as a center console for a vehicle, includes a base portion, a cover portion and a holding unit. The cover portion defines a cover opening, and is attached to the base portion. The holding unit is disposed between the cover portion and the base portion, and is rotatably supported by the base portion for rotation about a rotation axis between a bin storage position and a cup-holder storage position. A bin storage position presents a bin aperture defined by a first side of the holding unit adjacent the cover opening to provide access to an open interior region of the holding unit through the cover opening for storage. A cup-holder storage position presents a cup aperture defined by a second side of the holding unit adjacent the cover opening to secure a cup within the interior region of the holding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Patent number: 8851544
    Abstract: A slidable tray assembly is provided having an aperture located on the housing near the track of the slidable tray assembly to promote egress of foreign objects out of the track. The housing includes a grid-like assembly to strengthen the overall housing assembly. The grid-like pattern promotes foreign objects to become stuck within the track thereby prohibiting movement of the slidable assembly. Foreign objects enter the tray by means of a gap between the slidable tray and a panel from the interior of the vehicle. The aperture located on the housing is sized in proportion to the gap created between the panel and the slidable tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Publication number: 20140284955
    Abstract: A center console for vehicles including a first half formed of a first material and a second half formed of a second material. The first and second halves joined directly with each other. The first half includes a first side panel extending in a longitudinal direction and a first element connecting to the first side panel. The second half includes a second side panel extending in the longitudinal direction and a second element connected to the second side panel. The first element projects from the first side panel toward the second side panel. The second element projects from the second side panel toward the first side panel. The first and second elements complement one another to form a functional element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Lisa Draxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Winklbauer
  • Publication number: 20140265405
    Abstract: A center console for use in a passenger vehicle is adapted to be located between a pair of passenger seats. The center console includes a storage container formed to include a storage space accessible through an aperture and armrests coupled to the storage container to provide a support surface for the arms of passengers in the seats and to regulate access to the storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: AUDI AG, VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Yuval APPELBOUM, Christopher HA
  • Patent number: 8814243
    Abstract: A cord management device neatly stores a flexible cord in a storage console of a motor vehicle. The storage console has a storage channel recessed in the wall for receiving a length of the flexible cord. A flexible retainer is mounted on the wall and blocks ingress and egress to the storage channel. The flexible retainer flexes to permit insertion of the cord into the storage channel and also flexes to permit removal of the cord from the storage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jaikanth B Kumblekere, Timothy V Hurt
  • Patent number: 8789869
    Abstract: A storage device, including a storage body and a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The device includes a locking mechanism that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, an elastic return member being arranged so as to move the locking mechanism back into the locking position. The device includes at least one pusher part that is movable between a refracted position and an extracted position in which the pusher part keeps the cover in a partially open position. The elastic return member is arranged so as to push the pusher part into the extracted position thereof when the locking mechanism is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Ludovic Bouldron
  • Patent number: 8789867
    Abstract: A cup holder apparatus of a console box for a vehicle, which may be installed at the rear of a console armrest in a rotatably opening and closing manner, may include left and right side portions pivotally coupled to the rear of the console armrest and elastically supported by an elastic member and forming a storage space therebetween for storing a container, wherein the left and right side portions may be selectively inserted into spaces formed at both left and right sides of an armrest hinge assembly when the cup holder may be closed by the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motors Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Seok Kong
  • Patent number: 8783752
    Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Lambert, Nicholas S. Sitarski, Scott L. Weiss, Jonathan J. Quijano
  • Patent number: 8777073
    Abstract: A headrest hat hook hanger that mounts to the side of headrest post with a clamp bracket that stand up and holds the double hat coat hook on the side wall of the headrest to hang hats, caps, and coats from the side of the headrest seat inside a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Roy C Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20140175820
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Lechkun, Richard Joseph Wells
  • Publication number: 20140167438
    Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Lambert, Nicholas S. Sitarski, Scott L. Weiss, Jonathan J. Quijano
  • Publication number: 20140138975
