Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Auxiliary article compartments
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-19
2001-03-20
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Auxiliary article compartments
C296S037140, C296S024430, C296S037700, C296S037150, C297S411210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to motor vehicle consoles and in particular to a sliding console system for a motor vehicle which can be moved longitudinally along a track structure in the vehicle. The console may include multiple console bodies which are movable along the track independently of one another.
Automobile manufacturers are seeking to provide vehicles which are versatile in how they can be used and which enable different occupants to use the same vehicle in different ways. One method of providing versatility in a vehicle is to provide adjustable interior components that can be positioned as desired by various users. For example, it is a common practice to provide seats which can be adjusted in a number of directions, including adjusting the position of the seat fore and aft within the vehicle, to accommodate different sized vehicle occupants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide versatility to a vehicle console by providing a console system in which a console body is movable fore and aft in the vehicle to different positions as desired by a vehicle occupant. In one embodiment, the console body is movable along a pair of tracks or rails mounted to the vehicle body in a generally stationary manner. Even greater flexibility is provided with multiple console bodies, or portions, which can each be independently moved within the vehicle. For example, a front console body may be provided which contains electrical controls and devices. An intermediate console body may be provided which contains cup holders. A third, or rear, console body may be provided which contains a storage compartment with a lid that serves as an armrest. Each of the console bodies can be moved along a common rail to various positions within the vehicle.
Electrical power can be provided to the sliding console bodies through electrical contacts in the rails. Alternatively, electrical connection can be made by a folding cable connected to the console body which contains the electrical devices. Various electrical devices can be contained in the console including controls for the radio, climate control system, seat adjuster, mirrors, vehicle lighting, rear window defroster, etc. In addition, the console may contain complete electrical devices such as a radio, telephone, a power port, etc., all of which require connection to an electric power source.
Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Fernandez Carlos C.
Koester Daniel J.
Foley & Lardner
Johnson Controls Technology Company'
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran
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