Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Publication number: 20130257077
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Porcs
  • Publication number: 20130258604
    Abstract: A moveable tray assembly having a cable retention feature. The moveable tray assembly can include a console with a moveable tray that has a first end, a second end, and a planar portion extending between the first end and the second end. The planar portion can be dimensioned for a portable electronic device to lay flat thereon and thus hold the device. The second end of the moveable panel can have a slot extending towards the first end a predefined distance. The slot has a width and the width is dimensioned such that an electronic cable can fit through the slot, but a connector end of the electronic cable cannot fit through the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Publication number: 20130249231
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly including a housing defining a storage compartment with an upward facing opening, a first closure pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position, and a second closure slidably and pivotally mounted to the housing for movement among a slide closed position, a slide open position and a pivot open position. The first closure covers a first portion of the upward facing opening when in the pivot closed position and the second closure covers a second portion of the upward facing opening when in the slide closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Winiger, Simon Hon-Sok Yu, Neal W. Luginbill, Douglas E. Haunhorst, Robert M. Ray, III, Johnathan D. Norman
  • Patent number: 8540297
    Abstract: A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Matthew Edward Gedris, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, John Thomas Goscicki, James Holbrook Brown
  • Patent number: 8540298
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly comprises first, second and third trim members. The first trim member has a first surface which includes a first mounting structure. The second trim member is positioned adjacent to the first trim member such that a first peripheral edge of the first trim member faces a second peripheral edge of the second trim member. The third trim member is more elastic than the first and second trim members and is coupled to and at least partially overlays the second trim member. The third trim member has a second surface including a second mounting structure, and a third peripheral edge of the third trim member extends beyond the second peripheral edge of the second trim member such that the second mounting structure of the third trim member engages the first mounting structure of the first trim member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Thomas Mally
  • Patent number: 8534733
    Abstract: A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first and an at least second profile, with bearing and friction elements included therebetween for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles, wherein the profiles are provided with fastening elements, wherein the first and second profiles on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges, which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing and the friction elements are provided between the profiles near the respective connecting longitudinal edges thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first and the at least second profile. The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas Regout International B.V.
    Inventors: Roger Maria Jozef Schreurs, Hendricus Tadeusz Wojcik
  • Patent number: 8528956
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly including a housing defining a storage compartment with an upward facing opening, a first closure pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position, and a second closure slidably and pivotally mounted to the housing for movement among a slide closed position, a slide open position and a pivot open position. The first closure covers a first portion of the upward facing opening when in the pivot closed position and the second closure covers a second portion of the upward facing opening when in the slide closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Winiger, Simon Hon-Sok Yu, Neal W. Luginbill, Douglas E. Haunhorst, Robert M. Ray, III, Johnathan D. Norman
  • Patent number: 8523260
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a console for use in a vehicle. One embodiment comprises a compartment defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction, a first channel disposed adjacent to the first wall, the first channel defining an opening oriented in an upward direction and including first and second end surfaces spaced apart along the first channel, a retainer structure disposed within the first channel and spaced from the first and second end surfaces and a tray member having an engagement structure configured to be received within the first channel. The tray member is positionable within the compartment such that the engagement structure is received within the first channel and engages the retainer structure to restrain movement of the tray member along the first channel toward both of the first end surface and the second end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8517447
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly includes a housing and a rigid lid. The housing defines a storage compartment and a lid cavity separated by a partition wall. The lid moves between an open position and a closed position. At least a portion of the lid is positioned within the lid cavity and the storage compartment uncovered in the open position. The lid covers the storage compartment and at least a portion of the lid cavity in the closed position. The lid has an inner surface configured relative to the upper free edge of the partition wall such that a first blocking portion of the inner surface is disposed adjacent a upper free edge of the partition wall and aligns with or overlaps with the upper free edge blocking space above the upper free edge of the partition wall while the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher James Biggs
  • Patent number: 8517443
    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: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Publication number: 20130214548
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Volkswagen AG
  • Patent number: 8505994