    Abstract: A slide structure has a first member maintaining a constant width; a second member covering at least two side portions of the first member in a width direction, and slidably assembled relative to the first member; and an urging device interposed between the first member and the second member. In at least one member of either the first member or the second member, an inclined face inclining relative to the width direction of the first member is provided at a portion wherein the first member and the second member slide, and in the other member of either the first member or the second member, the urging device is interposed between a portion facing the inclined face of the one member and the inclined face to be urged in a direction to separate the facing portion and the inclined face from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Yosuke Washio
  • Patent number: 8727413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage compartment for a vehicle interior, comprising a cover (2) that can be pivoted between a completely closed and a maximally opened position, and a base (3) that is hidden below in case of the cover (2) being closed, wherein the cover (2) may be locked between the completely closed and the maximally opened position at any desired intermediate position, at least within a partial region of a movement tolerance, for holding an object (6) between the base (3) and the cover (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Julien Seiller, Nicolas Allard, Thierry Benard, Nicolas Pegorier
  • Patent number: 8726971
    Abstract: A shutter (S) including a plurality of support portions (10) provided in array in a sliding direction of the shutter, a hinge portion (20) for connecting adjoining two support portions (10), and slide supporting portions (30) provided at both ends of each support portion (10) so as to face a pair of guiderails. Each slide supporting portion (30) has a pair of first and second abutting portions (32 and 34) formed in array in the sliding direction for slidably engaging with the guiderail. Each support portion (10) is supported by the pair of guiderails at three or more out of a total of four first and second abutting portions (32 and 34) when a load is applied to the shutter from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: INOAC Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Sato, Yoshitaka Uramoto, Hirokazu Amano
  • Patent number: 8714617
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Patent number: 8714613
    Abstract: A console assembly includes a console housing with first and second compartments. Each compartment includes one or more track members disposed on an interior portion of each compartment. A tray assembly includes engagement tabs which are adapted to couple to the track members of the first compartment in a first configuration, and further adapted to couple to the track members of the second compartment in a second configuration. Thus, the tray assembly is removable and can be positioned in either the first compartment or the second compartment. The tray assembly is adapted to move between fore and aft positions along the track members, and the tray assembly is also operable between forward and rearward tilt positions in either compartment in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Raymond Gillis, Jolanta Coffey, Alan Perelli
  • Patent number: 8708387
    Abstract: A console box is made of resin, is elongate in the vehicle front-rear direction, and can be installed on a floor panel. An upper component forms a top face and a front wall on the vehicle front side, and has, in the top face near the front wall, a drink holder that is recessed downward. A lower component forms side walls and on both sides in the vehicle width direction and a rear wall on the vehicle rear side. The lower component has a link portion that extends between and links the inner faces of the side walls and below the drink holder. The link portion is fixed with bolts and to the floor panel, and a lower face at a bottom of the drink holder has a clip that connects the drink holder to the link portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yamaguchi, Akinori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8701819
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle and installment method are provided wherein the console is installed around a vehicle shifter assembly. The assembly includes a main body wherein the main body includes a shifter assembly mounted thereon, an elongated bracket mounted to the shifter assembly wherein the elongated bracket includes at least two protrusions, and a console assembly having at least two elongated portions wherein each of the elongated portions includes an inner wall. Attachment structures operable to accept the protrusions of the elongated bracket are mounted on the inner walls of the elongated portions of the center console. The center console having the at least two elongated portions is mounted over the shifter onto the elongated bracket allowing the at least two protrusions of the elongated bracket to attach to the means to accept the at least two protrusions thereby eliminating the need for any additional bolts or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Porcs
  • Patent number: 8684440
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes a panel that has a closed position and a stowed position. The panel at least partly covers a utility area when in the closed position, and an end of the panel is concealed from view in the stowed position. The panel pivots about a pivot point and is coupled with a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes one or more gears and a pivot arm with dimensional relationships that define a line of movement for the pivot arm as it moves between the closed and stowed positions. A planetary gear set may be used to define a curvilinear path, such as an elliptical path, or a rectilinear path for the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Hishon, Brian S. Kikta
  • Publication number: 20140070559
