Auxiliary Article Compartments Patents (Class 296/37.1)
  • Publication number: 20140197656
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for an electronic device (60) includes: a case (130) which is disposed in a location in a vehicle (10) distant from a receiving antenna (61), which houses a processing unit (69) that processes location information, and which has a wiring hole (171) through which a wire (62) passes; a cylindrical part (172) which extends in the axial direction of the wire from the case in such a manner as to surround the wiring hole; a seal member (167) which is housed in a compressed state in the cylindrical part, and surrounds the wire; and a cap (160) which is attached to the case in an attachable/detachable manner, has a hole (168) through which the wire passes, and prevents the seal member from moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ochiai, Yoshiaki Hirakata, Akira Shirai, Masao Okada, Masahiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8770643
    Abstract: Motor vehicles assembled using a cutaway truck chassis may contain one or more batteries. These batteries may be accessible presenting potential for harm. The tamper resistant compartment for a battery in a passenger vehicle reduces access and visual interest that some may have in the batteries, while simultaneously providing easy access to mechanics. The tamper resistant compartment encompasses a box that is securely mounted to the chassis. The batteries inside the box may be connected to a remote battery stud and a battery shut-off switch. A movable panel integrated to the vehicle body serves as a covering and a door integrated to the movable panel provides access to the remote battery stud and battery shut-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Edward Auerbach, Robert B. Riggs, Scott Suumeyer, Matthew Joseph Flaherty, Steven W Imel
  • Publication number: 20140175823
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying apparatus for a vehicle using vehicle induced wind. The drying apparatus is capable of drying a wet object using vehicle induced wind generated by the driving of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a storage cover that is rotatably coupled to a rear bumper cover via a hinge module, to form a storage space between the storage cover and the rear bumper cover. In addition the apparatus includes an inlet cover that is coupled to the rear bumper cover to form an inlet passage through which the vehicle induced wind flows into the storage space when the vehicle is being driven. A plurality of outlet holes are formed in the rear bumper cover, and are configured to operate as a passage to allow air to be discharged from the storage space to an exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyun Gyung Kim, Seung Mok Lee, Dong Eun Cha, Phil Jung Jeong
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Publication number: 20140110961
    Abstract: A universal accessory mounting system for at least one of a two-wheeled vehicle and a three-wheeled vehicle including a rider area and a steering assembly including a steering tube, includes a vertical panel located in front of the rider area and aft of the steering tube, and a plurality of standard attachment features mountable to the vertical panel for mounting a plurality of different storage option accessories to the vertical panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Vectrix International Limited
    Inventor: Peter S. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8678461
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle may include a rear back beam installed to be drawn out from a rear bumper while sliding to a rear side of the vehicle, and a pair of left and right storage boxes installed to be seated on the rear back beam and extending while sliding in a traverse direction of the vehicle when the rear back beam may be drawn out to the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee, Hun Soo Kim, Hoo Taek Cho, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20140063825
    Abstract: A rear structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle for preventing rainwater or the like splashed by a rear wheel from entering a fresh air inlet of an engine intake system. The rear structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a rear fender halved into a first fender and a second fender connected to each other. The first fender is formed with a hanging portion so as to cover the rear and upside of a rear wheel and the second fender covering the upside of the rear wheel with a fresh air inlet being provided lateral to and in front of the rear wheel. The first fender and the second fender are disposed to overlap each other in an anteroposterior direction. The second fender is disposed on the vehicle-widthwise inside of the first fender. The second fender has anteroposteriorly and downwardly extending sidewalls at both vehicle-widthwise lateral end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori NAKAMURA, Takasumi YAMANAKA, Michio ATSUCHI, Masashi NAGAYAMA, Kyosuke INADA, Noriyoshi SASAKI, Yoshihiro ARAI
  • Patent number: 8657355
    Abstract: A protection structure for a high-voltage unit installed in a vehicle provided with: a vehicle interior; a storage chamber located in front of the vehicle interior in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and storing the high-voltage unit; a dash panel for separating the vehicle interior and the storage chamber; and a high-voltage cable connected to the high-voltage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Keisuke Kato
  • Publication number: 20140042766
    Abstract: A vehicle having a secondary storage compartment which is reinforced, and is independently controllable by a remote actuator which will secure the compartment simultaneously with primary locks, and will allow unlocking either simultaneously with primary locks, or independently of primary door locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Cory L. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8646823
    Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for a vehicle-mounted device having an alignment feature on a face of the device. The cover assembly includes a rod portion, a securing arrangement coupled to the rod portion to secure the cover assembly to the device, and a cover portion coupled to the rod portion and configured to cover the alignment feature on the face of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Mehs, Oliver Schwindt
  • Patent number: 8641121
    Abstract: An improved mounting mechanism for mounting and holding electronic and other devices in vehicles which increases safety in a vehicular and improves the ability of an operator to incorporate the captured device in their instrument scan. In one embodiment, the improved mounting mechanism captures a device and holds it in a housing using mounting holes located or attached to a panel while allowing for easy removal of the portable device, efficient cable capture, and proper viewing angles. Another embodiment provides an alternate mounting scheme for attaching to an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AirGizmos, LP
    Inventors: Michael Jack Schipper, Max Alan Probasco
  • Publication number: 20140015238
    Abstract: A support structure component is provided for a motor vehicle body and to a correspondingly configured motor vehicle body. The support structure component includes, but is not limited to a support element and a plastic fastening structure arranged thereon, which includes, but is not limited to a fastening element for fastening a motor vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Juettner, Jens Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8622455
    Abstract: A storage compartment configured to attach to a structure, and a method of assembling an instrument panel is provided. The storage compartment includes a base and a cover disposed above the base. The cover includes a first top portion, a second top portion, and a stop. The first top portion is fixedly mounted to the support portion of the base. The second top portion is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in the retracted position the second top portion is substantially disposed over the first top portion, in the extended position, the second back wall of the second top portion is displaced from the first top portion. Once the second top portion of the cover is moved to the extended position, the stop engages the second top portion so as to prevent the second top portion from moving to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Joseph Quijano, Hisamitsu Tatsunami
  • Patent number: 8602467
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle can maximize a space use of a vehicle by a structure in which the storage apparatus is mounted by using an inner space of a rear bumper, in particular, greatly improving the value of commodities of the vehicle by using a bumper door as a step or a bench at the time of opening a storage case or using articles while putting the articles on the opened bumper door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Mok Lee, Nae Ung Jang, Hee Chan Yang, Nam Cheol Kim, Kwang Jae Choi, Jo Han Kim, Yong Won Jeong, Seung Hwan Lee, Cheol O Kim, Ki Tae Kim, Myung Eun Kim, Hun Soo Kim, Hoo Taek Cho, Dong Eun Cha, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20130320691
    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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira OSHITA, Hirotoshi AKITA, Tetsuo KOJIMA, Nobuaki KINOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20130320690
    Abstract: A trunk storage device is provided. The trunk storage device may have a base constructed to be substantially planar, a storage unit attached to an edge of the base, and a connection portion connecting the storage unit to the base. The connection portion may provide a spacing between the base and the storage unit to allow passage of a mat positioned at a bottom of a vehicle trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Forgione
  • Patent number: 8596507
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle may include a rear bumper having a back beam mounted under an inner space thereof, and a storage case provided in a space above the rear bumper, having a portion exposed to the outside formed so as to coincide with an outer surface of the rear bumper, and drawn-out/drawn-in by being slid to the outside in a state in which a load is supported above the back beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Mok Lee, Nae Ung Jang, Hee Chan Yang, Dong Eun Cha, Nam Cheol Kim, Kwang Jae Choi, Jo Han Kim, Yong Won Jeong, Seung Hwan Lee, Cheol O Kim, Ki Tae Kim, Myung Eun Kim, Hun Soo Kim, Hoo Taek Cho, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8579346
    Abstract: A handle, preferably for a motor vehicle, includes, but is not limited to a frame surrounding an upper part. At least one engagement hook is arranged on the frame, which can be hooked into at least one corresponding counterpart provided on the upper part, and with a lower part that can be arranged on the upper part, on which lower part at least one projection that can be placed against the engagement hook is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thilo Schaefer, Johann Kleeb
  • Patent number: 8573668
    Abstract: A tray system has a trunnion carriage mounted to a recess in a housing. A trunnion body is rotatably mounted to the carriage. A push member is slidable within the carriage. Moving the push member from a first end of travel to a second end of travel transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to a deployed position. When the push member is at the second end then it locks the trunnion body against movement out from the deployed position. Moving the push member back to the first end transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to the retracted position. A tray coupled to and movable with the trunnion body retracts vertically in the recess when the trunnion body is in the retracted position and deploys horizontally outward from the recess when the trunnion body is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Miklas
  • Patent number: 8573667
    Abstract: To easily prevent flapping of a cover attached to a vehicle such as a motor cycle. A storage box is provided on a lateral side of a vehicle frame. The storage box includes a storage box main body having an opening facing an outside of a vehicle, and a lid member which is openable and closable to cover the opening. A side cover which covers a lateral side of the vehicle is provided in front of the storage box. A rear edge portion of the side cover extends to an outside edge portion of the storage box main body, and is fixed to the outside edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Inoue, Masayuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8538637
    Abstract: In a vehicle that features a luggage compartment with a cargo opening that can be closed, as well as an operating element that can be actuated in order to open the luggage compartment, an auxiliary function is provided for a function other than the function of opening the luggage compartment and assigned to the operating element while the cargo opening is open such that no additional operating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert Girschick
  • Patent number: 8528957
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a seat oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seat has a seat back that is pivotally connected to a body of the vehicle. The seat back is pivotable between a seating position and a storage position. A battery is disposed within the storage compartment. A tray is removably connected to the vehicle body in either one of a first and a second position. The tray is elevated from the battery within the storage compartment in the first position. The tray is connected to the vehicle body such that it is contiguous with and forward of the battery in the second position. A flat load floor is formed by the top surface of a housing of the battery together with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gian Carlo Morlet Ugalde, Babak Shahmehri, Kathleen Pecoraro, David A. Wilson, Marc Jonathon Lucas, Robert Joseph Beier, Timothy DeBastos
  • Publication number: 20130181472
    Abstract: Provided is a luggage compartment structure of a vehicle in which a plate member is able to be installed in various aspects in a luggage compartment of the vehicle, the luggage compartment structure of a vehicle being capable of preventing an article on the plate member from falling using a fall prevention member which is a separate member from the plate member. The luggage compartment structure of a vehicle has a plate member installed in at least two positions including a first position (?) of a luggage compartment of the vehicle and a second position (?) that is higher than the first position (?), and a fall prevention member which prevents an article placed on the plate member installed at the second position (?) from falling, wherein the fall prevention member is detachable from the plate member or the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130168991
    Abstract: A fittings device for a vehicle, comprising at least one box formed by at least two compartments, at least one of the compartments being fixed related to the vehicle and at least one of the compartments being mobile related to the fixed compartment, wherein the mobile compartment is connected to the fixed compartment by means of a fastening device. The fastening device comprising at least one arm pivotable around an axis connected to one of said fixed or mobile compartments, wherein said at least one arm further comprises a guiding finger configured for being guided in a groove made in the mobile or fixed compartment which is not connected to the axis of the arm, and in that said mobile compartment may be arranged above the fixed compartment or beside the fixed compartment that the top of the fixed compartment and the mobile compartment form a substantially flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Philippe Perakis
  • Patent number: 8474895
    Abstract: An inner rack structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle which can easily form an inner rack with a distinctive outward appearance. An inner rack opening that opens upwardly is provided in an upper cover, and an inner rack body portion formed to bulge in a forward direction is provided in the upper portion of a lower cover. The inner rack opening is covered from below and the front by the inner rack body portion, and the inner rack body portion is covered from a rear direction by a lower-side rear wall portion that extends downwardly from the inner rack opening of the upper cover, thereby forming an inner rack serving as a storage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Michisaka, Hiroshi Kitamoto, Kengo Yano, Toshiharu Tomomatsu, Fujio Nakamura, Yu Miyajima
  • Patent number: 8469429
    Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler storage assembly includes a receiver with a closed loop perimeter wall that includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall coupled together in a generally rectangular configuration. The perimeter wall includes an upper edge and a lower edge. A plurality of dividing walls is attached to and extends between the front and rear walls to divide the receiver into a plurality of slots. The slots are each configured to receive a hitch coupler. A bracket is attached to the receiver and extends away from the receiver. The bracket is configured to be mounted to a wall of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Seth Spronk
  • Patent number: 8465083
    Abstract: In a vehicle whose tire is wholly covered from the left, right and back, a negative pressure area to the rear of the vehicle is reduced. In a vehicle including a left trunk and a right trunk in a rear portion of the vehicle, a rear fender continuous with respective rear faces of the left and right trunks is provided, and a plane formed of the respective rear faces of the left and right trunks and the rear fender is provided with negative pressure correction holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Hayashi, Ryuichi Nakanishi, Yoshihiro Inoue, Kyotaro Kajitori, Akira Omae, Takaaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20130147222
    Abstract: A storage compartment integrated into a pillar of a vehicle that may be enclosed by a movable door accessible from an exterior of the vehicle. The door may support at least one audio speaker such that if the door is closed, the audio speaker may act as an interior audio speaker, and if the door is opened, the audio speaker may act as an exterior audio speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Paresh Rana, George A. Konstantakopoulos, Brett Ladetto
  • Patent number: 8444198
    Abstract: A storage bin attached to the upper wall of a vehicle trunk. The storage bin is movable between a stowed position in which the bin is moved upward and is locked against the upper wall of the trunk and a deployed position in which the bin is moved downward and is open for storage of one or more items. When moving between a stowed position and a deployed position, the bin might pivot or sides of the bin might collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Junko Pauken
  • Publication number: 20130088035
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle may include a left rear back beam and a right rear back beam divided while sliding to left and right sides in a traverse direction of the vehicle, respectively when the left rear back beam and the right rear back beam may be drawn out from a rear bumper while sliding to a rear side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a left storage box and a right storage box installed to be fixed to the left and right rear back beams, respectively, to be drawn out together when the left and right rear back beams may be drawn out to the rear side of the vehicle and divided together when the left and right rear back beams slide to the left and right sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee
  • Publication number: 20130088036
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle can maximize a space use of a vehicle by a structure in which the storage apparatus is mounted by using an inner space of a rear bumper, in particular, greatly improving the value of commodities of the vehicle by using a bumper door as a step or a bench at the time of opening a storage case or using articles while putting the articles on the opened bumper door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Mok LEE, Nae Ung JANG, Hee Chan YANG, Nam Cheol KIM, Kwang Jae CHOI, Jo Han KIM, Yong Won JEONG, Seung Hwan LEE, Cheol O KIM, Ki Tae KIM, Myung Eun KIM, Hun Soo KIM, Hoo Taek CHO, Dong Eun CHA, Jeong Ho LEE
  • Publication number: 20130088034
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle may include a rear back beam installed to be drawn out from a rear bumper while sliding to a rear side of the vehicle, and a pair of left and right storage boxes installed to be seated on the rear back beam and extending while sliding in a traverse direction of the vehicle when the rear back beam may be drawn out to the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee, Hun Soo Kim, Hoo Taek Cho, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8398136
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus for storing one or more items. The apparatus comprises a first part adapted to be mounted to a surface or a wall and a second part mounted by a linkage arrangement to a sliding mechanism that can slidably move relative to the first part. The second part is adapted to store or hold one or more items. The second part is movable relative to the first part such that the second part can be moved from a storage position to a first access position at which the second part is at one level. The linkage arrangement is operative to move the second part from the first access position to a second access position, the second access position being located at a level spaced from that of the first access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Robert Miles
  • Patent number: 8393665
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed toolbox system utilizes a tool storage box which, in its stored, stationary position, rests on the floor of the bed of a pick-up truck such that it is parallel to the side wall of the truck. Electric motors, which can be remotely operated, are utilized to rotate dual, upstanding screw shafts which are connected via laterally extending cantilever arm members to the front and rear ends of the toolbox. The screw shafts raise the toolbox from its resting position on the floor of the bed of the pick-up truck, to an elevated position over the floor, and the shafts then operate to move the arm members laterally to extend the tool box to a position passed the side wall. The screw shafts can then be activated to lower the tool box to a lowered position outside the truck, adjacent to and alongside the sidewall, thus providing easy and ready access to the toolbox. The same system is utilized to return the toolbox from this lowered position outside the truck, to the floor of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Villano, John M. Morris
  • Patent number: 8388040
    Abstract: A lock-out device is provided for a vehicle compartment having a lid. The lock-out device allows a closed compartment lid to remain closed during an acceleration event, without the use of a latch. The lock-out device includes a pivoted drive member operatively connected to the lid and rotatable between two positions, a first drive position that closes the lid and a second drive position that opens the lid. The device includes a pivoted lock member rotatable between a rest position and a lock-out position. A lock biasing member is provided to bias the lock member toward the rest position. The lock member rotates to the lock-out position in response to the acceleration force overcoming a biasing force of the lock biasing member. The lock member in the lock-out position is configured to lock the drive member in the first drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jason C. Bone