    Abstract: An overhead console of the vehicle may include a housing provided on a front portion of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle and having a downwardly open accommodation portion formed therein, a glass case accommodated in the accommodation portion and rotatably coupled to the housing around a rotating shaft that may be formed on a front side surface of the housing in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a conversation mirror rotatably coupled with the housing in the accommodation portion and selectively engaged with a rear portion of the glass case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Bae Park, June Soo Park
  • Publication number: 20130187400
    Abstract: A reconfigurable console assembly includes, but is not limited to, a stationary wall adapted for attachment to a vehicle. The assembly further includes a reconfigurable wall having a stationary end, a movable end, and a substantially constant length. The stationary end is attached to the stationary wall and the movable end moves between a stowed position and a deployed position. The reconfigurable wall flexes along a longitudinal axis as the movable end moves between the stowed and deployed positions. The stationary wall and the reconfigurable wall define a storage bin when the movable end is in the deployed position. The assembly further includes a constraining element connected to the movable end. The constraining element constrains the movable end to remain in the stowed position when the movable end is in the stowed position and to remain in the deployed position when the movable end is in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony D.Alessandro, Cedric Caravano, Daniel Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 8491028
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicle storage compartments having closure panel assemblies that can comprise a first lid portion having a first lid surface on which a locating channel having opposing side walls is formed and a second lid portion on which first and second locating projections are formed. At least a portion of each of the first and second locating projections is received within the locating channel when the first and second lid portions are engaged. One of the first and second lid portions is moveable relative the other of the first and second lid portions between extended and retracted positions. The first and second locating projections are spaced apart in a direction of travel of the one of the first and second lid portions. The locating channel includes first and second reduced-width sections that contact the first and second locating projections, respectively, in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alpesh Trivedi
  • Patent number: 8485581
    Abstract: A holding fixture operable to secure differing pluralities of positioned objects having differing geometric shapes, sizes, and/or dimensions, including an active material element configured to selectively enable, cause, or retain the securing engagement and/or return the fixture to a ready state when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. McKnight, Christopher P. Henry, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8480151
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having at least one storage compartment, a storage compartment having at least one accommodation unit, and an accommodation unit for a storage compartment of a motor vehicle, including a plurality of frame sections making up a frame, with which the frame may mounted so as to be movable in the storage compartment, wherein in a space defined by the frame at least one retaining element of variable shape and connected to at least two frame sections is arranged to extend between the frame sections in the defined space, forming at least one restraining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Klaus Kuhlmann, Werner Berhard
  • Patent number: 8474214
    Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Dawe, Nicholas Spitler
  • Patent number: 8474897
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a vehicle is provided. The storage assembly includes a body that includes at least one surface, at least one sidewall, and at least one recess portion defined within the surface. The recess portion is sized to contain at least one object therein. At least one holder is coupled to the sidewall, wherein the holder includes at least one opening defined therein that is sized to receive a container therein. At least two legs extend from the body for supporting the body a predefined distance above a floor of the rear portion of the vehicle. The two legs are spaced a predefined distance apart such that a passageway is defined therebetween. A receptacle is removably coupled within the passageway such that at least a portion of at least one item transported within the vehicle may extend through the passageway when the receptacle is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8465076
    Abstract: A console assembly having a first storage area and a second storage area, wherein access to the first storage area is possible without having to remove articles supported on the outer surface of the console assembly is provided. The console assembly includes a slidable support is operable to slide between a covered position and a retracted position. In the covered position the slidable support covers the first storage area, and in the retracted position the slidable support is disposed within the second storage area, between each of the pair of second side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Patent number: 8454071
    Abstract: A slide mechanism for use with a vehicle armrest includes a sliding plate and a stationary plate in sliding engagement with each other via a coupling that includes an elongated guide and a guide follower. The elongated guide defines a slide direction for the slide mechanism and is retained to one of the plates by guide retention features located at each end of the guide. Each retention feature is constructed to restrict movement of the elongated guide in all directions transverse to the slide direction. A spacer is disposed at one end of the elongated guide to hold the guide in place in the slide direction so that retention is maintained. The spacer can be interposed between a retention feature stop and an end of the elongated guide and/or can extend from a cover attached to the plate that includes the retention features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon Stoia
  • Publication number: 20130134730
