Accessible From Within Passenger Compartment Patents (Class 296/37.8)
  • Patent number: 9969304
    Abstract: A child seat module for arrangement in a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises a base arranged to be releasably connected to seat rails of the passenger compartment, and arranged to be movable along the seat rails; and a child seat comprising a seat. The child seat is arranged on top of the base and is rotatable around an axis of rotation with respect to the base between a riding position and a loading position. The seat of the child seat faces rearwards towards the back of the passenger compartment when the child seat is in the riding position, and the child seat is rotated between 80-100 degrees with respect to the base such that the seat of the child seat faces towards a side opening of the passenger compartment when the child seat is in the loading position, when the module is arranged in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Tisha Johnson, Todd Levy, Patrik Lundgren, Axel Ernstsson, Thomas Christiansson, Robin Page
  • Patent number: 9840172
    Abstract: A multipurpose armrest for a vehicle includes: a console box mounted on a guide rail to be slidable forward and backward along the guide rail; an armrest mounted on the top of the console box to be openable or closable; push buttons mounted on the top of the console box; tables mounted on both sides of the console box to be horizontally unfolded at the time of pressing the push buttons; and table locking devices mounted on both sides of the console box to interlock with the push buttons to lock and closely fix the tables onto both side surfaces of the console box at the time of keeping table or horizontally unfold the table at the time of using the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jin Ho Hwang
  • Patent number: 9809173
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle is provided and may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may include a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced apart from the floor in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Kenric P Socks
  • Patent number: 9789824
    Abstract: A center console includes a cylindrical shell defining a compartment. The compartment includes a spindle extending between first and second ends of the cylindrical shell and coaxially positioned within the cylindrical shell for rotation therein, and at least one divider supported by the spindle for subdividing the compartment. The spindle includes at least one support having a first magnet positioned therein and the at least one divider has a second magnet associated with an tongue such that the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to secure the at least one divider to the spindle within the at least one support. A related method of accessing one of a plurality of subcompartments of a compartment defined by a cylindrical shell includes the steps of establishing a name the subcompartments, selecting by name one of the subcompartments for movement, and rotating the spindle and the subcompartments to allow access to the selected subcompartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Alejandro Juarez Corona
  • Patent number: 9676342
    Abstract: An assembly having a cover, adapted for closing an aperture of a storage volume, and a flap moveable between a storage position and a use position outside the storage volume. The assembly includes a connection between the cover and the flap. Movement of the flap causes a displacement of the cover towards a position in which the aperture is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Jacques Bergerioux, Didier Ponthieu
  • Patent number: 9663038
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle is provided and may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may include a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced apart from the floor in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Kenric P Socks
  • Patent number: 9634305
    Abstract: A battery module includes a pair of side plates arranged along two wall faces, opposing to each other in a stacking direction of battery cells, of wall faces of the battery module, a lower plate that swingably supports one end of the pair of side plates by a hinge mechanism and that is arranged along one wall face of the battery module, and an upper plate that is arranged along the wall face of the battery module so as to be opposite to the lower plate, and that connects the other ends of the pair of side plates, wherein the side plates and the upper plate are tightened and fixed by use of a fastening member with pressure being applied in the stacking direction of the battery cells in order to fix the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Toshiaki Takamura
  • Patent number: 9597983
    Abstract: An arrangement for a vehicle interior having a first seat row, which includes at least one seat, and having a second seat row, which is disposed in the vehicle interior in front of or behind the first seat row and includes at least one seat, the first seat row being disposed in or on a plate which is rotatably supported in or on a floor of the vehicle interior. It is provided that at least one movably supported console is provided, and the console is movable along at least one rail, which is disposed in or on the floor of the vehicle, the rail having a multi-part design and being disposed in or on the plate, at least in areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bjoern Strasdat, Manuel Joachim, Eva Berner, Sylvain Fischer, Thomas Drescher, Ralf Welp, Maximilian Barthel, Nils Sajonz
  • Patent number: 9586534
    Abstract: A vehicle trim structure has a vehicle floor, a bracket assembly, a main body and a side trim panel. The vehicle floor has a plurality of first attachment parts located within a central region of a vehicle passenger compartment. The bracket assembly has a plurality of second attachment parts and at least one alignment pin. The plurality of second attachment parts are fastened to the first attachment parts. The at least one alignment pin is rigidly fixed to the bracket assembly. The main body has a horizontally extending slot along a leading edge thereof with the alignment pin being inserted into the horizontally extending slot positioning the main body relative to the bracket assembly and the vehicle floor. The side trim panel is installed to a side of the center console concealing the horizontally extending slot and the at least one alignment pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Buza, Paul Nguyen, Michael Eberlein
  • Patent number: 9457696
    Abstract: A console assembly generally includes a console body and an armrest movably coupled to the console body. The console body defines an interior console cavity. The armrest can rotate relative to the console body about an axis of rotation between a closed, locked position and an open, unlocked position. Moreover, the armrest can move linearly relative to the console body between the open, unlocked position and an open, locked position. In the closed, locked position, the armrest covers the interior console cavity of the console body. When the armrest is in the open, unlocked position, the interior console cavity is accessible. When the armrest is in the open, locked position, the interior console cavity is accessible and the armrest is locked to the console body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Taryn E. Dyle
  • Patent number: 9457697
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest is designed to allow for sliding movement between retracted and extended positions as desired by the vehicle occupant. A tambour door is disposed over at least part of the armrest, and may be moved fore and aft to allow access to storage volumes within the armrest or a support structure. The armrest is supported by sliding structures, such as engaged rails, and the tambour door is supported by tracks, one of which is fixed or stationary, and the other of which moves with the armrest. In this manner, the tambour door may be fully supported as it moves fore and aft, whether the armrest is in the retracted or extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald A. Bozio, Scott A. Hansen, Craig D. Flowerday, Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 9415910
    Abstract: A two-way-opening storage box includes a box body, a lid, a link mechanism, and a restrictor. The lid includes a base member, and a movable member. The base member covers the box body. The movable member is held onto the base member slidably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Fukui
  • Patent number: 9358881
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present disclosure enable a center console assembly of a vehicle to accommodate multiple transmission types with a single design, and further enable installation of the center console assembly without the need of a specially designed handle device separate from the center console assembly. The center console assembly includes a first side portion and a second side portion extending from a main body. A bridge member is pivotally coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion. The bridge member may be pivoted between a first position and a second position to accommodate a first transmission type or a second transmission type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Patent number: 9322462
    Abstract: A device for moving one or more vehicle-mounted objects and a vehicle having the same are provided. The device comprises: a housing; a cover; at least one pivot for adjusting the cover, the at least one pivot disposed in the housing and comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one pivot is coupled with the cover; and a box assembly disposed in the housing, the box assembly being movable between a first position away from the opening and a second position near the opening. The box assembly is coupled with the second end of the at least one pivot, wherein the cover exposes at least a part of the opening when the box assembly is at the second position, and wherein the cover covers at least a part of the opening when the box assembly is at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: BYD Company Limited, Shenzhen BYD Auto R&D Company Limited
    Inventors: Yilin Zhong, Junming Bai, Jun Dai, Lei Fang, Jingjing Gao
  • Patent number: 9216694
    Abstract: A vehicle center console includes a small item receptacle closing a part of an opening of a console body and capable of storing therein small items, and an arm rest closing a remaining part of the opening of the console body and capable of placing thereon an elbow of a passenger. The small item receptacle and the arm rest are mounted adjacent to each other on the console body in such a manner that the small item receptacle and the arm rest are slidable in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle center console has an opening mode for opening the opening of the console body by sliding the small item rearwardly so that both the small item and the arm rest are together slid rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Inoue, Masamitsu Shiono
  • Patent number: 9211844
    Abstract: A slide structure has a first member maintaining a constant width; a second member covering at least two side portions of the first member in a width direction, and slidably assembled relative to the first member; and an urging device interposed between the first member and the second member. In at least one member of either the first member or the second member, an inclined face inclining relative to the width direction of the first member is provided at a portion wherein the first member and the second member slide, and in the other member of either the first member or the second member, the urging device is interposed between a portion facing the inclined face of the one member and the inclined face to be urged in a direction to separate the facing portion and the inclined face from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Yosuke Washio
  • Patent number: 9199562
    Abstract: A sliding and pivoting armrest assembly for a vehicle console includes a closure member pivotally mounted to the vehicle console, an armrest member slidably mounted to the closure member, and a latching device for selectively latching the closure member in a closed position. The latching device includes at least one latching member selectively receivable in at least one latching aperture defined in the closure member, at least one pushing member disposed on the closure member and moveable to remove the at least one closure member from the at least one latching aperture, and an actuator moving the at least one pushing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Skapof, Neal W. Luginbill, Cordell L. Bosma
  • Patent number: 9199579
    Abstract: A motor vehicle console includes a housing having a pair of side panels that define a storage bin having an opening and an upper panel that extends between the pair of side panels adjacent to the storage bin opening. A rigid door is supported on the housing for movement between a closed position that prevents access to the bin and an opened position that permits access to the bin. The rigid door is flush with the panel when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Raymond Gillis, Steven Mousigian, Martin Drumb, Stephen Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9199595
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a center console having a box, a console door and a shock absorption portion. The box is installed on a floor in a vehicle interior. The console door is connected to an upper wall of a rear portion of the box via a hinge shaft, and rotates using the hinge shaft as a fulcrum so that an opening of the box upper is opened and closed. The shock absorption portion divides the rear portion of the box into the upper wall and a lower wall. The shock absorption portion connects the upper wall and the lower wall to each other with a step therebetween. The shock absorption portion is set to be thinner than the upper wall and the lower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Yano, Takamichi Fujine, Youhei Emura, Masato Noritake
  • Patent number: 9150105
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Crepaldi, Marco Angeletti, Andrea Mainini, Carlo Lorenzano
  • Patent number: 9140044
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a bin defining a compartment with an access opening. A lid at least partially covers the access opening when in a closed position. A single cross bar is adjacent the lid. The cross bar is pivotably attached to the bin near a first end of the cross bar and is pivotably attached to the lid near a second end of the cross bar. Latching mechanisms releasably latch the lid to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is releasably latched only to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is pivotable in a first direction to a first open position, and is alternately pivotable in a second direction to a second open position. A first biasing mechanism biases the lid to the first open position. A second biasing mechanism biases the lid to the second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gurnek Singh
  • Patent number: 9124109
    Abstract: A console assembly and a system operable to provide visual identification of the charging state of an electronic device is provided. The console assembly and system includes a processor operable to processing the charging state of the electronic device. A light source is in communication with the processor. The light source is configured to change the character of light being emitted. The processor is operable to actuate the light source so as to change the character of the emitted light source to reflect the charging state of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Michael Lambert, Randy Stephens, Robert Crawford
  • Patent number: 9085265
    Abstract: An interior trim component is provided that includes substantially parallel ribs, and a cushion coupled to the substantially parallel ribs such that the interior trim component is capable of bending in a direction substantially perpendicular to an orientation of the substantially parallel ribs. The cushion includes an integral outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 9045087
    Abstract: A center console of a motor vehicle has a cover that is able to be opened, which closes a storage compartment that lies thereunder in its closed position and releases this in an open position. A comfortable adjustment of the cover is possible via an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is formed in such a way that it first lifts the cover during opening and adjusts it backwards and subsequently swings it upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Santiago Duenas, Kai Goldbeck, Marko Niessner
  • Publication number: 20150145271
    Abstract: The storage device (1) comprises a storage compartment (2), comprising an upper opening (10), and a lid (6), said lid (6) being movable between a closed position and a first opened position, wherein the storage compartment (2) is accessible from a first side (12) of the opening (10), and a second opened position, wherein the storage compartment (2) is accessible from a second side (14) of the opening (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Faurecia Interior Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventor: Swamiray Ankolikar
