On Dash Patents (Class 296/37.12)
  • Patent number: 11904692
    Abstract: A workstation includes a dashboard for a vehicle having a recess on an upper surface, a first display screen extending from the dashboard, and a second display screen that is deployable between a stowed position within the recess in the dashboard and an extended deployed position aligned proximate to the first display screen. A control arm operatively couples the first display screen with the second display screen, wherein the control arm pivots about a pivot axis to deploy the second display screen proximate to the first display screen. The workstation has a deployable desk that pivots between a stowed position proximate to the dashboard and an extended deployed position forward of the dashboard, wherein the desk in the stowed position covers the second display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Dustin Shedlarski, Micah Jones, Hussein H. Berry
  • Patent number: 11326383
    Abstract: A glove box assembly includes a glove box housing and a glove box door movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the glove box housing to selectively provide access to an interior of the glove box housing. An actuation system is connected to the glove box door and a control mechanism is operably coupled to the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is operable in response to the control mechanism to move the glove box door to one of the closed position or the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Gabriel O. Rapetti, Kenneth D. Snow, Ian J. Dow, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Donald Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 11260800
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a bin coupled to a base and a seat comprising a tab to retain a shaft in an aperture for rotation of the bin. The tab may contact the shaft along a plane adjacent to the shaft. The tab may retain/apply a force to the shaft at a tangent of the shaft. The tab may contact a protrusion in response to engagement of the shaft and tab. The tab may comprise a set of opposing sides; one side may contact the shaft; the other side may contact the protrusion. The tab may extend from the base in an extended direction; the tab may contact the shaft along a plane aligned with the extended direction; the tab may apply force to the shaft transverse to the extended direction. The tab may rotate when engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tyler Tucker Grab, Adam R. Gofton, James Lucien Diem, Randy Len Arendsen
  • Patent number: 10836323
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a base, a shaft, a seat for the shaft and a bin installed in the base for rotation relative to the base between closed and open positions. The bin may be installed by coupling of the shaft to the seat. The seat may comprise an aperture for the shaft and a tab to retain the shaft in the aperture for rotation of the bin by rotation of the shaft. The tab may comprise at least one of a flange; a flexible tab; a guide. The tab may comprise a flexible projection to retain the shaft into the aperture of the seat. The seat may comprise a slot; the tab may comprise a flexible guide adjacent the slot to nest the shaft in the aperture. The bin may comprise a sunglass holder; the component may comprise an overhead console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tyler Tucker Grab, Adam R. Gofton, James Lucien Diem, Randy Len Arendsen
  • Patent number: 10822861
    Abstract: An actuation system (18) of a glove box assembly (10) includes a drive system (21) and at least one rack (20) driven by the drive system (21) between a closed position, an open position, and a pre-closed position. At least one switch (56, 62) senses a position of the at least one rack (20). The drive system (21) is operable in response to a signal output by the at least one switch (56, 62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Philippe Ottolini, Mathias Barth
  • Patent number: 10731382
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to a vehicle in a fixed position relative to the vehicle and a latch system coupled to the glove to allow a user access to the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire guided by a pulley during actuation of the latch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cedric Ketels, Tristan J. Vanfossen, Julien Rea, Louis Thomas
  • Patent number: 10711812
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile device holder, which relates to the technical field of holder device designs. Gravitational mobile phone holders in the prior art are easy to loosen and the mobile phones are easy to fall off the holders when bouncing up. The holder according to the present invention includes a clamping arm, a lower supporting arm and a link mechanism. The link mechanism links the clamping arm and the lower support arm in a rotatable manner. The mobile device holder further comprises a lock mechanism, which acts on the link mechanism and causes the link mechanism to enable one-way linkage. On the basis of current gravitational device holders, the present invention is provided with a lock mechanism which causes the link mechanism to enable one-way linkage, so that the link mechanism can rotate only in the direction that the clamping arm clamps the mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Jianbo Liu
  • Patent number: 10625681
    Abstract: A vehicle glovebox includes a bin rotationally operable within a housing. A downstop is defined within the housing. The downstop is in a blocking position and engages the bin to define a fully open position of the bin. The downstop is operable to a release position that defines rotation of the bin beyond the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Qiukui Liu, David L. Cousino, Francis Raymond Gillis
  • Patent number: 10458169
    Abstract: A damper device provided between a fixed body having an opening portion and an openable and closable body mounted on the opening portion and configured to apply a braking force to the openable and closable body. An elastic resin member is mounted on a projecting portion provided on the openable and closable body. A receiving recess portion is provided on the fixed body to receive the elastic resin member. The elastic resin member has a base portion; a pair of arm portions; a bridge portion; and a stopper, which are formed integrally. The receiving recess portion has: an introducing portion configured to abut with the arm portions to bend them diametrically towards each other; and a restricting portion configured to abut with the stopper to restrict the openable and closable body from opening, when the openable and closable body opens to cause the elastic resin member to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Patent number: 10308187
    Abstract: A storage compartment including a roll top, which is trapezoidal from the front, and pivotable panels disposed next to the roll top. The panels are driven mechanically by way of radial cams, which are rotationally fixed to drive wheels around which the roll top runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: fischer automotive systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörg Flothmann, Gunter Leopold
  • Patent number: 10279746
    Abstract: A glove box arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a glove box and a pivoting element. The pivoting element can be moved between an idle position and an active position and includes an activity surface that is covered toward an exterior space in the idle position and accessible from the exterior space in the active position. In a dashboard arrangement, a crossbeam extends horizontally and transverse to a driving direction and includes a dashboard. A clearance area of the crossbeam extends in an exterior space that surrounds the dashboard and a glove box arrangement is mounted on the crossbeam in the clearance area. In a passenger compartment arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a front passenger seat and a glove box arrangement or with a dashboard arrangement. The glove box arrangement is arranged in the region of the front passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Augustin Barbot
  • Patent number: 10266127
    Abstract: A vehicular glovebox module, a vehicular glovebox assembly and a method of installing a glovebox module in a vehicle. Mounting apparatus used to secure the glovebox module includes structure to allow a snap-fit engagement of the module to a vehicular support structure. In particular, because the surfaces of the vehicular support structure are not coplanar with one another, at least one of upper and lower retention posts that include snap-fit must provide its snap-fit connection with angled features relative to an installation direction to ensure that the engagement between both the upper and snap-fit connections take place substantially simultaneously during glovebox module installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Rubin T. Glass, II
  • Patent number: 10209739
    Abstract: An operating device for a construction machine includes a plurality of operating elements for adjusting operating parameters of the construction machine, and a display unit which is configured to display technical data. The operating device further comprises a docking station at which the display unit is attached so as to be removed without tools and which is provided for connecting the display unit with at least one data line and/or power supply of the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventor: Thomas Nessel
  • Patent number: 10160365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-controlled beverage holder (0) for vehicles for holding a beverage container (1), comprising, at least one temperature-control device (3) for controlling the temperature of the beverage container (1) at least one temperature-control fluid circuit (2) for controlling the temperature of the temperature-control device (3) by means of a temperature-control fluid, at least one first heat transfer device (21) for transferring heat flow between the temperature-control device (3) and the temperature-control fluid circuit (2), and at least one temporary fluid reservoir (23) for temporarily storing the temperature-control fluid. According to the invention, the first heat transfer device (21) and the temporary fluid reservoir (23) are arranged directly adjacent to one another or are produced from one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignees: GENTHERM GMBH, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Marco Ranalli, Martin Adldinger, Jörg Leder
  • Patent number: 10076958
    Abstract: A vehicle dashboard includes an air duct proximate an access aperture. The air duct selectively defines sealed and collapsed positions. A display module is positioned proximate the air duct. The display module is selectively accessible via the access aperture when the air duct is in the collapsed position. The collapsed position characterized by a nested portion of the air duct being removed from a duct receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stacey H. Raines, Robert A. Chanko, Shannon Carloni, Suresh S. Lanka, Jose A. Nava
  • Patent number: 10029620
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a console disposed between driver and passenger seats and adjacent an instrument panel. The console defines a storage area. The vehicle also includes a first compartment disposed within the storage area. The first compartment includes a slot defined on a surface of the first compartment. The vehicle further includes a second compartment disposed within the storage area, and vertically offset and adjacent to the first compartment. A first channel, accessible via the slot, interconnects the first and second compartments such that the slot feeds a receptacle defined within the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman
  • Patent number: 10017122
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a housing having a forward end, a rear end, upper and lower surfaces, and side walls, the rear end defining an opening. The compartment further includes a flange extending away from and substantially perpendicular to a side wall, and a plurality of ribs extending away from and substantially perpendicular to the side wall and the flange. The housing, flange, and plurality of ribs are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hirota, Alan Rafael Belmares
  • Patent number: 9914398
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a frame, a drawer within the frame, a pivoting door, and a linkage system interconnecting the frame, the drawer and the door such that pivot of the door causes sliding of the drawer. The linkage system can include a link having a door post and a drawer post respectively engageable with the door and a guide track on the drawer. The linkage system can also include a projection on the drawer engaging a rail. The door post of the link can be disengaged from the door for movement of the door to a fully-lowered position defined by a stop. The drawer post can be disengaged from the drawer for separation of the drawer from the frame. The link can pivot on a hinge pin and can be translated on the pin for engagement and disengagement of the door and drawer posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brandon M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 9862327
    Abstract: A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage bin disposed within the dash panel and a top-mounted storage bin closure. The storage bin closure is configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. A deployable tray is disposed within the storage bin, configured for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x-axis. In the deployed position, the deployable tray divides the storage bin into two vertically stacked sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Matthew B. Rutman, Joshua Greiner
  • Patent number: 9609105
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a cell phone or a mobile device in a vehicle that includes a cradle assembly configured to receive the cell phone or the mobile device and a speaker assembly. The cradle assembly includes a cradle base and a cradle attached to the cradle base, wherein the cradle base includes a power charger adapter connection and a USB connector connection. The speaker assembly connects to the cradle assembly and includes one or more speakers, wherein the speaker assembly includes a Bluetooth connection for wireless connection of the one or more speakers to the cell phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: David J. Krug, Joy A. Thomas, Soren K. Lundsgaard
  • Patent number: 9487088
    Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus mounting unit having a projection projecting into a cabin interior includes: a panel provided to face the cabin interior; a support for supporting the projection while the projection is made to project from the panel; and a support case that is attached to the panel on an opposite side to the cabin and accommodates the support in a space formed thereby together with the panel. The support is fixed to the panel or the support case by fixing means, and the fixing means releases the fixation for the support when a load pushing the projection toward the panel exceeds a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Yuji Kawamoto, Koji Ozeki, Shigeo Shigeyama
  • Patent number: 9487151
    Abstract: A motor vehicle storage compartment includes a housing defining an interior storage space and a top having a cutout defining a rear lip for supporting at least a portion of an item. A pivoting front support is provided, configured to bias between an open position and a closed position. A retainer is provided to keep the front support in the closed position. When biased to the closed position, the front support defines a lip for supporting an opposed portion of the item. When biased the front support the open position, the item falls into the storage compartment interior storage space for retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Keith Daniel Roupe, Randall Walter Lomako
  • Patent number: 9481323
    Abstract: An interior trim component is provided that includes multiple substantially parallel ribs each configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component also includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is coupled to the ribs, and the second surface is opposite the first surface and is substantially smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 9428938
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
  • Patent number: 9409523
    Abstract: A multibox for vehicles includes a housing, a sliding plate, a cover and a knob unit. The housing has a receiving space for receiving articles. The sliding plate is disposed around the housing to translate forward and rearward by a force of a spring of the housing. The cover finishes a front surface of the receiving space of the housing and is supported on the sliding plate by a hinge structure though hinge arms thereof. The cover is rotated upward and downward by a force of a spring. The knob unit is disposed at one side of a front surface of the housing to lock or unlock the housing and the cover through a pushing operation. The multibox is opened and closed by translation of the sliding plate and rotation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Dongkook Ind. Co., Ltd., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Phil-Je Cho, Ju-Han Shin, Tae-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9316031
    Abstract: An interior apparatus of a vehicle includes a converting structure. The converting structure is constructed so as to convert an operating force added on a knob to a force causing a movable member to move to an open position relative to a fixed member. Therefore, it is possible to cause the movable member to move to the open position using both a weight of the movable member and the operating force added on the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: KOJIMA PRESS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 9281857
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a cell phone or a mobile phone in a vehicle that includes a cradle to receive a cell phone or mobile device. The cradle includes a base plate, a latch button, and a latch mechanism. The apparatus also includes a triangular hold securement system connected to the cradle, wherein the triangular hold securement system includes a first grab post, a second grab post, and a third grab post. The first grab post and the second grab post are positioned to contact and engage on one of two long sides of the mobile device and the third grab post is positioned to contact and engage on the opposite long side of the mobile device. The three grab posts are connected by one or more arms and a linkage element which provides biasing forces to the grab posts to secure the mobile device to the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Soren K. Lundsgaard, Joy A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9278652
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a cell phone or a mobile phone in a vehicle that includes a cradle to receive a cell phone or mobile device. The cradle includes a base plate, a latch button, and a latch mechanism. The apparatus also includes a triangular hold securement system connected to the cradle, wherein the triangular hold securement system includes a first pair of dual grab posts, a second pair of dual grab posts, and a third grab post. The first pair of dual grab posts and the second pair of dual grab posts are positioned to contact and engage the corners along one of two long sides of the mobile device and the third grab post is positioned to contact and engage on the opposite long side of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Soren K. Lundsgaard, Joy A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9211848
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a motor vehicle for transporting objects is disclosed. The storage assembly includes upper and lower cover parts that are hingedly connected together and also hingedly connected, via the lower cover part, to an interior panel of the motor vehicle, such as a sidewall of a center console. When the storage assembly is in a stowed configuration, the two upper and lower cover parts are aligned with one another so as to lie substantially flush against the sidewall of the center console. When the storage assembly is in a fully deployed configuration, the upper and lower cover parts are arranged to form a substantially L-shaped support for transporting one or more objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Murray, Bruce Southey, James Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 9090208
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a panel end cap includes a housing having an aperture, wherein the aperture opens into a storage compartment which laterally extends into an instrument panel of a vehicle. A cover is pivotally coupled to the housing for covering the housing aperture in a closed position and allowing access to the storage compartment in an open position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the housing and the cover to bias the cover to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Gerard Marchetti
  • Patent number: 9079540
    Abstract: A combined storage and docking unit for attachment to the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player or GPS navigation device can be held in a display position by clamping it between lid and storage box parts of the combined storage and docking unit. The storage box includes a trough shaped portion in which the portable electronic device can be stowed if it is not required to be used. The combined storage and docking unit is of a simple construction and allows portable electronic devices of differing size and shape to be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming
  • Patent number: 9061600
    Abstract: An auxiliary machine mounting structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle that ensures consistent appearance irrespective of the presence or absence of a mounting of an auxiliary machine or device such as an antenna being mounted on a meter visor to ensure the degree of freedom in layout without having to consider the possibility of the windshield creating a ghost image of the auxiliary machine or device. An opening is formed on the windshield side of the meter visor. An ETC cover is detachably mounted on the meter visor to cover the opening. An antenna is positioned beneath the ETC cover and disposed in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Oshita, Hirotoshi Akita, Tetsuo Kojima, Nobuaki Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20150137546
    Abstract: A closable device for holding objects in a vehicle, encompassing a base body and a cover, is provided. The base body exhibits an opening that can be closed by the cover, and the cover can be swiveled around a first hinge from a first position into a second position and vice versa. The cover can be swiveled around a second hinge from the first position into a third position and vice versa. The base body encompasses at least one first bearing for the first hinge, and at least one second bearing for the second hinge. The first hinge and the second hinge each exhibit at least one first hinge section and at least one second hinge section, and a cross sectional area of the first hinge section is respectively larger than a cross sectional area of the second hinge section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Ralf Gaudig
  • Patent number: 8991891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a storage compartment (10), in particular a glove compartment in the interior of a motor vehicle, with a cover plate (22), the inner surface (30) of which in opened state forms a storage surface. The device is characterized in that the cover plate (22) is able to be moved from its closed position by means of at least one guide (40, 42) for the formation of the storage surface into a horizontal storage position or into a stowage position, wherein the storage compartment (10) is at least partly opened in the storage position and in the stowage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Bohnenberger
  • Patent number: 8979160
    Abstract: A storage compartment in a vehicle is covered by closing a vehicle door over the storage compartment. The storage compartment may be disposed in an end cap, the door, or part of the door frame. An electronic locking system with mechanical latches, a cinching door system, or an electronic latching system with fully electronic latches may be adapted to include a lock override control. The lock override control may be actuated by a graphic view interface, a portable radio frequency switch, or a telematics controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Pericak, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Patent number: 8979159
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a universal chassis that may be mounted in the head unit of a vehicle. The chassis may accept one or more modules that each have common dimensions. With a common form factor, the universal chassis is configurable as different modules with different functionality may be inserted into the chassis with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 8960753
    Abstract: A storage structure of a saddle riding type vehicle with enhanced ease of storage and removal of small storage articles. An article storage unit is provided so as to include an opening in a rear surface of a front portion cover and at a position facing a rider and to be longer in a longitudinal length extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction relative to a height direction. In addition, a removable tray including riser walls along its periphery is disposed at a position closer to a lid than an inner wall of the article storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsu Horiuchi, Hiroyuki Shinmura
  • Patent number: 8939491
    Abstract: A multiple container holder assembly is a convertible assembly having a base portion and an upper panel assembly. The base portion includes one or more container wells each adapted to support a container. The upper panel includes one or more retaining apertures each adapted to support a container. The base portion is disposed in a first portion of a bin housing and the upper panel assembly is slidably supported on the bin housing between first and second positions. In the first position the retaining apertures of the upper panel are configured to align with the container wells of the base portion. In the second position the retaining apertures of the upper panel are configured to be disposed over a second portion of the housing, such that when the upper panel is in the second position, the container wells and the retaining apertures are accessible for supporting a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Raymond Gillis, Paul Schmidt, Robert D. Bedard, Jolanta Coffey
  • Patent number: 8919852
    Abstract: An actuator for moving a drawer and a cover for an opening in an interior panel part of a vehicle, which, for covering an opening formed in an interior panel part, can be moved between a closed state for covering the opening and an open state for uncovering the opening. The actuator includes a guiding device that guides the movements of the drawer out of and into the opening, a cover opening and closing device that opens and closes the cover, and an unlocking and locking device that unlocks and locks the drawer. The unlocking and locking device includes a bolting device that locks the drawer in a retracted state and an adjustment device that interacts with the bolting device and cover opening and closing device in such a way that moving the cover in its open state causes the adjustment device to release the bolting device with the drawer in its retracted state, so that the drawer can be moved out of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schulz
  • Patent number: 8910990
    Abstract: A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. The slide assembly is coupled to an axle member, which is further coupled to support arms disposed on the lid. The slide assembly is further coupled to the clutch assembly on an opposite end such that the clutch assembly can limit movement of the slide assembly to further limit movement of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Oldani, Scott Simon
  • Publication number: 20140361568
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a panel end cap includes a housing having an aperture, wherein the aperture opens into a storage compartment which laterally extends into an instrument panel of a vehicle. A cover is pivotally coupled to the housing for covering the housing aperture in a closed position and allowing access to the storage compartment in an open position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the housing and the cover to bias the cover to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard Gerard Marchetti
  • Publication number: 20140361569
    Abstract: A vehicle dashboard has a fixed structure and a casing defining a pocket having a substantially rectangular perimeter, which is defined by an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges so as to house a portable electronic device having a screen which remains visible through a window defined by a front frame of the casing; at one of the aforesaid edges, the casing has an opening which is used to insert/remove the portable electronic device along a sliding direction and is closed by a closing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Davide Crepaldi, Marco Angeletti, Andrea Mainini, Carlo Lorenzano
  • Publication number: 20140354002
    Abstract: A support and retention assembly for a portable electronic device has a support member with a front surface which defines a rest surface. The support member is connected to a structure of a dashboard so as to able to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position, in which it is locked by means of releasable locking devices. The assembly is provided with a rest element which projects from the front surface at a lower end of the support member and a clamp which is arranged over the rest element and may rotate upwards about a horizontal axis starting from a stowed position, in which at least part of the clamp is housed in a seat made in the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gennaro Bisceglia, Paolo Ceccato, Luca Marengo
  • Publication number: 20140339847
    Abstract: A holder device for a portable electronic apparatus for a motor vehicle. The device includes a stationary frame, secured to a structural element of the vehicle, and a drawer connected to the frame. The connection of the drawer to the frame is arranged such that the drawer is movable relative to the frame between a storage position and a usage position of the electronic apparatus. The connection provides a sliding movement between the storage and usage positions. In the usage position, a usage volume is at least partially delimited by the frame and the drawer. The portable electronic apparatus cam be maintained in the usage volume by a first and a second stop member coming into contact with the apparatus in at least two opposite points thereof and biased toward one another by at least one elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Christophe Brunard, Bruno Dinant, Daniel Rodriques
  • Patent number: 8882144
    Abstract: A knee collision protection structure for a vehicle includes a glove box provided at a lower portion of an instrument panel and including a storage part and a panel part provided to stand on a cabin side of the storage part and configuring part of the instrument panel, and a shaft member provided on the vehicle front side than the panel part of the glove box and on the upper side than the storage part and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. The glove box is provided so as to rotate around the shaft member when a knee of an occupant seated on a seat opposed to the glove box collides with a lower portion of the panel part than the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Takai
  • Patent number: 8857881
    Abstract: To easily handle a drawer device for a combined use as a container box and a cup holder to selectively use as the container box or the cup holder without requiring a troublesome operation. A connecting mechanism (80) is provided, which connects both a cup holder plate (50) and a tray (20) in a case wherein both are housed inside a housing (12) from a state wherein both are drawn to the maximum drawn position, and separates a connection between the cup holder plate (50) and the tray (20) in a case wherein the tray (20) is housed inside the housing (12) from a state wherein only the tray (20) is drawn to the maximum drawn position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Shimozaki
  • Publication number: 20140292016
    Abstract: A drawer apparatus comprises a base member (2) having a base wall (3a) and two side walls (3b) that extend in the same direction from opposed ends of the base wall (3a); a drawer (4); a guide structure (10) by which the drawer (4) is guided to move in the base member (2) between an open position and a storage position; and_a coil spring (6, 26) that is compressed between the base wall (3a) of the base member (2) and a rear wall (5a) of the drawer (4) to bias the drawer (4) toward the open position, to wherein the coil spring (6, 26) includes continuous circular elements of which diameters gradually change in accordance with a positional change in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhisa MASUDA
  • Patent number: 8844997
    Abstract: A display screen in a panel in a vehicle interior, in particular a dashboard or central console, is mounted so it is pivotable in the panel and can be switched over from a display mode into an illumination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Rainer Jung
  • Patent number: 8840165
    Abstract: Disclosed is a glove box for a vehicle including: an opening formed in an instrument panel; a box-shaped body which is ejectable and retractable through the opening and which is provided with a guide rail and a rack gear, the guide rail including a linear portion linearly extending in a direction in which the box-shaped body moves and a curved portion extending in a curve from an end of the linear portion, the rack gear being formed along one side of the guide rail; and an actuator provided with a pinion gear which meshes with the rack gear, and a drive unit which transfers driving force to the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Hae Park, Yong Chul Kim, Kwang Ok Han
  • Publication number: 20140265410
    Abstract: A device for moving a vehicle-mounted object and a vehicle having the same are provided. The device comprises a housing with an opening, a cover frame mounted on the housing, a cover with a surface for mounting the vehicle-mounted object thereon, the cover being coupled with the cover frame and being capable of pivoting to either expose or cover at least a part of the opening, and a platform slidably fitted within the housing, being coupled with the cover and movable between a first position to cause the cover to pivot to expose at least a part of the opening, and a second position to cause the cover to pivot to cover at least a part of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITED, BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yilin ZHONG, Junming BAI, Jun DAI, Meng WANG