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a universal chassis that may be mounted in the head unit of a vehicle. The chassis may accept one or more modules that each have common dimensions. With a common form factor, the universal chassis is configurable as different modules with different functionality may be inserted into the chassis with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventor: Flextronics AP, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130134729
    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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Zimmerman, Tomoki Oogushi
  • Patent number: 8448483
    Abstract: A securement apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment includes a closure panel and a body portion. The securement apparatus includes a base portion, a handle, a tumbler and a lock. The base portion is configured to couple to the closure panel. The handle is pivotally coupled to the base portion to move between latched and unlatched positions, and includes a latch that is configured to engage the body portion while the handle is in the latched position. The tumbler is moveably disposed with respect to the base portion between locked and unlocked positions, and is configured to restrict movement of the handle from the latched position to the unlatched position while the tumbler is in the locked position. The lock is configured to move the tumbler between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Brant
  • Patent number: 8449009
    Abstract: A device includes an adapter having a number of holes and a number of threaded studs. The holes are arranged in a spaced apart pattern corresponding to a bolt pattern of a legacy cockpit display unit. The threaded studs are arranged in a spaced apart pattern similar to a bolt pattern of a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jayson K. Bopp, James A. Negro
  • Publication number: 20130127199
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 8444199
    Abstract: An upper cover has an engagement edge, a bottom cover has a receiving edge where the engagement edge is inserted, and the engagement edge is inserted into the receiving edge. The receiving edge has a groove where the leading end of the engagement edge is inserted, the engagement edge has a stopper surface, which serves as a stopper part, on the outer surface toward the basal end side, and the groove has a stopper receiving surface, which serves as a stopper receiving part and catches the stopper surface, on one side internal surface toward the basal end side. As the leading end of the engagement edge is inserted into the groove of the receiving edge and the stopper surface is caught by the stopper receiving surface, the engagement edge of the upper cover and the receiving edge of the bottom cover are joined together without any separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Takeuchi, Hiroshi Izawa
  • Patent number: 8444196
    Abstract: A console is provided, in particular a central console for a vehicle, having a rail pair for the essentially horizontally displaceable accommodation of inserts of the console between the rails of the rail pair in guides of the rails, as well as a storage space between the inserts and the floor of the vehicle. For such a console, it is provided that the rails are implemented as freestanding brackets, the brackets at least being mounted in the floor of the vehicle, an essentially horizontally situated section of the particular bracket, which is distal from the floor, having at least one guide. Such a console offers high flexibility in regard to the storage space usable in this area with structurally simple design and may be advantageously used both with and also without the inserts in this aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Arndt, Matthias Blanck, Andreas Dorhoefer, Uwe Fett, Michael Graf, Michael Renkel, Kurt Beyer
  • Patent number: 8444202
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a display surround for protecting a display area and, in particular, to trim elements for surrounds located around dials in automotive instrument panels. A display surround for protecting a display area comprises a perimeter wall for surrounding the display area and a wall capping piece. The wall extends from a base portion of the wall proximate the display area towards an end portion of the wall away from the display area. The end portion includes a top face, and the top face includes a groove. The capping piece has a tongue. The tongue includes a protuberance on opposite sides and the groove includes a recess on opposite sides. The capping piece is secured in place to cap the wall by seating the tongue within the groove and by engaging each protuberance with a corresponding recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary James Casey, Anthony Raymond Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130113231
    Abstract: An overhead console of the vehicle may include a housing provided on a front portion of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle and having a downwardly open accommodation portion formed therein, a glass case accommodated in the accommodation portion and rotatably coupled to the housing around a rotating shaft that may be formed on a front side surface of the housing in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a conversation mirror rotatably coupled with the housing in the accommodation portion and selectively engaged with a rear portion of the glass case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jong Bae PARK, June Soo PARK
  • Patent number: 8430440
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in conjunction with an interior vehicle console includes a housing, a storage compartment, and a cover. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position along a rotational axis of movement and also movable along a vertical axis of movement from the open position to a stowed position where the cover is concealed, allowing full access to the storage compartment. The movement of the door along the rotational axis of movement occurs substantially outside of the console. The movement of the door further actuates an ambient light feature and is dampened along the rotational axis of movement and the vertical axis of movement. The storage assembly further comprises latching mechanisms which are used to retain the door in the closed position as well as the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Simon, Brian Robb, Tony Anthony Oldani, Gregory Claire
  • Publication number: 20130099518
