Accessible From Within Passenger Compartment Patents (Class 296/37.8)
  • Patent number: 7621579
    Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting in an interior region of a vehicle, and a screen mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially contained within the housing and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. The display unit further includes a lock mechanism adapted to selectively retain the screen in the stowed position. Upon release of the lock mechanism, however, the screen is free to be pivoted away from the stowed position, and in one embodiment, is automatically pivoted at least partially away from the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rosen Entertainment Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7614674
    Abstract: This console box is provided with: a box main unit; and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is provided with: a locking groove provided on one of the box main unit and the console lid; a locking pin provided on the other of the box main unit and the console lid, the locking pin being fit into the locking groove when the console lid is closed, and having a fitting portion dimension smaller than the groove width of the locking groove; and a biasing device provided between the box main unit and the console lid which biases the console lid in an opening direction by contacting between the locking pin and one of wall formed in the locking grove when the console lid is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Moriroku Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Shiono, Taku Kamiya, Manabu Koarai
  • Patent number: 7611184
    Abstract: A vehicular trunk-through openable and closable device (5) whose unlocked condition can be more easily checked than has conventionally been done. When releasing a locked condition of an opening and closing unit (11) using an unlocking unit (12), the unit (11) is rotated in a forward-folding direction by an elastic force caused by an elastic member (30). A gap is formed between the unit (11) and a trunk-through section (3) without bringing the unit (11) into a fully open condition. Hence, it can be visually checked whether the gap has been formed between the unit (11) and the trunk-through section (3) or not, thus enabling a user to instantly determine whether the locked condition has been released by the unlocking unit (12). Thus, an unlocked condition of the vehicular trunk-through openable and closable device (5) can be much more easily checked than has been conventionally done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Bisson, Corey James Kracht
  • Publication number: 20090267375
    Abstract: A console apparatus for use in a vehicle that secures additional optional accessories that function to provide storage space for personal items, food and liquids, and/or and armrest, the apparatus including one or more accessory modules and a spine member for receiving, securing and reducing the jostling or shifting of one or more accessory modules by a person or the motions of a moving vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vander Sluis, Robert C. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7607710
    Abstract: A folding monitor for vehicles is provided. The folding monitor for vehicles includes: a frame provided in a vehicle body; and a display unit provided at the frame, wherein one end of an arm is hinge-coupled to at least one side of the display unit, and a slot into which the other end of the arm is coupled to rotate is formed in the frame, wherein a rotation motion part and a linear motion part are formed in the slot, and a guide plate inserted into the rotation motion part, rotating and linearly moving along the linear motion part, is formed at an end part of the arm hinge-coupled to the slot. Therefore, noise can be reduced and durability of a product can be improved by preventing the display unit from being separated from the frame and shaken due to vehicle vibration and an external impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Bu Geun Yeo
  • Patent number: 7607726
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat bottom and a seat back, which pivots at a rear side of the seat bottom. Within the rearward-facing surface of the seat back, a seat back tray is housed. When in a front passenger seat that is folded forward, the seat back tray is easily assessable by a vehicle driver. To adjust the tray horizontally, a pivotable tray top pivots relative to and above a non-pivoting tray top. A track within the tray provides a guide for movement of the pivotable tray top. A scissor lift coupled to an adjustment mechanism including either a hand crank or electric motor, may raise and lower the tray from a retracted position to an extended position, and be fixed at any intermediary position. The tray may be equipped to be lifted to any intermediary position without a hand crank or electric motor in a low-cost, yet effective scissor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Micheal Orlo, Christopher Scott Welch, Ronald Andrew Mueller
  • Patent number: 7607727
    Abstract: An armrest locking device for preventing unintentional unlocking thereof upon a car crash is disclosed. The armrest locking device includes an armrest body defining a receiving space therein, an armrest cover pivotally rotatably coupled to the armrest body for opening and closing the armrest body, a push button provided at the armrest cover for regulating locking and unlocking of the armrest, a hook member configured to move along with the push button, so as to be caught by the armrest body, an elastic member provided at the rear side of the push button for providing the push button with an elastic force in a protruding direction of the push button, and a sensor member having a rotating shaft pivotally rotatably disposed in a space defined at the rear side of the hook member, a supporting portion for supporting the hook member, and a weight connected to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyungsang Park