    Abstract: A cord management device neatly stores a flexible cord in a storage console of a motor vehicle. The storage console has a storage channel recessed in the wall for receiving a length of the flexible cord. A flexible retainer is mounted on the wall and blocks ingress and egress to the storage channel. The flexible retainer flexes to permit insertion of the cord into the storage channel and also flexes to permit removal of the cord from the storage channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: JAIKANTH B. KUMBLEKERE, Timothy V. Hurt
  • Patent number: 8668258
    Abstract: An arm rest for a vehicle comprising a housing having a base portion mounted to the vehicle and a lid. The lid is pivotable about an axis with respect to the base portion from a closed position to a deployed position. The base portion defines a compartment. The lid forms an armrest surface in a closed position and a storage tray in an exposed position. The storage tray includes a foldable wall at the edge adjacent the axis. The wall is extended when the lid is in a deployed position and folded when the lid is in a closed position. The remaining edges of the storage tray further includes a wall such that a tray is provided in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Okunzuwa Uwague-Igharo
  • Patent number: 8659554
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a moveable touch pad that opens out of a center console armrest and is operable to control a navigation unit or other vehicle functions. Advantageously, locating a control touch pad unit in the center console armrest provides an ergonomically desirable solution for the vehicle's driver. The touch pad can be stored in the vehicle's center console armrest, and the touch pad is configured to move fore and aft for comfortable driver access. Additionally, the control touch pad unit can be utilized to control other vehicle functions, such as audio, climate settings, odometer settings, lighting, mobile phones, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Quigley, Robert Smyczynski, Clifford Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20140049063
    Abstract: A console box is made of resin, is elongate in the vehicle front-rear direction, and can be installed on a floor panel. An upper component forms a top face and a front wall on the vehicle front side, and has, in the top face near the front wall, a drink holder that is recessed downward. A lower component forms side walls and on both sides in the vehicle width direction and a rear wall on the vehicle rear side. The lower component has a link portion that extends between and links the inner faces of the side walls and below the drink holder. The link portion is fixed with bolts and to the floor panel, and a lower face at a bottom of the drink holder has a clip that connects the drink holder to the link portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato YAMAGUCHI, Akinori ISHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8651546
    Abstract: A vehicle center console trim assembly includes a console body and a cover. The console body includes a first side section and a ledge extending laterally from the first side section along a lower body portion of the console body. The cover is coupled to the console body and overlies a side surface of the first side section to form a side pocket between the cover and the side surface of the first side section with the ledge defining a bottom surface of the side pocket. The cover includes an upper cover portion that extends along an upper body portion of the console body, which is spaced above the lower body portion of the console body, with the upper cover portion concealing the ledge of the first side section of the console body from view in a downward vehicle looking direction from a location above the console body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Walter Yourke, Thomas Mally, Douglas Dawe
  • Patent number: 8641120
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly includes a housing, a lid, a trim member and a plurality of ribs. The housing defines a storage compartment area with a first access opening. A wall within the storage compartment area includes a ledge spaced apart from the first access opening. A first end of the lid is pivotally coupled to the housing to move between an open position in which a second end is spaced apart from the ledge and a closed position in which the second end is located adjacent to the ledge. A flange of the trim member at least partially surrounds a second access opening of the trim member, with the flange extending into the first access opening. A recess is defined by the wall between the flange and the ledge. The plurality of ribs extend from the ledge of the wall toward the flange within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zimmerman, Tomoki Oogushi
  • Patent number: 8616605
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Patent number: 8616614
    Abstract: An armrest structure for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a first armrest to support an elbow of one of arms of a passenger seated in a seat and a second armrest to support an elbow of the other arm of the passenger. A horizontal distance W1 between a vertically-extending seat center line of the seat and an elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a horizontal distance W2 between the vertically-extending seat center line and an elbow's support position at the second armrest, and a height H1 of the elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a height H2 of the elbow's support position at the second armrest. Accordingly, the passenger's elbows can be properly supported at the armrests on both sides, in a seat width direction, of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Ohtsubo, Isao Hirashima, Yoji Yatsushiro
  • Publication number: 20130320689
