US 6,957,839 B1 · Overhead console assembly

Abstract

An overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated channel formed therein. An overhead console mounting arrangement securable to the headliner including opposing first and second rails having a rail extension and a power connector arrangement in communication with a vehicle electrical system. One or more accessory modules are selectively positionable and removably attachable to the opposing first and second rails with an accessory module mounting arrangement. The accessory module including a module housing, a door pivotally mounted to the housing and a storage area defined within the housing configured to receive and store items. The accessory module includes at least one electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the module housing which engages the power connector arrangement on one of the opposing first and second rails to supply power to the accessory module.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

An overhead console assembly and headliner combination for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the combination comprising:

a headliner having an upper surface and a lower surface having an elongated channel formed therein;
an overhead console mounting arrangement having opposing first and second rails securable to the elongated channel;
and
one or more accessory modules selectively positionable and removably attachable to the opposing first and second rails, the accessory module including a module housing, at least one clip extending from the module housing mountable to the opposing first and second rails and at least one latch releasably engaging the at least one clip to secure the accessory module to the overhead console mounting arrangement.

1 more element

An overhead console assembly for use with a vehicle having a headliner, the headliner having an upper surface and a lower surface having an elongated channel formed therein, the assembly comprising;

an overhead console mounting arrangement having opposing first and second rails securable to the elongated channel, wherein at least one of the first and second rails include a rail extension and a power connector arrangement in communication with a vehicle electrical system configured to supply power;
one or more accessory modules selectively positionable and removably attachable to the opposing first and second rails, the accessory module including a module housing, a door pivotally mounted to the housing, a storage area defined within the housing configured to receive and store items and at least one electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the module housing configured to engage the power connector arrangement on one of the opposing first and second rails;
and
an accessory module mounting arrangement having at least one clip extending from the module housing mountable to the opposing first and second rails and at least one latch releasably engaging the at least one clip to secure the accessory module to the overhead console mounting arrangement.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description3,228 words

Summary676 words

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an overhead console assembly having an electrical connector arrangement for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

#2. Background Art

Brief description of the drawings11 figures

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overhead console assembly secured to the headliner of a passenger compartment of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the overhead console mounting arrangement configured for securement to a headliner;

#FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the overhead console assembly along line 3—3 of FIG. 1;

Detailed description2,312 words

#Certain terminology presented below is used for convenience in reference only and is not intended to be limiting. More specifically, directional language such as “left”, “right”, “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower” and words of similar import designate directions shown in the drawings. Such directional terminology is used for clarity and is not intended to strictly limit the orientation of any aspect of the invention to a particular plane or direction.

#Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overhead console assembly 10 for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is illustrated and disclosed. Assembly 10 includes an overhead console mounting arrangement, generally referenced by numeral 12, secured to a headliner 14. Headliner 14 comprises an upper surface 16 attached to the frame of a vehicle roof (not shown) and a lower surface 18 facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

#A channel or indentation 20 is formed in the lower surface 18 of headliner 14 to receive console mounting arrangement 12. As shown in FIG. 1, channel 20 extends along the longitudinal axis 22 of the headliner 14. It is understood that one or more channels may be formed in the headliner in a variety of positions or orientations to receive one or more console assemblies. It is also understood that openings may be formed in the headliner to receive a variety of vehicle components, such as hooks, handles, lighting fixtures, electronic displays, switches for controlling sunroof, lighting and ventilation system functions and two-way vehicle communication devices that are well known in the art.

Facts

Application

10/950,087Filed 24 Sep 2004

Granted

25 Oct 2005

Term ended

24 Sep 2024

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification4 codes

B60R 7/04
Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps:…
E05B 83/32
Locks for glove compartments, console boxes, fuel inlet covers or the like: for console boxes, e.g. between passenger seats
B60R
Vehicle fittings and parts
E05B
Locks

Timeline

24 Sep 2004Application filedUS 10/950,087
24 Sep 2004Assigned to Lear Corporationassignment of assignor's interest
25 Oct 2005GrantedUS 6,957,839 B1
23 Jun 2006Assigned to Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A., AS General Administrative Agentsecurity agreement
27 Apr 2007Assigned to International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.assignment of assignor's interest
21 Apr 2014Assigned to Lear Corporationrelease of security interest
5 Feb 2016Assigned to Lear Corporationrelease of security interest
24 Sep 2024Term endedEstimated

Overhead console assembly

Life of this patent

Overhead console assembly

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims20

Description3,228 words

Drawings

Classification4 codes

Life of this patent

Description3,228 words