Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Patent number: 8322769
    Abstract: A multifunction device to be situated within a central console of a motor vehicle has an instrument panel for receiving one or more elements (e.g., display and/or operating elements), the instrument panel being designed as movable and being transferable from a closed position into an open position, the instrument panel being situated within an opening of the central console in the closed position. Furthermore the central console has a storage element, which is situated outside the field of vision of the vehicle occupants in the closed position of the instrument panel and which is freely accessible to the vehicle occupants in the open position of the instrument pane. It is thus possible to provide a multifunction device to be situated within a central console of a motor vehicle, which is particularly easily reachable for the driver of the motor vehicle and simultaneously can increase the possible useful space within a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Klaus Kuhlmann
  • Patent number: 8303016
    Abstract: A stowage retainer is provided for retaining an object, such as a portable electronic device, in a vehicle. The retainer includes a body having at least a bottom wall and side walls. The retainer also includes one or more flexible retention arms extending from the body for retaining a device in the retainer. The flexible retention arms each comprise a flexible inner wire and a soft outer covering material. The flexible retention arms are bendable to reform into a desired configuration to retain a device in the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Junko Pauken, James Hugh Fowler
  • Publication number: 20120261936
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8287021
    Abstract: A vehicle interior handle assembly includes a handle comprising a front wall and a back wall. The front wall and back wall define a downwardly open pocket sized to receive one or more of an operator's fingers for a pulling operation to move the handle between latch and unlatch positions. A panel is adjacent the handle. The panel has a portion located behind the pocket with the handle in the latch position and a portion below the pocket with the handle in the latch position. The panel has an outer surface facing the handle having a contour such that a distance from the outer surface of the panel to an end of the back wall of the handle is maintained at less than a maximum distance as the handle is moved from the latch position to the unlatch position the maximum distance selected to prevent placement of a finger between the outer surface and the end of the back wall of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 8282145
    Abstract: Embodiments of interior vehicle panel assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment disclosed herein comprises a first panel having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a first edge and a second panel having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a second edge. The second edge of the second panel is aligned with the first edge of the first panel to define a gap having a height between the first edge of the first panel and the second edge of the second panel. A projection extends from one of the first and second panels in a position inward from the exterior surface and toward the respective edge of other of the first and second panels to span at least a portion of the height of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Michael Eberlein, Thomas Mally, Douglas Dawe
  • Patent number: 8276963
    Abstract: A storage structure, including: a main body portion including an opening portion and a cable outlet portion; a lid slidably mounted on the main body portion to open and close the opening portion, the lid including a cable introductory portion; and a flat plate-shaped cable including a first end at the cable outlet portion, a second end at the cable introductory portion, and a cable slack portion between the first and second ends, where the length of the cable slack portion between the cable outlet portion and the cable introductory portion is set to be equal to or more than the distance between the cable outlet portion and the cable introductory portion, both when the lid is positioned to open and to close the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohki Ishikawa, Ichiro Kamada, Yuuitsu Sakuraba, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 8276964
    Abstract: A console of a motor vehicle, in particular a central console of a motor vehicle, is provided that has a container, which has a receptacle space, which is open on top, for at least one object, and having an apparatus for lateral positioning of the at least one object, the container having a floor and side walls. The console is provided with an apparatus for lateral positioning that has a frame part, which is detachably connectable to the side walls in the area of the opening of the receptacle space and positioning elements mounted in the frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Werner, Hassan Mir, Alexander Leicht
  • Publication number: 20120241238
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Poliaries Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A.J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Vittorio Tomolillo, Mark Alan Ziliak
  • Patent number: 8256814
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique solution for a storage console with a cord and media management system, including a movable tray assembly, for a vehicle that allows for provides a convenient system for display, storage (general storage and otherwise), power supply and other features for any number of media devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Roy Thorsell, Thomas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8246097
    Abstract: A holding device is provided for holding articles of daily use. The holding device can be arranged in an interior space of a motor vehicle and includes, but is not limited to a holding element and at least two mounting elements in which the holding element is fastened. The mounting elements can be arranged within a rail system arranged within the interior space of the motor vehicle in such a manner that the mounting elements can be mounted freely movable within the rail system independent of each other. Because of this it is possible to make available a holding device for the holding of articles of daily use which can be arranged in an interior space of a motor vehicle and is characterized by high functionality at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Beyer
  • Publication number: 20120205935
    Abstract: An automobile accessory comprising an envelope that fits between the center console of an automobile and either the front driver's seat, or the front passenger's seat, for catching items that would otherwise end up between an automobile seat and the center console or under the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Robins
  • Publication number: 20120200105
    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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Melaina VASKO, Thomas MALLY
  • Patent number: 8235442
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle console comprise a base structure defining a cavity and having an opening permitting access to the cavity, a lid having a surface area sufficient to cover at least a portion of the opening when the lid is in a closed position at the base structure, a hinge member connected between the base structure and the lid and configured to allow rotational movement of the lid between the closed position and an open position, a slide coupled to the lid and configured to allow translational movement of at least a portion of the lid between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position and a slide mounting member including a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion coupled to the hinge member and the second mounting portion coupled to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi, Marius Cociuba
  • Publication number: 20120193930
    Abstract: A driver interface module (14) is fitted inside a utility vehicle cab. The module is located alongside a driver's seat (12), attached thereto, and comprises a console (24) having plurality of driver interface devices disposed thereon. A display attachment bar (26) is mounted to the console, wherein at least one display device (28) is clamped to the display attachment bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: VALTRA OY AB
    Inventors: Kimmo Wihinen, Matti Makkonen
  • Patent number: 8215688
    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: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday, Zachary Lownds, Timothy Stoepker, Jonathan M. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20120169082
    Abstract: A method for producing a storage element having a plurality of faces in which a portion of the faces is made in textile material. The method includes the steps of: producing a pattern in textile material, the pattern comprising several panels, placing the pattern in an unfolded condition in an injection mold, injecting a plastic material into the injection mold around the panels so as to overmold at least one portion of each of the panels so as to obtain a pattern comprising the faces in textile and plastic materials of the storage element in the unfolded condition, folding the pattern and attaching the faces to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Grégory Martin, Jean-Pierre Praud
  • Patent number: 8210589
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a housing including a front panel extending in a vertical direction. A cup holder assembly is in a cup holder-receiving volume within the housing. The cup holder-receiving volume is at least partially bounded by a partitioning panel having a horizontal portion extending toward the front panel. An interior panel is spaced rearward of the front panel. The interior panel extends in a vertical direction. An electrical component is mounted to at least one of the interior panel and the front panel and located between the interior panel and the front panel. A rib structure extends beyond the horizontal portion of the partitioning panel toward the front panel and that is located between the cup holder assembly and the electrical component. The rib structure is arranged and configured to direct liquid falling from the horizontal portion of the partitioning panel away from the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Warren Penner, Chandan Chahande
  • Patent number: 8210592
    Abstract: A console for use in a vehicle includes a compartment that is defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction. A first channel is disposed adjacent to the first wall and defines an opening that is oriented in an upward direction. First and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart retainer structures are disposed within the first channel. A tray member has a first pair of spaced-apart engagement structures that are configured to be received within the first channel and are configured to engage the retainer structures. The tray member is positionable within the compartment in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and engaged with the first pair of retainer structures. In the second position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and are engaged with the second pair of engagement structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8196985
    Abstract: A console assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The console assembly includes a housing having first end wall, a pair of side walls spaced apart from each other, and an open end spaced apart from the first end wall. Each of the pair of side walls has a free end. The free end extends from the first end wall so as to define a first storage compartment. Each of the pair of side walls also includes a slot extending longitudinally from the free end towards the first end wall. The console assembly further includes a storage box slidably engaged within the housing. The storage box has a second end wall and a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms is configured to engage respective slots of the housing. The storage box is operable to move between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Warren Penner, Hiroyuki Morita
  • Patent number: 8191953
    Abstract: A vehicular console storage system has a pivotable lid and a striker movable with the lid. A pawl is mounted in a fixed location for selectably receiving the striker, wherein the pawl is movable between a latching position and a release position. The pawl holds the striker so that the lid is held closed when in the latching position, and the pawl has a cam surface. A spring-loaded cam follower is at least in partial contact with the cam surface and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to provide a first resistance to motion of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. The first resistance is easily overcome by manual manipulation by a user. A movable lever has an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein the activated position interferes with movement of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. An inertial sensor is provided for moving the movable lever to the activated position in response to a predetermined acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Simon, Raymond A. Oldani
  • Patent number: 8186734
    Abstract: A door opening and closing device has a rotational mechanism configured to switch a door between a closed position and an open position relative to a base member. The door opening and closing device includes a latch mechanism for latching the door in the closed position on the base member. The latch mechanism includes a latch device attached to the base member, a case disposed above the latch device, a slider slidably situated in the case above the latch device, and a latching member pivotally supported by the case and including a base end slidably connected with the slider and a tip configured to engage a portion of the door. When the door is moved to the closed position, the slider is moved by the door and is engaged with the latch device while the latching member is pivoted to engage the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakaya
  • Publication number: 20120119534
    Abstract: [Object] To easily handle a drawer device for a combined use as a container box and a cup holder to selectively use as the container box or the cup holder without requiring a troublesome operation. [Solution] A connecting mechanism (80) is provided, which connects both a cup holder plate (50) and a tray (20) in a case wherein both are housed inside a housing (12) from a state wherein both are drawn to the maximum drawn position, and separates a connection between the cup holder plate (50) and the tray (20) in a case wherein the tray (20) is housed inside the housing (12) from a state wherein only the tray (20) is drawn to the maximum drawn position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Kei Shimozaki
  • Patent number: 8172299
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compartment door assembly that provides for a compartment door that has controlled movement between a closed position and an open position. The assembly includes a compartment door for covering a compartment, the compartment door movable between the closed position and the open position. A cam having a cam arm, an elongated member and a tension member can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Patent number: 8172294
    Abstract: A storage system includes structure having a surface that at least partially defines a storage compartment. The structure also defines an opening through which the storage compartment is accessible. The storage system further includes a plurality of flexible protuberances extending from the surface into the storage compartment. At least some of the protuberances deform as an object is inserted into the storage compartment through the opening. The deformed protuberances conform to the shape of the object, thereby supporting and restraining the object within the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel S. Hooton
  • Patent number: 8172293
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle electronic device support system comprise a vehicle console and an electronic device holder disposed anterior to the vehicle console, wherein the vehicle console comprises a vehicle console bin comprising an auxiliary port, and the electronic device holder is configured to secure an electronic device. The electronic device holder comprises an opening at the bottom of the electronic device holder which extends into the vehicle console bin, which is configured to pass a cord of an electronic device through the opening of the electronic device holder into the vehicle console bin for connection with the auxiliary port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Que-Whang Rhee
  • Patent number: 8172297
    Abstract: A multi-position rotary detent assembly operable to selectively retain a first component and a second component in a first position, a second position, and at least one intermediate position is provided. The detent assembly includes a first biasing assembly urging the first component into the first position. A cam plate is disposed opposite a guide pin assembly and has a cam path having a first detent feature and at least one intermediate detent feature. The guide pin is configured to engage the cam plate and is movable along the cam path. The first component is in the first position when the guide pin engages the first detent feature, is placed in an intermediate position when the guide pin engages a corresponding intermediate detent feature, and is urged into in the second position when disengaged from the cam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Que-Whang Rhee
  • Patent number: 8167348
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for pivotable attachment to a vehicle floor console includes a first sliding armrest having a latch, a second sliding armrest having a latch, a console pawl for engagement with a pawl receptacle formed in the console, a first cable connecting the latch of the first sliding armrest to the console pawl, and a second cable connecting the latch of the second sliding armrest to the console pawl. The assembly further includes a first ratchet rack and a first ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the first armrest and a second ratchet rack and a second ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the second armrest. Operation of a latch releases both the console pawl and the associated ratchet pawl simultaneously to allow sliding movement of the armrest or pivoting movement of the armrest assembly with respect to the floor console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Emery Fesenmyer
  • Patent number: 8162368
    Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having two substantially rigid end panels, wherein at least one and optionally both of the two end panels consist of a molded material. A pair of substantially rigid side panels are interconnectable with the two end panels. A plurality of face plates are securable with the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8162369
    Abstract: An engagement member (29), which is activated by operation of an operating button (40), is configured to be protruded from and retracted into respective positioning recesses (15, 16), facilitating the positional adjustment of a lid (3) and securing a high position-retaining force for the lid (3) in normal use. In order to cope with an accidental external force, a base member (7) includes a cantilever member (51) formed of slits, and the cantilever member (51) has a positioning recess (16) formed in a leading portion such that the cantilever member (51) is flexed to bring the engagement member (29) out of engagement with the positioning recess (16) when a load having a certain value or more is applied through the engagement member (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Nifco, Inc., Daikyo Nishikawa Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Tsuda, Tomohide Okuda, Takeo Matsui
  • Publication number: 20120091744
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. McKnight, Christopher P. Henry, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8157310
    Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console system having a plurality of interchangeable side panels of different lengths. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable blank and equipment mounting face plates and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20120088444
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having a ventilation system. The ventilation system includes, but is not limited to at least one front ventilation opening for supplying air to a passenger on a front seat, a rear ventilation opening for supplying air to a passenger on a rear seat, an air duct for conducting air to the rear ventilation opening, the air duct being situated between the front seats in the area of a central console, the air duct being integrated in a removable central console part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marten WITTORF
  • Publication number: 20120074726
    Abstract: A console box includes a console lid, and paired rails for lid. The console lid is installed to the two lid rails. The paired lid rails extend in a vehicular traveling direction, and in a vehicular height-wise direction. The console lid reinforces the console box in the vehicular width-wise direction. The two lid rails reinforce the console box in the vehicular traveling direction, and in the vehicular height-wise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hajime TAKAI, Minoru SHIBATA, Toshiyasu SAYAMA, Naoki OMATSU
  • Patent number: 8136217
    Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having a plurality of interchangeable overlapping blank and equipment mounting face plates, including both tongue-and-groove joints between adjacent face plates, as well as optional lap joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20120061983
    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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Julien Seiller, Nicolas Allard, Thierry Benard, Nicolas Pegorier
  • Publication number: 20120043778
    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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew BRANT
  • Patent number: 8113567
    Abstract: A structure of storing a vehicular seat according to one aspect of the invention is constituted by a seat detachably connected to a support base, and a storing space capable of storing the seat detached from the support base. The seat includes an engaging member is fixed to the support base by engaging an engaging portion provided at the support base. The storing space includes a bottom wall, side walls erected to an upper side from two left and right side edges of the bottom wall, and a depth wall erected from a depth edge of the bottom wall to the upper side, and is constituted to slide to store the seat. The seat includes fixing means at predetermined positions inside of the storing space. The fixing means are formed by shapes to slidingly receive and to fix the engaging member of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Yamashita, Yoshihide Itou, Fukuo Ogiso, Tamotsu Keinaga, Ko Ishikawa, Hideyuki Kato, Susumu Watanabe, Masaya Kometani, Makoto Murakami
  • Patent number: 8113564
    Abstract: A vehicle console having side panels that can be shortened to different lengths for shortening the console. Molded side rails are 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: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8104816
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred William Lupton, III, Marc Daniel Reish
  • Publication number: 20120001447
    Abstract: A vehicular console storage system has a pivotable lid and a striker movable with the lid. A pawl is mounted in a fixed location for selectably receiving the striker, wherein the pawl is movable between a latching position and a release position. The pawl holds the striker so that the lid is held closed when in the latching position, and the pawl has a cam surface. A spring-loaded cam follower is at least in partial contact with the cam surface and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to provide a first resistance to motion of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. The first resistance is easily overcome by manual manipulation by a user. A movable lever has an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein the activated position interferes with movement of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. An inertial sensor is provided for moving the movable lever to the activated position in response to a predetermined acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Simon, Raymond A. Oldani
  • Patent number: 8075034
    Abstract: A mounting structure for vehicle interior parts includes a console member and a shift panel having an upper panel and a lower panel. An insertion portion that is inserted into a dent formed in a rear end of the console member is provided on a rear end of the lower panel. Left and right outer side surfaces of the insertion portion of the lower panel and left and right inner side surfaces of the dent of the console member are configured to be engageable by inserting engaging projections into engaging recesses. The engaging recesses are provided so as to restrict movements of the engaging projections in their longitudinal direction, and to allow positional deviation of the engaging projections in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Koizumi, Yusaku Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8074832