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes a panel that has a closed position and a stowed position. The panel at least partly covers a utility area when in the closed position, and an end of the panel is concealed from view in the stowed position. The panel pivots about a pivot point and is coupled with a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes one or more gears and a pivot arm with dimensional relationships that define a line of movement for the pivot arm as it moves between the closed and stowed positions. A planetary gear set may be used to define a curvilinear path, such as an elliptical path, or a rectilinear path for the pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Hishon, Brian Kikta
  • Patent number: 8596702
    Abstract: A slidable tray assembly that covers and uncovers a compartment and has an anti-jamming feature. The slidable tray assembly can include a console with a compartment and a panel that can slide and extend over the compartment when in a closed position. The panel can be attached to the console and be operable to slide between the closed position and an open position. In addition, the panel can have a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending therefrom and the plurality of spaced-apart protrusions prevent an object from becoming jammed or located between the panel and the console and thus prevent jamming of sliding movement of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Joseph Quijano, Que-Whang Rhee
  • Publication number: 20130300144
    Abstract: A storage console assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a console base, a rear panel enclosing the rear of the console base, a console mounting bracket mounted to a floor of the vehicle, a console bin disposed in the console base and defining a storage compartment, and a lid pivotally mounted to the console mounting bracket by a hinge. The lid encloses the console bin. The hinge has a console plate coupled to the console mounting bracket and a lid plate coupled to the lid. The console bin is configured to substantially conceal the hinge console plate from view by a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Rose
  • Patent number: 8579348
    Abstract: A flexible sliding lid assembly including a guided lid comprised of a plurality of flexibly interconnected lid segments. The lid includes a rib or a plurality of spaced ribs that extend upward from a top surface of the lid along a rear portion thereof. A cover plate overlies at least a portion of the lid when the lid is in an opened position. The cover plate includes one or more grooves in which the rib/ribs travel when the lid is slidably opened and closed. If an object residing on the lid during lid opening passes through a gap between the lid and the cover plate, the object will be caught by the projecting rib(s), trapped between the top of the lid and the cover plate, and returned to an exposed position along the rear of the lid for easy retrieval when the lid is subsequently closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Myers
  • Patent number: 8573350
    Abstract: A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Jeffrey John Pehler
  • Patent number: 8573665
    Abstract: A storage component 20 for a vehicle includes a flexible component 22, such as a tambour door, formed of a plurality of slats 26 supported by and chemically bonded to a substrate 24. The flexible component 22 is translucent or transparent, allowing light to pass therethrough. The slats 26 are formed of a slat polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), and the substrate 24 is formed of a substrate polymer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The slats 26 also have a tensile strength of at least 5 MPa so that the flexible component 22 can support objects disposed on the flexible component 22, such as an arm of a passenger or a purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 8556320
    Abstract: A console box placed in a vehicle passenger compartment includes a console body for storing articles, a lid located on a top surface of the body, and a storage portion formed on a back surface of the lid for storing a small item. The storage portion is opened in response to opening of the lid, and is closed in response to closing of the lid. The lid has one end attached to the body through support shafts such that the lid pivots between open and closed positions. The storage portion has one end attached to the lid through support shafts such that the storage portion pivots between open and closed positions. The lid has a free end opposite the one end thereof and the storage portion has a free end opposite the one end thereof. The free ends face in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Yamagishi, Masamitsu Shiono, Kazunari Nishio, Yasuhiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20130257076
    Abstract: A console assembly having a visual guide that affords for an individual to visually, and with an unobstructed line-of-sight, attach a back console body to a front console body is provided. The console assembly can include a front console body and a back console body, the two console bodies having a slot and hook combination that provides for a visible guide to an individual that is putting together or assembling the console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicants: Toyoda Gosei North America Corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Hisamitsu Tatsunami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Publication number: 20130257078
    Abstract: A slidable tray assembly that covers and uncovers a compartment and has an anti-jamming feature. The slidable tray assembly can include a console with a compartment and a panel that can slide and extend over the compartment when in a closed position. The panel can be attached to the console and be operable to slide between the closed position and an open position. In addition, the panel can have a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending therefrom and the plurality of spaced-apart protrusions prevent an object from becoming jammed or located between the panel and the console and thus prevent jamming of sliding movement of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Joseph Quijano, Que-Whang Rhee