  • Publication number: 20150115641
    Abstract: A vehicle center console includes a small item receptacle closing a part of an opening of a console body and capable of storing therein small items, and an arm rest closing a remaining part of the opening of the console body and capable of placing thereon an elbow of a passenger. The small item receptacle and the arm rest are mounted adjacent to each other on the console body in such a manner that the small item receptacle and the arm rest are slidable in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle center console has an opening mode for opening the opening of the console body by sliding the small item rearwardly so that both the small item and the arm rest are together slid rearwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kei Inoue, Masamitsu Shiono
  • Publication number: 20150115639
    Abstract: A stowable accessory holder includes a compartment and a door rotatably mounted with respect to the compartment. The door is rotatable between a first, stowed position in which a side of the door faces into the compartment and a second, accessible position in which the side faces outwards from the compartment. At least one resilient retainer on the door is configured to retain an object on the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gurpreet S. Sidhu, Jeffrey Michael Bisson
  • Publication number: 20150115642
    Abstract: A temporal engaging portion is provided at a bin. Therefore, by engaging a bin-side arm with a bin-side engaging portion and temporally engaging a panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion after elastically deforming the panel-side arm, a torsion spring can be set to the bin before the bin is coupled with a panel. The bin set with the torsion spring is inserted into a recess of the panel. During rotation of the bin toward a closed position, a temporal engagement of the panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion is released, and upon being released, the panel-side arm is elastically sprung-back to be finally engaged with the panel-side engaging portion. As a result, by only coupling the bin set with the torsion spring with the panel, the bin and the torsion spring can be coupled with the panel so that coupling work is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KOJIMA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta SUZUKI, Tomohiro MIURA
  • Patent number: 9016752
    Abstract: A pocket assembly for accommodating a portable electronic device in a vehicle includes a storage compartment and at least one port disposed within the storage compartment for operatively connecting to the portable electronic device. The storage compartment is disposed within the vehicle and is defined by at least one wall. An aperture is defined in the at least one wall for receiving an excess portion of a connecting cord adapted to operatively connect the portable electronic device to the at least one port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Myers, Neal W. Luginbill, Yousuf Riad, Stephen Walser
  • Patent number: 9016751
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roller blind and a roller blind is provided for opening and closing a tray, a storage compartment, a control panel or the like, particularly for use in motor vehicles. The roller blind includes a plurality of ribs manufactured from a hard component. A soft component joins the ribs to each other on a connecting side of the soft component. The soft component is manufactured with at least one underside opposite the connecting side that is flat along the direction of extension of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Britta Zoehrens, Andreas Polland, Yustinus Teguh Hendrata
  • Publication number: 20150076853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for fastening an electronic device in a motor vehicle, wherein the retaining device comprises a receiving device (30) for receiving the electronic device and a retainer with a shaft (4) for inserting a part of the receiving device (30), wherein the retainer comprises a flap (6) closing the shaft (4), a first interactive element (28) and at least one locking bar element (10), which is able to be moved into at least one closed position in which it prevents a movement of the flap (6) and is able to be moved into an open position in which it does not prevent a movement of the flap (6), wherein the receiving device (30) has a second interactive element (32), wherein the first interactive element (28) and/or the second interactive element (32) has a permanent magnet and wherein the at least one locking bar element (10) is able to be moved from the closed position into the open position, by the first interactive element (28) and the second interactive element (32) being
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Bury Sp.z.o.o
    Inventors: Krzysztof Skolimowski, Jacek Brzana
  • Patent number: 8967695
    Abstract: An adaptable bin is provided. The adaptable bin includes a bin floor and at least two bin sidewalls. The bin floor and the bin sidewalls define a storage volume. A bin opening is defined by the bin sidewalls, and allows access to the storage volume. The adaptable bin also includes a secondary bin having at least a first tray and a second tray. The first is tray operatively attached to one of the bin sidewalls. The second tray is slidably attached to the first tray, and is slidable between a collapsed position proximal to the first tray and an expanded position distal to the first tray. The secondary bin protrudes into more of the storage volume when the second tray is in the expanded position than in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Brinas
  • Publication number: 20150035308
    Abstract: A storage assembly for positioning between vehicle seats, includes an enclosable compartment that has opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing lateral sidewalls that are connected to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls to define an interior volume. A plurality of retention features are spaced along an upper edge of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing lateral sidewalls. A hanging storage module has a rigid panel suspended in the interior volume and a pair of support elements protrudes horizontally from opposing ends of the rigid panel to removably engage a corresponding pair of the plurality of retention features on a select one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing longitudinal sidewalls. The rigid panel has a side portion configured to vertically hold at least one object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Scott H. Dunham, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 8939492
    Abstract: A storage device for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided herein. The storage device has a partition that can divide a receptacle space of the storage device into partial receptacle spaces and an overload safety that prevents the partition from being destroyed or damaged under the influence of excessive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH, Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Sebastian Wandtke, Martin Schulz
  • Patent number: 8925616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter for closing openings in motor vehicle interiors, having a decorative layer and a support arrangement; the invention also relates to a roller shutter box, to a centre console, and to a method for producing a shutter. Because the support arrangement comprises at least one one-piece support forming a plurality of roller shutter rods, additional expense for connecting the roller shutter rods is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Ganz
  • Patent number: 8925989
    Abstract: A center console for use in a passenger vehicle is adapted to be located between a pair of passenger seats. The center console includes a storage container formed to include a storage space accessible through an aperture and armrests coupled to the storage container to provide a support surface for the arms of passengers in the seats and to regulate access to the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG
    Inventors: Yuval Appelboum, Christopher Ha
  • Patent number: 8919847
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle is provided and may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may include a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced apart from the floor in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Kenric P. Socks
  • Patent number: 8915531
    Abstract: A vehicle console assembly includes a vehicle console and a support member. The vehicle console includes first and second cup holders. Each of the cup holders has an upper opening defined by a surface of the vehicle console and a bottom portion extending downwardly in the vehicle. The bottom portions of the cup holders are spaced from each other. The support member directly couples the bottom portion of the first cup holder to the bottom portion of the second cup holder. Also, the support member is spaced apart from the surface of the vehicle console that defines the upper openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Horton, Joseph Saroken, Douglas Sparks, Andrew Brant, Thomas Mally
  • 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: 20140361567
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a bin defining a compartment with an access opening. A lid at least partially covers the access opening when in a closed position. A single cross bar is adjacent the lid. The cross bar is pivotably attached to the bin near a first end of the cross bar and is pivotably attached to the lid near a second end of the cross bar. Latching mechanisms releasably latch the lid to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is releasably latched only to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is pivotable in a first direction to a first open position, and is alternately pivotable in a second direction to a second open position. A first biasing mechanism biases the lid to the first open position. A second biasing mechanism biases the lid to the second open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gurnek Singh
  • Patent number: 8905456
    Abstract: A panel-shaped partition in accordance with an embodiment is provided herein. The panel-shaped partition comprises two oppositely positioned lateral edge sections that are in the form of reinforced bearing axes (A) and an elastic panel-shaped carrier matrix that extends between the lateral edge sections in a longitudinal direction of the partition such that a wall section is formed. The partition features at least one flexurally rigid carrier matrix reinforcing device that is in the form of longitudinal profiles on or through the carrier matrix which extend transverse to the longitudinal direction of the partition to increase the flexural rigidity of the partition against bending moments, the moment axes of which extend transverse to the axial directions of the bearing axes, in comparison with the flexural rigidity of the carrier matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH, Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Sebastian Wandtke, Martin Schulz
  • Publication number: 20140353956