    Abstract: A hinge structure for a lid of an in-vehicle console box includes a storage box having an opening, a lid having a front end and a rear end, and a hinge member having a rotation axis. The hinge member is disposed between the storage box and the lid so the lid rotates around the rotation axis to open and close the opening. A slide mechanism is located between the lid and the hinge member so the lid can move in the directions of the front end and the rear end in relation to the hinge member when opening and closing the lid. A converting mechanism converts a turning force for rotating the lid around the rotation axis to a linear force for sliding the lid in the directions of the front end and rear end so the lid moves in the direction of the rear end when being opened, and in the direction of the front end when being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Moriroku Technology Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujiwara, Yukihiro Sanma
  • Patent number: 8070224
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 8066313
    Abstract: A vehicle console having a quick release fastener and being formed of a console frame comprising two side panels and two end panels; spaced apart mounting lip portions provided on the console frame; a face plate comprising connection portions thereof securable with a respective one of the mounting lip portions; and a quick release fastener comprising an actuator operable through the face plate adjacent to one of the connection portions, and a jaw portion that is responsive to actuation of the actuator for moving between an unclamped state extended over the respective connection portion and spaced away therefrom, and a clamped state adjacent to the respective connection portion with a portion of the mounting lip portion clamped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8052190
    Abstract: A vehicle console having a cargo holder that can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cargo holder is mounted to a top of the vehicle console and includes a rigid frame and a pliable web spanning at least a portion of the frame. In its deployed position, the cargo holder extends forward of the top of the console and can be used as a flexible tray. In its stowed position, the cargo holder can rest upon the top of the console and be used as a map pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Anthony D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 8047592
    Abstract: An armrest hinge unit for a vehicle includes a lower bracket fixed to one side of an armrest container near an opening thereof and including a pivoting-allowable space in the lower bracket, a frictional member disposed in the pivoting-allowable space of the lower bracket and fixed to the lower bracket, and an upper bracket having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the lower bracket and a receiving groove to elastically receive the frictional member therein, the upper bracket being connected to an armrest cover, wherein at least an inner surface of the receiving groove of the upper bracket is in elastic contact with the frictional member so that a position of the arm rest cover is maintained by frictional force therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kwang Pyo Cho
  • Patent number: 8033588
    Abstract: A guard for a sliding lid that acts as a cover for a cargo area of a center console. The center console includes a bottom, sidewalls, a front wall, and a back wall. Movement of the sliding lid is slidingly restricted by guide rails. The guard includes a body and a wiper section that has a contact edge. The guard is secured to the center console and disposed above the sliding lid and prevents objects from riding on the sliding lid past the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal W. Luginbill, David Salmonowicz
  • Publication number: 20110240250
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a four wheeled vehicle capable of preventing mud, sand, water or other foreign substances which are splashed by front wheels from coming into an air cleaner with a simple structure and also shortening an air-intake route. In the four wheeled vehicle, an air-intake apparatus includes an air-intake duct connected to an air-intake portion of an engine, the air-intake duct extending forward in a cabin, and an air cleaner provided in an upstream air-intake portion of the air-intake duct, and an air taking portion of the air cleaner opens in the dashboard. The air-intake duct is arranged at a higher position relative to a floor face of the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Shinjiro AZUMA
  • Publication number: 20110233951
    Abstract: A passenger seating system (26) for a vehicle (5) comprising a seat back (12), a seat cushion (14), and a seat base (16). The passenger seating system (26) may be configured to utilize, expose and/or create various storage areas. The storage areas may be located on or within the seat back (12), the seat cushion (14), and/or the seat base (16). Other storage areas may be utilized, exposed and/or created by configuring the passenger seating system (26) in particular positions with vehicle interior components, such as a glove box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Ornela Zekavica, Joseph Francis Prosniewski, Alexander Saveski, Gregg Ronald LaFramboise, Kenneth M. Clark, Craig D. Flowerday, Beau Loren Anderson, Rick A. Anderson, James P. LeFevre, David Thimm, Kurt A. Seibold
  • Patent number: 8025327
    Abstract: A theft and tamper resistant vehicle interior is disclosed. The front compartment of the vehicle interior has a concealed mode and an operating mode. During the concealed mode, multiple components, including a display region, a gear shifter, a center armrest, a side armrest, and a central control module may be completely or partially hidden from view. During the operating mode, each of these components may be revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Schowalter