Accessible From Within Passenger Compartment Patents (Class 296/37.8)
  • Patent number: 8233269
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided with an enclosure defining an inner volume and including a first aperture, and a housing containing the enclosure and including a second aperture. The enclosure may be rotatable such that the first and second apertures may be in registration to permit insertion of the electronic device, and the first and second apertures may not be in registration to prevent insertion and/or removal of the electronic device. An actuating element may rotate the enclosure into a desired orientation within a vehicle. The apparatus may improve the viewing quality of information displayed on the electronic device. The electronic device may be secured within the vehicle without having to supervise the device when the vehicle is parked, turned off, etc. The apparatus may employ environmental controls to control/condition temperature, humidity, and/or vibration within a desired range to protect the electronic device from becoming temporarily or permanently non-functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hotary, Greg Brncick
  • Patent number: 8215688
    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: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday, Zachary Lownds, Timothy Stoepker, Jonathan M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8215693
    Abstract: A vehicle trunk compartment cargo management system is comprised of a trunk floor panel, a seatback and a pair of dividers. The trunk floor panel provides a vehicle trunk compartment floor surface. The seatback has a pair of pockets. Each pocket secures a seatback flange extending from a divider oriented in an upright position. Each divider has a seatback flange which fits within a seatback pocket to secure the divider in an upright position to the seatback. The dividers are pivotally attached to the trunk floor panel such that they may pivot between an upright position and a closed position. When the dividers are locked into an upright position they form three sub compartments within the vehicle trunk compartment. An optional cargo net fits over the dividers to cover the sub compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Greg Ulita
  • Patent number: 8210592
    Abstract: A console for use in a vehicle includes a compartment that is defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction. A first channel is disposed adjacent to the first wall and defines an opening that is oriented in an upward direction. First and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart retainer structures are disposed within the first channel. A tray member has a first pair of spaced-apart engagement structures that are configured to be received within the first channel and are configured to engage the retainer structures. The tray member is positionable within the compartment in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and engaged with the first pair of retainer structures. In the second position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and are engaged with the second pair of engagement structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8210589
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a housing including a front panel extending in a vertical direction. A cup holder assembly is in a cup holder-receiving volume within the housing. The cup holder-receiving volume is at least partially bounded by a partitioning panel having a horizontal portion extending toward the front panel. An interior panel is spaced rearward of the front panel. The interior panel extends in a vertical direction. An electrical component is mounted to at least one of the interior panel and the front panel and located between the interior panel and the front panel. A rib structure extends beyond the horizontal portion of the partitioning panel toward the front panel and that is located between the cup holder assembly and the electrical component. The rib structure is arranged and configured to direct liquid falling from the horizontal portion of the partitioning panel away from the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Warren Penner, Chandan Chahande
  • Publication number: 20120139279
    Abstract: A one piece storage unit may include a cup holder and a storage tray that is suitable to hold a digital media player in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Okunzuwa Uwague-Igharo
  • Patent number: 8191847
    Abstract: A container holder includes a cylindrical opening, having a side wall with a movable section which extends between a raised position, completing a cylindrical support for a container, and a lowered position providing a notch for receiving a handle of a cup. In one embodiment, a pair of adjacent cup holders are provided with a movable section extending between them. In a preferred embodiment, the movable section includes a push-push latch such that it can be pressed downwardly and remain in a retracted position for use with a handle-including container and, upon pushing a second time, is raised to accommodate a cylindrical container. In another embodiment, a damper mechanism is provided to control the motion of the movable section. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a peripheral seal near the movable section is provided to reduce or eliminate the effect of any fluid spilled on the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Mclaughlin, Steve Norman Bazinski
  • Patent number: 8186735
    Abstract: A modular vehicle floor system is provided that has a floor pan with integrated storage compartments. A floor is defined by a deck and compartment lids that overlie the floor pan and can provide a waterproof seal for the storage compartments. The deck and compartment lids together define a substantially flat surface that is covered by a vehicle carpet. The deck can include basket-like liners extending downwardly therefrom that nest within the storage compartments and define the inner surface(s) of usable spaces within the storage compartments. The deck includes a raceway system with one or more troughs or ports that house lengths of vehicle wiring, under the deck surface. The deck can further include flanges and/or tabs for serving as mounting substrates, against which sills and other hard trim components are mounted, allowing trim components to be mounted to the deck and not mounted directly to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Maceri, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A. Rice, Christina H. Van Agen
  • Patent number: 8182011
    Abstract: This invention provides a slide deck device, for a vehicle, which prevents a slide deck from rattling with respect to a floor surface of a vehicle even if an upward load is applied to the side deck in a state where the slide deck is completely drawn into the vehicle. The slide deck device is provided with a supporting member 30 provided on a floor surface 15 and supporting an undersurface of a slide deck 20, a floor contact-member 52 provided on the floor surface, and a slide deck contact-member 60 provided on the undersurface of the slide deck. When the slide deck is located at the accommodated position, the slide deck contact-member is in contact with the undersurface of the floor contact-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: Shiroki Corporation, Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Toshiro Tamura, Susumu Iwasawa, Takehiro Masuda
  • Publication number: 20120119536
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrated door and shelving system for a storage compartment located on a vehicle instrument panel. The storage compartment includes at least one door rotatably mounted to the opening of the storage compartment and rotatable about a first axis. The storage compartment includes a side wall, a back wall, and a lower wall. When the door is in a substantially open position, the door is generally parallel to the lower wall and generally perpendicular to the back wall. When the door is rotated to a fully closed position, the door is generally perpendicular to the lower wall and generally parallel to the back wall. When fully opened, the door is used as a shelf to store a cell phone, iPod, PDA, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Joseph Quijano
  • Patent number: 8172299
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compartment door assembly that provides for a compartment door that has controlled movement between a closed position and an open position. The assembly includes a compartment door for covering a compartment, the compartment door movable between the closed position and the open position. A cam having a cam arm, an elongated member and a tension member can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Patent number: 8172294
    Abstract: A storage system includes structure having a surface that at least partially defines a storage compartment. The structure also defines an opening through which the storage compartment is accessible. The storage system further includes a plurality of flexible protuberances extending from the surface into the storage compartment. At least some of the protuberances deform as an object is inserted into the storage compartment through the opening. The deformed protuberances conform to the shape of the object, thereby supporting and restraining the object within the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel S. Hooton
  • Patent number: 8172297
    Abstract: A multi-position rotary detent assembly operable to selectively retain a first component and a second component in a first position, a second position, and at least one intermediate position is provided. The detent assembly includes a first biasing assembly urging the first component into the first position. A cam plate is disposed opposite a guide pin assembly and has a cam path having a first detent feature and at least one intermediate detent feature. The guide pin is configured to engage the cam plate and is movable along the cam path. The first component is in the first position when the guide pin engages the first detent feature, is placed in an intermediate position when the guide pin engages a corresponding intermediate detent feature, and is urged into in the second position when disengaged from the cam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Que-Whang Rhee
  • Patent number: 8172293
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle electronic device support system comprise a vehicle console and an electronic device holder disposed anterior to the vehicle console, wherein the vehicle console comprises a vehicle console bin comprising an auxiliary port, and the electronic device holder is configured to secure an electronic device. The electronic device holder comprises an opening at the bottom of the electronic device holder which extends into the vehicle console bin, which is configured to pass a cord of an electronic device through the opening of the electronic device holder into the vehicle console bin for connection with the auxiliary port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Que-Whang Rhee
  • Patent number: 8157310
    Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console system having a plurality of interchangeable side panels of different lengths. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable blank and equipment mounting face plates and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8157318
    Abstract: An installation support of a loading floor of a passenger car is distinguished in that it is a component which is different from the bodyshell of the passenger car and is provided in order to define fitting positions of side wall panels and of the loading floor relative to one another. Furthermore, a welded assemblage of a passenger car body has at least one rear longitudinal member. The welded assemblage is provided in order to be screwed to such an installation support by a screw connection. The screw connection has cage nuts which are provided for the screw connection and are guided moveably in the longitudinal member transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Paschek, Claus Baumgart, Jan Fischer
  • Patent number: 8146227
    Abstract: A mobile platform is provided. The mobile platform includes a interior overhead structure and at least one compartment rotatably coupled to the interior overhead structure. The compartment is rotatable into an opened position and a closed position. The mobile platform further includes a pivot system coupled to the interior overhead structure and the compartment to enable the compartment to rotate into the opened position and the closed position. The pivot system comprises a first fitting that defines a raceway and a second fitting that defines a hub and a guide. The hub of the second fitting is for engagement with the raceway and the guide directs the first fitting into the second fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chad D. Schmitz, Michael S. Haynes, Nelson J. Jeyarajah, Michael J. Malkinson, Christopher S. Pugh
  • Publication number: 20120061985
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly provided in a vehicle including a panel hingedly attached to a vehicle seat, and a release assembly with an actuating mechanism provided on the panel. The actuating mechanism is connected to a panel lock assembly and a seat lock assembly which are provided to selectively lock the panel and the vehicle seat in place. Actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the lock assemblies to release, thereby allowing rotation of the panel about the hinged attachment and folding of the vehicle seat from a seating position to a folded-forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Patent number: 8128146
    Abstract: A cargo compartment structure for an automobile is disclosed. In one example, the cargo compartment comprises a trunk box disposed in a cargo compartment in a rear part of the automobile, the trunk box having an opening on its upper side; a cargo board capable of changing its position between a closed position where the opening is closed by the cargo board, and an open position where the opening is opened, the open position of the cargo board being frontward of the closed position; and a board holder for holding the cargo board in a specific state so that a top surface of the cargo board is downwardly inclined toward a rear side of the automobile and so that while the cargo board is in the open position, a rear end of the cargo board is disposed rearward of a front end of the trunk box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumasa Sogame, David Jason Coleman
  • Publication number: 20120049601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (01, 22) for use in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a first and a second carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) and a connecting linear guide, wherein the first carrier element (02, 23) features two linearly extending first guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28) and the second carrier element (03, 24) features two first abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34), wherein the carrier elements (02, 23, 03, 24) are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other when the abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34) slide along the guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28), and wherein the linear guide produces a clamping effect which prevents self-actuated displacement of a carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) due to vehicle movements, wherein the linear guide further features a second guiding surface (08, 29) being associated with the first carrier element (02, 23) and features a second abutment surface (14, 35) being associated with the second carrier element (03, 24), wherein, when the first and the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Eberhard von Rothkirch und Panthen, Thomas Hessdörfer, Michael Winterstein
  • Publication number: 20120049870
    Abstract: A vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface, at least one circuit board proximate the console surface, and an array of proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board. Each of the proximity sensors emit a field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field extending approximately parallel to the console surface is greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Scott Simon, Raymond Anthony Oldani, Jeffrey Singer
  • Patent number: 8113567
    Abstract: A structure of storing a vehicular seat according to one aspect of the invention is constituted by a seat detachably connected to a support base, and a storing space capable of storing the seat detached from the support base. The seat includes an engaging member is fixed to the support base by engaging an engaging portion provided at the support base. The storing space includes a bottom wall, side walls erected to an upper side from two left and right side edges of the bottom wall, and a depth wall erected from a depth edge of the bottom wall to the upper side, and is constituted to slide to store the seat. The seat includes fixing means at predetermined positions inside of the storing space. The fixing means are formed by shapes to slidingly receive and to fix the engaging member of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Yamashita, Yoshihide Itou, Fukuo Ogiso, Tamotsu Keinaga, Ko Ishikawa, Hideyuki Kato, Susumu Watanabe, Masaya Kometani, Makoto Murakami
  • Patent number: 8104816
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred William Lupton, III, Marc Daniel Reish
  • Patent number: 8104817
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a storage compartment which contains a housing and a lid which closes the housing. The storage compartment further has a locking mechanism which has a housing-side closing bar and a lid-side bolt which interacts with the latter and which engages behind the closing bar in the locked state and releases from the closing bar through rotation. The storage compartment is arranged essentially vertically between two rear seats of the motor vehicle, wherein the lid can be adjusted between a closed position which abuts against the housing and an open position which is moved forward. An arrestor hook, which is formed as an emergency securing device, is arranged on an inner side of the lid. If force is suddenly applied to the housing in the direction of the lid, in particular in the event of a crash, the arrestor hook engages behind the closing bar and as a result prevents undesired opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Martin Kayser, Jan Kretzschmar
  • Patent number: 8100455
    Abstract: An overhead console may include a conversation mirror having a fitting protrusion formed on one end thereof, a housing having adjoining main and auxiliary spaces defined therein, wherein the auxiliary space releasably stores the conversation mirror, a cover pivotally coupled to the housing to open or close the main space, wherein the cover has a bucket to be selectively engaged to the main space, a latch part provided in an upper portion of the auxiliary space, wherein the fitting protrusion of the conversation mirror is fastened into or unfastened from the latch part so that the conversation mirror is stored inside or released from the auxiliary space, and an elastic member fixing the auxiliary space and the conversation mirror, wherein the elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction to release the conversation mirror from the auxiliary space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Gwon Hak Lee
  • Patent number: 8100454
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly is provided with a console having a side-wall coupled to the console and at least one storage bin that slidingly engages the side-wall. A user slides the storage bin forwards or rearwards to cover and/or uncover the storage bin. The at least one storage bin is accessible to a user in the front or rear of a vehicle at least in front or behind the lid, respectively. The at least one storage bin slides along one or more tongues of the side-wall to expose, in part or in whole, the storage bin, thereby utilizing compact console design while providing space creation and ergonomics for a vehicle driver and/or passengers. An upper portion of the side-wall slidingly engages a lower portion of the side-wall to allow a user to adjust an armrest of the upper portion and/or to cover and uncover the at least one storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D'Alessandro, Daniel Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 8103405
    Abstract: An operator control unit for devices in a motor vehicle, having a carrier element and at least one operator control element arranged on the carrier element for generating an actuating signal for at least one device in the motor vehicle. The carrier element when in the installed state forms a storage space for holding objects to be stored in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark René Spingler, Erika Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 8100453
    Abstract: A linkage member 3 is pivotally supported, through a first shaft 30, by an article 1 having an opening, is supported, through a second shaft 31, by a lid member 2, and includes a latch 32 engageable with a latch receiver 12 disposed in the article 1. The lid member 2 has an engageable end 201 disposed therein so as to be receivable into an engagement hole 34 formed in the linkage member 3 and further has a switching member 20 disposed therein so as to be movable to selectively set the engageable end 201 in an advanced position to place the engageable end in a most deepest position in the linkage member 3 through the engagement hole 34, in a retracted position to take the engageable end out of the engagement hole 34, and in an intermediate position between both of the advanced position and the retract position. When the engageable end 201 of the switching member 20 is set in the advanced position, the engageable end brings the latch 32 out of engagement with the latch receiver 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Naohiro Shimajiri
  • Publication number: 20120007378
    Abstract: An overhead console for a vehicle interior, comprising a storage module provided with a housing having an aperture, a cover pivotally mounted on the housing, a receptacle is pivotally mounted to the cover between a folded position and an unfolded position. The storage module can be set in a storage configuration, cover closed and receptacle folded inside the housing, or in a deployed configuration, cover open and receptacle unfolded allowing the user to easily grab an object stored in the receptacle. The storage configuration requires minimal height in the overhead module and the deployed configuration provides maximum accessibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: PETER LENG, JANUSZ LIPKA
  • Publication number: 20120007379
    Abstract: A receiving member is provided on a face of a casing and includes an insertion port and first and second abutment portions. An insertion portion of each of the brackets is inserted through the insertion port. The insertion port is shaped to have at least one step varying in a width of the insertion port such that the width is narrower as the at least one step is farther away from the face of the casing. Each of the first and second abutment portions has such an inner shape that, when the insertion portion is inserted through the insertion port, the abutment portion abuts against the leading end of the insertion portion in the insertion direction to restrict a movement of the leading end in association with the corresponding one of different widths of the insertion portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takato WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20120001447
    Abstract: A vehicular console storage system has a pivotable lid and a striker movable with the lid. A pawl is mounted in a fixed location for selectably receiving the striker, wherein the pawl is movable between a latching position and a release position. The pawl holds the striker so that the lid is held closed when in the latching position, and the pawl has a cam surface. A spring-loaded cam follower is at least in partial contact with the cam surface and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to provide a first resistance to motion of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. The first resistance is easily overcome by manual manipulation by a user. A movable lever has an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein the activated position interferes with movement of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. An inertial sensor is provided for moving the movable lever to the activated position in response to a predetermined acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Simon, Raymond A. Oldani
  • Patent number: 8074832
    Abstract: A hinge structure for a lid of an in-vehicle console box includes a storage box having an opening, a lid having a front end and a rear end, and a hinge member having a rotation axis. The hinge member is disposed between the storage box and the lid so the lid rotates around the rotation axis to open and close the opening. A slide mechanism is located between the lid and the hinge member so the lid can move in the directions of the front end and the rear end in relation to the hinge member when opening and closing the lid. A converting mechanism converts a turning force for rotating the lid around the rotation axis to a linear force for sliding the lid in the directions of the front end and rear end so the lid moves in the direction of the rear end when being opened, and in the direction of the front end when being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Moriroku Technology Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujiwara, Yukihiro Sanma
  • Patent number: 8066315
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front upper cover, a meter unit and a cover. The front upper cover is connected to an upper portion of the front panel and extends forward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The meter unit includes a display. The meter unit is disposed on the front panel such that the display is viewable from the seat. The meter unit is positioned in a transversely center portion of the vehicle. The cover extends from the front upper cover to the front panel so as to cover at least an upper portion of the meter unit. The cover is disposed in a higher position than an upper surface of the front panel in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Motoyuki Hara, Kouji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110285163
    Abstract: A receiving element is provided, in particular for motor vehicles, with a housing open at the top for accommodating at least one container. The housing has at least one lateral clamping element. In such a receiving element, it is proposed that the housing incorporate at least one foldable support, which in a first lockable position is spaced apart from and arranged parallel to the floor, and in a second position is arranged essentially perpendicular to the floor, and further that the respective clamping element is arranged above the support relative to its first position. Such a receiving element has a relatively large, variable tray area. It is also used for reliably accommodating at least one container, which can vary in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Stueber
  • Patent number: 8056952
    Abstract: A nested seating unit for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The nested seating unit comprises a first seat having a seating surface and a second seat having a seating surface. The nested seating unit is adjustable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first seat and the second seat have a first lateral distance between them, and in the second position, the first seat and the second seat have a second lateral distance between them. The first lateral distance is greater than the second lateral distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Almeida, Siddartha Butalia, Young Eun Choi, Kyle Holland, Ajmal Shamsudeen
  • Patent number: 8056970
    Abstract: An item catcher for an automobile console gap, which is utilized to removably cover a gap between an inside surface of a vehicle seat and a vehicle console adjacent to the vehicle seat and collect small items which may otherwise fall into the gap. The item catcher includes an elongated, flexible, thin parallelepiped body which has an obround aperture centered near one end of the body to accommodate passage of a seat belt therethrough. The body folds along a central longitudinal axis from a flat first position into a folded second position in which the body is maintained while pressing the to body downwardly between the inside surface and the console and then is released into it a third position in which a body first side is pressed against the inside surface and a body second side is pressed against the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Jennie L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8056951
    Abstract: Disclosed is an interior fitting part for a vehicle, comprising a wall part (12) that has a first side (21) facing the interior (IR) in the properly mounted state thereof, an opposite second side (22), and an edge (23) that extends between the sides. The interior fitting part further comprises a decorative layer (30) that is arranged on the wall part (12). An edge section of the decorative layer (30) is folded onto the second side (22). The second side (22) of the wall part (12) is provided with at least two elevations (41, 42), at least some sections of which extend next to one another along the edge (23), from the perspective of the edge (23). The decorative layer (30) is folded from the first side (21) to the second side (22) via the edge (23) while an edge section (31) of the decorative layer (30) extends between two elevations (41, 42) on the second side (22). Also disclosed are a motor vehicle door comprising an interior fitting part as well as a method for producing an interior fitting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Schilles
  • Publication number: 20110272959
    Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred William Lupton, III, Marc Daniel Reish
  • Patent number: 8052192
    Abstract: An electronic device mounting box includes a tray to which an electronic device is adapted to be attached. The mounting box includes a box having a front opening through which the tray is adapted to pass, left and right sides, and left and right supports associated with the left and right sides for supporting the tray along left and right sides, respectively, of the tray and permitting the tray to be moved between an access position at least partially outside the front opening to an installed position inside the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Groeller, Wayne Harwood
  • Patent number: 8051688
    Abstract: A lock device includes a main body, a lock that locks and unlocks a lid member, an operating button, an engagement member, a rotor that rotates by locking and unlocking the lock, a coupling member, and an arm disposed on the rotor and coupled to one end of the coupling member. The coupling member interlocks the operation button and the engagement member with unlocking the lock and releases an interlock between the operation button and the engagement member with locking the lock. The engagement member slides through the coupling member to disengage the engagement member from the main body by operating the operating button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Soma
  • Patent number: 8047468
    Abstract: An aircraft stowage bin assembly includes shear fittings configured to route a content load from the bucket of the bin assembly to the airframe in the event of a forward load condition, such as a crash or severe turbulence. When the forward inertial load factor on the stowage bin is greater than about 1 g, the shear fittings create an efficient load path from the bucket to the airframe which bypasses the large metallic or composite endframes required by the designs of many conventional overhead stowage bins. As a result, significant reductions in overall bulk and weight, as well as lower manufacturing costs, can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chad D. Schmitz, Joseph Matthias Manhardt
  • Patent number: 8033588
    Abstract: A guard for a sliding lid that acts as a cover for a cargo area of a center console. The center console includes a bottom, sidewalls, a front wall, and a back wall. Movement of the sliding lid is slidingly restricted by guide rails. The guard includes a body and a wiper section that has a contact edge. The guard is secured to the center console and disposed above the sliding lid and prevents objects from riding on the sliding lid past the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal W. Luginbill, David Salmonowicz
  • Publication number: 20110215605
    Abstract: A console for use in a vehicle includes a compartment that is defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction. A first channel is disposed adjacent to the first wall and defines an opening that is oriented in an upward direction. First and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart retainer structures are disposed within the first channel. A tray member has a first pair of spaced-apart engagement structures that are configured to be received within the first channel and are configured to engage the retainer structures. The tray member is positionable within the compartment in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and engaged with the first pair of retainer structures. In the second position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and are engaged with the second pair of engagement structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Spitler, Nobutaka Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8011618
    Abstract: A storage device for baggage for an aircraft cabin includes a compartment having a lower face and an upper face, an open face allowing access to the compartment for the depositing and removal of baggage inside same and a back, opposite the open face of the compartment. The lower face of the compartment is substantially plane on the side of the open face and rises up near the back. A groove, the concavity of which is positioned toward the upper face of the compartment, is implemented in the joining zone between the raised portion of the lower face and the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Thomas-Mathias Bock
  • Patent number: 8011710
    Abstract: A fixture element is provided, in particular for motor vehicles, with an upwardly open casing for accommodating at least one receptacle, and the casing exhibits at least one lateral clamping element. The casing incorporates at least one hinged support, which is substantially parallel and spaced apart from the floor in a first latchable setting, as well as essentially perpendicular to the floor in a second setting. The respective clamping element is further arranged above the support relative to its first setting. In such a fixture element, it is proposed that the hinged support be able to pivot around an axis mounted in the casing, and the support exhibits two support sections interconnected so that they can pivot around an axis situated parallel to the casing axis. The two support sections are toggled and folded toward each other when the support is moved from the first setting to the second setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Stueber
  • Patent number: 8007020
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle console trim component. The trim component can include an articulated door with a plurality of slats, a substrate, and a flexible layer including a pattern for decoration disposed on and supported by the substrate. The flexible layer will maintain the pattern for decoration as the articulated door is cycled. The pattern for the vehicle trim component may be a photographic image. An overcoat also can be disposed on the flexible layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Kristan Marie Pierce
  • Patent number: 8002179
    Abstract: A display assembly is adapted to be received by a vehicle console and includes a chassis, a display member, a hood, and a mechanical positioning mechanism. The mechanical positioning mechanism can be easily activated to adjust the display member between a hidden or closed position and a visible or open position. In one embodiment, the display assembly has a latch mechanism to maintain the display member in the hidden position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven Feit, Luis De Santos
  • Patent number: 7997635
    Abstract: An opening/closing device includes a bistable device having a fixed member (24) delimiting one side of an opening providing access to a compartment, and a flexible mobile member (18), articulated on the fixed member proximate the ends of the access opening. The fixed and mobile members (24, 18) delimit jointly the entire access opening, and the mobile member (18) has two stable positions, one wherein it is adjacent to the fixed member (24), the other wherein only its ends are adjacent to the fixed member (24). The mobile member (18) is elongated and has naturally two stable positions with opposite convexities. The invention is applicable to vehicle passenger compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Tony Ercolano, Didier Ponthieu, Pascal Rumigny, Cédric Habert, Pierre Guerreiro, Guy Heriquet, Stéphane Dannenhoffer
  • Publication number: 20110187144
    Abstract: A vehicle interior structural assembly includes an instrument panel that is dimensioned to extend laterally between opposing interior side walls of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A structural member extends between first and second ends of the instrument panel such that the structural member is substantially concealed by the instrument panel. A stay bracket is connected to the structural member and extends downward from the structural member. The stay bracket is located forward of a rearmost extent of the instrument panel. A reinforcement member is connected to the stay bracket at a first point and a second point that are vertically spaced from one another. The reinforcement member includes a support portion cantilevered from and extending rearward of the rearmost extent of the instrument panel such that forces applied to the reinforcement member are directed to the stay bracket and the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek
  • Patent number: 7984942
    Abstract: A flap configuration has a flap for closing a receptacle and a closing slide guided displaceably parallel to the flap plane in the closing slide guide. The closing slide is inserted with one end into a latching opening in a wall and brought out of engagement with the latching opening by a closing slide drive against a spring force by way of a latch element guided in the latching opening. In an opposite receptacle wall from the latching opening, a guide opening is positioned coaxially with the latching opening and the closing slide guide. In the latching opening, a closing latch biased in the direction of the closing slide is guided, and engages, when the flap is latched in place, in an open end of the closing slide guide. The closing slide drive unlatches the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Walter Schaupensteiner, Werner Maier, Martin Frank