Vehicle instrument panel having movable storage compartment

US7494170B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Andrew J. Hanzel · Big Rapids, US
• Joseph W. Cobble, III · Rochester Hills, US
• Steven E. Morris · Fair Haven, US
• Adrian B. Chernoff · Boulder, US
• James T. Embach · Rochester Hills, US
• Adrian Oana · Windsor, CA
• Frederick I. Johnson · Birmingham, US
• Lawrence E. Sully · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 21, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 24, 2009
• Expiry date: Feb 21, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/0084
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An instrument panel for a vehicle defines a cavity. A storage console is selectively movable within the cavity to provide enhanced accessibility of stored items within the storage console. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage console is a drawer that is selectively movable from a stowed position inside the cavity to an extended position outside the cavity for access by a vehicle user in a passenger compartment. In another exemplary embodiment, the console is movable between an elevated position in which the console occupies space inaccessible to a vehicle user, and a lowered position in which the console is accessible through an opening in the instrument panel.