Storage compartment and hanging storage module having illuminated tab

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10449907-B2
Application number	US-201615227115-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 3, 2016
Priority date	Aug 3, 2016
Publication date	Oct 22, 2019
Grant date	Oct 22, 2019

Abstract

A vehicle storage compartment includes a support structure, power contacts, and a hanging storage module such as a file folder supported on the support structure and electrically coupled to the power contacts. The module includes a storage pocket, support arms supporting the pocket and configured to be supported on the support structure, and electrical conductors coupled to the contacts. The module further includes a tab comprising a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates storage the module when the user input sensor detects a user input.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A storage compartment comprising:
a compartment;
a hanging storage module supported on a support structure in the compartment and electrically coupled to a power supply, the hanging storage module comprising:
a storage pocket;
a support arm connected to the pocket and configured to be supported on the support structure; and
a tab comprising a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

2. The storage compartment of claim 1 , further comprising electrical conductors provided on the support arms and electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the support structure.

3. The storage compartment of claim 1 , wherein the storage module is a hanging file folder.

4. The storage compartment of claim 1 , wherein the compartment is a storage compartment in a vehicle.

5. The storage compartment of claim 4 , wherein the storage compartment is a center console of the vehicle.

6. The storage compartment of claim 1 , wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a person in close proximity to the tab.

7. The storage compartment of claim 6 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

8. The storage compartments of claim 1 further comprising another light source located on the tab for illuminating the tab.

9. A vehicle storage compartment system comprising:
a compartment having a support structure and power contacts; and
a hanging storage module supported on the support structure in the compartment, the module comprising:
a storage pocket;
a support arm connected to the pocket and configured to be supported on the support structure;
electrical circuitry coupled to the power contacts; and
a tab comprising a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates at least a portion of the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

10. The storage compartment of claim 9 , wherein the module is a hanging file folder.

11. The storage compartment of claim 6 , wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a person in close proximity to the tab.

12. The storage compartment of claim 11 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

13. A hanging storage module comprising:
a storage pocket;
a support member supporting the pocket and configured to be supported on a support structure of a storage compartment; and
a tab comprising a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

14. The storage module of claim 13 further comprising electrical conductors configured to receive electoral power.

15. The storage module of claim 13 , wherein the storage module is a hanging file folder.

16. The storage module of claim 13 , wherein the module is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle.

17. The storage module of claim 16 , wherein the storage compartment is a center console of the vehicle.

18. The storage module of claim 13 , wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a person in close proximity to the tab.

19. The storage module of claim 18 , wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

20. The storage module of claim 13 further comprising another light source located on the tab for illuminating the tab.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Dunham Scott Holmes
• Salter Stuart C
• Surman James J

Classifications

• B60R7/08 Primary

  Disposition of racks, clips {, holders, containers} or the like {for supporting specific articles (B60R7/005 takes precedence)} · CPC title

• B60Q3/225

  Small compartments, e.g. glove compartments · CPC title

• B60R7/04 Primary

  in driver or passenger space {, e.g. using racks (B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence)} · CPC title

• F21V23/0471

  the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person · CPC title