Console Patents (Class 296/24.34)
  • Patent number: 7429068
    Abstract: A removable storage console for use in a vehicle. The console includes a base and a body. The console also includes a handle on the outside of the body. A link member is connected to the handle. An upper housing is secured to a bottom portion of the body. A lower housing is secured to the upper housing. The console includes a plurality of latches arranged between the lower housing and the body member. The console is removable from and capable of being secured at multiple positions within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Busha, Joseph Wieczorek, Rodney Slobodian
  • Publication number: 20080217943
    Abstract: A center console 20 is formed by covering a console main body 35 by a skin main body 31 having a joined portion 37 where end portions of an upper surface skin material 31a and a side surface skin material 31b are joined together. On the skin main body 31, core members 38, 39 are provided along the joined portion 37, and a recessed portion 35a formed in an edge portion of the console main body 35 and a raised portion 37a formed by the core members 38, 39 on the side of the skin main body 31 are fitted on or in together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iwata, Masanobu Muto, Takahiko Sato, Atsushi Hiroshige
  • Patent number: 7422260
    Abstract: A center console for an automotive vehicle includes a storage bin having a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions. The lid has an inner surface facing the bin in the closed position. An outer surface extends from the storage bin. A pocket is recessed relative to the outer surface. The pocket is spaced apart from the storage bin. A cover is releasably attachable to the outer surface for covering the pocket. The cover is releasably attachable to the inner surface of the lid for storing the cover when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacuting North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Publication number: 20080211249
    Abstract: An article holding assembly for a vehicle that is attachable to a mounting member may include a housing and a first latching member including a locking member. The article holding assembly may also include a second latching member that is moveable with respect to the housing between first and second positions and a handle pivotably attached to the housing and including a striking member and a slotted member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Patent number: 7416235
    Abstract: A storage console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor comprising a bracket removably coupled to the floor, a lower rail attached to the bracket and a main body slidably engaged with the lower rail. An upper rail attached to a top portion of the main body. An upper body having a top portion and a handle is slidably engaged with the upper rail. The main body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket, and the upper body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Ramakrishnan Rajappa, Steven M. Jakubiec
  • Publication number: 20080197648
    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: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7413229
    Abstract: A center console has an armrest that is hinged to provide access to a storage bin, and in addition has a compartment for an electronic device such a cellular phone, MP3 player or a handheld GPS navigation unit. The compartment preferably has a pivoted cover that closes to conceal the device from sight. A cradle attached to the cover holds the device when the cover is open so that it is in a convenient position for use by a vehicle occupant. The armrest may be slid forward relative to the center console to position the device close to the radio, in the field of vision of the driver, and permitting connection of the device to the radio or to an external outlet if desired. A finger recess may be provided in the armrest to permit cables to pass from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Richard J Kukucka, Brian M Chaloult
  • Publication number: 20080191505
    Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle comprises a console section mounted on a surface in the vehicle, a media source layer including a media source mounted on the console section, and a screen section mounted on the media source layer, wherein the screen section includes a display and is capable of being mounted on the console section when the media source layer is removed from the console section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7410206
    Abstract: In a joining structure, a protruding portion on the side of a first component is a hollow body that prevents bringing about sinking, deforming, and cracking of the side surface of the first component part, even in the event that the protruding portion is enlarged in order to increase strength for connecting the first component part and a second component part. In addition, the connecting groove on the side of the second component part is also defined by a hollow body that includes a pair of supporting ribs and a supporting plate bridging the pair of supporting ribs. Consequently, the hollow body can prevent defects of sinking, deforming, and cracking in the side surface of the second component part, even in the event that the supporting ribs and the supporting plate are increased in thickness in order to enhance the rigidity of the coupling arrangement between the first and second component parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Moriroku Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Koarai
  • Patent number: 7407210
    Abstract: A vehicle having a climate-controlled console (14) is provided. The vehicle (10) includes a vehicle frame (12) and a console (14) attached to the vehicle frame (12). The console (14) includes a housing (20), a drawer (22), and one or more climate regulators (24). The housing (20) defines a cavity (26). The drawer (22) is slidably attached to the housing (20) and movable into the cavity (26). The drawer (22) includes one or more compartments with a floor portion (38), a lid (36), and a series of wall portions (40) extending between the floor portion (38) and lid. One or more of the wall portions (40) are formed from a transparent material (56) for displaying an interior (58) of the compartment (28). The climate regulators (24) maintain a predetermined climate in the compartment (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Arbaugh, Craig Metros, Dave Lechkun, Brian Izard, Nicolas Thetard
  • Publication number: 20080179906
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Properly Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rishabh Agarwal, Keith Chan, Anton Galkin, Ashwin Kapur
  • Patent number: 7401830
    Abstract: An automobile may include a vehicle frame, a body supported on the vehicle frame and defining a passenger compartment and a console assembly positioned within the passenger compartment. The console assembly may include: (A) a console frame having at least a first tubular portion and a plurality of legs where each leg is supported on the vehicle frame; (B) an outer shell connected to the console frame for use in covering the console frame; and, (C) an armrest supported on the console frame and adapted to support a person's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Akimoto, Matt Parkinson, John Hwang
  • Patent number: 7401831
    Abstract: A storage console configured to slide within a track. The storage console suitable for use in any number of environments, such as but not limited to automotive vehicles. The track being suitable to permit movement of the console from one end to the other, such as but not limited to facilitate movement of the console between multiple rows of vehicle seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 7396062
    Abstract: A pedestal console for a motor vehicle includes a housing stationarily mounted within the vehicle beneath and transverse to a bench seat of the vehicle. The console includes an air duct defined by structural features extending the length of the console. This allows air from a forward ventilation system to be provided, through the air duct, to an aft portion of the vehicle. The structural features extend between the bottom surface and the top surface of the console and are dimensioned to allow the console to accept passenger floor loads. To reduce cost and parts count, the entire console is formed of a one piece construction. Finally, an interior opening may be provided to route wiring of the vehicle's electrical system to the aft portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Hung, Ronald K. Roberts, Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Donald Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080150307
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Quigley, Robert Smyczynski, Michael A. Kornilov, Todd McKinzie, Irina Zavatski
  • Patent number: 7390045
    Abstract: As aspect of the invention provides an article holding assembly that is attachable to a mounting member. An aspect of the invention provides a console assembly that is attachable to a mounting member in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Patent number: 7380852
    Abstract: An overhead console for motor vehicles and the like includes a storage bin configured to support and store sunglasses. The bin is movably mounted to the base for movement between an opened position and a closed position. The storage bin includes a body made of a substantially rigid polymer material forming a cavity for storing sunglasses. An elastomeric material is molded to the body of the storage bin, and provides a soft surface on the inner side of the body to support sunglasses. The polymer material of the body forms walls having one or more apertures therethrough, and the elastomeric material extends through the apertures to mechanically connect the elastomeric material to the body of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Innotec Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Vander Kuyl, Michael J. VanDerKolk
  • Publication number: 20080122239
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle overhead console assembly mountable in a vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the assembly comprises a console body having an exterior surface which would face an occupant compartment when mounted in a vehicle and a drop down mirror assembly supported by the console body. In at least this embodiment, the drop down mirror assembly comprises a support member having a generally horizontal door panel and a support panel extending generally transverse from the door panel having a support face having a mirror secured thereto, with the drop down assembly having a first position with the door panel being generally flush with the exterior surface of the console body the support panel being generally above the exterior surface of the console body and a second position with the mirror being generally below the exterior surface of the console body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin M. May, Mark A. Niedzwiecki, Jay A. Stone, Eric S. Mozer
  • Patent number: 7374220
    Abstract: A drive device for driving two members includes one drive source; a rotating member connected to the drive source; and a drive member connected to the rotating member via a coupling device. The drive member stops upon releasing the connection from the rotating member via the coupling device after moving for a predetermined distance in synchronicity with the rotating member. The rotating member and the drive member drive the two members, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
  • Patent number: 7370898