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a main body, a side trim panel and a fastener part. The main body has a side surface through which a slot is defined and a top surface through which a fastener receiving aperture is defined. The fastener receiving aperture extends through the top surface to an inner cavity of the main body that is accessible through the slot. The side trim panel at least partially covers the side surface of the main body. The side trim panel has a projection that extends away from an inner surface of the side trim panel into the slot defined by the side surface. The fastener part extends through the fastener receiving aperture defined by the top surface and engages the projection to fixedly couple the side trim panel to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Chad KWOLEK
  • Patent number: 8419101
    Abstract: A receiving element is provided, in particular for motor vehicles, with a housing open at the top for accommodating at least one container. The housing has at least one lateral clamping element. In such a receiving element, it is proposed that the housing incorporate at least one foldable support, which in a first lockable position is spaced apart from and arranged parallel to the floor, and in a second position is arranged essentially perpendicular to the floor, and further that the respective clamping element is arranged above the support relative to its first position. Such a receiving element has a relatively large, variable tray area. It is also used for reliably accommodating at least one container, which can vary in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Stueber
  • Publication number: 20130087395
    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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaku, Chad Enger, Brian Butler, Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Jun Takagi
  • Patent number: 8414048
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a main body, a side trim panel and a fastener part. The main body has a side surface through which a slot is defined and a top surface through which a fastener receiving aperture is defined. The fastener receiving aperture extends through the top surface to an inner cavity of the main body that is accessible through the slot. The side trim panel at least partially covers the side surface of the main body. The side trim panel has a projection that extends away from an inner surface of the side trim panel into the slot defined by the side surface. The fastener part extends through the fastener receiving aperture defined by the top surface and engages the projection to fixedly couple the side trim panel to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek
  • Publication number: 20130062899
    Abstract: A slide mechanism for use with a vehicle armrest includes a sliding plate and a stationary plate in sliding engagement with each other via a coupling that includes an elongated guide and a guide follower. The elongated guide defines a slide direction for the slide mechanism and is retained to one of the plates by guide retention features located at each end of the guide. Each retention feature is constructed to restrict movement of the elongated guide in all directions transverse to the slide direction. A spacer is disposed at one end of the elongated guide to hold the guide in place in the slide direction so that retention is maintained. The spacer can be interposed between a retention feature stop and an end of the elongated guide and/or can extend from a cover attached to the plate that includes the retention features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jonathon Stoia
  • Publication number: 20130057011
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Yamagishi, Masamitsu Shiono, Kazunari Nishio, Yasuhiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20130057010
    Abstract: A reconfigurable console reinforcement bracket includes a first frame and first and second extension arms. In a first configuration, the first extension arm is connected to a first lateral side of the first frame at a first longitudinal end of the first frame and the second extension arm is connected to a second lateral side of the first frame at the first longitudinal end of the first frame such that the first and second extension arms extend beyond the first longitudinal end. In a second configuration, the first extension arm is connected to the first lateral side of the first frame at the second longitudinal end of the first frame and the second extension arm is connected to the second lateral side of the first frame at the second longitudinal end of the first frame such that the first and second extension arms extend beyond the second longitudinal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Christopher Biggs, Thomas Mally, Douglas Dawe
  • Patent number: 8388042
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrated door and shelving system for a storage compartment located on a vehicle instrument panel. The storage compartment includes at least one door rotatably mounted to the opening of the storage compartment and rotatable about a first axis. The storage compartment includes a side wall, a back wall, and a lower wall. When the door is in a substantially open position, the door is generally parallel to the lower wall and generally perpendicular to the back wall. When the door is rotated to a fully closed position, the door is generally perpendicular to the lower wall and generally parallel to the back wall. When fully opened, the door is used as a shelf to store a cell phone, iPod, PDA, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Publication number: 20130049390
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory assembly includes a housing and a vehicle accessory subassembly, including a vehicle accessory and a bezel, installed in the housing. The housing includes a side panel having at least one tab extending from a top of the side panel. The vehicle accessory includes a side wall and a guide rib extending from the side wall in a direction away from a center of the accessory. The guide rib includes a guide portion. A guide angle between the guide portion and the side wall is less than about 90°. The bezel includes a snap portion. As the vehicle accessory subassembly is installed on the housing, the tab of the side panel engages the guide portion of the guide rib such that the guide portion of the guide rib guides the tab over an outboard side of the snap portion into engagement with the receiving slot of the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan-Michael Francis Stachura, Toshinao Wada
  • Patent number: 8376436
