Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Publication number: 20110227359
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for pivotable attachment to a vehicle floor console includes a pair of armrests having latches to actuate a single console pawl. The assembly 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. According to the disclosed invention, 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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Emery Fesenmyer
  • Publication number: 20110215606
    Abstract: Embodiments of vehicle consoles and hinges for vehicle consoles are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a hinge for a vehicle console has a fixed component attached to the base structure of the console, a movable component attached to the lid of the console and a shaft connecting the fixed component to the movable component. A spacer is positioned on the shaft between and in contact with at least a portion of both the fixed and movable components and a securing member is positioned on the shaft to apply pressure against at least one of the fixed component and the movable component to produce friction between the movable component and the spacer and to resist rotational movement of the lid about an axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Alpesh Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20110215605
    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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110215607
    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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Beyer, Jong Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 8011710
    Abstract: A fixture element is provided, in particular for motor vehicles, with an upwardly open casing for accommodating at least one receptacle, and the casing exhibits at least one lateral clamping element. The casing incorporates at least one hinged support, which is substantially parallel and spaced apart from the floor in a first latchable setting, as well as essentially perpendicular to the floor in a second setting. The respective clamping element is further arranged above the support relative to its first setting. In such a fixture element, it is proposed that the hinged support be able to pivot around an axis mounted in the casing, and the support exhibits two support sections interconnected so that they can pivot around an axis situated parallel to the casing axis. The two support sections are toggled and folded toward each other when the support is moved from the first setting to the second setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Stueber
  • Patent number: 8007020
    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: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Kristan Marie Pierce
  • Patent number: 8002323
    Abstract: A center console assembly for a vehicle interior compartment includes a console body defining a storage compartment characterized by an access opening. A first member is operatively connected to the console body and is selectively rotatable about a first axis between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first member obstructs the access opening. In the open position, the first member does not obstruct the access opening. A second member is operatively connected to the first member such that the second member is selectively rotatable with the first member about the first axis, and such that the second member is selectively rotatable with respect to the first member about a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, Janet S. Goings, Christopher S. Hilts, Adrian Bica
  • Publication number: 20110181066
    Abstract: A covering element for covering an air duct on a dashboard in a motor vehicle is of one-piece design and has two lateral air outflow areas and a loudspeaker area arranged therebetween. Each lateral air outflow area is subdivided into a central area that can be connected to communicate with the air duct, and at least one further air outlet area, via which waste heat from electronic assemblies can be discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Pandura, Martin Frank
  • Patent number: 7984942
    Abstract: A flap configuration has a flap for closing a receptacle and a closing slide guided displaceably parallel to the flap plane in the closing slide guide. The closing slide is inserted with one end into a latching opening in a wall and brought out of engagement with the latching opening by a closing slide drive against a spring force by way of a latch element guided in the latching opening. In an opposite receptacle wall from the latching opening, a guide opening is positioned coaxially with the latching opening and the closing slide guide. In the latching opening, a closing latch biased in the direction of the closing slide is guided, and engages, when the flap is latched in place, in an open end of the closing slide guide. The closing slide drive unlatches the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Walter Schaupensteiner, Werner Maier, Martin Frank
  • Patent number: 7980618
    Abstract: A center seat provided rightward in a left seat is detached from a center seat retention base when a seatback is caused to fold so that the thickness direction of the seatback coincides with the thickness direction of a seating cushion. Then, the folded center seat is caused to move on a floor forward in the vehicle, and is housed into a center seat-housing portion in a console box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Hideyuki Murasato
  • Publication number: 20110156418
    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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Roy Thorsell, Thomas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7967100
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a center console provided with left and right walls, and a top wall, provided to the rear, in the front/back direction of the vehicle, of a front panel. The top wall, extends rearward, in the front/back direction of the vehicle, from a center portion, in the direction of width of the vehicle, of the front panel to at least a front end of a front seat. The top wall is provided at a position that is higher than a bottommost end of a front portion of a seating surface of a seat cushion portion of the front seat and higher than a top end of an engine, and at a position that is lower than a top end of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Steven Cover, Craig Smith, Satoshi Kubota
