Magna International Inc.

Lear Corporation

Intier Automotive Inc

Steven Martin Kowalski

Thomas S Hicks

John Joseph Bleau

David M Emerling

David James Krysiak

Bradley Ray Hamlin

Jason Whitman

Bruce F Brewster

John Sumbera

Erin Daly

Joseph P Taylor

A liftgate cargo module having an integrated tailgate that unfolds from a hatch or liftgate of a vehicle that adds additional storage and provides a cargo load floor. When unfolded, there is an integrated pass through door formed in the hatch or liftgate permitting longer items to be hauled, while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed. The integrated tailgate includes an integrated tailgate taillight that indicates when the vehicle is braking or backing up. The integrated tailgate taillight also helps to show that the integrated tailgate is folded down from and extending from the hatch or liftgate of the vehicle. The integrated tailgate also includes integrated anchor points formed on the cargo load floor so items may be tied down and secured. An all-weather enclosure that is connectable to the cargo load floor for enclosing contents that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate may also be provided.

Liftgate cargo module

The present invention is an integrated control system for use with various home appliances, such as washing machine, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the integrated controls are incorporated into a polycarbonate clear door panel, and incorporate proximity switches and controls to provide control and operation of the applicance. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are optionally incorporated into a door handle for the appliance in an area out of sight such that only the light produced by the LEDs is seen and illuminates a handle for opening the door of the appliance. Additionally, opaque glass technology may be incorporated into one or more surfaces of the appliance which enables an opaque panel to become transparent to view the content of the interior of the appliance, such as a refrigerator.

Appliance doors having integrated lighting and controls

A modular running board adaptable for use with various types of vehicles having different wheel bases. In a first embodiment, the running board includes a first long board and a second long board connectable to a pick-up truck having crew cab or quad cab with four full doors. In another embodiment, the first long board is connected to a short board, and both the long board and short board are connected to a pick-up truck having an extended cab, with two full doors and two half-doors. In either of the first two embodiments, a coupling piece is used for connecting the first long board to the second long board, or the first long board to the short board. In yet another embodiment, only the first long board is connected to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck having a regular cab with two full doors only.

Modular running board

A closure panel assembly for a vehicle comprising a closure panel capable of movement between an open position and a closed position, and a garment hook assembly mounted to the closure panel. When the closure panel is closed, the garment hook is presented to an interior space of the vehicle.

Garment hook assembly

A console assembly for a vehicle including a video entertainment system includes a console housing having a storage compartment and a storage compartment closeout section pivotally connected to the console housing positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. An armrest is pivotally connected to the closeout section and is positionable between a closed position disposed adjacent the closeout section and an open position allowing access to a video monitor and monitor mount stored below. A video monitor mount pivotally connects the video monitor to the console assembly and allows for selective adjustment of the video monitor so that the screen is visible to rear seat occupants in the vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Steven Martin Kowalski