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame assembly extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a front seating section coupled to the frame. The front seating section is configured to support an operator and a first passenger. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear seating section coupled to the frame. The rear seating section is configured to support a second passenger and a third passenger. The rear seating section has an angled panel configured as a dead pedal for the second and third passengers, and a portion of the rear seating section extends forwardly into the front seating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Bjerketvedt, Jordy A. Reed, Ricky G. Jaeger, Phillip B. Swain, Gordon J. Steinmetz, Daniel L. Goffman, Andy T. Ives, Curtis C. Carruth
  • Publication number: 20140346802
    Abstract: A vehicle console assembly includes a vehicle console and a support member. The vehicle console includes first and second cup holders. Each of the cup holders has an upper opening defined by a surface of the vehicle console and a bottom portion extending downwardly in the vehicle. The bottom portions of the cup holders are spaced from each other. The support member directly couples the bottom portion of the first cup holder to the bottom portion of the second cup holder. Also, the support member is spaced apart from the surface of the vehicle console that defines the upper openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Horton, Joseph Saroken, Douglas Sparks, Andrew Brant, Thomas Mally
  • Patent number: 8894120
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Lechkun, Richard Joseph Wells
  • Publication number: 20140339846
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cup holder that is capable of preventing a drawing portion from being pushed and retracted while maintaining a state in which a cup is held. A retraction preventing portion is formed on an interior face of a bottom face of the holder case, and a protrusion is formed so as to be oriented to the bottom face's side of the holder case at a rear end part of a turnable holding arm portion that is provided at a drawing portion. In the case where an attempt is made to retract the drawing portion while maintaining the state in which the cup is held, the protrusion abuts against the retraction preventing portion, and retraction of the drawing portion can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa MASUDA, Kazuhisa YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8888147
    Abstract: A mounting of a container in a rail pair is provided, which is disposed in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and the rails of the rail pair have substantially horizontally extending guide grooves on the mutually facing sides and a projection is mounted in the container on its side facing the respective rail, and the respective guide groove has a cross section which expands from the groove base and the respective projection has a corresponding cross section which is expanded toward the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Blanck, Michael Graf, Andreas Dörhöfer
  • Publication number: 20140332628
    Abstract: A luggage compartment for a means of transport and a means of transport with a luggage compartment are provided. The luggage compartment comprises a housing with a pivotably attached connecting element and with a sliding element. The connecting element is adapted for being pivotably attached to a first structural element and the sliding element is adapted for moving along a rail connected to a second structural element. The luggage compartment is easy to manufacture and to maintain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe SCHNEIDER, Patrick ROLLFINK
  • Patent number: 8870255
    Abstract: A support for a functional element in the form of a container, an armrest or the like in a pair of rails within a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is provided. In the case of this support, the two rails encompass guide grooves and axially displaceable, bolt-like guide elements are supported in a housing of the functional element, on the side thereof, which faces the respective rail, and includes projections, which face these rails. A spring acts on the guide element and pretensions the projection thereof against the guide groove. The guide element can be moved by means of an actuator supported in the housing opposite to the force of the spring from the contact position in the guide groove, wherein a lower arm of the guide groove, is arranged horizontally and the displacement axis of the guide element for this guide groove is arranged diagonally to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Lothar Teske
  • Patent number: 8870144
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pablo D. Zavattieri, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Alan L. Browne, James Y. Khoury, Nancy L. Johnson, Chandra S. Namuduri, Senthil N. Karuppaswamy, Nilesh D. Mankame, Rainer A. Glaser, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8851544
    Abstract: A slidable tray assembly is provided having an aperture located on the housing near the track of the slidable tray assembly to promote egress of foreign objects out of the track. The housing includes a grid-like assembly to strengthen the overall housing assembly. The grid-like pattern promotes foreign objects to become stuck within the track thereby prohibiting movement of the slidable assembly. Foreign objects enter the tray by means of a gap between the slidable tray and a panel from the interior of the vehicle. The aperture located on the housing is sized in proportion to the gap created between the panel and the slidable tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano