Vehicle storage compartment

US6485077B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited · US

Inventors

• Steven Foster · Rochester Hills, US
• Roch Tolinski · Howell, US
• Holly Giangrande · Troy, US
• Charlie Hopson · Lebanon, US
• Nicholas Kalargeros · Coventry, GB
• Carmelo Mondello · Frankfurt, DE
• Rainer Grimm · Frankfurt, DE
• Laurent Arquevaux · Sully-sur-Loire, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/004
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle fender includes an integrally formed storage compartment for storing items such as tools and equipment. The fender has fender body mounted to a vehicle frame, chassis, or unibody member. In one embodiment, a recess is formed within the fender body for storing items. A panel is pivotally attached to the fender body and pivots between an open position to allow access to the tools and a closed position to store the tools. A length, a width, and a height define the recess. In the preferred embodiment, the length is greater than the width and the height such that long items can be easily stored. In another embodiment, the panel is formed as a fender panel and a support is formed between the fender body and the fender panel. The fender panel is pivoted to the open position to allow access to the support.