    Abstract: A storage box assembly for a vehicle includes a case in which an opening is formed on an upper surface thereof, and a lid for opening/closing the opening. When the lid is closed, a surface of the lid and an upper surface of the case substantially form a flush surface. When the lid is opened, the lid is moved to be retracted in the case by a guide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Kenichi Kamio, Yasunori Sei, Chihiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8376435
    Abstract: A seating and console system for use in a seating row and configurable between a seating configuration and a console configuration. The system comprises a seat including a seat base and a seat back, and a console mounted to an opposite side of the seat back. The seat back rotates between a first position to provide the seating configuration and a second position to provide the console configuration that divides the seating row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brian R. Dexter, Jeffrey T. Stout, Gregory N. Brncick, Alan G. Greene, Steven D. Lepley, Joseph M. Thompson, Robert C. Fitzpatrick, Michael J. Burns, David J. Spykerman, Michael R. Catlin
  • Publication number: 20130038097
    Abstract: A cupholder has a substantially tubular shell configured to be mounted with a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. A floor received in the shell is vertically movable along the longitudinal axis for defining a variable depth cup well. A ring coaxially atop the shell has a plurality of vertical guide extensions disposed around a periphery of the shell. The ring is vertically movable. A linkage is provided between the floor and the guide extensions providing reciprocal motion of the floor and the ring wherein pushing down the floor raises the ring and wherein pushing down the ring raises the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond A. Oldani, Scott Simon
  • Patent number: 8371633
    Abstract: A center console is provided between two vehicle seats arranged next to each other. At least one front side of the center console, at least one container can be arranged in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Beyer, Jong Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 8366166
    Abstract: An air duct assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The air duct assembly can include a U-shaped duct having a center portion with a first air duct and a second air duct extending therefrom. In addition, the center portion of the U-shaped duct can have a flange attached to and extending outwardly therefrom, the flange having a predetermined thickness. The U-shaped duct attaches to a console within the motor vehicle, the console having a surface with a first arm and a second arm extending outwardly therefrom. The second arm can be oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first arm a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance between the first and second arms extending from the console can be generally equal to the predetermined thickness of the flange extending from the center portion of the U-shaped duct, for the purpose of attaching the U-shaped duct to the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lauren M. Abro
  • Publication number: 20130026778
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly includes a housing and a rigid lid. The housing defines a storage compartment and a lid cavity separated by a partition wall. The lid moves between an open position and a closed position. At least a portion of the lid is positioned within the lid cavity and the storage compartment uncovered in the open position. The lid covers the storage compartment and at least a portion of the lid cavity in the closed position. The lid has an inner surface configured relative to the upper free edge of the partition wall such that a first blocking portion of the inner surface is disposed adjacent a upper free edge of the partition wall and aligns with or overlaps with the upper free edge blocking space above the upper free edge of the partition wall while the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher James Biggs
  • Patent number: 8353549
    Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a lid of a storage receptacle provided on a vehicle comprises a push button, a button pin and a lid linkage. The push button includes a first slider having an inclined face at a rear end thereof. The button pin includes a second slider having a first inclined face cooperating with the inclined face of the first slider. The first inclined face is spaced from a rear end of the second slider. The second slider is biased to contact the first slider. The lid linkage has a first end selectively engaged by the rear end of the second slider and a second end for selectively locking the lid in a closed state. The lid linkage is biased toward the second slider. Engagement of the push button with the button pin moves the second slider, which, in turn, allows the lid linkage to move toward the second slider to unlock the storage receptacle lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nathaniel J. Buchheit
  • Publication number: 20130009418
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Publication number: 20130009417
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, Daivd J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Publication number: 20120319422
    Abstract: A console box includes a housing defining an article accommodating space therein and having an opening formed at a front side thereof; a cover coupled to the front side of the housing via hinge couplers disposed at opposite sides of the cover; dampers, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and controlling an opening speed of the cover; and a torsion spring disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and elastically supporting the cover. The console box further includes a hinge cover disposed outside each of the hinge couplers of the cover and preventing the cover and the torsion spring from separating from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO KOREA INC.
    Inventor: Yong Gu KANG
  • Patent number: 8322768
    Abstract: A vehicle console having side panels that can be shortened to different lengths for shortening the console. Molded side rails are optionally fitted to upper connection portions of the side panels and can be shortened to match the different shorter lengths of the side panels. A plurality of face plates are provided for mounting equipment on the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali