Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Patent number: 7637551
    Abstract: A platform for use in establishing a load supporting surface upon a vehicle seat bottom. The platform includes at least one and typically a plurality of planar shaped panels, connected in either hinged or telescoping fashion, and which are displaceable from a stored to an extensible position covering a vehicle seat bottom, such that the upper surface of the platform is maintained in level fashion between front and rear locations of the seat bottom. The assembleable platform may be provided as a separate aftermarket item or may be incorporated into a vehicle interior console such that it is displaceable outwardly and across the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer Mahaffy
  • Publication number: 20090315356
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas STUEBER
  • Patent number: 7631917
    Abstract: A vehicle includes console/shifter arrangement includes a vehicle floor, a shifter base member and a console. A shifter base member has oversized fastening apertures arranged to align with threaded apertures in the vehicle floor. Fasteners extending through the oversized fastening apertures engage the threaded apertures and are moveable between an adjusting orientation and a securing orientation. The oversized fastening apertures have a prescribed dimension with respect to the fasteners such that the shifter base member is movable in alignment directions relative to the vehicle floor with the fasteners in the adjusting orientation. The console and the shifter base member are configured to move together as a single unit in the alignment directions while the fasteners are in the adjusting orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek
  • Publication number: 20090278370
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a console body having a first end 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 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 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 cover includes at least one boss extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the boss is slidably mounted within the groove in the storage bin wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Todd L. DePue
  • Patent number: 7614674
    Abstract: This console box is provided with: a box main unit; and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is provided with: a locking groove provided on one of the box main unit and the console lid; a locking pin provided on the other of the box main unit and the console lid, the locking pin being fit into the locking groove when the console lid is closed, and having a fitting portion dimension smaller than the groove width of the locking groove; and a biasing device provided between the box main unit and the console lid which biases the console lid in an opening direction by contacting between the locking pin and one of wall formed in the locking grove when the console lid is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Moriroku Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Shiono, Taku Kamiya, Manabu Koarai
  • Patent number: 7614678
    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: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rishabh Agarwal, Keith Chan, Anton Galkin, Ashwin Kapur
  • Publication number: 20090256376
    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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Johannes Rocker, Hannes Rogl
  • Patent number: 7591499
    Abstract: A roller blind assembly for movably opening and closing the openings of trays, storage spaces, control consoles and other enclosures, in particular for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The roller blind assembly includes a guide for guiding the roller blind along a curved displacement path on at least one side edge of the opening, and a plurality of guide elements connected to the roller blind engaging each with the guide. The roller blind portion last covering the opening when closing the roller blind may be detachable from the guide and/or pivotable into the plane defined by the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Jonischkeit
  • Patent number: 7591498
    Abstract: A sliding storage console for use in a vehicle. The sliding storage console includes a rail and a body. The sliding storage console also includes a handle arranged on the body. The sliding storage console has an upper housing engaged with the body and a lower housing engaged with the upper housing. The sliding console also includes an actuator arranged between the upper and lower housing. A slider is connected to a lower housing and engaged with the rails. The sliding console also includes a latch plate arranged on the slider and engaged with the actuator to allow for locking of the sliding console at predetermined locations along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Busha, Joseph P. Wieczorek
  • Publication number: 20090218840
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a vehicle console and a latching system for a vehicle console with dual latch differentiation. The latching system comprises at least one lid pivotally attached to the console to move between a closed position and an open position relative to the opening. First and second latches are mounted to the lid. The first latch is configured to detach the lid from the first coupling to permit the lid to move to the open position while still attached to the secondary compartment, thereby exposing the primary compartment. The second latch is configured to detach the lid from both the first coupling and second coupling to permit the lid to move to the open position, detached from the secondary compartment. The first and second latches each comprise a hand engageable contact surface and the contact surface of one of the first and second latches comprises a tactile differentiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Doug Dawe, Debbie Pixley, Thomas Matthews
  • Patent number: 7581773
    Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing the opening of a compartment, a storage box, a control console or similar enclosure, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. At least one support element and at least one elastic layer disposed on the support element are included. Each support element has a curvature in its longitudinal direction with a deflection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be closed by the roller blind. A method for the production of a roller blind is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Strasser, Leonard Dobos
  • Patent number: 7581774
    Abstract: A center console assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side walls generally parallel and spaced apart from each other; a storage compartment extending between the side walls; and a tray supported on the side walls. A tab extends outwardly from at least one of the side walls and extends into a recess formed in the tray to retain the tray in a retained position to prevent the tray from sliding along the side walls. The tab has a ramped leading surface that facilitates insertion of the tab into the recess as the tray is moved along the side walls toward the retained position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Charan Singh Lota
  • Patent number: 7575263
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a stationary platform connectible to a floor of the motor vehicle. A lid connects to the platform and moves between opened and closed positions. The lid engages with the platform when in the lowered position and includes an upper surface defining a reinforced ramp extending between two second row seats of the motor vehicle toward an elevated rear floor area. The platform includes an upwardly extending wall defining a reinforced support for the lid. The lid and the support being of sufficient strength to support foot traffic of vehicle occupants moving to and from the rear area of the motor vehicle. A reciprocal tray connects to the platform for movement between a raised position, and a lower stowed position. An articulated drive connects between the tray and the platform for moving the tray between raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Downey
  • Publication number: 20090200821
    Abstract: A part mounted on the compartment ceiling of an automotive vehicle which has a casing with burglar alarm sensor and substrate for the lighting equipment assembled therein, wherein the casing is formed of a resin material containing at least one of azadirachtin, meliantriol and salanin, which are insect repellent components contained in triperten, a natural organic compound, so as to prevent insects from intruding through gap P between panel and intrusion sensor of the casing or gap Q between cover and light source, thereby avoiding unattractive looking lens unit, and preventing a fault such as an electric short of substrate which otherwise might be caused by an insect coming into contact with the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: KOJIMA PRESS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takatugu NAGATA
  • Publication number: 20090179448
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Charan S. Lota, Atsushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090174206
    Abstract: A console having a movable lid capable of pivoting about dual axes is disclosed, the lid including at least one hinge to facilitate rotation about a first axis and a rotating element to facilitate rotation about a second axis, wherein the at least one hinge and the rotating element are adapted to permit storage of articles and electrical connectivity or electronic interface of articles disposed in a compartment of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Roger Vander Sluis, Ian Lee Foslien, Dale Owen Cramer
  • Publication number: 20090174207
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan S. Lota
  • Publication number: 20090174208
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan S. Lota
  • Publication number: 20090174209
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Que-Whang Rhee
  • Patent number: 7556301
    Abstract: A dynamically deconstructable armrest for an automotive vehicle includes a number of walls extending from a mounting base so as to define a cavity within which arm contact member is seated. Compressive force directed laterally against at least one of the side walls and having a magnitude in excess for a predetermined threshold value will cause at least a portion of the arm contact member to become expelled from the cavity, so as to lessen the compressive strength of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shrinivas Govind, Nagaraj Mariyappa
  • Patent number: 7543874
    Abstract: A center console is provided with a movable console, a guide rail and an actuation mechanism. A rail main body of the guide rail and a lock member of the actuation mechanism lock the movable console against movement. An operation lever is provided in an upper portion of the movable console. The movable console locked by the rail main body and the lock member of the actuation mechanism is unlocked by operating the operation lever along a moving direction of the movable console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ogura, Minoru Shibata, Naoki Omatsu, Shinji Kumazawa
  • Patent number: 7543871
    Abstract: A center console for a instrument panel includes a housing having a display region and an actuation mechanism associated with the housing. The actuation mechanism permits movement of the housing relative to the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Quigley, Robert Smyczynski, Michael A. Kornilov, Todd McKinzie, Irina Zavatski
  • Publication number: 20090134649
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Giovanni Boreanaz, Federica Fino, Angelo Storgato
  • Patent number: 7533918
    Abstract: This disclosed console is for mounting within a vehicle. The console includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a storage enclosure coupled to the base. The storage enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base such that a first occupant is provided access to the storage enclosure. The storage enclosure is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is configured to provide access to a second occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Jeffrey L. Barber, Michael R. Catlin, Gregory N. Brncick, Kevin W. J. Kim
  • Patent number: 7530615
    Abstract: A sliding structure slidably supports a wheel by a groove of a rail. The wheel is rotatably supported to a movable console through a supporting shaft. The sliding structure includes an elastic deforming portion which is elastically deformed when an overload is vertically applied to the movable console and is restored to the original state when its application ceases; an ascending/descending portion which descends with elastic deformation of the elastic deforming portion and ascends with restoration; and a bottom of a tray serving as a pressure receiving portion, which is provided on an ascending/descending path of the ascending/descending portion and comes in contact with the ascending/descending portion 79 descended to receive a part of the overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Publication number: 20090115215
    Abstract: A center console assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side walls generally parallel and spaced apart from each other; a storage compartment extending between the side walls; and a tray supported on the side walls. A tab extends outwardly from at least one of the side walls and extends into a recess formed in the tray to retain the tray in a retained position to prevent the tray from sliding along the side walls. The tab has a ramped leading surface that facilitates insertion of the tab into the recess as the tray is moved along the side walls toward the retained position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North Americal, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Charan S. Lota
  • Patent number: 7520552
    Abstract: A console box has a table of a vehicle and disposed between a pair of seats for a passenger. The console box, includes: a box body having a receptor space; a lid configured to cover the receptor space of the box body, and a table configured to move between the followings: a) a first position where the box body is overlapped with the lid, and b) a second position disposed frontward relative to the first position with respect to the seats. The table includes: a) a shaft configured to support a plate face of the table such that the plate face is rotatable substantially horizontally, and b) a guide configured to move the table frontward through between the pair of the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Hajime Mochizuki, Kenichi Kamio
  • Patent number: 7513554
    Abstract: A cup holder of rotary type has a holder part provided on a back face of a lid body. A support part which is urged so as to move apart from the holder part and pivotally connected to the holder part at its one end will move up and down along with opening and closing motions of the lid body. It is possible to realize the cup holder having high holding performance for a tall container without requiring a large storing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeru Miyanowaki, Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7513550
    Abstract: An inverted U-shaped bracket for mounting a vehicle console to the vehicle floor where the vehicle console has already been attached to a pair of side console panels, the bracket having a pair of distal end portions and a back portion, the back portion being disposed between the distal end portions. The back portion having an embossment disposed opposite a bead. Each distal end portion has an oblong aperture. The oblong apertures are greater in diameter than the diameter of a rigid shaft such that the bracket can shift along the width and height of the vehicle. The bracket allows the vehicle console to be positioned flush to the vehicle floor and fixed to that desired position by absorbing any deviation or gaps between the vehicle console and the floor. The bracket absorbs the deviation and gap by bending at the bead and shifting within the space allotted between the oblong aperture and rigid shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Charan Singh Lota, Akihiro Deshimaru
  • Patent number: 7513007
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle includes a vacuum cleaner. In an exemplary embodiment, the console includes an interface at which the vacuum cleaner is releasably affixed to the console. The console may include a hose operatively connected to the vacuum cleaner whereby suction from the vacuum cleaner is transferred through the hose. The interface may include electrical contacts for recharging a battery in the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian B. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 7513549
    Abstract: A vehicle center console. The console includes a cantilevered body having an upper surface, which includes one or more upper center console features. The console also includes a lower surface including one or more lower center console features. The lower surface is disposed vertically apart from at least a portion of the upper surface such that a vehicle occupant has access to the one or more upper and lower center console features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kris Tomasson, Freeman Thomas, Matthew A. Hill
  • Patent number: 7510158
    Abstract: A vehicular beverage container holder comprises a receptacle with an elongated compartment and an adjuster assembly mounted to the receptacle to define separate beverage container compartments within the compartment for receiving individual beverage containers. The adjuster assembly comprises a body and a pair of adjusters slidably mounted to and extending from opposite sides of the body. Rotation of a knob and gear assembly of the adjuster assembly effects movement of the adjusters relative to the body to adjust the sizes of openings for the beverage container compartments for accommodating a range of beverage container sizes. Additionally, the knob and gear assembly includes a slip clutch mechanism that enables movement of one of the adjusters while movement of the other of the adjusters is retarded by a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Summit Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Terry, Antonio Crespo, Jr., Bharat Vennapusa, Thomas F. Morse, Nicholas A. Bee
  • Publication number: 20090072565
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rudy M. Mayne, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090066102
    Abstract: This console box is provided with: a box main unit; and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is provided with: a locking groove provided on one of the box main unit and the console lid; a locking pin provided on the other of the box main unit and the console lid, the locking pin being fit into the locking groove when the console lid is closed, and having a fitting portion dimension smaller than the groove width of the locking groove; and a biasing device provided between the box main unit and the console lid which biases the console lid in an opening direction by contacting between the locking pin and one of wall formed in the locking grove when the console lid is in a closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., MORIROKU COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Shiono, Taku Kamiya, Manabu Koarai
  • Publication number: 20090066103
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: MORIROKU COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Manabu Koarai
  • Publication number: 20090058119
    Abstract: A method for concealing a fastener beneath a floor carpet in an automotive vehicle. A flap is first cut in the carpet and that flap is retracted away from an opening in the carpet formed by the flap. An object, such as a floor console, is then attached to the vehicle by securing the object to the vehicle with a fastener extending through a portion of the object aligned with the carpet opening. The flap is then replaced in the opening to conceal the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Gabrielli, Kotaro Naganawa, Lauren M. Abro
  • Publication number: 20090058120
    Abstract: A center console structure comprises a console body, a storage portion which is provided inside the console body so as to extend longitudinally having a specified height vertically and has an upper opening and a rear opening, an armrest which is provided so as to open and close the upper opening and has a rear vent at its rear portion, and a blower provided in front of the storage portion of the console body. The armrest connects to an air-conditioning air duct which is provided so as to connect to the blower and extends upward in front of the storage portion, and it has an inside duct inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi IOKA, Yoshitaka INOUE
  • Patent number: 7481475
    Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle having a housing secured to the vehicle which defines a cavity open at one end of the housing. A drawer support extends outwardly from a lower end of the open end of the housing and at least one track is attached to the drawer support. A drawer has a portion dimensioned to fit within the housing cavity and the drawer is movable between a closed position in which the drawer is positioned within the housing cavity, and an open position in which the drawer overlies the drawer support. At least one shoe is attached to the drawer and slidably mounted to the track so that the shoe slides along the track as the drawer is moved between its open and closed positions. At least one elongated bearing slide assembly is also provided between the drawer and the housing to slidably support the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lim, Nicholas Earl Merkel
  • Patent number: 7475954
    Abstract: In the embodiments and methods described, a tambour closure is employed having a flexible surface and a plurality of ribs secured to the flexible surface, each of the plurality of ribs includes a structural support disposed inside of a molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: May & Scofield LLC
    Inventor: Paul D. Latunski
  • Patent number: 7475929
    Abstract: A lid open-close apparatus including: a lid openably mounted in a concave portion, which is provides at a vehicle side; a lock device for locking a closed state of the lid; and an operating element, which is disposed at the vehicle side close to the concave portion, for releasing the lock device, wherein: the lock device has a lock piece, which is provided in the lid and moves into and out of the lid from a peripheral edge thereof and is usually elastically pushed in such a way as to project from the peripheral edge thereof and engages with an engaging hole provided in an inner periphery of the concave portion; and the operating element has a pusher adapted to push a receiving portion, which is provided in a part interconnected to the lock piece, to thereby cancel engagement of the lock piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax Onc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7475930
    Abstract: An interior component for a motor vehicle is fixed to the vehicle by way of protrusions to reduce movement in a plane and by way of a tool-free fastener to reduce movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The tool-free fastener may Velcro® fastener. The tool-free fastener may allow slight movement along the plane during assembly and may prevent such movement by pressing the two complementary portions of the tool-free fastener toward each other. Employing such a tool-free fastener reduces assembly time. Because the tool-free fastener need not be accessible to tools, the fixation point may be placed at a location ideally suited for load-bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Windl, Robert Pusl, Max Bubenhofer
  • Patent number: 7469947
    Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle is provided that includes a vehicle-use meter located on an upper portion of a fuel tank and covered by a meter cover. A manipulation switch, with communicates with the vehicle-use meter, is attached with a side surface of the meter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Yamaguchi, Yoshihiro Takanashi, Kenta Nakamura, Masaru Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20080315606
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Christopher Jones
  • Publication number: 20080290680
    Abstract: A sliding storage console for use in a vehicle. The sliding storage console includes a rail and a body. The sliding storage console also includes a handle arranged on the body. The sliding storage console has an upper housing engaged with the body and a lower housing engaged with the upper housing. The sliding console also includes an actuator arranged between the upper and lower housing. A slider is connected to a lower housing and engaged with the rails. The sliding console also includes a latch plate arranged on the slider and engaged with the actuator to allow for locking of the sliding console at predetermined locations along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Bryan Busha, Joseph P. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 7451628
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a door of a glovebox mounted in an instrument panel. The apparatus includes a latch mounted to either the door or the instrument panel, a push button mounted to the other one of the door or the instrument panel, a rack bar connected to the push button and extending inward, a pinion engaged with the rack bar, and a link having a rack gear engaged with the pinion. The link is movable to lock and unlock the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7445261
    Abstract: A console assembly configured for use in a passenger seating of a vehicle includes a lower console module extending generally horizontally adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area and an upper console module disposed adjacent and operatively connected to the lower console module. The upper console module is adjustable between at least a first position adjacent a top surface of the lower console module and a second position adjacent a rear surface of the lower console module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome David Joler, Jason Gamache
  • Patent number: 7440845
    Abstract: A navigation assembly (5l) for mounting a navigational device (10l) in an open port (12l) of a vehicle resulting from removal of a non-navigational component is provided. The navigation assembly (5l) broadly comprises a mounting assembly (218l) and the navigational device (10l). The mounting assembly (218l) is mounted within the open port (12l), and the navigational device (10l) is fixedly or removably attached to the mounting assembly (218l), such that the navigational device (10l) may be linearly raised or lowered between two viewing positions that are in a general linear relationship to each other. The navigational device (10l) is operable to pivot left and right within the open port (12l). Additionally, a navigation assembly (5m) broadly comprising a mounting assembly (218m) and a navigational device (10m) for raising and lowering the navigational device (10m) among three viewing positions that are in a general linear relationship to each other is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: David J. Laverick, Brian G. Schoenfish, Jeffrey D. Minelli
  • Patent number: 7434859
    Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a console housing defining a storage compartment. The console housing also defines an indented area in an outer surface thereof. A bin is sized to fit within the indented area such that an entire internal surface area of the bin is contiguous with the indented area when the bin is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Mulvihill
  • Patent number: 7431365
    Abstract: A console assembly for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle includes a console housing having a storage area defined therein. An armrest is pivotally connected to the console housing and is movable between a first position extending at least partially over a top surface of the console housing and at least one second position. The armrest includes a closeout section, a receiving portion operatively connected to the closeout section and a console lid slidably connected to the receiving portion. A console accessory tray is adjustably positioned adjacent the console housing between a stored position and a deployed position extending rearward of the console housing. The console accessory tray includes a display surface accessible to occupants in a rear portion of the passenger seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Jason Gamache
  • Publication number: 20080238120
    Abstract: A control console includes a body supporting a plurality of controls, a base, and first and second legs each having a first end pivotably connected to the body and a second end pivotably connected to the base. The legs are shiftable between a first position projecting over a first end of the base, a second position projecting over a second end of the base and a third position between the first and second positions. At least one spring is provided to bias the legs toward the third position, and a motor may included for shifting the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Martin R. Stander