Accessible From Within Passenger Compartment Patents (Class 296/37.8)
  • Publication number: 20140292015
    Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Lambert, Nicholas S. Sitarski, Scott L. Weiss, Jonathan J. Quijano
  • Publication number: 20140284957
    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: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Santiago Duenas, Kai Goldbeck, Marko Niessner
  • Publication number: 20140284955
    Abstract: A center console for vehicles including a first half formed of a first material and a second half formed of a second material. The first and second halves joined directly with each other. The first half includes a first side panel extending in a longitudinal direction and a first element connecting to the first side panel. The second half includes a second side panel extending in the longitudinal direction and a second element connected to the second side panel. The first element projects from the first side panel toward the second side panel. The second element projects from the second side panel toward the first side panel. The first and second elements complement one another to form a functional element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Lisa Draxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Winklbauer
  • Publication number: 20140265409
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Brinas
  • Publication number: 20140265408
    Abstract: An adaptable bin includes a bin floor and at least two bin walls. The bin floor and the bin walls define a storage volume. An opening is defined by the bin walls, and allows access to the storage volume. The adaptable bin includes a moveable shelf, which has a shelf floor and a shelf connector mated to one of the bin walls. The shelf connector is rotatable, relative to the bin walls, about an axis. The moveable shelf also includes a shelf arm connecting the shelf floor to the shelf connector. The moveable shelf is selectively rotatable about the axis between a first position and a second position. The first position substantially blocks access to the bin floor from the opening. The second position allows substantially-unimpeded access to the bin floor from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Brinas
  • Patent number: 8814243
    Abstract: A cord management device neatly stores a flexible cord in a storage console of a motor vehicle. The storage console has a storage channel recessed in the wall for receiving a length of the flexible cord. A flexible retainer is mounted on the wall and blocks ingress and egress to the storage channel. The flexible retainer flexes to permit insertion of the cord into the storage channel and also flexes to permit removal of the cord from the storage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jaikanth B Kumblekere, Timothy V Hurt
  • Patent number: 8807622
    Abstract: An urging device is interposed between a first member and a second member. The urging device includes a supporting base formed on the first member, an abutting body including turning axes supported rotatably on the supporting base, and elastically contacting the second member, and an elastic member held in the abutting body and urging the abutting body by one end thereof in an elastically contacting direction. The supporting base includes bearing portions supporting the turning axes, and a locking portion locking the other end of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 8807408
    Abstract: A storage area, particularly for vehicles, comprising a frame having opposite legs and a plurality of bars extending from one of the opposite legs of the frame to the other leg. The bars are each implemented as a detented system, so that they can be displaced independently of each other between a starting position and an ending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Raimund Kreis
  • Patent number: 8789869
    Abstract: A storage device, including a storage body and a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The device includes a locking mechanism that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, an elastic return member being arranged so as to move the locking mechanism back into the locking position. The device includes at least one pusher part that is movable between a refracted position and an extracted position in which the pusher part keeps the cover in a partially open position. The elastic return member is arranged so as to push the pusher part into the extracted position thereof when the locking mechanism is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Ludovic Bouldron
  • Patent number: 8789867
    Abstract: A cup holder apparatus of a console box for a vehicle, which may be installed at the rear of a console armrest in a rotatably opening and closing manner, may include left and right side portions pivotally coupled to the rear of the console armrest and elastically supported by an elastic member and forming a storage space therebetween for storing a container, wherein the left and right side portions may be selectively inserted into spaces formed at both left and right sides of an armrest hinge assembly when the cup holder may be closed by the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motors Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Seok Kong
  • Publication number: 20140197657
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Raymond Gillis, Paul Schmidt, Robert D. Bedard, Jolanta Coffey
  • Patent number: 8770516
    Abstract: An overhead luggage compartment for a passenger aircraft is provided. The overhead luggage compartment has a receptacle which has a base and two side walls extending from the base. The receptacle can be moved from a closed position into an open position. A device for adjusting a maximum opening width of the receptacle is provided on at least one of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Diehl Aircabin GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Rafler
  • Publication number: 20140159413
    Abstract: A container holder includes a housing that defines a cavity therein. A liner lines the cavity of the housing and includes a resilient portion that is laterally movable responsive to insertion of a container into the cavity, to accommodate and support containers of different sizes. At least one spring finger extends adjacent the resilient portion and opposes the lateral movement of the resilient portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: NYX, Inc.
    Inventor: Chain S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8740278
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a storage structure for a passenger vehicle defining a passenger compartment. In one aspect, the storage structure comprises: a storage compartment configured for providing a storage space apart from the passenger compartment and defined at least in part by an overhead surface; a storage element positionable in the storage compartment; and a suspension assembly for suspending the storage element from the overhead surface, the assembly including a first portion on the overhead surface and a second portion connectable to the storage element and configured for selective mateable engagement with the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Mally
  • Patent number: 8714617
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Patent number: 8706396
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus detachably holding a portable apparatus, the electronic apparatus includes: a housing portion to which the portable apparatus is attached; an eject mechanism ejecting the portable apparatus attached to the housing portion; and a support mechanism detachably supporting the portable apparatus in an ejected state where the portable apparatus is ejected from the housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Yuusuke Itoh
  • Patent number: 8684440
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes a panel that has a closed position and a stowed position. The panel at least partly covers a utility area when in the closed position, and an end of the panel is concealed from view in the stowed position. The panel pivots about a pivot point and is coupled with a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes one or more gears and a pivot arm with dimensional relationships that define a line of movement for the pivot arm as it moves between the closed and stowed positions. A planetary gear set may be used to define a curvilinear path, such as an elliptical path, or a rectilinear path for the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Hishon, Brian S. Kikta
  • Patent number: 8678460
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory assembly includes a housing and a vehicle accessory subassembly, including a vehicle accessory and a bezel, installed in the housing. The housing includes a side panel having at least one tab extending from a top of the side panel. The vehicle accessory includes a side wall and a guide rib extending from the side wall in a direction away from a center of the accessory. The guide rib includes a guide portion. A guide angle between the guide portion and the side wall is less than about 90°. The bezel includes a snap portion. As the vehicle accessory subassembly is installed on the housing, the tab of the side panel engages the guide portion of the guide rib such that the guide portion of the guide rib guides the tab over an outboard side of the snap portion into engagement with the receiving slot of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jan-Michael Francis Stachura, Toshinao Wada
  • Publication number: 20140070559
    Abstract: A cord management device neatly stores a flexible cord in a storage console of a motor vehicle. The storage console has a storage channel recessed in the wall for receiving a length of the flexible cord. A flexible retainer is mounted on the wall and blocks ingress and egress to the storage channel. The flexible retainer flexes to permit insertion of the cord into the storage channel and also flexes to permit removal of the cord from the storage channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: JAIKANTH B. KUMBLEKERE, Timothy V. Hurt
  • Publication number: 20140062147
    Abstract: A vehicle interior storage pocket includes a retaining sheet having a first side piece, a second side piece, and a resilient material extending between the first side piece and the second side piece. The resilient material is configured to bias the first and second side pieces toward one another. The vehicle interior storage pocket also includes a sleeve disposed about the retaining sheet, and configured to conceal the resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Raza Ahmed Bashir, Emery Jay Zadina
  • Publication number: 20140049063
    Abstract: A console box is made of resin, is elongate in the vehicle front-rear direction, and can be installed on a floor panel. An upper component forms a top face and a front wall on the vehicle front side, and has, in the top face near the front wall, a drink holder that is recessed downward. A lower component forms side walls and on both sides in the vehicle width direction and a rear wall on the vehicle rear side. The lower component has a link portion that extends between and links the inner faces of the side walls and below the drink holder. The link portion is fixed with bolts and to the floor panel, and a lower face at a bottom of the drink holder has a clip that connects the drink holder to the link portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato YAMAGUCHI, Akinori ISHIKAWA
  • 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: 8646824
    Abstract: A trim element is provided. The trim element includes an upper surface extending between a front edge and a rear edge, a holder is arranged on the upper surface and a flap. The flap is rotatably movable around an axis (A) of rotation between a retracted position, in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the upper surface, and an upright position, in which the flap forms a non-zero angle with the upper surface. The flap includes a front edge and a rear edge. The axis of rotation (A) of the flap extends near the rear edge of the flap. The flap pivots towards the rear edge of the upper surface between its retracted position and its upright position. A motor vehicle dashboard is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Sergio Da Costa Pito, Christian Brancheriau, Christophe Brunard, Didier Ponthieu, Clement Pinson
  • Patent number: 8641120
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly includes a housing, a lid, a trim member and a plurality of ribs. The housing defines a storage compartment area with a first access opening. A wall within the storage compartment area includes a ledge spaced apart from the first access opening. A first end of the lid is pivotally coupled to the housing to move between an open position in which a second end is spaced apart from the ledge and a closed position in which the second end is located adjacent to the ledge. A flange of the trim member at least partially surrounds a second access opening of the trim member, with the flange extending into the first access opening. A recess is defined by the wall between the flange and the ledge. The plurality of ribs extend from the ledge of the wall toward the flange within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zimmerman, Tomoki Oogushi
  • 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: 8622344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving baggage in a passenger cabin for aircraft, which device comprises a stowage compartment, also referred to as a “hatrack”, which stowage compartment is arranged above a seat row so as to be swivellable in longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The hatrack includes a single-part housing that forms a baggage receptacle. Starting from an open loading position, the housing is swivellable to a transport position or stowage position on a pivot axis that is arranged near the centre of gravity and that is associated with a bottom of the housing. For affixation of the hatrack the housing is connected to a structure of the aircraft fuselage, which structure is fixed to the aircraft, by means of an exterior frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Vine, Uwe Schneider, Bernd Ehlers
  • Patent number: 8616605
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Patent number: 8616614
    Abstract: An armrest structure for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a first armrest to support an elbow of one of arms of a passenger seated in a seat and a second armrest to support an elbow of the other arm of the passenger. A horizontal distance W1 between a vertically-extending seat center line of the seat and an elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a horizontal distance W2 between the vertically-extending seat center line and an elbow's support position at the second armrest, and a height H1 of the elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a height H2 of the elbow's support position at the second armrest. Accordingly, the passenger's elbows can be properly supported at the armrests on both sides, in a seat width direction, of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Ohtsubo, Isao Hirashima, Yoji Yatsushiro
  • Patent number: 8602477
    Abstract: A display unit attaching structure includes: a plurality of first rhombic clips 7 for engaging with engaging holes 51 of a vehicle roof sheet metal 5; a base sheet metal 2 on one side of which an engaging section 22 is formed, and on the other side of which a supporting section 24 with an engaging hole 23 is formed; and a display main body 3 in which the display is pivotally supported openably and closably in a housing section of a display 4, on one side of which an engaging section 34 for engaging with the engaging section 22 of the base sheet metal 2 is provided, and on the other side of which a second rhombic clip 9 for engaging with the engaging hole 23 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Abe, Takahiro Ikunami
  • Publication number: 20130320692
    Abstract: A locking device for a cover of a storage compartment in a motor vehicle has at least one bolt element that is displaceable an actuating handle and, in the locked state, engages in a first storage compartment recess for fixing the cover in a closed position. At least one securing bolt engages in a second storage compartment recess and is actuable via the bolt element so that it only extends out of the second recess if the bolt element already is extended out of the first recess and which thereby secures the cover against undesirably opening in the event of accident-induced accelerations. Increased safety standards can thereby be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Bruening
  • Patent number: 8596704
    Abstract: A closure for a storage compartment of a motor vehicle including an electromagnet having an armature wherein the armature can by moved by excitation of the electromagnet, and wherein a movement of the armature can be transmitted to a locking element which, due to a restoring force of a spring, is in a locked position for the storage compartment when the electromagnet is not energized, a means for generating an electric current for exciting the electromagnet, and means for measuring the electric current flow used for exciting the electromagnet, wherein the means for generating the current are designed to control the electric current such that, after turning on the current after measuring when a maximum current is reached and subsequent dropping below said maximum current, the current is reduced to a predetermined minimum value, wherein the minimum value is such that the armature is held in its position against the spring force acting on the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Sielhorst, Vincent Chevroton, Christophe Pignon