    Abstract: A console assembly for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle includes a base securable to a floor of the passenger seating area and a support structure mounted to the vehicle floor cooperating with the base. One or more storage modules are disposed adjacent to the base and include or define a storage area to provide additional storage in the passenger seating area. One or more trays are pivotally connected to base adjacent the one or more storage modules and are movable between a first position extending generally parallel to the vehicle floor and at least one second position extending generally perpendicular to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Jason Gamache
  • Patent number: 7367602
    Abstract: A bin assembly for use in an interior passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The bin assembly includes a nut, a bin and a bracket for fixedly securing the bin assembly to the motor vehicle. The bracket includes a hole extending therethrough. The bin has an end wall with opposite first and second sides. The bin has a side wall extending outwardly from the first side of the end wall to form a storage space. A flange wall extends outwardly from the second side of the end wall. Retaining walls extend outwardly from the flange wall to form an open-ended box section for receiving and locating the nut therein along generally orthogonal first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Gidcumb, Jr., Lauren M. Abro
  • Publication number: 20080100103
    Abstract: An opening and shutting structure of a switch cover for an automotive rear armrest is provided. The structure includes a guide unit that is mounted on both sides of the switch cover; and guides the switch cover in such a manner that the right and left movements and gaps are prevented when the switch cover is opened; and a locking unit that is mounted on one side of a body housing, in which the locking member linked with the switch cover is locked or released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Sang Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20080093873
    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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 7354086
    Abstract: A cup holder structure for vehicles includes a housing at a console and having a receiving space defined therein, a holder part disposed in the receiving space of the housing such that the holder part can be vertically moved, the holder part having entrances positioned at a top part thereof to hold beverage containers, a vertical elastic member disposed between a bottom of the housing and the holder part to provide an elastic force to the holder part, and a locking member to restrict upward movement of the holder part, which is effected by the vertical elastic member. When the holder part is moved upward, the beverage containers are held by the holder part. When the holder part is moved downward, articles are received in the receiving space of the housing. Consequently, space utilization is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-Heum Park
  • Publication number: 20080079278
    Abstract: A storage console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor comprising a bracket removably coupled to the floor, a lower rail attached to the bracket and a main body slidably engaged with the lower rail. An upper rail attached to a top portion of the main body. An upper body having a top portion and a handle is slidably engaged with the upper rail. The main body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket, and the upper body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket and the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ramakrishnan Rajappa, Steven M. Jakubiec
  • Publication number: 20080073928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray for a vehicle installed to a center console of a vehicle. A tray for a vehicle includes a bumper disposed between a tray cover and a body defining a receiving space so as to alleviate impact when the cover is closed thereby preventing noise. A plurality of protrusions for converting a surface contact between the cover and the bumper to a point contact are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Jung Hoon Woo
  • Patent number: 7347471
    Abstract: A storage console for an automotive vehicle includes a manually moveable closure panel suspended upon the console's side walls at an installed location extending rearwardly from the front part of the console, so as to allow access to otherwise unusable space at the front of the console. A number of manually movable, interchangeable closure panels may be configured alternatively on opposite sides, so as allow a motorist to select from utilities such as cup holders, coin holders, powerpoints, and other utilities which are available in closure panel working surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Whitens, Kathleen Blackmore, Peter Bejin
  • Publication number: 20080061575
    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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer Mahaffy
  • Patent number: 7341297
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automotive storage apparatus which can store various types of articles so as to improve the convenience for use. An automotive storage apparatus has a storage apparatus main body in which an opening which opens upward can be covered and uncovered by a slidable lid unit and a box unit which can detachably be installed in the storage apparatus main body and which covers part of the opening when installed, and in such a state that the box unit is installed in the storage apparatus main body, the lid unit is in abutment with the box unit at an end portion thereof, so as to cover the remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakamura, Sumio Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7337566
    Abstract: A display being installed in a display unit of a automotive vehicle is tiltably fixed on a fixing frame. The frame has a concave portion on its lower member. The concave portion contains a lower end of the display. A drain is disposed in the concave portion in order to drain away a spilt liquid to an outside of a vehicle when the spilt liquid on a surface of the display collects in the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Inayoshi
  • Publication number: 20080007079
    Abstract: A console assembly for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle includes first and second console modules configured for installment in the passenger seating area. Each console module includes a housing having a storage area defined therein, wherein the first and second console modules cooperate with and are positionable relative to each other to provide additional storage in the vehicle. A base disposed adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area of the vehicle is configured to receive the first and second console modules. In one aspect, the first and second console modules may be slidably connected to the base and are independently positionable forward and rearward on the base. In another aspect, the first and second console modules include a first end and opposing second end sized for connection to and repositionable on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Jason Gamache, James A. Mulvihill, Jerome David Joler
  • Publication number: 20080001422
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek
  • Publication number: 20070290518
    Abstract: As aspect of the invention provides an article holding assembly that is attachable to a mounting member. An aspect of the invention provides a console assembly that is attachable to a mounting member in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Patent number: 7306276
    Abstract: A covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60) is provided for arrangement on the inside of the roof of a vehicle. The covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60) covers the inside of the roof in the area of the sheet metal car body (02) at least partially, in particular essentially completely. All function elements to be provided overhead from the passengers in the vehicle are completely preassembled on the covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Berberich, Hans-Joachim Fuchs, Wolfram Meyer, Edwin Seitz
  • Patent number: 7296839
    Abstract: Coupling member for use with a first component having a projection and a second component includes a first portion and a second portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion pivots between a closed position in which at least one of the first portion and the second portion is mechanically locked to the projection and an open position enabling the projection to be separated from the member. The member engages the second component to couple the first component to the second component. The second component engages the member to retain the member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technolgy Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 7293816
    Abstract: A structural rail system 10 for supporting an overhead console 12 in relation to a roof bow 13 within a vehicle. A pair of rail members 14, 16 are spaced apart and extend longitudinally. One or more brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 are oriented laterally in relation to the pair of rail members 14, 16. Accessories 26 are attached to the brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 and are housed within the console 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stone, Mark Niedzwiecki, John M. Tiesler, Matthew J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7287795
    Abstract: A vehicle storage structure includes parallel tracks having a resiliently deformable lid detent configured and arranged to move between a lid latching orientation and a lid releasing orientation. A lid includes track engaging portions disposed on lateral edges of the lid and extending into the tracks for selective sliding movement along the tracks between a closed position and an open position. The track engaging portions and the deformable lid detents are configured and arranged to normally restrict movement of the lid when in the closed position. The track engaging portions and the deformable lid detents are further configured and arranged to move the deformable lid detents from the lid latching orientation to the lid releasing orientation in response to contact pressure applied to the lid at an area adjacent to the deformable lid detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070246961
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeru Miyanowaki, Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7284988
    Abstract: A coupling system that allows maximum flexibility for vehicle users to relocate, remove or replace electrical and/or mechanical devices throughout the interior of a vehicle, with several slot openings formed in the vehicle structure and coupling components which provide the connections of the devices to the vehicle, via the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Laurens van den Acker, Jose Paris-Gonzalez, Ronald Miller, Gary Strumolo, David Wagner, Bryan Goodman, David DiMeo
  • Patent number: 7264291
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting an article in a vehicle includes a vehicle component. A support housing is pivotably connected to the component for movement between an adjacent position and an extended position. The assembly further includes a support member for laterally supporting an article. The support member is moveable relative to the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Alan G. Dry
  • Patent number: 7258381
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a modular vehicle interior component system which comprises a base having a channel defined at least in part by a latching lip, a vehicle interior component, and a release latch mechanism for slidably and releasably securing the component to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, James A. Mulvihill
  • Patent number: 7240814
    Abstract: A center console storage system for a vehicle includes an enclosure defining a storage space that is easily reconfigured using one or more webs. Each web includes a plurality of fasteners that are easily attached to, and detached from, a plurality of receptacles that are provided by the enclosure. As a result the web configuration may be easily changed to secure different sized items without compromising the usefulness of the remaining storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Holmberg
  • Patent number: 7237816
    Abstract: A center console for an automotive vehicle encloses an internal storage area accessible through an opening covered by a pivoted lid serving as an armrest. The vertical front face of the console immediately forwardly of the armrest is open to create an access opening that is greater than the opening covered merely by the pivoted lid. A removable storage tray seated in the upper portion of the storage area covers the open vertical front face of the console. The opening of the pivoted lid and the removal of the storage tray creates an access opening into the storage area that will accommodate the insertion of a laptop computer or a purse for hidden storage within the internal storage area of the center console. The latch mechanism is operable in conjunction with the removable storage tray to permit closure of the when the storage tray is removed from the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Visteon Corporation
    Inventors: Kaushlendra Singh, Kenneth A. Stoner, Mike J. Whitens, Peter Bejin
  • Patent number: 7234746
    Abstract: The storage box includes an opening/closing mechanism. At a first stage, sliding of a lid relative to a box main body partially opens an opening. At a second stage, pivoting of the lid relative to the box main body fully opens the opening. At a third stage, pivoting of the lid relative to the box main body partially closes the opening. At a fourth stage, sliding of the lid relative to the box main body fully closes the opening. The first elastic member exerts elastic force for sliding the lid at the fourth stage. The second elastic member exerts elastic force for pivoting the lid at the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sakakibara, Hiroto Ikuta, Naoki Omatsu, Shigeru Yabuya
  • Patent number: 7222906
    Abstract: A console is attached to brackets fixed to a floor panel of a vehicle. Each bracket has a pair of fitting holes. The console includes a console body having a rectangular bottom wall. An insertion hole is formed in each of the four corners of the bottom wall. Each insertion hole corresponds to one of the fitting holes. Clips are provided at portions of the bottom wall, each portion corresponding to one of the insertion holes. Each clip has two fitting portions that are arranged to face each other. When each clip is inserted into the corresponding fitting hole, the fitting portions are fitted to an inner wall of the fitting hole so that the console body is attached to the brackets. With the clips inserted into the fitting holes, a fastening member having two legs is inserted into each insertion hole so that the legs are located between the corresponding fitting portions to prevent the clip from being removed from the fitting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sakakibara, Hiroto Ikuta, Akira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7210725
    Abstract: An equipment console for use in a vehicle having a driver compartment including a dashboard, floor and driver seat. The equipment console has a console body for supporting equipment in a location accessible to a person seated in the driver seat. The front of the console body includes a front portion configured to receive and support the equipment. The console body also has a back generally opposite the front of the console body. The back of the console body may be integrated with the dashboard by providing the back with a profile that conforms at least partially to a contour of the dashboard. In addition, the console body may be adapted to cover an area of the dashboard in which climate controls were originally installed, with an upper portion of the console body being adapted to receive and secure the climate controls in a relocated position so that they may be operated from the front of the console body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Auto Additions Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Moore
  • Patent number: 7210723
    Abstract: An article housing device for a small-sized vehicle allows an occupant to easily insert and remove an article while seated on a seat, and is capable of preventing a liquid spilled from a housing portion from dropping down to a floor on which the occupant places his/her foot. A dashboard includes a lateral extended portion and a protruding portion protruding rearward from the lateral extended portion, in which a plurality of housing portions allowing articles to inserted into and removed from above the housing portions are formed in the protruding portion, and at least two of the housing portions are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Sugawara, Yoshitake Yamada
  • Patent number: 7201416
    Abstract: A collapsible entertainment system for integration into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a frame adapted to be pivotably mounted to a passenger compartment component and a display. The display is characterized by having a viewing side for viewing by one or more passengers in a vehicle. The display is attached to the frame such that the display is moveable in two directions about the frame. The mobility of the display allows the entertainment system to be collapsed for stowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes Rist
  • Patent number: 7192070
    Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a body defining a compartment and an opening therein. The console further includes a lid configured to cover the opening. The lid includes an armrest portion. A separate armrest extension is movably mounted relative to the body and the lid, wherein the armrest extension is movable between a storage position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Alan G. Dry
  • Patent number: D541209
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Plastics
    Inventors: Fred Castator, Jim Smith