  • Patent number: 7604273
    Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system having a video monitor, and a cradle secured within an automobile. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7604274
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. Electronic connections for coupling the video system with the cradle are provided in the base of the video system. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism including a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7604291
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7604276
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base shaped and dimensioned for selectively coupling with the cradle. The base includes a first hinge facilitating rotation of the video system, wherein the first hinge includes a tensioning mechanism controlling vibration of the video system as the vehicle moves and allowing for controlled positioning of the video system at a variety of angular orientations by simply releasing and reapplying the tensioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7604275
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism consists essentially of a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Publication number: 20090256376
    Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle has a basic body between the front seats with an upwardly open storage compartment over which a support part having an armrest which is displaceable with respect thereto is arranged. The armrest is displaceable from a pushed-back position between the front seats in the direction of the dashboard into a front position, wherein the support part is mounted pivotably on the basic body. The locking mechanism is provided with an actuating element via which, by an different actuation, a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part and a displacement movement of the armrest relative to the support part can be released. The locking mechanism is configured such that it permits a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part exclusively if the armrest is in its completely pushed-back position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Johannes Rocker, Hannes Rogl
  • Patent number: 7597372
    Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle (1) includes a floor panel (P) having a plane portion and a concave portion (11), a floor lid (28) for selectively closing and opening the concave portion (11), a floor bucket (14) provided in the concave portion (11) in a detachable manner; and a tray (15) disposed in the floor bucket (14), which is rotatable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane portion of the floor panel (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Nagamoto, Ryosuke Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7591499
    Abstract: A roller blind assembly for movably opening and closing the openings of trays, storage spaces, control consoles and other enclosures, in particular for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The roller blind assembly includes a guide for guiding the roller blind along a curved displacement path on at least one side edge of the opening, and a plurality of guide elements connected to the roller blind engaging each with the guide. The roller blind portion last covering the opening when closing the roller blind may be detachable from the guide and/or pivotable into the plane defined by the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Jonischkeit
  • Patent number: 7591498
    Abstract: A sliding storage console for use in a vehicle. The sliding storage console includes a rail and a body. The sliding storage console also includes a handle arranged on the body. The sliding storage console has an upper housing engaged with the body and a lower housing engaged with the upper housing. The sliding console also includes an actuator arranged between the upper and lower housing. A slider is connected to a lower housing and engaged with the rails. The sliding console also includes a latch plate arranged on the slider and engaged with the actuator to allow for locking of the sliding console at predetermined locations along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Busha, Joseph P. Wieczorek
  • Publication number: 20090230711
    Abstract: A vehicle cabinet having cabinet cleats used in conjunction with a vehicle cabin having cabinet cleat receivers is provided for use with a vehicle for operation on the ground. The cabinet cleat receivers cooperate with the cabinet cleats in such a way that locating the receivers with the cleats is easy and requires minimal manipulation by an installer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Kittelson, Joel D. Reed, Patrick E. Temple, Timothy G. Siebert, Charles W. Kipfer
  • Publication number: 20090224565
    Abstract: A lid apparatus including a tubular frame mounted to an interior member of a vehicle at a periphery of an opening which is defined in a wall surface of the interior member; a lid that covers the opening; a hinge that joins the lid to the frame; a securing device which secures the frame to an inner periphery of the opening; and a positioning piece which is continuously formed with respect to the frame wall and which abuts against the interior member at a peripheral edge of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Kazumichi Hamaguchi, Naoto Ono, Satoshi Fukuda, Shunji Kuroki
  • Publication number: 20090224564
    Abstract: An automotive console is provided including an accessory receiving body or bodies generally located proximate one or more base portions positioned over or secured to a body, such as, for example, a floor pan/panel of an automobile. The accessory receiving body or bodies may each include a closure panel or the like and an actuator operably associated therewith. The actuator may be a switch, such as an electronic contact, arranged in a predetermined position, such that a portion of the closure panel operably contacts the actuator to deploy an accessory, such as a beverage container or the like. Further, it will be appreciated that upon movement of the closure panel away from the actuator, the actuator will be adapted to stow the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: INTIER AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Daniel V. Beckley, Lisa Ann Grems, Russell P. Shafer Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090218842
    Abstract: The invention concerns a storage compartment for a motor vehicle with a container (110) and a container lid (112), arranged on the container in a pivotal fashion, a pivoted lever (116), arranged on the container lid, a first elastic element (120), whose first end (122) is connected with the container and whose second end (118) is connected with the pivoted lever, so that the first elastic element acts upon the container lid with a closing force and/or a closing torque, a locking element (126), which is mounted in a pivotal fashion, so that, in case of an impact of the motor vehicle, said locking element, due to its mass inertia, will be brought into a locking position for locking the pivoted lever into position, whereby the locking element is mounted in such a way that it is pivotal around the first end of the first elastic element, whereby the first elastic element is a dead center spring, and whereby the dead center spring is embodied in such a way that it exerts the closing force and/or closing torque a
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Ralf Muller
  • Patent number: 7581774
    Abstract: A center console assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side walls generally parallel and spaced apart from each other; a storage compartment extending between the side walls; and a tray supported on the side walls. A tab extends outwardly from at least one of the side walls and extends into a recess formed in the tray to retain the tray in a retained position to prevent the tray from sliding along the side walls. The tab has a ramped leading surface that facilitates insertion of the tab into the recess as the tray is moved along the side walls toward the retained position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Charan Singh Lota
  • Publication number: 20090212586
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthias BLANCK, Michael GRAF, Andreas DORHOFER
  • Patent number: 7575265
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base with a first hinge permitting movement between the use position and the storage position. A rotation control mechanism is associated with the first hinge for adjustably controlling the use position and the storage position of the video system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Publication number: 20090200825
    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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: NIFCO INC
    Inventor: Naohiro Shimajiri
  • Patent number: 7571948
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a lid from being undesirably opened. The lid is rotatably coupled to a vehicle tray. The apparatus includes a spring provided under the vehicle tray; and a stopper provided under the vehicle tray. The stopper is coupled at one end to the spring, so that, when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the stopper in a direction away from the spring, the stopper overcomes the elastic force of the spring and slides to a position at which it prevents the lid from opening. One-way sliding sawteeth are provided on a lower surface of the vehicle tray and on an upper surface of the stopper. The sawteeth engage with each other when the stopper slides to the position at which it prevents the lid from opening, such that the stopper is prevented from returning to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang Soo Suh
  • Patent number: 7568749
    Abstract: A retractable cup holder assembly includes an interior trim panel, a support housing and a retractable cup holder. The support housing is releasably retained in a cup holder receiving opening of the interior trim panel by a reusable breakaway connection such that the breakaway connection at least partially releases the support housing from the interior trim panel for movement between an installed orientation and a breakaway orientation upon application of a prescribed force being applied to the breakaway connection. The retractable cup holder is pivotally supported to the support housing about a pivot axis between a stowed position in which the cup holder is retracted and a deployed position in which the cup holder extends outwardly from the support housing. The cup holder moves with the support housing when the support housing moves from the installed orientation to the breakaway orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Biggs, Walter Yourke
  • Patent number: 7568750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control console assembly with a hand rest. There is a need for a control console hand rest which reduces the possibility of unintentional throttle control lever movement. A throttle control lever projects above a console deck. A dome projects from the deck. The lever projects through a slot in a center portion of the dome. The center portion and a first side portion of the dome are connected together by a side wall which faces towards the center portion and lies in a vertical plane. A thumb-receiving recess is formed in a second side portion adjacent to the slot. The deck includes an upper deck and a lower deck. A depression formed by a finger of the lower deck extends around an end of the first portion and is bordered by a side wall. The depression can receive and support part of an operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christopher David Finck, Bruce Kevin Fryk, Dean Arden Boyce, Scott Edward Bender
  • Patent number: 7566083
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. The vehicle further includes an attachment mechanism for selectively securing the video system to the cradle and a safety mechanism associated with the attachment mechanism for controlling release of the video system from the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7566084
    Abstract: A lid opening-closing mechanism of a container device for a vehicle, including: a container device body provided in a vehicle interior of a vehicle; a lid attached freely openable and closable to the container device body; an elastic member interposed and provided between the container device body and the lid configured to bias the lid in an opening direction and a closing direction of the lid with biasing force; and a bidirectional damper attached to the container device body configured to attenuate the biasing force of the elastic member with attenuating force, wherein the elastic member includes a reversal spring in which biasing directions of the biasing force are reversible based on a reversal point in which one of the biasing directions is in the closing direction of the lid in a closed side of the lid of the reversal point and in which the other of the biasing directions is in the opening direction of the lid in an open side of the lid of the reversal point, and wherein the bidirectional damper include
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7562924
    Abstract: An installation is provided in a cargo area of a vehicle for the stowage of a vehicle jack and tools useful in the changing of a wheel of the vehicle. The installation includes a receptacle in a recess in a deck of the cargo area. The receptacle includes an open top container having space to accommodate the jack and the tools. A cover plate across the top of the container covers a portion of the top only, leaving an access opening through which the jack and the tools may be inserted into and removed from the space in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Carl J Schultz, Ian N Dupret, Henry J Ziaja, Randolph C Smith
  • Publication number: 20090179449
    Abstract: It is to provide a console box, in which a ventilation duct is integrated with the console box without using a slide core, thus suppressing the increase of costs and preventing dew formation in a box body. A vertical wall protrudes downwards from the lower plate of the box body in such a way as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the console box, and a horizontal wall is integrally provided on a lower end of the vertical wall in such a way as to protrude to at least one of left and right sides and extend in the longitudinal direction of the console box. A ventilation duct is defined by the lower plate, the vertical wall, the horizontal wall, and each of the side panels. The console box includes the box body and a pair of left and right side panels, thus allowing the ventilation duct to be easily integrated with the lower portion of the box body without using the slide core. Also, dew is not formed on a wall surface of a storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Shibata, Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Publication number: 20090174210
    Abstract: A container assembly for a motor vehicle passenger compartment includes a housing, a door, an arm, a helical spring and a cam. The door is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a first pivot between a closed position wherein the door covers an opening in the housing and an open position wherein the door is pivoted about the first pivot to allow access through the opening to a storage space in the housing. The arm is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a second pivot. The arm has a cam surface. The helical spring continuously biases the arm toward the first pivot. The cam is coupled to the door and movable with the door about the first pivot between the closed position and the open position. The cam has a center portion and a lobe extending outwardly from the center portion. The lobe remains in contact with the cam surface of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan S. Lota, Joel T. Runyan
  • Publication number: 20090174211
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle console comprise a front storage bin having a first pair of sidewalls, a back storage bin adjacent the front storage bin having a second pair of sidewalls, a pair of tracks associated with the first and second pair of sidewalls, and a movable armrest disposed over the back storage bin, wherein the armrest is moveable to provide access to the back storage bin. The region between the movable armrest and the back storage bin is a panel housing. The vehicle console further comprises a sliding panel comprising at least one convenience apparatus wherein the sliding panel is aligned with the pair of tracks and is operable to move into the panel housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Kwang-Ha Kim
  • Publication number: 20090174208
    Abstract: A container assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a housing having a storage space. The housing has an outer surface and an opening formed in the outer surface providing access to the storage space. The container assembly also includes a door movably coupled to the housing for movement between a closed position covering the opening and preventing access to the storage space and an open position disposed below the outer surface to reveal the opening and allow access to the storage space. This allows the container assembly to slide beneath a bin lid of a center console when the door of the container assembly is in either the closed position or the open position without interfering with the bin door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan S. Lota
  • Publication number: 20090152886
    Abstract: An armrest console box for a vehicle, having a button, a button housing moved horizontally by the button, a coil spring elastically biasing a rear portion of the button housing forwards, a knob protruding from a predetermined portion of the button housing, a locking member rotated by the knob, and a locking projection of a main body hooked onto a hook provided on a lower end portion of the locking member, may include: an insertion hole formed in the knob in such a way as to vertically pass through the knob; and an insertion protrusion protruding horizontally from an outer surface of an upper end portion of the locking member, and then bent perpendicularly at an end, the bent end being inserted into the insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyndai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kwang Gi Lee
  • Publication number: 20090146444
    Abstract: In an operating member (2) disposed in a cabin and manually operated by the occupant of a seat and an interior device (8) such as a cup holder allowing its position to be changed with a movable mechanism disposed near the seat, the operating member (2) possesses a detecting sensor (51) for detecting a starting time of a manual operation of the operating member (2) by a hand, and a movable mechanism (25) automatically changes the interior device to a position not to interfere with the manual operation of the operating member in response to the detection signal of the detecting sensor (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: NIFCO INC
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
  • Patent number: 7543874
    Abstract: A center console is provided with a movable console, a guide rail and an actuation mechanism. A rail main body of the guide rail and a lock member of the actuation mechanism lock the movable console against movement. An operation lever is provided in an upper portion of the movable console. The movable console locked by the rail main body and the lock member of the actuation mechanism is unlocked by operating the operation lever along a moving direction of the movable console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ogura, Minoru Shibata, Naoki Omatsu, Shinji Kumazawa
  • Publication number: 20090134649
    Abstract: A console of a tunnel for the passenger compartment of a vehicle has an outer structure that houses, in a fixed position, a glove compartment fitted with a hatch; the console has a wall, which is positioned outside of said compartment and is movable, in response to an action by the user, with respect to an upper surface of the structure, between a lowered position and a raised position, so as to project upwards with respect to this upper surface and define an outer compartment when located in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Giovanni Boreanaz, Federica Fino, Angelo Storgato
  • Publication number: 20090134652
    Abstract: A console box assembly is configured such that a box body (3) within a console box (2) is divided into a potential drop away part (15), which is located in proximity to a proximity part (9), and a fixed installation part (16), which is a unit of the box body (3) other than the potential drop away part (15), such that, under normal circumstances, the fixed installation part (16) and the potential drop away part (15) are combined in a unified manner, whereas, in an emergency, the potential drop away part (15), which is in contact with the proximity part (9), is capable of separating from the fixed installation part (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Masanori Araki
  • Publication number: 20090134653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage compartment for a motor vehicle, with a wall (20) and a supporting frame supporting the wall (20), wherein the wall (20) can be varied in height, at least in some sections, by means of at least one first winding shaft (24a), the supporting frame has at least one receiving device (3) with at least one first connecting piece (30, 31, 32), and the first winding shaft is mounted on the first connecting piece (30) such that the first winding shaft (24a) forms part of the supporting frame. The invention furthermore relates to a receiving device (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Olaf Buehl, Christoph Gallandt, Uwe Rau, Werner P. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 7537258
    Abstract: A fastening system for a vehicle body passenger compartment includes at least one fastening element mounted with respect to the vehicle body to be exposed within the passenger compartment, and at least one connector configured to support a convenience device, such as a cup holder, reading light, power source, cellular telephone charger, etc. The at least one connector is releasably connectable to the at least one fastening element to enable a vehicle user to alter or change which of several convenience devices is mounted within the passenger compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening element is sufficiently configured such that the at least one connector is connectable at multiple locations within the vehicle interior to enable a vehicle user to alter or adjust the physical location of a convenience device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherry L. Quijano, Andrew J. Hanzel, Joseph W. Cobble, III
  • Publication number: 20090127882
    Abstract: A trapping device for vehicle use, which is installed between a floor-mounted console and a vehicle seat to trap objects that might fall between or under the vehicle seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Carole Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 7533918
    Abstract: This disclosed console is for mounting within a vehicle. The console includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a storage enclosure coupled to the base. The storage enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base such that a first occupant is provided access to the storage enclosure. The storage enclosure is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is configured to provide access to a second occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Jeffrey L. Barber, Michael R. Catlin, Gregory N. Brncick, Kevin W. J. Kim
  • Publication number: 20090121518
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerketvedt, Michael D. Schneider, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Lyle R. Georges
  • Patent number: 7530615
    Abstract: A sliding structure slidably supports a wheel by a groove of a rail. The wheel is rotatably supported to a movable console through a supporting shaft. The sliding structure includes an elastic deforming portion which is elastically deformed when an overload is vertically applied to the movable console and is restored to the original state when its application ceases; an ascending/descending portion which descends with elastic deformation of the elastic deforming portion and ascends with restoration; and a bottom of a tray serving as a pressure receiving portion, which is provided on an ascending/descending path of the ascending/descending portion and comes in contact with the ascending/descending portion 79 descended to receive a part of the overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Publication number: 20090115215
    Abstract: A center console assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side walls generally parallel and spaced apart from each other; a storage compartment extending between the side walls; and a tray supported on the side walls. A tab extends outwardly from at least one of the side walls and extends into a recess formed in the tray to retain the tray in a retained position to prevent the tray from sliding along the side walls. The tab has a ramped leading surface that facilitates insertion of the tab into the recess as the tray is moved along the side walls toward the retained position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North Americal, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Charan S. Lota
  • Patent number: 7527315
    Abstract: A armrest portion moving forward away from seat backs for allowing an object to be placed thereon is provided at the central portion of the seat backs of a rear row seat, and a movable cushion provided at a central portion of seat cushions in the vehicle width direction. The movable cushion is operative to move upward and forward away from the seat cushions to the location near a front end of the armrest portion. Accordingly, a large-scaled console can be formed at the proper level with the armrest portion and the movable cushion, thereby improving convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazue Sumida, Minoru Toyota, Naomune Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7527314
    Abstract: A convenience device for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The device may be semi-rigid device that is constructed to fit and occupy the space between the outer most edge of a vehicle seat and the next closest compartment of the vehicle, which in most cases is a center console unit. The device may be a configured in a variety of different embodiments, including for larger and/or smaller vehicle, and may be primarily for aftermarket installation in a vehicle, but whose design functions and capabilities may be applied to original equipment manufacture . Additionally, the device may be constructed of fire retardant material and be made to be removably attached to either the seat of the vehicle or a compartment (such as the center console) in close proximity to the seat. The device may be constructed of any appropriate lightweight material and may be made to custom fit a vehicle or for standard vehicle gap specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jewel Dohan
  • Publication number: 20090108609
    Abstract: A rear console box in accordance with the present invention is for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, seat rows on the floor, and an aisle between the seat rows. The rear console box is disposed in the aisle. The rear console box includes a console box body, a hinge configured to connect the console box body with respect to the floor and thereby allow the console box body to pivot between a horizontal position and a raised position. The horizontal position is in the aisle and is substantially horizontal relative to the floor. The raised position is outside the aisle and in front of the aisle. The rear console box also includes a support member configured to extend between the console box body and the floor. The support member supports the console box body and thereby holds the raised position of the console box body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji HIRAI, Masashi TSUJIKAWA
  • Patent number: 7523975
    Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle has a storage compartment cover which is pivotably mounted toward two sides. The latter can be pivoted either toward one side or toward the other side. In order to design the storage compartment such that it can be operated as simply and conveniently as possible and is secure, provision is made for the storage compartment cover to have two locked axes of rotation in its closed position. After one axis of rotation is released, a driving device automatically pivots the storage compartment cover in a damped manner into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Juergen Chaloupka, Oliver Hasenoehrl, Ralf Zipperle