  • Patent number: 8388047
    Abstract: A vehicle body has a front or rear end region with a luggage compartment and an accessories compartment. The luggage compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by a first and second partition walls. The accessories compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by the second partition wall and a third partition wall. The luggage and accessories compartments are bounded in the transverse direction by two lateral longitudinal members. A sealing frame closes off from above the first partition wall, the second partition wall and the longitudinal members from the first partition wall to the third partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tim Schmidt, Jens Thomer, Wolfgang Niedecken
  • Publication number: 20130026778
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly includes a housing and a rigid lid. The housing defines a storage compartment and a lid cavity separated by a partition wall. The lid moves between an open position and a closed position. At least a portion of the lid is positioned within the lid cavity and the storage compartment uncovered in the open position. The lid covers the storage compartment and at least a portion of the lid cavity in the closed position. The lid has an inner surface configured relative to the upper free edge of the partition wall such that a first blocking portion of the inner surface is disposed adjacent a upper free edge of the partition wall and aligns with or overlaps with the upper free edge blocking space above the upper free edge of the partition wall while the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher James Biggs
  • Patent number: 8356852
    Abstract: A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, Kip Alan Ewing, Julie D'Annunzio
  • Patent number: 8336953
    Abstract: A mount is provided for fastening a motor vehicle module on a motor vehicle, having a fastening section, using which the module is fastenable on the motor vehicle, and having a support section angled therefrom, in order to place the module thereon. The support section has a receptacle, into which a pin of the module is insertable in the vertical direction (z), the pin being longitudinally displaceable in the receptacle in a predetermined direction (x) in the inserted state, the fastening section having a receptacle, into which a tab of the module can be introduced upon a movement in the cited direction (x), and having a cantilever, which is implemented to produce a positive connection with a safeguard block associated with the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thilo-Stefan Greb
  • Publication number: 20120280481
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a receiving area in a refuse collection device. The receiving area includes a body cradle to receive at least one CNG tank. At least one CNG tank is positioned in the body cradle. At least one door covers the receiving area. The at least one door is pivotally secured on the refuse collection device to enable access to the at least one CNG tank without use of external lift device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: The Heil Co.
    Inventor: David C. Gentry
  • Patent number: 8292139
    Abstract: A pannier mounting system includes a pair of hooks that are positioned at generally opposite ends of a handle and secure a pannier to a bicycle. A latch and a stop cooperate with each hook to snuggly enclose a rail in a manner that is generally independent of the cross-sectional size/shape of the rail. The latch is connected to the hook by a pivot and extends outward generally under the hook. The stop is pivotably and slidably connected to the hook and cooperates with the hook to generally fix a position of the latch. Translation of the handle toward the hooks closes and locks the latch about a rail member and translation of the handle away from the hooks unlocks the latch so that the mounting system can be removed from a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Erica Marie Golub, Po Chin Liao
  • Publication number: 20120261937
    Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a lid of a storage receptacle provided on a vehicle comprises a push button, a button pin and a lid linkage. The push button includes a first slider having an inclined face at a rear end thereof. The button pin includes a second slider having a first inclined face cooperating with the inclined face of the first slider. The first inclined face is spaced from a rear end of the second slider. The second slider is biased to contact the first slider. The lid linkage has a first end selectively engaged by the rear end of the second slider and a second end for selectively locking the lid in a closed state. The lid linkage is biased toward the second slider. Engagement of the push button with the button pin moves the second slider, which, in turn, allows the lid linkage to move toward the second slider to unlock the storage receptacle lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nathaniel J. Buchheit
  • Publication number: 20120261935
    Abstract: A cargo system includes first and second rails extending longitudinally along first and second side walls of a vehicle. A load floor has multiple panels hinged to one another. The rails are configured to support the load floor above a floor of the vehicle. The load floor is movable along the rails between an extended position and a retracted position. The multiple panels of the load floor divide the cargo area into a first portion below the load floor and above the vehicle floor and a second portion above the load floor. The multiple panels substantially uncover the vehicle floor when the load floor is in the retracted position. The cargo system may also include a cargo retainer. The rails support the cargo retainer such that the cargo retainer spans between the rails and is above the load floor when the load floor is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Flor Elena Quiros Perez
  • Patent number: 8286746
    Abstract: A front storage compartment for a scooter-type vehicle includes a plate member mounted on a cover member covering a vehicle body of the vehicle. The plate member and the cover member jointly define an upwardly open storage unit therebetween. The cover member has a water drain hole formed therein for draining water from the storage unit. The water drain hole is located at a position below a floor panel which closes the bottom of the storage unit. The plate member has a lower extension for covering the water drain hole and the cover member, below the floor panel. A water channel for guiding water to the water drain hole is provided between the lower extension of the plate member and the cover member. Such front storage compartment structure reduces an amount of water seeping out to the surface of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Miyajima, Akiko Ishikawa, Kazuya Minowa
  • Publication number: 20120248808
    Abstract: A lock-out device is provided for a vehicle compartment having a lid. The lock-out device allows a closed compartment lid to remain closed during an acceleration event, without the use of a latch. The lock-out device includes a pivoted drive member operatively connected to the lid and rotatable between two positions, a first drive position that closes the lid and a second drive position that opens the lid. The device includes a pivoted lock member rotatable between a rest position and a lock-out position. A lock biasing member is provided to bias the lock member toward the rest position. The lock member rotates to the lock-out position in response to the acceleration force overcoming a biasing force of the lock biasing member. The lock member in the lock-out position is configured to lock the drive member in the first drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jason C. Bone
  • Publication number: 20120234622
    Abstract: A vehicle stowage assembly is provided that includes a compartment having an opening to allow access to the opening and a door proximate the opening. A ferrous member magnets are disposed on the compartment and the door to magnetically couple the magnets to the ferrous member when the door is in the closed position. A crash sensor is provided for detecting an expected vehicle crash event. An electromagnetic coil electromagnetically is coupled to the ferrous member, wherein the coil is electrically energized by current to create a polarity on the ferrous bar to create an increased force closure to the door relative to the housing when an expected vehicle crash is detected. The coil generates an opposite polarity on the ferrous member to open the door in response to a user actuated input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Whitens, Jeff Webb, Gary D. Mullen, Scott A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20120212013
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed which includes a pedestal assembly incorporated into the foot-wells, which cooperate with a removable passenger seat. Furthermore, passenger seat is selectively added or removed from ATV by way of a latch assembly. Hand grips flank the removable seat and are attached to a rear accessory panel. The rear accessory panel also includes an integrated cup holder, and rack tie-downs are formed in a front or rear accessory panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Richard D. Ripley, Roy A. Sunsdahl, Scott D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8240732
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular storage system for storing items on a trailer. The modular storage system includes a plurality of containers connected to the railing of a trailer. The containers may be modular so as to be selectively arrangeable along the railing. The containers may be connected to the outside or inside of the railing. At least one of the containers may be positioned over a wheel of the trailer and include a wheel well for housing and protecting the wheel. The containers may include lockable lids for protecting the stored items. The containers may further include one or more attachments, such as a tool rack or T-mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products
    Inventor: Francis Bernart
  • Patent number: 8231163
    Abstract: A tool mounting assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a storage container, an upper bracket and a lower bracket. A central portion of the storage container has a circumference that is greater than the circumference of each of an upper portion and a lower portion of the storage container. Spaced upper and lower brackets each have mounting portions attached to the vehicle body structure and retainer portions that at least partially surround the storage container. The retaining portion of at least one of the upper bracket or the lower bracket includes a first arm that is connected to a base flange by a hinge for a movement between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dawe, Ryan Corby
  • Publication number: 20120175906
    Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle includes an accommodation box, left and right rear frames, a seat, and an electric part accommodation section. The rear frames are disposed at a rear portion of the accommodation box, adjacent an opening of the accommodation box. A rear cross frame connects the left and right rear frames to each other, and the electric part accommodation section is at least partially disposed inside of the accommodation box at a location which is disposed below the rear cross frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dai HIWATASHI