  • Publication number: 20110140472
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Anthony D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 7954663
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a console body defining an opening communicating with a storage bin. The storage bin has opposing side walls each having a groove formed therein. A sliding member is slidably mounted within the grooves of each of the side walls within the storage bin. A console cover is pivotally mounted to the sliding member and defines a cover assembly. The cover assembly is slidably movable between a closed position wherein the console cover covers the opening of the console body and a partially open position wherein a portion of the opening of the console body is exposed. The console cover is pivotally movable between the partially open position and a fully open position wherein the console opening and the sliding member are exposed. The console cover includes at least one follower extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the follower is slidably mounted within the grooves in the storage bin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd L. DePue
  • Patent number: 7954871
    Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle includes a flexible component, and at least a portion of the flexible component is translucent or transparent, allowing light to pass therethrough. The flexible component could also include an opaque portion. The trim component may be a tambour door of a center console or other storage area, a gear shift closeout, or a steering column closeout. The flexible component includes a plurality of slats and a substrate coupling the slats. The center console includes a light source directing light through the translucent portion of the tambour door. The slats are formed from polypropylene or polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and the substrate is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane or a thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jason M. Hipshier
  • Publication number: 20110127791
    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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Publication number: 20110121596
    Abstract: A motor vehicle storage device includes, but is not limited to at least one multifunction box, in particular for storing items during a journey with the motor vehicle. The multifunction box includes, but is not limited to a base body having at least one receiving compartment configured as a cooling compartment. An engagement device is provided for engagement in guide grooves of a rail system and are formed laterally on the base body in order to arrange and/or fix the base body in a crash-proof manner in the rail system free from tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt BEYER
  • Publication number: 20110115246
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a rail system having a cover device for a rail system resembling a Roman blind, with several interconnected, telescoping, lamellar segments, which laterally at least partially exhibit guide elements for engaging guide grooves of the rail system. The guide elements are at least partially variable in length, so that an overall width of the cover device transverse to the progression of the guide grooves can be diminished for removal and insertion from and in the rail system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt BEYER
  • Patent number: 7938470
    Abstract: A removable stowage device having a flexible bag, a frame, and a first mounting element that can be inserted and attached to a receptacle and a second mounting element within a vehicle cockpit providing an easily accessible stowage area that functions to provide stowage space, and to secure and reduce the jostling or shifting of personal items, food and liquids, by a person or the motions of a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Vander Sluis, Robert C. Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20110095555
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Publication number: 20110095556
    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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jochen WERNER, Hassan MIR, Alexander LEICHT
  • Patent number: 7931505
    Abstract: A portable device interfacing system for use in a vehicle or other environments permits a portable device to be removably connected with another system, such as an audio system. The portable device interfacing system may include features that help to prevent liquid from damaging electronics of the system, align physical connections between the interfacing system and the portable device, safely secure the portable device in position, and/or permit the system to be expanded to support different portable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Damian Howard, Bruce Lee
  • Patent number: 7931322
    Abstract: An automotive console is provided including an accessory receiving body or bodies generally located proximate one or more base portions positioned over or secured to a body, such as, for example, a floor pan/panel of an automobile. The accessory receiving body or bodies may each include a closure panel or the like and an actuator operably associated therewith. The actuator may be a switch, such as an electronic contact, arranged in a predetermined position, such that a portion of the closure panel operably contacts the actuator to deploy an accessory, such as a beverage container or the like. Further, it will be appreciated that upon movement of the closure panel away from the actuator, the actuator will be adapted to stow the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Daniel V. Beckley, Lisa Ann Grems, Russell P. Shafer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110084509
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving an HVAC control panel of a vehicle includes a frame and at least one unlocking lever. The frame may define an opening for receiving the HVAC control panel. The at least one unlocking lever may include a handle portion, a shoulder and a tapered portion. The tapered portion pivotally connects the at least one unlocking lever to an underside of the frame while the handle portion may extend from the tapered portion such that, when the handle portion is actuated, the at least one unlocking lever may be elastically flexible with respect to the frame. The shoulder portion is disposed on the at least one unlocking lever between the handle portion and the tapered portion and is operable to engage and retain the HVAC control panel in the frame when the HVAC control panel is inserted into the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Earnee Yasha Jones
  • Patent number: 7922228
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly includes a vehicle structure and a trim member. The vehicle structure defines an interior compartment having at least one trim supporting portion. The trim member is coupled to the trim supporting portion. The trim member has an interior trim surface exposed within the interior compartment and a recessed portion defining a clip receiving lip. The clip receiving lip has a thickness that is less than the overall thickness of the trim member and is dimensioned to support a removable clip. The clip receiving lip includes a first clip engagement surface formed by the interior trim surface, a second clip engagement surface that forms a part of the recessed portion and an edge surface that connects the first and second engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Sumedh Mokashi
  • Publication number: 20110074173
    Abstract: A storage device is provided for an object in a motor vehicle, that includes, but is not limited to a base and a side wall that defines a receiving space for the object, as well as including, but not limited to at least one elongate, elastic band element, which is mounted in the area of its two ends at least in the side wall. The band element can be transferred from a position abutting against the side wall into a position connecting wall sections, in which it divides the receiving space. In the area of its respective end the band element, a bearing pin at the top and at the bottom is received, the upper bearing pin being mounted in the area of the upper end of the side wall in said side wall and the lower bearing pin being mounted in the base, adjacent to the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralf GAUDIG, Klaus KUHLMANN, Werner BERHARD
  • Patent number: 7914059
    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 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20110068597
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly can cover a vehicle storage area such as an interior console or a cargo box. The storage assembly can include a base and a lid. The lid can be opened from two sides to allow easy access for a driver and passengers to an interior storage compartment. The base includes at least two rods, which can act as axles for the lid to pivot about. The lid includes at least one rotation member or guide which can be released from the rod only when the lid is in a desired position, for example, a closed position. The lid can include a latch for each rod. The lid can have a lock to secure one or both of the latches with the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: 89908, Inc., dba AMP RESEARCH
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20110049924
    Abstract: A rear monitor mounting structure may include an armrest having a recess formed in an upper portion and an armrest hinge portion provided on one end thereof, a rear monitor mount provided in the one end of the armrest and pivotally coupled to the armrest hinge portion of the armrest, a vertical rotary motor fixed to the armrest hinge portion and coupled to the rear monitor mount to selectively rotate the rear monitor mount, wherein the vertical rotary motor is co-axially aligned with an armrest hinge shaft pivotally coupling the armrest and a center console, and a rear monitor connected to the rear monitor mount, wherein the rear monitor rotates toward or away from the recess according to a rotation angle of the rear monitor mount with respect to the armrest hinge shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hun Soo KIM, Yong Ho Noh, June Kyu Park, Hee Sang Park, Jung Hwan Yun, Hyun Kim, Hee Jun Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110049855
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes a central frame member, extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a central portion of a body frame. The central frame member includes a front end joined to a second front cross pipe, and a rear end joined to a second lower crossmember behind the second front cross pipe. When viewed from the side, the central frame member extends in a substantially straight line along with the left and right front reinforcing pipes. The front end portion of the central frame member is joined to the second front cross pipe at a position inwardly of a joint between the left front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe, and inwardly of a joint between the right front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe. Such frame structure lowers level of a center of gravity of the vehicle, and enhances rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi KARUBE, Toshiyuki SUZUKI, Hiroyuki KIDO, Ryota YAMAGISHI, Takeyuki KARIYASU, Naoki KUWABARA
  • Patent number: 7896418
    Abstract: A covering is provided for a gap behind at least one rear seatback in a motor vehicle, which gap is provided in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the rear seatback and a luggage compartment covering. The covering has at least one covering flap which is held in position on a housing of the luggage compartment covering, is mounted pivotably about a hinge and, in a use position, bears under prestress against the rear seatback. An integrated receptacle for the hinge of the covering flap is provided on an upper and, as seen in the direction of travel, front region of the housing of the luggage compartment covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Peter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20110042972
    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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 7891623
    Abstract: A stowable cup holder tray assembly is provided for a vehicle having an interior floor structure. The cup holder assembly includes a stowage compartment having a bottom portion with a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom and defining a stowage volume. The stowage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of said plurality of opposing sidewalls and operates to substantially close said stowage volume. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowage volume is sufficiently configured to receive said cup holder tray member when in said stowed position. A vehicle incorporating the disclosed cup holder tray assembly is also provided. The cup holder tray assembly is configured to be sufficiently close to the floor when in the stowed position to provide limited barriers within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michel E. Haddad, Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 7891719
    Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having a plurality of interchangeable overlapping face plates and a single piece cup holder that is structured for coupling to the console. The cup holder is either interchangeable with one of the face plates, or is connectable to an outside surface of the console proper. The cup holder includes one or more beverage receptacle receivers each molded continuous with a top plate thereof with an opening contiguous with an external surface thereof and sized to receive a beverage receptacle, and a plurality of accessory receivers each molded continuous with the top plate with an opening contiguous with the external surface thereof, wherein at least one of the accessory receivers is molded with a different shape than the beverage receptacle receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7878035
    Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7878567
    Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle has a basic body between the front seats with an upwardly open storage compartment over which a support part having an armrest which is displaceable with respect thereto is arranged. The armrest is displaceable from a pushed-back position between the front seats in the direction of the dashboard into a front position, wherein the support part is mounted pivotably on the basic body. The locking mechanism is provided with an actuating element via which, by an different actuation, a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part and a displacement movement of the armrest relative to the support part can be released. The locking mechanism is configured such that it permits a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part exclusively if the armrest is in its completely pushed-back position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengsellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Johannes Röcker, Hannes Rogl
  • Publication number: 20110018297
    Abstract: A bracket configured to be attached to the frame of an automobile that includes a shell defining a housing, and a reinforcement attached to the shell within the housing, for reinforcing the stiffness of the shell. The reinforcement includes at least one reinforcing member of the same material as the shell and connected to the shell by a film-type hinge enabling pivoting thereof between an extended position outside the shell for forming the entire integral bracket, and a reinforcing position in which the same is stowed inside the housing for stiffening the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Nakry Chheang, Laurent Laumesfeld, Thierry Marceau
  • Patent number: 7875226
    Abstract: A method of making an armrest that is mountable between adjacent left and right passenger seats includes: separately forming two receptacle parts by molding a prepreg in a first mold assembly, the receptacle parts being adapted to hold personal objects and each having a looped wall surrounding a slot; forming an armrest frame by molding a prepreg in a second mold assembly, the armrest frame including a lower frame portion having a plurality of downwardly extending legs, and an upper frame portion disposed on top of and bridging the legs; and positioning the receptacle parts within the second mold assembly and combining the receptacle parts with the upper frame portion during the forming of the armrest frame in the second mold assembly, thereby providing a one-piece unitary structure having the receptacle parts and the armrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced International Multitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Hui Ma, Yu-Lung Chen, Ching-Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 7874603
    Abstract: A console retainer mounts to a floor of a motor vehicle and receives a floor transmission shifter assembly. The shifter assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. The console retainer includes a frame portion for coupling to the floor and configured to receive at least one console trim piece. A pair of lateral side walls are integrally formed with the frame portion as a molded thermoplastic unit, wherein the lateral side walls are substantially parallel to delimit a mounting space for the shifter assembly therebetween, wherein the lateral side walls each have a forward retention feature for fixedly retaining the forward end of the shifter assembly, and wherein the lateral side walls each have a rearward retention feature for fixedly retaining the rearward end of the shifter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Stoner
  • Patent number: 7866722
    Abstract: It is to provide a console box, in which a ventilation duct is integrated with the console box without using a slide core, thus suppressing the increase of costs and preventing dew formation in a box body. A vertical wall protrudes downwards from the lower plate of the box body in such a way as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the console box, and a horizontal wall is integrally provided on a lower end of the vertical wall in such a way as to protrude to at least one of left and right sides and extend in the longitudinal direction of the console box. A ventilation duct is defined by the lower plate, the vertical wall, the horizontal wall, and each of the side panels. The console box includes the box body and a pair of left and right side panels, thus allowing the ventilation duct to be easily integrated with the lower portion of the box body without using the slide core. Also, dew is not formed on a wall surface of a storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Shibata, Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Publication number: 20110001328
    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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20110001407
    Abstract: A personally accessible storage unit includes a support structure, which is configured to house a safety deposit compartment slidably mounted within the support structure. The safety deposit compartment has a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding side walls defining a storage area for a valuable article. A command panel is mounted on the exterior surface of the support structure and includes a biometric fingerprint scanner programmed to recognize the fingerprints of a user. A latch mechanism attached to the interior surface of the support structure is in communication with the fingerprint scanner and is engageable with the safety deposit compartment, based on input from the command panel. The unit also has means for providing electrical power to the command panel and the latch mechanism, which may include an electrical cord and plug and/or a battery. A storage unit having a hinged access panel is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Julie Stradiota
  • Patent number: 7854457
    Abstract: A gearshift finisher assembly comprises a finisher for bridging a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel and a retainer including means for attachment to the trim panel. The finisher is engaged with the retainer for floating movement of the finisher with respect to the retainer, for example by engaging formations associated with the finisher and the retainer. The finisher may be engaged with the retainer via an intermediate fastener such as a plastics frame spring clip shaped to engage the finisher and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Tanner
  • Publication number: 20100314896
    Abstract: A console is provided for a vehicle, in particular a central console, with a container and at least one storage space that is arranged inside the container, as well as with at least one cover incorporated in the container to close the at least one storage space. In such a console, the container incorporates a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is mounted in the container so that it can pivot around an axis on its side facing away from the second cover and the first cover exhibits a storage space on its side facing the storage space of the container in relation to its closed position. The console ensures that the vehicle passengers in rows of seats arranged one right behind the other in the vehicle are provided with good access to the storage space of the console, without in the process excessively restricting the space conditions in the rear row of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Valter Skibinski, Alikhan Kuljanov, Karim Giordimaina, Min Lee Kyung
  • Patent number: 7832239
    Abstract: A lock apparatus for locking a glove box that is rotatably coupled to an instrument panel of a vehicle. The lock apparatus includes an operating portion with a push-type knob, a pair of lock portions, and a transmitting portion with a transmitting member. The operating portion is located closer to a driver seat than a right and left center of the glove box in a right and left direction of a vehicle. The operating portion is coupled to the instrument panel between the instrument panel and the glove box. Each of the lock portions is located at each of right and left end portions of the glove box. The transmitting portion transmits a motion of the operating portion to each of the pair of lock portions using tension and/or compression of the transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kozuka, Toshi Saeki
  • Publication number: 20100283277
    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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7828171
    Abstract: The container holder device includes a rotary body which is fixed to the lid body and held so as to slide up and down with respect to the holder body and so as to rotate, and a guide body which is formed on a side wall of the holder body. The rotary body is engageable with the guide body to rotate, along with the upward and downward sliding movements of the rotary body. Because the rotary body is engageable with the guide body to rotate, along with the upward and downward sliding movements of the rotary body, the rotary body can stably rotate while sliding. Because the lid body will rotate together with the rotary body while sliding, the lid body will move stably between the closed position and the open position. As the results, the moving orbit of the lid body can be made small, and the inner diameter of the storage space can be made small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ogura, Kenji Asano
  • Patent number: 7823949
    Abstract: A vehicle trim component is disclosed. The vehicle trim component includes a base with a track. A panel movable between a first position and a second position and having at least one guide member at its lateral edge that engages the track as the panel is moved between the first position and the second position. A latch system including a catch and a biasing member. The guide member engages the catch when the panel is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joel E. VandenHeuvel, Paul L. Gossett, Randy William Nurenberg, Jerry J. Luchies
  • Patent number: 7819450
    Abstract: A console (10) for a vehicle includes a body (12) having a back panel (14), the body defining at least one storage compartment (22). A support assembly (40) is secured to a back panel (14) of the body (12) and is configured for attaching the body to a seat back (38). A hinge assembly (58) is secured to the support assembly (40) and configured for enabling rotation of the body (12) from a first position against the seat back (38) to a second position aligned with a seat armrest (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rishabh Agarwal, Keith Chan, Anton Galkin, Ashwin Kapur
  • Patent number: 7810862
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly can cover a vehicle storage area such as an interior console or a cargo box. The storage assembly can include a base and a lid. The lid can be opened from two sides to allow easy access for a driver and passengers to an interior storage compartment. The base includes at least two rods, which can act as axles for the lid to pivot about. The lid includes at least one rotation member or guide which can be released from the rod only when the lid is in a desired position, for example, a closed position. The lid can include a latch for each rod. The lid can have a lock to secure one or both of the latches with the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Smith