  • Patent number: 8590837
    Abstract: A device for holding luggage in a passenger cabin of an aircraft is arranged above a seat row in a passenger cabin of an aircraft or a vehicle and fastened to a structure which is fixed to the aircraft. The luggage rack includes an outer housing which is fixed in position and into which a separate inner housing is fit in a positive-locking manner. The inner housing is arranged relative to the outer housing so that the inner housing can move between two end positions about a moving pivot point close to the center of gravity in a force-operated manner. In the closed end position, the luggage rack is visibly integrated into a cabin lining of the passenger cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Bernd Ehlers
  • Patent number: 8573350
    Abstract: A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Jeffrey John Pehler
  • Patent number: 8573671
    Abstract: A toolbox system for vehicles having a flared section with a fender flare extending outwardly from a side of the vehicle, such as dually pickup trucks and the like. The toolbox system has one or more compartments disposed in the flared section and a door, drawer or other mechanism associated with each of the compartments to allow access to a chamber enclosed by the compartment and to close the compartment. Tools, equipment and other materials can be safely and securely placed in the chamber for transport and storage. Preferably, the contour of the door or drawer corresponds to the contour of the outer wall of the fender flare to substantially maintain the original configuration of the flared section. The toolbox system allows the user to transport and store materials in a manner that protects the materials, does not utilize the rear cargo area and maintains the attractiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Mickey L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 8573665
    Abstract: A storage component 20 for a vehicle includes a flexible component 22, such as a tambour door, formed of a plurality of slats 26 supported by and chemically bonded to a substrate 24. The flexible component 22 is translucent or transparent, allowing light to pass therethrough. The slats 26 are formed of a slat polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), and the substrate 24 is formed of a substrate polymer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The slats 26 also have a tensile strength of at least 5 MPa so that the flexible component 22 can support objects disposed on the flexible component 22, such as an arm of a passenger or a purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jason M. Hipshier
  • Patent number: 8556320
    Abstract: A console box placed in a vehicle passenger compartment includes a console body for storing articles, a lid located on a top surface of the body, and a storage portion formed on a back surface of the lid for storing a small item. The storage portion is opened in response to opening of the lid, and is closed in response to closing of the lid. The lid has one end attached to the body through support shafts such that the lid pivots between open and closed positions. The storage portion has one end attached to the lid through support shafts such that the storage portion pivots between open and closed positions. The lid has a free end opposite the one end thereof and the storage portion has a free end opposite the one end thereof. The free ends face in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Yamagishi, Masamitsu Shiono, Kazunari Nishio, Yasuhiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20130257084
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Jonathan Joseph Quijano, Hisamitsu Tatsunami
  • Publication number: 20130257082
    Abstract: A coin box assembly having an anti jamming feature for a vehicle. The coin box assembly can have a coin box with a back wall with a top end, a front wall, and a pair of side walls extending between the back wall and the front wall. The coin box assembly can also have a cover that encloses the coin box when box is in a closed position. The back wall is dimensioned such that the top end is a predefined distance from the cover, the predefined distance providing a clearance. The clearance allows the coin box to pivot between the closed position and an open position, and yet prevents a small object such as a coin from being located between the back wall top end and the cover and thereby preventing the coin box from pivoting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Earl Merkel
  • Patent number: 8540299
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a convertible space system that is integrated into a floor of an interior cargo area. The convertible space system includes a pair of panels that are moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the pair of panels are extended and integrally positioned on the floor to define a primary load bearing surface. When in the stowed position, the pair of panels are collapsed and positioned on the floor to define vertically extending lateral boundary walls for the cargo area, and to expose a secondary load bearing surface disposed below the primary load bearing surface, thereby increasing the effective height of the interior cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Flor Elena Quiros Perez, Maurice James Gisler, Mario Garcia Garcia
  • Patent number: 8540297
    Abstract: A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Matthew Edward Gedris, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, John Thomas Goscicki, James Holbrook Brown
  • Patent number: 8540300
    Abstract: A coin box assembly having an anti jamming feature for a vehicle. The coin box assembly can have a coin box with a back wall with a top end, a front wall, and a pair of side walls extending between the back wall and the front wall. The coin box assembly can also have a cover that encloses the coin box when box is in a closed position. The back wall is dimensioned such that the top end is a predefined distance from the cover, the predefined distance providing a clearance. The clearance allows the coin box to pivot between the closed position and an open position, and yet prevents a small object such as a coin from being located between the back wall top end and the cover and thereby preventing the coin box from pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Earl Merkel
  • Publication number: 20130241229
    Abstract: A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Jeffrey John Pehler
  • Patent number: 8528956
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly including a housing defining a storage compartment with an upward facing opening, a first closure pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position, and a second closure slidably and pivotally mounted to the housing for movement among a slide closed position, a slide open position and a pivot open position. The first closure covers a first portion of the upward facing opening when in the pivot closed position and the second closure covers a second portion of the upward facing opening when in the slide closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Winiger, Simon Hon-Sok Yu, Neal W. Luginbill, Douglas E. Haunhorst, Robert M. Ray, III, Johnathan D. Norman
  • Patent number: 8523260
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a console for use in a vehicle. One embodiment comprises a compartment defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction, a first channel disposed adjacent to the first wall, the first channel defining an opening oriented in an upward direction and including first and second end surfaces spaced apart along the first channel, a retainer structure disposed within the first channel and spaced from the first and second end surfaces and a tray member having an engagement structure configured to be received within the first channel. The tray member is positionable within the compartment such that the engagement structure is received within the first channel and engages the retainer structure to restrain movement of the tray member along the first channel toward both of the first end surface and the second end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8523268
    Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for stowing away a retractable tonneau cover assembly (50) under a floor of a luggage space (10) requiring a very small space. A recess (36) is formed laterally across a width of a vehicle body in a rear end thereof. When stowing away the assembly, an outer tube (52) of the assembly is received in the recess with a longitudinal slot (54) thereof facing upward. A flexible cover sheet (56) extends out of the longitudinal slot (54), and a rigid free end member (58) attached to a free end of the flexible cover sheet (56) extends along a rear side of the outer tube into a deep section (36B) of the recess (36). Therefore, the recess (36) is required to have a width which is not significantly greater than the height (h) of the outer tube (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsufumi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8523259
    Abstract: A tool mounting assembly for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body structure, a first storage container portion that is configured to receive at least one jack operation tool, and a second storage container portion that is fixed to the first storage container portion and is configured to receive at least one wheel chock. A first bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and fully surrounds the first storage container portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first storage container portion. A second bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and at least partially surrounds the first storage container portion. The second storage container portion is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dawe, Ryan Corby
  • Patent number: 8517447
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher James Biggs
  • Patent number: 8517444
    Abstract: A reconfigurable console assembly includes, but is not limited to, a stationary wall adapted for attachment to a vehicle. The assembly further includes a reconfigurable wall having a stationary end, a movable end, and a substantially constant length. The stationary end is attached to the stationary wall and the movable end moves between a stowed position and a deployed position. The reconfigurable wall flexes along a longitudinal axis as the movable end moves between the stowed and deployed positions. The stationary wall and the reconfigurable wall define a storage bin when the movable end is in the deployed position. The assembly further includes a constraining element connected to the movable end. The constraining element constrains the movable end to remain in the stowed position when the movable end is in the stowed position and to remain in the deployed position when the movable end is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D'Alessandro, Cedric Caravano, Daniel Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 8517443
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Publication number: 20130214549
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH