Abstract: A vehicle center console assembly having a bin secured to a floor of the vehicle and revealing an interior bounded in part by first and second extending sides. A pair of support rails extend along inner surfaces of the extending sides in communication with its interior. A first tray is supported upon the rails and adapted to be slidably displaced between forward and rearward locations associated with the bin. A second tray includes side projecting lip edges overlaying the support rails and is adapted to being releasably secured to an exposed edge location of the first tray, such that the second tray is capable of being displaced with the first tray in substantially non-contacting fashion with top surfaces of the support rails.

Abstract: Locking structures each include a locking claw portion formed on a desired object, and a locking clamp mechanism formed on at least one of left and right wall portions of a console device. The clamp mechanism has a fitting hole portion formed in the wall portion for fitting therein of the locking claw portion, a locking support portion for lockingly supporting the claw portion fitted in the fitting hole portion, and a pair of opposed movement-preventing projecting portions formed on opposite ends of the support portion for preventing movement of the object between the opposite ends. The clamp mechanism also having a resiliently-deformable elastic portion formed integrally with the wall portion to extend into the hole portion for resiliently pressing the claw portion against the support portion.

Abstract: A console of a tunnel for the passenger compartment of a vehicle has an outer structure that houses, in a fixed position, a glove compartment fitted with a hatch; the console has a wall, which is positioned outside of said compartment and is movable, in response to an action by the user, with respect to an upper surface of the structure, between a lowered position and a raised position, so as to project upwards with respect to this upper surface and define an outer compartment when located in the raised position.

Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having a plurality of interchangeable tongue-and-groove blank and equipment mounting panels and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.

Abstract: A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.

Abstract: A portable desk adapted for use in temporary work areas such as a seat in a vehicle includes a main body having a work surface member at a position spaced from a support surface, a first support member adapted to receive a laptop or portable computer mounted on the work surface member for access by the vehicle driver when the portable desk is mounted in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, and a second support member adapted to receive a computer peripheral device, such as a printer, also for access to by the vehicle driver. Preferably, the work surface member is at the top surface of the portable desk, and the first support member may be adjustably positioned between a first position adjacent a driver of the vehicle and a second position spaced away from the vehicle driver.

Abstract: In an operating member (2) disposed in a cabin and manually operated by the occupant of a seat and an interior device (8) such as a cup holder allowing its position to be changed with a movable mechanism disposed near the seat, the operating member (2) possesses a detecting sensor (51) for detecting a starting time of a manual operation of the operating member (2) by a hand, and a movable mechanism (25) automatically changes the interior device to a position not to interfere with the manual operation of the operating member in response to the detection signal of the detecting sensor (51).

Abstract: A concave notch portion to which an interference body is fitted is formed in an interference region with the interference body existing in an incorporated portion of at least one side edge portion of an interior trim member. A cushion body made of an elastically deformable material is arranged in a periphery including the concave notch portion, and a structure member made of a material which is light and harder than the cushion body is arranged in the other region than the arranged region of the cushion body in the interior trim member. The skin member, the structure member and the cushion body are integrated by a molding. Consequently, an interior trim member is removable from an incorporated position, even in the case that a post exists in a driver seat, in the rigid interior trim member incorporated in the driver seat of various work vehicle.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle console comprise a front storage bin having a first pair of sidewalls, a back storage bin adjacent the front storage bin having a second pair of sidewalls, a pair of tracks associated with the first and second pair of sidewalls, and a movable armrest disposed over the back storage bin, wherein the armrest is moveable to provide access to the back storage bin. The region between the movable armrest and the back storage bin is a panel housing. The vehicle console further comprises a sliding panel comprising at least one convenience apparatus wherein the sliding panel is aligned with the pair of tracks and is operable to move into the panel housing.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

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.

Abstract: A trash management apparatus in a vehicle includes a recessed portion, a moveable upper drawer, and a stationary lower bin. The drawer moves in one direction within the recessed portion to direct trash into the stationary lower bin. The drawer has a through-opening allowing trash to pass into the lower bin when the drawer is moved in the one direction, with the bin being removable via an access door in an exposed lateral surface of the center console. A sensor detects a presence or level of trash within the bin or the drawer, and an indicator illuminates when a predetermined amount or level of trash is detected. An actuator is alternately connected to the upper drawer to move the drawer in the one direction when a sensor determines that trash in the drawer exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes: a center console having front and rear terminal ends defining a longitudinal axis; and a sliding portion slidingly engaging the rear terminal end of the console such that the sliding portion is operable to slide in frontward and rearward directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the console to cover and uncover at least one storage bin, wherein the sliding portion includes a first portion extending under the rear terminal end of the console and a second portion extending over the rear terminal end of the console to cover and uncover the at least one storage bin.

Abstract: A vehicle console with an adjustable armrest has a single operation knob at a fore-end of an armrest to open and close a storage well and to adjust position of an armrest for individual vehicle drivers. The armrest includes a pair of latch members driven by the operation knob. When the operation knob is at the end of the downward rotation, the latch members are inserted into catch holes in the console box, and the armrest is fixed to the console box in a “lock mode”. When the operation knob is halfway from the “lock mode”, the latch members are drawn out of the catch holes but remain in grooves in the console box in a “semi-lock mode”, wherein the armrest can slide along the grooves but cannot open the storage well. When the operation knob is drawn up to the end of the upward direction, the latch members are drawn out of the grooves and the armrest is in a “unlock mode” and the storage well can open and close.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device having a rotational mechanism configured to switch a door between a closed position and an open position relative to a base member. The rotational mechanism has a supporting arm integral with the door; a sector gear portion provided on the arm; a rotating gear disposed on the arm at essentially a center of the arc of the sector gear; a first rack portion on the base member and configured to engage the sector gear; and a second rack portion on the base member. The second rack is essentially parallel to the first rack portion and separated by predetermined distance therefrom, the second rack being configured to engage the rotating gear.

Abstract: A forward/rearward slidable and upwardly pivotable armrest supported upon an open center console. Retractable pins associated with inner underside locations of the armrest are displaced upon actuation of a lever component associated with the armrest, and which selectively reseats the armrest at linear travel locations along first and second rails defined upon the side walls of the console. Seating locations established between a slidable and upper support portion of the armrest and the recessed stops defined along inwardly facing surfaces of the rails permit the armrest to be translated to either forward or rearward locations of a center nominal position, relative to a fixed lower carriage with pivot support bracket.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a base, a cylindrical member, an urging device, a locking device, an unlocking device, a lid member, a reversing device, a non-service position, and a service position. At the non-service position, the cylindrical member descends fully, the lid member closes the cylindrical member's top opposite opening, and the lid member's top decorative surface is exposed. At the service position, the cylindrical member, which the urging device urges upward, ascends fully, and the reversing device reverses the lid member so that the lid member's bottom supporter surface is exposed, thereby supporting a bottom of container, which is inserted into the cylindrical member, with the lid member's bottom supporter surface. The cup holder can not only hold a container with a taller height securely but also prevent the lid member's top decorative surface from being damaged by the inserted container.

Abstract: A console and armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a console base defining a first storage area and a first storage opening for providing access to the first storage area. A first intermediate member is configured to selectively close the first storage area opening. The first intermediate member defines a second storage area in a second storage area opening for providing access to the second storage area. A second intermediate member is configured to selectively close the second storage area opening. The second intermediate member defines a third storage area and a third storage area opening for providing access to the third storage area. An armrest cover is configured to selectively close the third storage area opening.

Abstract: A seating and console system for use in a seating row and configurable between a seating configuration and a console configuration is disclosed. 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.

Abstract: An automotive center console lid/armrest slide bracing system comprising a center console lid/armrest including a lid/armrest cover having a nose portion, a lid/armrest base, and a linear slide. The lid/armrest cover has at least one first wedge surface inside the lid/armrest cover that engages at least one first corresponding wedge surface on the lid/armrest base, when the center console lid/armrest is positioned fully rearward to lock the nose of the lid/armrest cover up and down to resist higher loading requirements when open.

Abstract: A lid is formed with a domed underside that faces the internal space of a vehicle console. The console includes an operating mechanism disposed within an end face of the console basic body and that lies in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis underneath the lid. The operating mechanism can be used universally both for individual lids as well as for lid wings. The operating mechanism requires as little usable space as possible to accommodate the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A breakaway tray assembly for supporting items is disclosed. The tray assembly has a first tray that is movably attached to a support structure and a second tray that is pivotally attached to and extends from the first tray. The support structure has a bracket that supports the first tray in the extended generally horizontal position and can assist in holding the first tray in a generally vertical position when said first tray is placed in a stored-away position. The second tray has an upright position wherein it is generally coplanar with and semi-rigidly extends from the first tray. The second tray also has a breakaway position where it is not generally coplanar with the first tray.

Abstract: A holder for two beverage containers is provided for installation in a motor vehicle. The holder has a pull-out element having insertion openings for the beverage containers. The pull-out element is guided not only displaceably but also is mounted pivotally, so that, as desired, one insertion opening instead of both insertion openings is accessible and available for use.

Abstract: While a bending ability is maintained, it is possible to provide an outer appearance which is not made possible in the past. A door shutter includes a main body on a design surface side which is bent in a width direction through thin parts, and plural block pieces disposed between the thin parts on an underside of the main body, wherein an opening on a device side is opened or closed by sliding along a guide groove on the device side. On the main body, the thin parts are formed as a plane surface, and parts overlapping with the block pieces are formed in an upwardly convex curved shape.

Abstract: A container assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a housing having a storage space. The housing has an outer surface and an opening formed in the outer surface providing access to the storage space. The container assembly also includes a door movably coupled to the housing for movement between a closed position covering the opening and preventing access to the storage space and an open position disposed below the outer surface to reveal the opening and allow access to the storage space. This allows the container assembly to slide beneath a bin lid of a center console when the door of the container assembly is in either the closed position or the open position without interfering with the bin door.

Abstract: A console sliding armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a storage compartment having an opening for allowing ingress and egress of objects, and a console lid pivotally connected to the storage compartment. The lid may include a sliding armrest operatively engaged therewith. A guide assembly may be disposed within the lid for guiding the armrest, and may include a slider frame connected to the armrest. A guide plate may be connected to the lid for supporting the armrest, and a rail may be secured in the slider frame. The guide plate may be slidably engaged with the rail for allowing sliding movement of the armrest. A spring may be disposed between the slider frame and the rail, and may be engaged to either the slider frame or the rail for biasing the rail against the guide plate, and for thereby regulating tension in the guide assembly.

Abstract: A console housing has a top wall formed with an opening that receives an upwardly extending handle of a parking brake. A gap hider includes a close out insert for closing the gap between the opening and the handle. The close out insert is supported on the top wall for limited floating movement so that it will not interfere with the operation of the parking brake handle.

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.

Abstract: A rear console box in accordance with the present invention is for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, seat rows on the floor, and an aisle between the seat rows. The rear console box is disposed in the aisle. The rear console box includes a console box body, a hinge configured to connect the console box body with respect to the floor and thereby allow the console box body to pivot between a horizontal position and a raised position. The horizontal position is in the aisle and is substantially horizontal relative to the floor. The raised position is outside the aisle and in front of the aisle. The rear console box also includes a support member configured to extend between the console box body and the floor. The support member supports the console box body and thereby holds the raised position of the console box body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glove compartment (3) for a motor vehicle. In order to provide a glove compartment of such a kind that allows the driver better access, the invention proposes that the glove compartment (3) have a pivotal mounting by means of which the glove compartment (3) can be pivoted towards the driver's side of the motor vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having a plurality of interchangeable tongue-and-groove blank and equipment mounting panels and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle console center console assembly including a first portion secured to an instrument panel and incorporating a gear shifter and a second portion supported upon a vehicle floor and establishing a mating profile along each of first and second sides with the first portion. Upper located and angled mating shoulders established between the portions limit the effect of sagging of the first portion, via support provided from the second portion. The appearance of gaps in the mating profiles is further limited by overlapping the edges of the second portion to those of the first portion. The second portion further includes inwardly configured support tabs proximate its side edges and which establish channels therebetween for seating the trailing edges of the first portion and permitting a limited degree of non-evident misalignment between the portions.

Abstract: A vehicle console that simultaneously provides console features to multiple rows of occupants in a vehicle. The console includes a fixed portion that is secured to the base of the vehicle. The fixed portion includes at least one fixed console feature. The console further includes a sliding portion that is slidably mounted within the fixed portion. The sliding portion engages the fixed portion to slide in and out of the fixed portion as fixed portion remains stationary on the base. The sliding portion moves longitudinal along the base as it extends from the fixed portion. The sliding portion includes at least one sliding console feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lockable housing, to take a telephone for example, especially for use in vehicles, with a lid element pivoted around one of two opposing axes, characterised in that the lid element and housing are supported so as to be capable of sliding in opposite directions to each other longitudinally along the axes and that the swivel bearings for the respective swivelling movement are offset in relation to each other in the direction of the swivel axes and are disposed in such a manner that the lid element only engages with the swivel bearing or swivel bearings of one axis in each case.

Abstract: A device for movable support for an input/output unit, especially a flat screen, which is electromotively pivotable from a lying non-use position into an upright position of use and vice versa and which in the non-use position is covered by a cover. The movement of the cover is coupled with the movement of the input/output unit by means of a cam plate as coupling element.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes: a center console having front and rear terminal ends defining a longitudinal axis; and a sliding portion slidingly engaging the rear terminal end of the console such that the sliding portion is operable to slide in frontward and rearward directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the console to cover and uncover at least one storage bin, wherein the sliding portion includes a first portion extending under the rear terminal end of the console and a second portion extending over the rear terminal end of the console to cover and uncover the at least one storage bin

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.

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.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for an automotive console of an automotive vehicle having at least one sidewall which extends upwardly from the floor of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a base adapted for connection to the floor of the vehicle. A central leg extends upwardly from the base and has a top attached to its upper end. The top includes a portion which lies in a substantially horizontal plane and is adapted for connection to the console. In addition, a side flange is attached to and extends outwardly from the top and abuts against the console sidewall to provide additional lateral support. The mounting bracket is of a one-piece construction.

Abstract: An interior seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The interior seat assembly includes a center console, a seat back, a seat bottom, and a cantilevered member. The center console extends in fore and aft directions of the vehicle. The center console includes a first console section coupled to a floor of the vehicle and having at least one seat track positioned therein. The center console further includes a second console section supported by the first console section for storing items. The seat back is positioned adjacent to the center console. The seat bottom is coupled to the seat back for coacting with the seat back to support a passenger thereon. The cantilevered member is coupled to the seat track of the first console section and to the seat back for moving the seat back and the seat bottom in the fore or the aft directions of the vehicle.

Abstract: In adjustment of the height of a console in a construction machine, an apparatus for adjusting the height of the console can adjust the height with ease without largely shifting the position of an operation lever in the front-rear direction.

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.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a vehicle body with a passenger compartment between a vehicle floor, a vehicle roof and side pillars. A pair of passenger seats are oriented within the passenger compartment with a center console mounted therebetween. A central structural pillar extends from the center console to the vehicle roof for supporting a central region of the vehicle roof. A ducting assembly is provided with a central duct extending upward from the center console adjacent to the pair of passenger seats and in fluid communication with a heating and cooling system. An outlet port is provided on the central duct for directing the air to the seating row.

Abstract: A console assembly configured for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle. The console assembly includes a lower console module having a housing extending generally horizontally adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area and an upper console module having a housing disposed adjacent and operatively connected to the lower console module. One or more panels are pivotally connected to the upper console module adjustable between at least a stored position disposed adjacent the upper console module housing and a deployed position wherein the one or more panels form a presentation surface for use in the passenger seating area of the vehicle.