Floor console

ES 2 293 014 T3

DESCRIPTION

Floor console.

Cross-reference to related patent applications

The present invention claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 410,226 entitled "Floor Console", filed on September 12, 2002 (Legal Case No. 026032-4017), the complete description of which it is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

The present invention relates generally to the art of vehicle storage devices, and more particularly to consoles that can be used between side-spaced seats or other locations in a vehicle. In its most preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a low profile floor console having end walls that can be raised to provide a storage area, and to additional modules that can be arranged between such walls and are used for a variety of applications. end-use applications.

A wide variety of vehicle console systems are currently in operation and are described in various publications, including patents. The popularity of consoles has increased dramatically in recent years with the popularity of SUVs, vans, light trucks and the like, as well as the sedan that has separate front seats. Consoles are known to provide extended functionality, such as storage compartments for DCs, DVDs, maps, change compartments, as well as additional features such as power ports, cup holders, trays, and the like. In some vehicles, the gear shift lever and / or parking brake can be part of the center of the console, as can a variety of controls for such vehicle components as lights, heating and cooling systems, mirrors, etc. .

While consoles such as those described above are popular, they have a disadvantage, that is, they typically occupy the entire area between the seats and extend from the floor to a level or even above the level of the seat cushions. Consequently, it is not possible to pass long items such as skis, lumber, etc. through the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle. Also, such known consoles inhibit the occupant from "passing through" due to their relatively tall profile or stature. Furthermore, such center consoles close off the area between the seats and do not provide a range of functionalities that would certainly be desirable for certain vehicles, such as family vehicles, used camping vehicles or various work purposes, where different needs may exist. for different drivers and passengers of the vehicle.

Storage consoles are also known to be used in vehicle areas other than between seats. For example, in Seel et al., US Patent No. 6,247,741 issued June 19, 2001, for "Stowage Apparatus for a Cargo Area of ​​a Motor Vehicle", a stowage is shown for the use behind the second row of seats in an SUV. In the device shown in the '741 patent, the lids for a storage area pivot upward and a mesh can be used to define a storage area between them. In particular, Figures 15 and 16 of the '741 patent illustrate a system in which the U-shaped retaining brackets can rotate downward when not in use. They can be used to support wire baskets in one embodiment or storage nets in another.

An example of another type of vehicle storage device is shown in Demick, US Patent No. 5,492,257, issued February 20, 1996, by "Rear Panel Organizer for Van Motor Vehicles." In the device shown in the '257 patent, a U-shaped storage element having a leg portion can be rotated from the back of a seat. Include stands or other items to support items within a storage area, such as plastic shopping bags (for example, which do not stand on their own). Center consoles for vehicles are also illustrated in the prior art, such as those shown in Landry, US Pat. No. 5,397,160, issued on March 14, 1995, by “Vehicle Console”.

It is further known that height adjustable storage systems can be used for storage and as an arm rest. For example, see Huang, US Patent No. 5,289,957, issued March 1, 1994, for "Bracket Fixing Container."

It is further known that consoles can be removed and placed in various locations within a vehicle. In this regard, see US Pat. No. 6,116,674, issued on September 12, 2000 in favor of Allison et al. For "Portable Console for Use with a Vehicle."

An additional example of a removable console is provided in Young et al., US Patent No. 5,338,081, issued August 16, 1994, for "Removable Floor Mounted Console."

In addition to the devices mentioned here, additional examples of storage packages, most of which are useful with vehicles, can be found in German Patent DE3831317 C1 issued September 15, 1988; U.S. Patent No. 4,805,859 issued February 21, 1989, to Hudson by

ES 2 293 014 T3 “Apparatus for Securing Containers to Mobile Platforms”; US Patent No. 6,290,277 issued September 18, 2001, to Spykerman for "Cargo Handling and Article Support Systems"; US Patent No. 5,599,054 issued February 4, 1997, to Butz et al. for "Vehicular Storage Apparatus for Elongated Objects"; US Patent No. 1,179,445 issued on April 18, 1916, in favor of Manning for “Combined Main Automobile and Device for the Prevention of Automobile Theft”; US Patent No. 1,412,192 issued April 11, 1922, to Moore for "Adjustable Interchangeable Bumper and Luggage Rack"; US Patent No. 6,056,177 issued May 2, 2000 to Schneider for "Collapsible Storage Container for Vehicles"; US Patent No. 6,135,527 issued on October 24, 2000, in favor of Bily by "Organizer of the Cargo Compartment"; US Patent No. 4,941,718 issued July 17, 1990 to Alexander III et al. for "Concealed Retractable Housing"; and Japanese Patent 404050047A issued February 19, 1992.

JP 09328039 describes a storage module which while adopting a low profile condition rests within a vehicle floor. Such an arrangement requires a large modification to the vehicle floor, as well as a floor that has a significant thickness, in order to accommodate the storage module.

JP 09328039 A describes (see summary and figures) a floor console for use in a vehicle, the floor console including:

a base 5 that is coupled to the vehicle 2;

a first panel 6 and a second panel 9 rotatably coupled to base 5 (second panel 9 is rotatably coupled through hinge 13 to first panel 6 which itself is rotatably coupled through hinge 7 to base 5, so that second panel 9 is rotatably coupled to base 5 and rotatable between a collapsed position and a raised position to provide additional storage capabilities;

a first flexible member 16 and a second flexible member 16 coupled to the first panel 6 and the second panel 9, wherein a storage area is provided by the first panel 6, the second panel 9, the first flexible member 16 and the second member flexible 16, and the base 5 when the first panel 6 and the second panel 9 are rotated to the raised position;

a removable configured module 11 to be kept close by being arranged in the storage area, where the floor console provides a low profile condition when the first panel 6 and the second panel 9 are in the collapsed position and provide an area condition additional storage when the first panel 6 and the second panel 9 are in the vertical position.

It can then be seen that a wide variety of console systems are already known, but that many suffer from disadvantages such as those mentioned above. A low profile, highly functional console system would represent a significant advance in the art.

Features and summary

In accordance with the invention there is provided a floor console system according to claim 1.

In an illustrated embodiment, a mesh is arranged between the walls so that a storage area is immediately formed when the walls are raised to a storage and closing position. Also in the illustrated embodiment, additional functionality is provided for the upholstery surrounding the storage area, including cup holders, a change compartment, and a well-groomed area designed to receive and allow operation of a parking brake lever. . Add-on modules are also described in relation to the preferred embodiment, being lowered within the area between the end walls. The add-on module may have a sliding lid, and includes one or more trays, cup holders, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, a power port is shown. In this embodiment, additional modularity is also provided for the revolving walls, for example the map pockets formed on the inner surface thereof. In addition, the add-on modules can provide additional functionality such as a refrigerator, a child module, a baby module, a work module, an infotainment module, and the like. It is also described in the present invention that the module can be used in other areas of the vehicle that are not between the seats, such as in the rear cargo area of ​​an SUV or van. Other ways in which the aforementioned and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred and alternative embodiments. Such other ways are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the claims to follow.

Brief description of the figures

In the following Figures the same reference numbers will be used to denote as components; Y:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the floor console of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the walls in their low profile or closed position;

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Figure 2 is a perspective view of the floor console of Figure 1 with the walls open and a mesh extending between them;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, showing an add-on module lowered between the end walls of the console of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a view, similar to Figure 3, but showing the add-on module lowered toward the top of the end walls of the floor console of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in the previous Figures and the additional storage between the mesh and the module;

Figure 5 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 4, but showing the lid of the add-on module in a position in which it has subsequently been moved to allow access to the interior of the add-on module;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a floor console in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the floor console of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the console of Figure 6 in the open or deployed position.

Figure 9 is a detailed view showing the components of an alternative embodiment similar to that shown in Figures 6-8, but showing the side wall frames and a different location for a power port;

Figure 10 is a detailed view showing the components used to provide a sliding cover in a useful module for storage added to the floor console of the preferred or alternative embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a partial schematic view showing a floor console system located in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle; Y

Figure 12 is an illustrative view showing the modular nature of the floor console of the present invention and the alternative connection of a parking brake, cup holder, or adjusting plug within an opening of the floor console.

Detailed description of the preferred and alternative embodiments

Before proceeding with the detailed description of the preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention, several general comments can be made about their applicability and scope. First, the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5 shows certain features for the floor console, including an access opening for a parking brake lever, two cup holders, and a gear compartment. These features can be modified to include, for example, a gear shift lever, no lever, and in good condition it can include different functionality by reinforcing components that surround the storage area of ​​it. Unlimited examples include electrical switches and controls, indicators, lights, drink holders, trays, vents, containers, and various other electrical or non-electrical components - components for functional, entertainment, occupational, or comfort purposes. Also, components or features (e.g., cargo spaces, compartments, receptacles, cup holders, lids, trays, etc.) are configured to be modified (configured, reconfigured, positioned, repositioned, swapped, swapped, etc.) by the user depending on the desired use, functionality, or the like.

Second, a mesh is shown in the illustrated embodiment which extends between the end walls, but the fabric can be substituted accordingly, including fabric having an elastic character. In addition, it is not necessary to have any containment extending between the end walls, for example if the floor module is to be used with add-on modules, or if the overall console is designed to allow items to fit between the end walls, for example, a bag, a wallet, or the like.

Third, the particular materials used to make the floor console and its associated components can be selected from those well known in the vehicle art including polymers, elastomeric materials, metals and metal alloys, etc.

Fourth, a particular type of add-on module is shown in the preferred embodiment that includes cup holders, a tray, as well as a sliding lid. The functionality provided to the console top can range from a simple design that has the padding and surface fit "A" (where the storage module would serve as an arm rest) to a top including additional functionality as described here above. . In addition, the lid can be opened in any of a variety of ways, including turning to the front, back, or to either side, as well as the slide system shown and described and being fully translatable as a separate piece.

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Fifth, the floor console is shown in some of the Figures as residing between a pair of spaced apart seats. It should be recognized that the preferred embodiment is for use between the front row of seats, but the floor console of the present invention can be used in that location and another floor console can be added between other rows of seats within the same vehicle, or the console could only be located between the seat behind the first row. The modules could also be adapted to be placed or held in a certain location outside the vehicle. For example, if the module is to store music or video DCs, it could be kept at home in an entertainment center or other place where the contents could be easily accessed. Other types of modules that have dual use include tool storage modules, baby item storage modules, etc. Also, multiple modules could be used within a vehicle such that each has a home space or console location (for example, between the front seats, between the rear seats, in the cargo area, etc.) but it could move over different locations on the console depending on the desired functionality (ie, configurable, reconfigurable, changeable, interchangeable, repositionable, etc.). In addition, the modules are also adaptable to be used outside the vehicle (eg, as a workspace, refrigerator, infotainment unit, storage container, tabletop, etc.).

Sixth, an alternative embodiment to the present invention is shown initially with Figure 6 and a power port is provided (eg, a DC power port. Alternative locations for the power port will appear readily to those skilled in the art. and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. Alternatively, any of a variety of electrical or electronic interfaces may be provided, such as other types of power sources or sockets (eg, 110 VAC), data, or the like. Furthermore, in the first alternative embodiment, the finish is primarily texturing for aesthetic purposes. Such texturing is not, in and of itself, required in any embodiment of the invention.

Seventh, the end walls are shown in Figures 8 and 9 to include their own functionality, particularly the map pockets. However, the interior surface of the walls can be variously personified to include other functional features, such as the stretch pockets, lighting for the storage area, etc.

Eighth, as illustrated in Figure 11, other locations may be selected for the floor module of the present invention, including the rear seat storage area of ​​a van, SUV, a vehicle luggage rack, or the like. It should also be appreciated that the add-on modules that can be used with the floor console of the present invention can be stored elsewhere in the vehicle, such as in the cargo area, so they can, when desired, be easily removed from there and be placed on top of the end walls of the floor module.

Ninth, the floor module of the present invention will typically include a mat to hide the fasteners used to secure the module to the vehicle floor, and various pieces of clothing may be used to cover openings that may be required or desired in some models of the vehicle. vehicle or some places of the vehicle and not others, to preserve the desired aesthetic appearance of the overall system For example, service openings may be covered for the sake of appearance.

Finally, while the present invention is primarily concerned with the use of end walls (namely front and rear walls), the invention also contemplates the use of side walls (which extend the length of the vehicle) which extend upward to define a storage area between them and a fabric, mesh, or other material located at the front and back of the console, rather than along the sides of it.

Figure 1 shows a system of a floor console 10 located between a pair of seats 12 and 13. The system 10 includes the surrounding plastic trim 14 that includes one or more storage receptacles (shown as a pair of cup holders 15 and 16 and a change compartment 18). System 10 further includes a pair of walls, a front 20 and a rear 22. In addition, a parking brake lever 25 is shown in this Figure.

In Figure 2, the walls 20 and 22 are shown rotated about their front and rear ends, respectively, about approximately 90 ° to assume vertical positions generally perpendicular to the floor 27 of the floor console system 10. In addition, a flexible member (eg, wall, barrier, panel, etc.) shown as a mesh strip 30 located on both sides of the console system 10, and they extend between the walls 20 and 22. It is preferred that the spring on walls 20 and 22 be biased in the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2 and are over-center and push-push variety and include mechanisms well known in vehicle and other techniques that do not require be described in detail. Not shown in the drawings, but appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pivot pins extending from the walls 20, 22 into the plastic fitting 14 at the lower portion of the sides thereof.

The next figure, Figure 3, shows an add-on module 35 including a storage base 36 adapted to fit within the mesh and walls 20, 22 as indicated by the arrow. Lid 37 of module 35 includes one or more receptacles (shown as a removed tray 38 and a pair of cup holders 39), and a release latch 40.

In Figure 4, the same components are shown, but the add-on module 35 is shown fully lowered (e.g., inserted, nested, etc.) so that the bottom of the lid 37 rests on the upper ends of the walls 20 and 22. In addition, a map 41 is displayed in a storage space provided between

ES 2 293 014 T3 the sides of add-on module 35 and mesh 30. This additional storage could be used for a variety of other objects.

Proceeding with the description of the preferred embodiment, Figure 5 is identical in all respects to Figure 4, except that the lid 37 has been moved by sliding action to a location rearward from that shown in Figure 4. Mechanisms for achieving this movement, in a preferred form, are illustrated in a later Figure and will not be described in further detail here. It should be appreciated at this point that the interior of the storage base 36 is now easily accessible by the driver or a front seat occupant.

Until now, from the description it will be appreciated that storage can be provided by mesh 30 assisting with end walls 20 and 22, by an add-on module that can provide secure storage, by means of mesh, assisting with the side walls of a module. added as well as the functionality of the tray and cup holders. Additionally, the cup holders can be used by rear seat occupants in this particular configuration. The different types of add-on modules may be substituted for those shown, including all those mentioned in the "Background" section of the specification and in the introductory section to this description of the preferred embodiment.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in relation to Figures 6-8. In this embodiment, a low-profile floor module 50 is shown to include a base 52, a pair of cup holders 53 and 54, and a parking brake lever 55 that extends through the base 52 and is accessible by a vehicle driver. A front wall 56 and a rear wall 58 are also shown. The operation of these walls is similar to that of the walls 20 and 22 of the previous figures. This particular embodiment also exhibits a textured surface that is primarily for aesthetic purposes and is found on both the floor of the cup holders 53 and 54 and the walls 56 and 58, as well as the gripping portion 59 of the brake lever. parking lot 55. In addition, a power port 60 is shown. Walls 56 and 58 are raised in Figure 8 to show a mesh 63 extending between them. Another feature of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 8, that is, the functionality added by the walls, in this case a map pocket 64 located on the inner surface of the wall 58. A similar pocket, or different functionality, can be provided on wall 56. In addition, a lanyard for charging a cell phone 65 is shown connected to the power port 60.

In Figure 9, an assembly view for another embodiment of the invention is shown. A base 70 for a floor console includes an opening 71 to receive a cup holder module 72 and another opening 78 is provided to receive a power port 74 having a spring 75 associated therewith. As intended with the end walls, the power port could be over-center or push-push type.

A tray 76 snaps into or is otherwise attached to base 70 and one of the two side wall frames 77 is shown to be pivotally coupled to base 70. Frame 77 is covered by a mesh or fabric layer 78 and is secured in place by the outside of the half frame 79. It will be appreciated that two of the side wall frame assemblies 77-79 will function as the mesh described in Figures 1-8, but here they are rigidly self-supporting as well as opposed to be connected to the end walls. Frame 77 is also configured to support walls 80 and 80 'in their vertical (raised or deployed) position.

End walls 80 and 80 'are shown in this Figure along with molded map pockets 81 and 81', as well as frames 82 and 82 '(which are configured to provide structural support to the surfaces of walls 80 and 80 'when in the lowered or stowed position). Pivot hinges 83 and 83 'are crimped around the lower section of frames 82 and 82' and are also attached to base 70. Spring latches include receivers 84, springs 85, and manipulators 86. The various latch assemblies, over-center or push-push, and the like are well known, and do not form part of the invention.

Referring then to Figure 10, an add-on module is illustrated with a base 87 and a sliding cover 88. The rails 89 are attached to the side walls of the base 87, while a latch 90 is biased by a spring 91 and coupled to the bottom of tray 88 to close module at end walls (not shown). A separate slide mechanism includes a slide pivot release 92 that allows plate 95 to slide relative to base 87. This is biased by spring 93 and pivots around pin 94. Alternatively, the lid may be movable in any of a variety of shapes and ranges to allow access (visual and / or physical) to the interior space, such as turning, removal or separation, or similar.

Other aspects of this arrangement include a tray 88, an opening 96, and a double-cup holder 97 dimensioned to fit within the opening 96. Other functionality, for example, shift compartments, power ports, etc., could therefore be easily replaced.

In Figure 11 the floor console or load units 105 include a pair of walls 107 and 108, a mesh layer 109 extending on either side and engaged between the walls 107 and 108. An add-on module 110 is adapted to fit between walls 107 and 108, and a mesh 109. The add-on module can be selected from the variety of modules previously shown and discussed. Furthermore, the operation of the floor module in this particular situation is similar, in that the walls 107 and 108 can be lowered to provide a low profile storage module for a vehicle.

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Figure 12 shows the additional advantages for the floor console discussed in relation to the first and second embodiments, and is more concerned with mounting and modularity concepts than with any particular structure. In Figure 12, the base 120 of a floor console includes an opening 122 adapted to receive a vehicle control interface therein (shown here as a parking brake lever assembly 125). Alternatively, other vehicle control interfaces (eg gear changer) can be adapted for use with the floor console. Note that connectors 126 are provided on the parking brake lever assembly 125 to secure it within the opening 122. The parking brake lever is shown in dashed lines to illustrate the disposed position relative to the assembly 125. For example, if the module were used in a different location than between the front row of seats in a vehicle, a plug 128 having fasteners 129 could be placed within the opening 122 for cosmetic purposes. Another example is also shown, that is, the cup holder 130 which can be attached to the opening 122 if desired. Alternatively, the cup holder can be selectively mounted in any of a variety of locations on the module. As such, the components and features in or for use with the modules are configured to be user configurable (and / or reconfigurable, customizable, loadable, tailored to customer needs, etc.). In addition, a mat 135 fits within base 120 to cover any fasteners 131 (shown in phantom) that can be used to secure base 120 to the vehicle.

While the present invention has been described in relation to preferred and alternative embodiments and various assembly and part drawings, the invention can be adapted by those skilled in the art to solve various problems that exist with current console systems including those that provide a low profile for the storage console when not in use. Quick storage can be easily achieved by opening the front and rear walls, and a variety of functionality can be provided by selecting one or more add-on modules that are attached between the walls and the mesh or fabric layers that extend between them. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by the above description or illustrations, but only by the scope of the claims that follow.

The present invention described in the foregoing specification comprises one or more of the following advantageous features that are required below (individually, collectively, or in various sub-combinations):

(1) a low-profile floor console;

(2) a floor console with walls that open to provide storage capabilities;

(3) a low-profile floor console that includes functional features such as cup holders, gear compartments, trays, switches, lights, gauges, openings for a parking brake, instrument gauges and gauges, etc .;

(4) a low-profile floor console that provides storage between the walls and on which the sides can be constructed of fabric, mesh, or other rigid or flexible materials, including materials that have elastic properties;

(5) a low profile floor console in which the walls are spring biased for the open and closed positions; (6) is located a low profile floor console that is located between the seats of a vehicle.

(7) any of a variety of add-on modules for use with a low profile floor console including storage modules, coolers, child modules, baby modules, infotainment modules, work modules, office modules, and the like;

(8) a low profile floor console that includes openings which can be closed by cover plugs, cup holders, or different functional devices;

(9) a low profile floor console that may include an add-on module having a sliding top;

(10) a low-profile floor module including walls that have a variety of external surface characteristics, including texturing characteristics, and that may have functionality on its internal sides, including, but not limited to, map pockets, pocket stretch, or lights;

(11) a low profile floor console with a power port;

(12) a low profile floor console in which an add-on module may include a lid that has a closed position and an access position.

(13) the culmination of a low profile floor console add-on module that includes a storage area between the mesh and the module.

ES 2 293 014 T3 (14) a low profile charging unit that has add-on modules that can be used in locations outside of a vehicle.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the floor console elements as shown in the preferred embodiments and other examples are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this discovery, those skilled in the art reviewing it will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, arrangement assembly, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially deviating from the new instructions and advantages of the matter referred to in the claims. Therefore, all such modifications are considered to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any additional function means clause is intended to cover the structures described here of how to perform the narrated function and not only the structural equivalents but also the equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and / or omissions may be made in the design, conditions and operating arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.

References cited in description

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the convenience of the reader only. It is not part of the European Patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO denies all responsibility in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 410226 P [0001] • US 6247741 B, Seel [0005] • US 5492257 A [0006] • US 5397160 A [0006] • US 5289957 A [0007] • US 6116674 A, Allison [0008] • US 5338081 A [0009] • DE 3831317 C1 [0010] • US 4805859 A, Hudson [0010] • US 6290277 B, Spykerman [0010] • US 5599054 A, Butz [0010] • US 1179445 A, Manning [0010] • US 1412192 A, Moore [0010] • US 6056177 A [0010] • US 6135527 A, Bily [0010] • US 4941718 A, Alexander III [0010] • JP 404050047 A [0010] • JP 09328039 B [0010] • JP 09328039 A [0010].