Combined storage compartment and garage door opening transmitter storage and actuating compartment

• US 6,135,528 A
• Filed: 10/20/1998
• Issued: 10/24/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prince (Wellman Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Prince (Wellman Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Robinson, Mark L., Dexter, Brian R., Sobieski, Eugene J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ENGLE, PATRICIA LYNN
• Application Number:
  US09/175,794
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 296/37.7, 296/37.8, 296/37.1, 224/311, 224/282, 200/61.62
• US Class Current: 296/37.7
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0028 Ceiling, e.g. roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/04 in driver or passenger space , e.g. using racks B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence

Abstract

A storage compartment includes spaced-apart storage areas with a first area capable of holding a remote garage door opening transmitter and covered by a movable panel with a pocket facing the inside of the storage compartment. When the panel is moved from a closed position to an open position, small items such as sunglasses can be removed from the pocket. When closed, the panel can be moved to a third position actuating the garage door remote transmitter.

Claims

1. A vehicle overhead console comprising:

a mounting bracket defining a storage compartment for receiving a remote control transmitter therein;

a housing mounted to said mounting bracket for enclosing said mounting bracket; and

a panel pivotally mounted to one of said housing and said mounting bracket and defining a storage pocket spaced from said storage compartment of said mounting bracket for providing additional storage, wherein a portion of said storage compartment is vertically displaced relative to a portion of said storage pocket.

2. The console as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a rearward facing opening for receiving an electronic module.

3. The console as defined in claim 1 and further including a resilient polymeric actuator plate mounted to said mounting bracket and engageable by said panel for deflection upon an upward force being applied to said panel for actuating a remote control transmitter contained in said storage compartment.

4. The console as defined in claim 3 wherein said panel integrally includes a latch for latching said panel in a closed position and allowing its release for opening to provide access to said storage pocket.

5. A vehicle storage assembly comprising:

a mounting bracket defining a first storage compartment for receiving a remote control transmitter therein;

a housing mounted to said mounting bracket for enclosing said mounting bracket; and

a cover panel pivotally mounting to one of said housing and said mounting bracket and defining a second storage compartment spaced from said first storage compartment of said mounting bracket for providing additional storage, said cover panel being operable to actuate said remote control transmitter.

6. The assembly as defined in claim 5 and further including a resilient polymeric actuator panel mounted to said mounting bracket and engageable by said cover panel for deflection upon an upward force being applied to said cover panel for actuating a remote control transmitter contained in said first storage compartment.

7. The assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said cover panel integrally includes a latch for latching said panel in a closed position and allowing its release for opening to provide access to said second storage compartment.

8. The assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said first and second storage compartments are vertically displaced.

9. The assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said housing includes an opening for receiving an electronic module.

10. A multiple section storage compartment for a vehicle comprising:

a housing defining a first storage compartment and a cover pivotally mounted to said housing and including a storage bin integrally formed on a side of said cover facing said housing, said cover movable between a closed position enclosing said first storage compartment and an open position for providing access to said first storage compartment and to said storage bin, wherein a portion of said first storage compartment is vertically displaced relative to a portion of said storage bin.

11. The compartment as defined in claim 10 wherein said cover integrally includes a latch for latching said cover in a closed position and allowing its release for opening to provide access to said storage bin.

12. The compartment as defined in claim 11 wherein said storage compartment and said storage bin are spaced apart in said housing.

13. The compartment as defined in claim 12 wherein said housing includes an opening for receiving an electronic module.

14. The compartment as defined in claim 10 wherein said cover is operable to actuate a remote control transmitter positioned substantially within said first storage compartment.

15. The compartment as defined in claim 14 and further including an actuator panel mounted to said housing and engageable by said cover for deflection upon an upward force being applied to said cover for actuating a remote control transmitter substantially positioned in said first storage compartment.

16. The compartment as defined in claim 15 wherein said actuator panel is made from a resilient polymeric material.

17. The compartment as defined in claim 15 further including at least one actuator button positioned on said actuator panel, said actuator button being operable to actuate said remote control transmitter substantially positioned in said first storage compartment.